Bringing Hope and Leadership to the Middle East: Khalil Halaseh’s Story

When Pastor Khalil Halaseh from Amman, Jordan, first attended the Global Leadership Summit (GLS) in Chicago, he didn’t know the lasting impact it would have—not only on his life but on thousands of people across the Middle East.

Each year, after returning home from GLS, Khalil carried with him new ideas, renewed vision, and a desire to serve his community beyond the walls of his local church.

From Local Church to Regional Impact

Initially, Khalil invited leaders from his church to share in what he had learned at GLS. But soon he realized the vision had to be bigger.

“This is not only for my church,” he recalls. “I needed to go beyond my church and bring together leaders and pastors from across Jordan and the Middle East.”

What started as a small gathering grew into a network of more than 400 leaders from multiple countries, all united to sharpen each other, support one another, and bring hope to communities often facing crises and uncertainty.

Leadership in the Face of Crisis

The Middle East has experienced years of conflict, displacing millions of people and creating unimaginable challenges. When wars in Syria and Iraq forced thousands of refugees into Jordan, Khalil and his church had a choice: focus inward or open their doors.

“We chose to open our church, open our hearts, and bring a message of hope and love to every person,” Khalil explains.

Over the past decade, his team has supported more than 800 families-over 4,000 people – with food, shelter, and care, demonstrating that leadership rooted in faith goes hand in hand with compassion and action.

How the Global Leadership Summit Inspired Change

Khalil credits the Global Leadership Summit with expanding his vision and equipping him to lead with courage during difficult times.

“GLS taught me to step beyond my limitations,” he says. “It gave me the tools to inspire leaders, unite churches, and bring practical help to people in need.”

What started as personal growth has now become a movement of leaders standing together for hope, love, and transformation across the Middle East.

 A Message to Other Leaders

Khalil’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership is about service, vision, and courage. He prays for every leader who has invested in GLS to keep going, keep growing, and keep making a difference.

“May God bless every leader who invests in others,” he says. “Your influence is changing lives—here in the Middle East and around the world.”

Watch Khalil’s Full Summit Impact Story

From Amman to the far reaches of the Middle East, Khalil Halaseh’s journey shows how one leader, inspired by GLS, can spark hope and change in times of crisis.