Pastor Lucy Kang embraced Christianity during her college years. In her twenties, she married and, over the following years, gave birth to three children. After raising them on her own for several years, she and her Christian husband were called to serve as missionaries in Egypt in 2017. After years of ministry there, the couple received a new calling and moved to Turkey to plant churches.
In Egypt, Pastor Lucy initially reached out to Chinese Christians before connecting with Egyptian believers. As a woman in a Muslim-majority country, her outreach was limited to women. With the assistance of local Christians, her Chinese sermons were translated into Arabic. During their early days in Egypt, her husband studied Arabic and worked to support the family financially.
"Unlike in Europe or the United States, where you can openly claim to be a missionary, that's not the case in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region," Pastor Lucy said. "Normally, foreigners introduce themselves as students or workers. The basic strategy is to preach the gospel while doing tentmaking jobs."
This approach has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that foreign missionaries can support themselves without relying solely on funds from their home mission agencies or when offerings are insufficient. The disadvantage is that it limits the expansion of their ministry. "Because you have to financially support yourself, you don't have enough time for other things," she explained.
Christianity has a long history in Egypt, where around 15% of the population are Copts. They have developed their own doctrines, education system, and maintain close-knit communities. "Their pastors watch over members from birth to adulthood. If someone leaves the community, everyone knows," Pastor Lucy said.
She also noted the legal and social dynamics affecting Christians in Egypt. "Christians can't proselytize Muslims, but Muslims can reach out to Christians because the law protects them. If you marry a Muslim, your child will legally be identified as a Muslim."
Despite these challenges, there are "secret" converts from Islam to Christianity. For example, Pastor Lucy met a Muslim man who became interested in Christianity after watching a Christian movie featuring Jesus saying, "Forgive them." Despite scorning at this scene, he searched for Christian content online and, after extensive research, decided to attend a church. However, he was initially prevented from entering by "religious police" who monitor such venues. He eventually received a consent letter from the senior pastor, confirming his conversion, and was allowed to worship with the congregation. Later, he began working at a Christian radio ministry.
"Be cautious, as there may be false brothers, but there are also many true Christians," Pastor Lucy said. "Coming from a religious background defined by strict laws and control, they are drawn to the love and freedom found in the Christian faith."
This kind of community exists in Egypt and is even more prevalent in Turkey. Many Iranian Christians flee to Turkey seeking religious freedom and a better life. In the church planted by Pastor Lucy and her husband, numerous Iranians gather. "When they move to Turkey, they are no longer persecuted, and their quality of life improves," she said.
Pastor Lucy emphasized that Christians can live peacefully with Muslims in Egypt. "A woman wearing a head covering can hold hands with a Christian wearing a cross," she said. "Even Egypt's president attended the dedication ceremony of a new cathedral."
After the birth of her fourth child, Pastor Lucy managed her household and cared for her children for several years while her husband took charge of pastoral work. As more local Christians became established, they took part-time jobs to help sustain the church.
Last year, the couple received a new calling to plant a church in Istanbul. "Since we've been abroad, our mission has been to reach local people," Pastor Lucy said. "I could make more money and live a more comfortable life elsewhere, but we're here to overcome hardships and serve."
Throughout her years in the mission field, Pastor Lucy has tried various evangelistic approaches, as her mission agency had no prior experience in predominantly Islamic countries. Despite facing weaknesses and challenges, she values her walk with God the most. "The mission life and raising children have taught me to depend on God," she said. "There was nothing else to rely on."
Her children have mastered several languages, including English, Arabic, and an additional foreign language such as French or German. They have also developed problem-solving skills. "Missionary children are more adaptable in cross-cultural settings," Pastor Lucy added.
One of the main challenges in the Middle East is finance. "When circumstances change, can I adapt? It's not easy because I tend to stick to old patterns and mindsets," Pastor Lucy said. "But God teaches me lessons through different people and situations. Looking back, I thank God for those experiences, even though it's hard to break out of my framework."
For her family, the current goal is to establish a church system in the Middle East. "To expand quickly, we hope to establish deacons who can provide more financial support," Pastor Lucy said.
Pastor Lucy encourages Christians in China to preach the gospel wherever they are. "Christians are light and salt, and we have the calling of the Great Commission," she said.
Recalling her first overseas evangelistic experience in Southeast Asia as a single woman in her early twenties, Pastor Lucy considers it invaluable. "Even if you can't bear good fruit with God, you can at least learn about your weaknesses and limitations," she said.
"You may not encounter good things when you go out, but it's worth trying," she added. "Chinese people can stay in a foreign country for a month with just a ticket and a passport. What if God uses you to accomplish something big? By faith, prayer, and perseverance, you will recognize God's presence."
