The following is from the “Report of the Committee on Mission to the World to the 37th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America”:

ENTERPRISE FOR CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM RELATIONS

Africa – Islam is growing in Africa due to heavy investment by Islamic conservatives in the Gulf States. As poverty and disease continue to ravage much of the continent, there are new openings for both the gospel and for false religion. We presently work in seven countries in East, North and West Africa where Islam is at its strongest. We are expanding into new areas as opportunities emerge. Leadership training, both through theological education and church-planting facilitation, are the two main foci of our work. Medical teams continue to supplement our church-planting facilitation, and there is a growing need for economic development in the same areas where we presently use medical teams.

Asia – Enterprise teams in Asia face unique challenges related to the size of the Islamic
population and the diversity of Islamic practice. Four of the largest Islamic countries in the world are in Asia. We work in three of those countries and are pursuing contacts in the fourth. Theological education of Muslim-background believers and Christian-background believers who want to plant churches in Muslim areas is an important component of our work. Presently there are approximately 150 students in our seminary courses that are offered on site through our partnership with Miami International Theological Seminary. Church leadership training is also taking place as the number of converts grows and new churches are planted.

Europe – Countries in Western Europe are at the crossroads of East/West culture conflict. A number of Eastern European countries have areas where the majority population is Muslim. Ranging from 2-3% (Germany/UK) to 4-5% (Austria/Belgium) and approaching 10% (France/Netherlands), Western Europe is once again leaning to the right of political center in response to immigration. And yet, some of the greatest response to the gospel is not from European populations but from Muslim immigrant populations. This year a new Muslim background-believer church plant in Belgium witnessed nine baptisms in June and 11 more in December. Work in four other countries is promising with many converts evangelizing family and neighbors as a result of their excitement in their faith.

Middle East – Islam began in the Saudi Arabian peninsula and many observers would say
that it is still its greatest stronghold Other areas of the Middle East like Iran, Turkey, and
Egypt are listed in the top populations of the Muslim world. Unlike larger areas in Asia, the expression of Islam here is much more conservative. We work in four countries in this
area—with ministry activities ranging from basic evangelism and discipleship up to church planting facilitation and theological education. Nearly 160 students are enrolled in our theological education programs. Satellite TV and the Internet could expand our opportunities for training much further.

North America – Churches in North America are seeking help from Enterprise workers as their congregations attempt to impact Muslims with the gospel. We presently assist two churches and are developing plans to assist three more