More than 1,600 people gathered from across Jordan on Sept. 4 for a special outdoor worship service hosted by Al Malakoot Sat TV (also known as the Kingdom Sat). The service took place at the Jordan Evangelical Theological Studies Center (JETS), located in a suburb of Amman. Jordanian General Imad Mayya, who attended in his role as President of the Jordan Evangelical Council, was the event’s patron.
Daoud Kuttab
The main speaker was Rev. Dr. Michael Youssef, founder of the Kingdom Sat, who addressed the crowd with a message anchored in Christ as the only source of true hope.
Throughout the event, the central theme remained clear: “Christ is our Hope,” a message reflected in the shared biblical script between the ministry motto and the seminary’s teaching inscribed in Greek on the prayer tower: “Christ in you is the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
Youssef, speaking through the interpretation of Rev. Yousef Hashweh, reflected on the choices people must make when they hear Christ’s invitation, drawing on the story of the rich man who asked how to gain eternal life. He said he was impressed by the unity of the church leaders he met and by the strong response to the message during the worship service.
The service included powerful hymns performed at a professional level before and after the sermon. The worship gathering lasted approximately three hours, drawing participants into a spirit of heavenly praise. There was visible joy as hundreds responded to Christ’s call and renewed their vows to walk with the Lord.
Jordanian singer Thamar Zananiri performed local Jordanian hymns and collaborated with Egyptian singers Peter Sawiris and Kerolos Magdy, along with a Jordanian choir and a band to energize the crowd. She expressed gratitude to God for serving among her people in Jordan, saying she rejoiced in being present and worshipping alongside others who long for times like this — times of praise, testimony, and worship of Christ as hope
In an earlier, wide-ranging interview, Youssef, 78, highlighted the importance of hope. “Whenever you lift up Jesus, there is hope.” He said that the world, whether in the West or in the East, appears to be losing hope. He added that this is precisely why he continues to travel and minister: “I want to spend my time bringing hope, and the only one who brings hope is Jesus.”
Youssef, who has preached for more than 52 years and authored 57 books, described a lifetime of ministry throughout the Middle East and beyond. He recalled decades of outreach through radio, television, and written work, emphasizing that his passion is not simply to share information, but to bring hope to hurting communities.
In addition to his focus on hope, Youssef spoke about serving local communities across the region by sharing the gospel, offering encouragement, and building unity rooted in faith. He referenced Jordan’s preparation for a major commemoration in 2030: the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan.
He noted that Bethany Beyond the Jordan is recognized by UNESCO and sits on the east bank of the Jordan River, where John baptized Jesus and where Christ’s public ministry is commonly understood to have begun. Youssef expressed that he welcomed the opportunity for Christians to take part in worship and remembrance tied to that sacred site. When asked directly whether he would encourage involvement, he said, “If I’m invited to help, I will be there.”
When asked about religious viewpoints often associated with Christian Zionism and dispensationalism, Youssef clarified that he identifies as Reformed in theology. He said his priority in preaching is “peace and reconciliation,” and he described a commitment to respond to conflict with a spirit aligned with Christ.
He was also asked about a biblical term sometimes used in political rhetoric following Oct. 7, 2023: “Amalek.” Youssef responded firmly: “No … not any more than Israel is the old Israel.” He explained that while he believes Israel has the right to exist and to defend itself, he does not support violence without restraint from either side. “Israel has the right to exist and has the right to defend itself,” he said, but added that cruelty and unchecked attacks are not acceptable responses.
Youssef spoke at length about political and religious pressures affecting Christians in Jordan, including concerns about recognition, ecclesiastical authority, and the protection of Christians in the region. In his message to believers, he emphasized that the Church — not any other institution or political organization — carries continuity with Israel’s biblical identity.
Citing language used by Paul and Peter, Youssef said the Church is “the center,” referencing biblical descriptions such as the “holy nation” and the “royal priesthood.” His message called Christians to hold firmly to their identity in Christ, even amid uncertainty or external pressure.
Youssef encouraged Christians to respond with greater courage in the face of violence and persecution. He also condemned attacks against Christian clergy anywhere in the world. He said he would speak out against attacks on Christians “in a heartbeat,” adding that those who love the Lord must respond with justice, mercy, and truth.
He urged church and community leaders to address grievances at the highest levels, stressing that leadership must be both wise and courageous.
Rev. Dr. Michael Youssef speaks to those gathered on Sept. 4.
Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Youssef said he hopes for progress toward negotiations rather than continued reliance on military solutions. He pointed to Jesus’ teachings in the Beatitudes, saying, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”
He urged Christians to protect the faith from distortion, saying, “Our faith is being abused or misunderstood.” He addressed concerns that some Christian voices may be perceived as justifying conflict, warning that such misunderstanding dishonors the gospel.
Youssef also shared his convictions on church leadership roles. He stated, “Scripture is very clear. A woman can minister in any area except being the senior pastor.” He connected his view to biblical leadership structures and to the understanding of church order as an extension of family order, emphasizing that “the head of the household … has to be a male.”
Despite these claims, he emphasized that Christians should not allow such questions to fracture fellowship. Instead, he said, the Church should pursue faithfulness and mutual understanding.
After the service, Bibles and other Christian literature were distributed. Munther Nimat, director general of the Jordan Bible Society, stated that 400 copies of the New Testament were given free of charge.
Imad Shehadeh, president of JETS, described the service as “a truly wonderful and unforgettable event.” He said he previously had the honor of inviting Rev. Dr. Michael Youssef to the seminary twelve years earlier, and that Friday’s service continued that invitation in a meaningful way.
Shehadeh introduced the speaker, noting Youssef’s role as founder and pastor of the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia, where he served for 39 years. He also highlighted Youssef’s theological training in Australia and America, as well as his ability to spread the gospel through ministry, television, radio, and writing.
The event, Christ Our Hope, which began in Amman, Jordan, will move to Egypt in November. Farid Garas, senior director at Al Malkoot Sat TV, announced that “Christ Our Hope” programming would continue in Egypt, specifically in Luxor on Nov. 6 and Mokattam on Nov. 15.
Daoud Kuttab is an award-winning Palestinian journalist born in Bethlehem and a member of the Amman Baptist Church. He is the publisher of Milhilard.org, a news site focusing on the lives and challenges facing Christians in Jordan and Palestine.
