Encountering People in Context
Be part of the Kingdom story happening in the Middle East and North Africa.
Our Vision
EPIC - Encountering People in Context, is an integral part of the Grace Family of Churches’ vision to see the Kingdom of God advanced among the NATIONS, providing opportunities to engage with the cross-cultural missions and ministries we support.
EPIC began from a desire to have cross-cultural Kingdom conversations in the Muslim world
Compelled by a calling to share the Kingdom and put Jesus’ teachings into practice in the Muslim world, the first EPIC team led by Buddy Hoffman landed in Israel / Palestine in 2011. We walked in the footsteps of Jesus, began some relationships, and believed God would reveal His plans for the Grace Family’s engagement there as we followed His leading.
As we stayed faithful to our calling, conversations and relationships eventually led to ministry partnerships
Blossoming Young Life ministry multiplying throughout the Holy Land and beyond, teams in the region mobilized to share the Kingdom, and a faithful Palestinian Christian community steadfast in their commitment to see the gospel witness continue to go out from the place where Jesus was born - these were the doors opening for the Grace Family to come alongside in support, in prayer, and in service. Oh, what JOY!!
Today EPIC continues to expand and helps support Kingdom work across the Middle East and North Africa region
Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Morocco - and soon, Türkiye! Our EPIC relationships and opportunities continue to grow as the excitement of the transformative work of the Kingdom continues to invite all of us to be the family of God on mission together in the Middle East, North Africa, and wherever else the Spirit of God leads us!
What people say about EPIC
“I will never be the same. This trip truly changed me. There is not a day that passes that I don't think of my time in Israel and Palestine, the people I met, or the places I saw…Every moment of this trip grew me, matured me, humbled me, and made me see the world and God's people more like he does.”
— KELLY W., EPIC HOLY LAND PARTICIPANT
“Going to the Middle East absolutely changed things for me. The Lord used it to change how I read the Bible, to clarify my theology, and to awaken a passion for praying for Kingdom movement in that region. He gave me a glimpse of His heart for the nations and my life is forever changed.”
—JESS S., EPIC JORDAN PARTICIPANT
“The biggest impact for me was the heart shift and mindset difference for Muslim people. I never quite understood why Grace’s pillar of catalyzing Jesus movements in the Muslim world was so important. After being there, experiencing the people, and seeing the transformative power of the Kingdom in that part of the world, I am all in!”
— BENJI C., EPIC HOLY LAND PARTICIPANT
“I walked away from EPIC finding freedom in a way I had never known before. Freedom from religion. Freedom to be present with others and just listen. Freedom to love those who are different than me, without an agenda. Freedom to ask people what it’s like to be them. Freedom to believe “prayer is the work” Freedom to trust Jesus as the framework who shapes my understanding, because in every situation, without Him, I am lost. EPIC - witnessing Jesus in the place where He lived, and encountering so many different people who call that place home, is something I will carry with me always.”
—HANNAH H., EPIC SUMMER SDP PARTICIPANT