Are you interested in learning about Arabic culture and the faith of Islam? Open The Gates offers a course called Understanding Islam. The purpose of this course is to furnish a non-Muslim audience with an understanding of the Islamic faith, its history, culture, and impact on civilization. Equipped with this knowledge, the goal is to develop a heart for the Muslim community and encourage cross-cultural interactions with friends, neighbors and coworkers associated with the Islamic religion.
About Pastor Daniel Massieh:
Daniel Massieh is a former Muslim who experienced a dramatic conversion to Christianity while in his mother country of Egypt. After his conversion, he became zealous to share the gospel with his beloved Muslim countrymen. He was thrown into Egypt’s most notorious prison where he spent eight months, two of which were in solitary confinement. During his interrogation and confinement he had the opportunity to share his testimony with many prisoners as well as some of Egypt’s highest officials. After immigrating to the United States, he became a pastor and formed the first Arabic church in San Diego. He is an author, speaker, and seasoned Muslim missionary.
Our Vision
To fulfill the Great Commission of preaching the Gospel to every creature, our Missions Ministry and outreach focuses on supporting or planting local churches, as God's primary means to reach the world.
Christians must recognize that Jesus won’t return until the Great Commission is fulfilled. Jesus commands us to “Go and make disciples of all nations” which includes the unreached descendents of Ishmael.
Statement of Faith
Open the Gates was established as a Christian organization of believers in Jesus Christ. We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is fully God and fully man, born of the virgin Mary. He died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins; He bodily rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of God, the Father, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
Our supreme desire is to know Christ and to be conformed into His image by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are not a denominational church, nor are we opposed to denominations. However, we do not agree with the overemphasis of the doctrinal differences which have led to division in the body of Christ.
WE BELIEVE that the true basis for Christian fellowship is God's (Agape) love, which is greater than the differences we possess and without which we cannot claim to be Christians.
WE BELIEVE the Bible, God's holy Word, is our foundation and standard for living; it is authoritative as the rule of faith.
WE BELIEVE worship is spiritual, and we seek to be flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct our worship.
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be inspirational and consider music to be an integral part of our worship.
WE BELIEVE worship of God should be intelligent. Therefore, our services are designed with great emphasis on Bible teaching and the exhortation to search and verify the Scriptures for truth. (Acts 17:11)
WE BELIEVE worship of God is fruitful. Therefore, we look for His love in our lives and the fruit of His Spirit (Acts 17:11) as evidence that we have truly been worshipping Him.
