Long before “diaspora ministry” became a common term, Operation Mobilisation (OM) was already reaching out to Muslim communities.

Early work in the Middle East and Turkey soon expanded into Europe, where OM teams began serving Muslim immigrants in cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, Birmingham, and Rome. For many years, these ministries were seen mainly as preparation for overseas work rather than mission fields in their own right. Teams started and ended. Resources were limited. Yet faithful workers continued to build relationships, share the love of Christ, and walk alongside new believers.

By the early 2000s, OM teams engaging Muslims were spread across the globe—from Canada to Australia, Sweden to South Africa. Most worked in isolation, often unaware that others within OM were doing similar ministry elsewhere.

After 9/11, global awareness of Muslim communities increased, and more people felt called to serve. Still, progress was slow, and a growing question emerged: How can we learn from one another and do this better together?

A turning point came in 2010, when OM leaders gathered to shape a global vision for Muslim outreach. One key insight brought drastic change: in mission terms, the Muslim diaspora is part of the Muslim world. A Muslim living in Europe is just as unreached as someone living in their country of origin.

This realization led to the creation of a Muslim Diaspora Ministry Champion role and, soon after, a stronger focus on connecting ministries worldwide. In 2015, leaders met in Birmingham, UK, officially forming the Muslim Diaspora Ministries Network.

In 2020, the network was renamed NOSTOS – Welcoming Muslims Home. The word nostos, from ancient Greek, speaks of return and belonging—capturing the heart of our mission.

Today, NOSTOS connects ministries across continents, creating space for collaboration, learning, and mutual encouragement. What began as scattered local efforts has become a growing global network—united by a shared calling to welcome Muslim neighbors, build authentic community, and journey together toward Jesus.