BACK TO THE LAND OF BARNABAS
Cyprus is a strategically located island in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean Sea. Even though it is a divided nation with the Turks and the Greeks in a standoff, it is a unique center for reaching the Middle East with the Gospel. The Lord has kept the door to Cyprus partially open as a door of opportunity in these last days.

BMW'S HISTORY ON CYPRUS
In 1974, Dick and Martha Knox relocated from Lebanon to Nicosia, Cyprus, the capitol of the island. They worked with two local ministries and assisted Levon Yergatian in summer camps and the Christian school in Limassol, which he founded.

In 1981, the Lord enabled them to start Nicosia Bible Chapel. Since Cyprus has a strong English-speaking population and is an attraction to international students attending several small colleges in Nicosia, their outreach was in the English language.

In recent years, other BMW team members have established a youth ministry, a men's discipleship ministry, ladies discipleship ministry, a young married fellowship, and have ministered in a camp ministry over the summers.

GENERAL STRATEGY
Because Cyprus is basically a "closed" country, the long-term strategy is to develop local men to be leaders/church planters. Because they already know the language (Greek) and the culture, they stand a much better chance at being successful than any foreigner.

Therefore, the central focus of this ministry is discipleship/leadership development. Within the next five years we plan to see the number of men being discipled and trained grow, but also to see those involved in the process now, reproducing the process in others. Then, as God would direct, we would assist them in the establishment of local churches in such places as Paphos where no fundamental, Bible teaching Greek work exists.

For more information about Cyprus, contact Jim Brown at BMW's International Office.