Wow, just wow! Today we had some amazing times to see and hear what God is doing for those in need and how He is using His people to do it. We were given our first taste of His great work this morning by sitting in on a chapel service for some of the children of this city. Home of Hope is a place that works with the local government to care for children who would otherwise be on the street or in a situation were there is no one to care for them. While some of the kids will stay at the house until they age out (18 years old), others will have shorter stays as parents (or other care provider) are placed in charge of the child. This system seems to share some similarities to the foster system we have in the states, but this place is housing something like 50 or more kids. While the ages for the house vary from 2 to 18, today was a time for the 8-13 year olds to have their service.
There is something about hearing the praise of Jesus from the mouths of children. And, now I can tell you that is a true statement no matter if you are at AWANA on Wednesday nights or around 25 kids singing in a language you don't understand. Praising God is always a sweet sound to the spirit. This was a great time. The people who have been showing us around (Dani and Gladys) even gave me and David an opportunity to be involved and let me share a song and David to share a quick story of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples and what that means for us as believers.
After that it was back inside for some lunch and goodbyes. Sweet kids. They were happy of have us and to love on us...and we came to love on them.
Later on, the team was honored to listen to a great presentation by Alia Abboud about some of the other ministries that are being done by The Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development (LSESD).
LSESD is focused on serving the church in the Arab World (Middle East/North Africa) through reflecting the love of Jesus and working with other followers of Christ to do likewise.
A big part of this is through equipping the church. The Arab Baptist Theological Seminary brings in students (singles, couples, and families) from approx 10 other nations. Here they learn to engage their communities and show the love of Christ to those who need to hear what God has done for them. Another piece to the puzzle, is the Institute of Middle East Studies (IMES). This is a platform to help bring about positive transformation in the understanding and relations between Christians and Muslims. We in the states often don't consider how what we do effects others...especially to the Christians who are living as the minority. This group is working to create a means to allow those willing (Muslim and Christian) to discuss practical issues that are affecting the world, and hopefully counter act some for the negative assumptions believed by many on both sides.
Education is a big part of life in Lebanon and the surrounding area, so LSESD has been at work for years touching lives in areas that matter. Beirut Baptist School (BBS) has been a witness for the Lord for years. They do this as many of the families that send their children there for the high quality education are from non-Christian background. These families are knowingly placing their children in an environment where they will be exposed to Christian beliefs because the value of quality education is so great. A newer ministry is SKILD Center. This acronym stands for Smart Kids with Individual Learning Differences, and is a chance to help children struggling with learning disabilities. Before this center, many children were left behind even in the private education establishment due to their learning disability. Now the program is entering its fourth year and has spread to the public schools. These strides could not be made in man's own power, but only by the power of God working through those willing to fill a need placed before them.
One of the last areas I will talk about is part of the reason this team is here, Relief and Development. During the 2006 war, one third of the Lebanese population, mainly Muslim Shiites, were displaced from southern Lebanon and southern Beirut. LSESD was given an opportunity to serve their fellow Lebanese. The impact was profound. Not only were many able to see God's love acted out in front of their very eyes, but it was a precursor to much of the work needed today with the refugee crisis. These lessons learned have been instrumental in helping the local churches partner with LSESD in an attempt to stand by thousands of vulnerable families who are today among the estimated 1.5 to 2 million refugees living in Lebanon's boarders.
I was shocked to hear such a large number, but this is the latest update from the those caring for the people. This means that nearly 1 in 4 people living within Lebanon are a refugee. What does this look like logistically? Well one church was reported to have had 65 members before the crisis. This church is now ministering to over 1,000 families. Another way to look at it is that 9,000 families in Lebanon and Syria are currently being helped with monthly food aid distributed through LSESD support by 24 churches in Lebanon and two networks of churches in Syria. The numbers are staggering. I keep thinking back to the scripture "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."
Many times today I had to stop, bow my head and pray "Heavenly Father, Thank you for these people!" With tear filled eyes, I have thanked God for working through these people in such a way. The needs are so great, but these few are trusting God to do what they can not, and press on to do the work laid before them. I feel convicted asking myself, "Would I have given up? Would I have trusted in my own strength? Would this have been too much for me?" I don't know how I would act, how about you?
Here are some links if you are interested in learning more:
LSESD - www.LSESD.org or www.facebook.com/LSESD
Arab Baptist Theological Seminary- www.abtslebanon.org
Beirut Baptist School - www.bbs.edu.lb
Institute of Middle East Studies - www.abtslebanon.org/IMES
SKILD Center - www.skild-edu.org
(Dani and Gladys)
Then the fun moved outside where we were able to hand out some game supplies we brought with us and spent a few minutes playing with these boys and girls.
Later on, the team was honored to listen to a great presentation by Alia Abboud about some of the other ministries that are being done by The Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development (LSESD).
A big part of this is through equipping the church. The Arab Baptist Theological Seminary brings in students (singles, couples, and families) from approx 10 other nations. Here they learn to engage their communities and show the love of Christ to those who need to hear what God has done for them. Another piece to the puzzle, is the Institute of Middle East Studies (IMES). This is a platform to help bring about positive transformation in the understanding and relations between Christians and Muslims. We in the states often don't consider how what we do effects others...especially to the Christians who are living as the minority. This group is working to create a means to allow those willing (Muslim and Christian) to discuss practical issues that are affecting the world, and hopefully counter act some for the negative assumptions believed by many on both sides.
Education is a big part of life in Lebanon and the surrounding area, so LSESD has been at work for years touching lives in areas that matter. Beirut Baptist School (BBS) has been a witness for the Lord for years. They do this as many of the families that send their children there for the high quality education are from non-Christian background. These families are knowingly placing their children in an environment where they will be exposed to Christian beliefs because the value of quality education is so great. A newer ministry is SKILD Center. This acronym stands for Smart Kids with Individual Learning Differences, and is a chance to help children struggling with learning disabilities. Before this center, many children were left behind even in the private education establishment due to their learning disability. Now the program is entering its fourth year and has spread to the public schools. These strides could not be made in man's own power, but only by the power of God working through those willing to fill a need placed before them.
One of the last areas I will talk about is part of the reason this team is here, Relief and Development. During the 2006 war, one third of the Lebanese population, mainly Muslim Shiites, were displaced from southern Lebanon and southern Beirut. LSESD was given an opportunity to serve their fellow Lebanese. The impact was profound. Not only were many able to see God's love acted out in front of their very eyes, but it was a precursor to much of the work needed today with the refugee crisis. These lessons learned have been instrumental in helping the local churches partner with LSESD in an attempt to stand by thousands of vulnerable families who are today among the estimated 1.5 to 2 million refugees living in Lebanon's boarders.
Many times today I had to stop, bow my head and pray "Heavenly Father, Thank you for these people!" With tear filled eyes, I have thanked God for working through these people in such a way. The needs are so great, but these few are trusting God to do what they can not, and press on to do the work laid before them. I feel convicted asking myself, "Would I have given up? Would I have trusted in my own strength? Would this have been too much for me?" I don't know how I would act, how about you?
Here are some links if you are interested in learning more:
LSESD - www.LSESD.org or www.facebook.com/LSESD
Arab Baptist Theological Seminary- www.abtslebanon.org
Beirut Baptist School - www.bbs.edu.lb
Institute of Middle East Studies - www.abtslebanon.org/IMES
SKILD Center - www.skild-edu.org
PTL! Awesome to hear!
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