Tarashankar, residing and serving in the Middle East for over 30 years, has dedicated nearly two decades of his life to serving the Lord. As a Learning Specialist, he brings his expertise to the field of education.

In addition to his role in education, Tarashankar is a co-founder of Unity1Body, an initiative that is intentional about supporting kingdom initiatives, dreams, and ideas. The focus is on edifying, building, and empowering individuals, young people, marriages, families, and homes.

Grant, from Georgia in the USA, has lived in Dubai and served on the leadership team of the Dubai House of Prayer (DHOP) for the past seven years.

DHOP is a ministry of the church in the city that exists to advance day and night prayer and worship until the Middle East sees and sings the worth of Jesus. Over 20 active volunteer staff from all over the world help keep the fire of worship burning for over 30 hours a week, inviting members of the citywide Body of Christ to encounter the Lord together. Opportunities include training in the harp and bowl prayer model and a 15-week internship starting in March.

Grant’s wife, Heather, teaches English at a local university. They are expecting their first child in March.

Spencer and Mui, both accredited ICF-ACC Life Coaches, hold certifications as speakers for Family Life and administrators of the Prepare/Enrich relationship assessment tool. Spencer, with a master’s degree from Columbia International University, is also a certified administrator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and Taylor-Johnson Temperament Assessment (TJTA).

Originally from Hong Kong, they have been residing in the UAE since 2006. Celebrating 26 years of marriage, they have three sons and recently gained a new daughter-in-law. Drawing an analogy, they view marriage and parenting akin to cars – there’s no such thing as a perfect one, and regular maintenance is essential, or else…

David and Pushpa, hailing from South Africa, have shared 28 years of marriage. David serves as a school administrator, while Pushpa is a certified counselor at an international school in the United Arab Emirates.

Together, they created the ‘Great Expectations: Creating Marriages Built to Last’ pre-marital counseling and marriage enrichment program. This innovative program blends practical problem-solving strategies, proven counseling techniques, and the wisdom of the Word of God.

The Dasaris have not only lived in but also served at churches in various countries, including Qatar, China, Singapore, and the UAE. This global experience has enriched their understanding of the challenges faced by marriages worldwide.

Trained facilitators and presenters in Gottman’s Seven Principles Program (7PP) and the Prepare/Enrich marriage program, the Dasaris bring valuable expertise to help couples build and strengthen their relationships. Additionally, Pushpa is a trained facilitator of the PREP (Prevention & Relationship Enhancement Program).

She was the director of “I Am a Woman” Center in Beirut for eight years, and she has been the director of the women’s ministry at the Near East Organization (NEO – LEADERS) since 2017. She is invited throughout Lebanon and the region to give talks to women groups and train lay counselors.

Nada is a committed Christian and a church member. She is married to Bassam Haddad and they have Nancy (27 years old) and Elio (26years old), who are all committed Christians.

David and Pushpa, hailing from South Africa, have shared 28 years of marriage. David serves as a school administrator, while Pushpa is a certified counselor at an international school in the United Arab Emirates.

Together, they created the ‘Great Expectations: Creating Marriages Built to Last’ pre-marital counseling and marriage enrichment program. This innovative program blends practical problem-solving strategies, proven counseling techniques, and the wisdom of the Word of God.

The Dasaris have not only lived in but also served at churches in various countries, including Qatar, China, Singapore, and the UAE. This global experience has enriched their understanding of the challenges faced by marriages worldwide.

Trained facilitators and presenters in Gottman’s Seven Principles Program (7PP) and the Prepare/Enrich marriage program, the Dasaris bring valuable expertise to help couples build and strengthen their relationships. Additionally, Pushpa is a trained facilitator of the PREP (Prevention & Relationship Enhancement Program).

Gladson Ronad serves as the Director of the MENA region for The Reshma Project, an international non-profit initiative dedicated to rescuing women from forced slavery globally. His passion lies in being a force for good, utilizing his communication skills to amplify the stories of those who are less privileged. Additionally, Gladson is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Voice International, a ministry with a 15-year legacy that harnesses the power of music for community betterment.

Having lived in the Middle East for over 25 years, Gladson has held various roles in management, communications, public relations, events, journalism, publishing, and business development. His love for storytelling is evident as he crafts compelling narratives inspired by the real-world experiences of women and men who often go unseen and unheard by society at large.

Deb Sugars works with Fellowship Dubai. She loves seeing people come to know Jesus.

She frequently hears stories of people encountering Jesus through the dedicated and prayerful efforts of nannies, showcasing the impactful role these caregivers play in spreading the message of faith.

Rhodora Santiago is an associate Pastor in Yahweh, the Good Shepherd Ministry International (YGSMI).

She is also one of the member WPCI Prayer Core team. She’s an educator, and mentor for kids, youths and adults in equipping their sociological and spiritual well-being.

Cyd Cagalingan serves as both a Small Groups Leader and Welcome Team Leader at Fellowship Dubai. She has actively engaged in outreach efforts, particularly reaching out to nannies and household help who experienced abuse and maltreatment from their employers, even before the onset of the pandemic.

Crisanta Dela Cruz, a nanny with a remarkable gift for evangelism and disciplining, believes in the power of choice.

As she says “Life is a choice, choose what is worth it. Let’s do what we love and do it a lot… always put a beautiful smile with lots of love”

Amy is a licensed Social Counselor in the UAE, bringing 20 years of expertise in serving expatriate families. She holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.Ed. in Counseling and Guidance, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. Throughout her career, Amy has held various roles, including National Director for Youth for Christ, school counselor, and Director of Well-being.

Currently, she serves as a counselor at Fellowship Dubai and directs a volunteer caregiving ministry called Compass, offering faith-based mental health support. Amy’s research, as reflected in her dissertation, focuses on factors influencing the well-being and longevity of UAE expatriates, showcasing her commitment to understanding and enhancing the mental health of the community she serves.

Alison Gill is a licensed counselor from the United States, bringing over ten years of experience in living and working in the Middle East and South Asia. She holds a B.A. in History and International Studies, along with an M.A. in Clinical Psychology.

Having spent a significant portion of her life as both an adult and a child living internationally, Alison possesses a unique understanding of the challenges expatriates encounter while residing and working abroad. Currently, she is actively involved with the Compass ministry at Fellowship Dubai. In her role, Alison seamlessly integrates inner-healing and spiritual direction with counseling methods, approaching individuals in a holistic manner.

Alison holds a specific interest in working with women dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma, reflecting her commitment to addressing mental health challenges with sensitivity and expertise.

Dr. Madonna Yanni (MRCPsych) is a seasoned psychiatrist with over a decade of diverse experience in acute care and rehabilitation environments. Her expertise encompasses the treatment of mood disorders, anxiety, psychotic disorders, and addiction emergencies.

Her commitment to enhancing patient care is evident in her governance work, where she leads quality improvement initiatives. Dr. Yanni holds teaching roles as a clinical adjunct at both Sharjah University and Mohamed Bin Rashid University, actively contributing to the education of the next generation of mental health professionals.

Dr. Yanni’s dedication to academic pursuits is demonstrated through her award-winning research and publications, highlighting her efforts to advance psychiatric knowledge. She earned her MBBch from Cairo University, pursued specialized training in psychiatry, and achieved both a board certification in psychiatry and membership with the esteemed Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK. Passionate about holistic care, she continues to make significant strides in mental health advocacy and patient well-being.

Assie, originally from the Netherlands, has dedicated 25 years to actively mobilizing intercession and training intercessors, specifically within and for the Gulf States.

Since 2013, she has been at the helm of leading the Emirates Prayer Alliance, a significant prayer network for the city of Dubai, where she is currently based. Assie’s enduring commitment to fostering a culture of prayer underscores her belief in its transformative impact on individuals and communities.

She believes; ‘When you pray for the city, you’re going to love the city’.

Tom, the Founder & President of Frontline Ministries/City Advance, conducts an international ministry dedicated to catalyzing and developing citywide movements centered on unity, prayer, and collaboration. Renowned as an innovator and practitioner in the field of city transformation, Tom White has excelled in building collaborative partnerships among kingdom-minded leaders to more effectively spread the Gospel in their communities.

Since 1991, Tom has led over 900 Leaders Prayer Summits in numerous cities worldwide, fostering a culture of unity and prayer. In 1990, he authored “The Believers Guide to Spiritual Warfare,” a best-selling book (Baker). In 2014, he published “The Practitioners Guide: Building City Gospel Movements,” further contributing to the understanding of effective city transformation strategies.

Tom serves on the Global Hub Leader Team for Movement.org and is a faculty member of the Movement Day Scholars Program, actively involved in training city leadership teams globally. Currently residing in Corvallis, Oregon, Tom, and his wife Terri are committed to advancing the cause of citywide transformation and spreading the message of the Gospel.

Sharmaine and her family have been residents of the UAE for the past 23 years, during which her love for the land has deepened significantly. Originally from Sri Lanka and born into a Buddhist household, Sharmaine underwent a profound transformation in 2009 when both she and her husband had a radical encounter with Jesus, leading to their rebirth in faith.

Since this transformative experience, Sharmaine has become a staunch advocate of prayer and intercession. In December 2019, she spearheaded the launch of PFA (Pray For All-Abu Dhabi), a prayer network aimed at uniting churches in one accord. PFA’s mission is to collectively pray for the peace, protection, and prosperity of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Sharmaine’s journey reflects her dedication to fostering unity and spiritual well-being within the community she calls home.

Sushma, originally from Bhutan, has played a significant role as the founder and worship leader of Awaken the Dawn (Sea glass Worship) in Dubai for the past three years. In addition to her role in worship ministry, she serves as a Business Development Manager at a freight company.

Sushma is dedicated to fostering a culture of worship and intercession. She facilitates an early morning online (Zoom) worship and intercession gathering, bringing together intercessors from churches across the UAE. Firmly believing in the transformative power of intercession and early morning devotion, Sushma is committed to witnessing a multitude of people worshiping God in righteousness and holiness, living a consecrated life.

Arun George serves as a Pastor and Executive Director of GLNME, additionally holding a position as an Executive Committee member of Mosaic Dubai.

His focus revolves around empowering and implementing missional and leadership projects in the Middle East.

Arun is committed to fostering sustainable, transformative, and long-term leadership development for the benefit of individuals and communities in the region.

Dr. Ramzi Oweis is a highly accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience as a certified auditor, specializing in both the Middle East and Canada. His expertise extends across various domains, including international tax, financial advisory, and business consulting. Dr. Oweis is not only a seasoned professional in financial matters but also serves as a certified investigator in fraud and financial crimes, contributing his skills to support the police and court systems. Additionally, he shares his wealth of knowledge as a university lecturer.

Dr. Oweis holds an impressive academic background, with a Master’s degree in Demography, another Master’s degree in Economics, and a doctorate degree in Business Administration. Beyond his financial and academic pursuits, he is also a licensed mental health coach, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact in people’s lives.

Prem Nair is a co-founder of RedOrange, a defense contractor to the US Government, the UN, and other international NGOs. RedOrange operates in some of the most impoverished regions globally, providing Prem with a unique perspective on human suffering and the transformative power of entrepreneurship.

Driven by a passion to impact communities, Prem has invested in Huntr, a digital marketplace dedicated to creating better economic opportunities for migrant workers—a company aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 8. Additionally, he has partnered with Alterneit, focusing on sustainable solutions in Agriculture/Nutrition, Sanitation, and Water, earning recognition with a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for excellence in Sanitation.

As an investor in disruptive HR tech, Ed tech, Agri tech, and a keen student of emerging technologies like Crypto, the Metaverse, and AI, Prem is committed to creating wealth through ingenuity, touching lives through enabling creativity, and transforming communities by building systems that generate wealth.

Annu Pramod serves as the Managing Director of PeoplePro International, bringing her expertise as a trainer, speaker, coach, and mentor with a specialized focus on emotional intelligence and well-being. Holding a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Diploma in Human Resources, she has accumulated over 18 years of diverse experience.

Annu’s professional journey includes roles in Human Resource Departments with multinational corporations such as Sasken and Motorola, where she handled training and recruitment. In recent years, her focus has shifted to the education sector, aiming to bridge the leadership gap and provide essential 21st-century skills to stakeholders including students, parents, school management, and teachers.

She holds certifications as an ICF coach, is certified to teach, coach, and speak on leadership modules developed by Dr. John C Maxwell, and is DISC certified for personality assessments. Annu is also a member of the Worldwide Association of Female Professionals, certified to teach on the UN 2030 Agenda or SDGs, and serves as the Vice President – Education of a Toastmasters Club. Additionally, she is an adjunct faculty member in a couple of universities, teaching modules on HR.

Ronald Raj, known as Ron, currently holds the position of Director – South Asia & Gulf Region at Living on the Edge Ministries. Additionally, he is the Founder & CEO of ThoughtCapital®, bringing over 25 years of rich experience to his roles.

As a seasoned growth expert, Ron has been instrumental in coaching CEOs, Entrepreneurs, and Business Owners, helping them unlock exponential growth even with limited resources and smaller teams. Throughout his career, he has served some of the top 10 global brands and assisted numerous organizations in designing and developing strategic growth roadmaps, contributing to the creation of multi-million/billion-dollar corporations.

Ron is married to Hephzibah, and together they have two children, Christina and Joshua. They reside in Bangalore, India, and actively worship at the All Peoples Church. Ron’s multifaceted expertise reflects his commitment to both business excellence and spiritual growth.

Crisanta Dela Cruz, a nanny with a remarkable gift for evangelism and disciplining, believes in the power of choice.

As she says “Life is a choice, choose what is worth it. Let’s do what we love and do it a lot… always put a beautiful smile with lots of love”

Mac Pier is the founder of Movement.org.

Mac seeks to exponentially increase the leadership effectiveness of ministry and marketplace leaders to address the spiritual and social issues facing our world today.

The Movement Day gathering is a recognition of the work of united prayer over many years in the city. Very diverse traditions had been knit together through the work of gathered prayer.

Movement Day also recognized the impact of the marketplace community, the work of local churches, and the potential of the next generation. We saw the beauty and power of the united church gathered on a common day for the city.

Josiah Jodrey (Operations Management Consultant, and Adjunct Instructor) experienced operations leader within one of the largest restaurant chains in the US, and within a fast growing entrepreneurial brand in the UAE, currently working within UAE higher education. He is an active member of Evangelical Christian Church of Dubai

Rev. Isaac Kings, B.Th, serves as an apostle, Bible teacher, and evangelist.

As the senior pastor of Royal Mission International Ministry in Dubai, UAE, he brings over 20 years of experience in church planting and prison ministry.

Reverend Kings is deeply committed to city and interior outreaches, actively engaging in rescuing young ladies from sex trafficking.

Harry and Joan Porter have been dedicated members of Holy Trinity Church in Dubai for the last 20 years. Holy Trinity is a distinctive community, uniting Inter-Denominational Christians and individuals from various mainline Protestant churches worldwide. It is affiliated with the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf in the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East.

For the past 26 years, Harry and Joan have actively participated in the prison ministry team, demonstrating a quarter-century commitment to this outreach initiative. The team, comprising over 20 members, consistently convenes weekly sessions with prisoners, engaging in discussions centered around the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Engy Hebesh, born in Egypt and raised in Canada, is a wife and mother to two beautiful girls.

Professionally, she is a pharmacist, and her main hobby is playing football.

Having resided in Dubai for the past 10 years, she actively attends ECCD (Evangelical Christian Church of Dubai). Engy has been a valuable member of Reach Out Dubai for the last two years, contributing to the organization’s mission and outreach efforts.

Ikenna Onyebuchi Okafor is a multi-faceted individual, serving as a pastor-teacher, a writer, and a musical evangelist.

He leads as the pastor of Christ Radiant Church, a small Pentecostal congregation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Alongside his endeavors in ministry, Ikenna shares a family life with his wife, Marilyn, and they are blessed with five children.

Ikenna Onyebuchi Okafor is a multi-faceted individual, serving as a pastor-teacher, a writer, and a musical evangelist.

He leads as the pastor of Christ Radiant Church, a small Pentecostal congregation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Alongside his endeavors in ministry, Ikenna shares a family life with his wife, Marilyn, and they are blessed with five children.