During the last year there has been much rebuilding around the church compound, however, the joy and the Christian enthusiasm of the many worship meetings have scarcely been interrupted during the building programme. Dubai residents have become immune to the challenges of negotiating building sites! The portacabins have now been replaced by a permanent two-storey building called “Unity Hall”. In the process of refurbishment the Resources Centre has now been doubled in size.

When Steve and Jo Wright were away in UK last Summer Andy Thompson went to Jebel Ali as locum with his family. Their presence was so successful that they were encouraged to stay on for a six month project to bring the Doulos to the Gulf.  The Doulos is the world’s largest floating bookshop and oldest ocean going passenger vessel with a Christian ministry worldwide.

Friday school has grown from three groups to five and one of the fun events was a Christmas beach party after the Nativity and Carol service at which the Wright family gained first prize with the “highest sand castle in 10 minutes”!

In Sharjah small groups called cell groups have been formed enabling people to meet together for Bible study, prayer and fellowship. In Ras Al Khaimah St. Luke’ Compound re-opened for Christmas following closure after the main church hall was burned down in November.