The History and Expansion of the Church in the UAE and the Middle East

The history of the Church in the United Arab Emirates and its subsequent expansion across the Middle East is closely associated with the pioneering ministry of the late Apostle Samuel Appiah.

In 2013, Apostle Samuel Appiah, who was then serving as a pastor, was sent on missions to Mauritius. Following challenges relating to obtaining permanent residency, the Church, in its wisdom and under divine direction, reassigned him to Dubai to continue the work of missions in the United Arab Emirates.

His arrival in Dubai marked the beginning of a challenging but significant chapter in the history of the Church. Upon arriving at Dubai International Airport, he had expected to be received by members of the existing congregation. However, he was informed that the church he had been sent to support was no longer functioning.

Finding himself in a foreign country with no established congregation to receive him, he secured temporary accommodation and immediately began seeking ways to reconnect with members of the Pentecostal community in the UAE.

Apostle Appiah contacted the late Elder William Okrokoko, who provided him with contacts in the country. Through these contacts, he was connected with Deaconess Dora and Brother Eugene. Together, they reached out to other Pentecostal believers residing in the UAE and began mobilising them towards the establishment of a new congregation.

During this period, Apostle Appiah experienced several moments of encouragement which strengthened his conviction that God had called him to establish the work in the UAE. On one occasion, while staying at his hotel, he felt led by the Holy Spirit to wear an evangelistic T-shirt. This resulted in an unexpected encounter with a fellow Pentecostal believer, whose encouragement and support strengthened him both spiritually and materially at a critical stage of the mission.

With renewed determination, Apostle Appiah organised the first church service at the Concord Hotel in Dubai. Among those who attended were Elder Tony, Deaconess Dora, Victoria and other believers who became part of the foundation of the emerging congregation.

Regular Bible studies, prayer meetings, worship services and fundraising activities followed. Through the commitment of the early members and the grace of God, the congregation continued to grow. Within approximately a year, the Church was able to move into larger premises to accommodate its increasing membership.

The following year, Apostle Appiah was joined by his wife, who became an important partner in the mission. Despite having limited resources and initially lacking personal transportation, they faithfully travelled across the UAE, often under difficult weather conditions, visiting members, evangelising and strengthening the growing congregation.

As the work in the UAE became established, Apostle Appiah developed a vision for extending the mission to other countries within the Middle East. Qatar became one of the first areas of expansion, where a congregation was successfully established.

Approximately two years later, the mission expanded to Bahrain. Although the establishment of the Church there was accompanied by significant challenges, the work progressed through perseverance, prayer and the grace of God.

As the ministry expanded, the activities of the Church occasionally attracted the attention of local authorities. Apostle Appiah sought guidance from the Chairman of the Church and the International Missions Directorate (IMD), who encouraged him to remain vigilant, prayerful and respectful of the laws of the countries in which the Church operated.

During one engagement with the authorities in Dubai, Apostle Appiah was required to provide clarification concerning the activities of the Church. Through wisdom, prayer and what he believed to be the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the concerns raised were satisfactorily addressed, allowing the work to continue.

The expansion of the mission was not without further difficulties. During a mission-related visit to Seychelles, Apostle Appiah was detained after a Bible study publication was discovered among his belongings. Following his release, he continued the mission and contributed towards formalising the presence of the Church in Seychelles.

Despite these challenges, Apostle Appiah remained committed to the vision of spreading the gospel and establishing congregations beyond the UAE. Over time, the Church expanded into several countries, with ministers and local leaders appointed to oversee growing congregations throughout the region.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic presented another major challenge. Restrictions on public gatherings threatened the normal activities of the Church. Nevertheless, Apostle Appiah and the leadership remained committed to sustaining the spiritual life of the congregation through prayer meetings, services and other forms of fellowship, including gatherings held from the mission house where circumstances permitted.

Recognising the importance of long-term stability for the growing Church, Apostle Appiah also pursued the vision of securing a permanent place of worship. With the support of the elders and members, suitable locations were explored until more permanent arrangements for the Church and mission house were established in the UAE.

From humble and uncertain beginnings, the work grew through sacrifice, perseverance, faith and the commitment of many men and women who supported the mission. What began with a small gathering of believers developed into an expanding ministry with congregations across the UAE and other nations in the region.

The Church remains grateful to God for the pioneering ministry, sacrifice and enduring legacy of the late Apostle Samuel Appiah, as well as the contributions of the ministers, officers and members who laboured alongside him.

May his legacy continue to inspire present and future generations to advance the work of God with faith, courage and dedication.