DALLAS, Texas – June 25, 2026 Across the Middle East, churches and ministries face unique challenges in sharing the Gospel. In some communities, believers are isolated. In others, churches have limited resources, face social pressure, or struggle to connect with younger generations. Yet throughout the region, media continues to provide powerful opportunities to communicate hope, encourage believers, and share the message of Jesus.
That is why MEDIA Alliance International was honored to partner with Cooke Media Group and ATHAR Ministries this June to host a regional media training event in Jordan for ministry leaders from across the Middle East.
What was initially planned as a gathering of approximately 100 participants quickly exceeded expectations. By the time the event began, 184 ministry leaders, communicators, pastors, and church media volunteers from six Middle Eastern countries had gathered for three days of learning, encouragement, and fellowship.
“The need for training and encouragement in this region is greater than ever.”
The event brought together leaders serving in a wide variety of ministry contexts—from churches and media ministries to outreach organizations seeking to engage their communities more effectively through digital platforms, video, and social media.
The teaching team included Phil and Kathleen Cooke from Cooke Media Group, alongside MEDIA Alliance leaders Ron Harris and Kyle Gilbert. Just as importantly, ministry leaders from throughout the Middle East played a central role throughout the week, leading worship, sharing devotional messages, and presenting keynote sessions rooted in their own experiences and ministry realities.
“Some of the most meaningful moments came from leaders learning from one another.”
Training sessions covered practical ministry and media topics while also creating space for relationships to develop among leaders who often serve in isolation. Participants exchanged ideas, shared challenges, prayed together, and discovered opportunities for future collaboration.
For many attendees, the greatest value of the gathering was not simply the information presented, but the reminder that they are not alone in their calling.
“When leaders come together, they leave encouraged, refreshed, and better equipped to serve their communities.”
MEDIA Alliance has long believed that investing in leaders creates a multiplying impact. As these 184 participants return to their churches, ministries, and communities, the lessons learned and relationships formed will continue to influence thousands of people throughout the Middle East.
We are grateful to ATHAR Ministries, the teaching team, and our donors who made this gathering possible. Most of all, we thank God for the opportunity to strengthen and encourage those faithfully serving Him in one of the world’s most important and challenging regions.
