(Child-like Faith-photo courtesy of webshots.com)



However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24 NIV)

Our team is complete.......

We can’t thank you enough for your continued commitment and partnership in prayer thus far.  As a result God has answered those prayers in sending members equipped with all of the spiritual gifts and talents that are needed to carry out His plan in Lebanon this summer.

Team Lebanon 2011:

Sarai Padilla                                  Tim Goist

Virginia Clark                                Connie Grant               

Candice Hubbard                          William Curtis

Valhalla McGaughey                      Chantelle Cudger

You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. (James 2:22 NIV)

Our faith is complete.......

The relationship that we have with the ministry leaders in Lebanon is an absolute blessing and we have found it to be one of mutual encouragement. The updated letter below from Nabil Costa serves as a reminder that God is always at work on behalf of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  It is a reassurance of what the power of joined prayers of believers across the globe can accomplish. 

Dear friends,

This is a critical week for Lebanon as the Lebanese President General Michel Suleiman leads consultations with parliamentary groups re the appointment of a new Sunni prime minister.  Yesterday night, and at the end of the first of a two-day mandatory consultations, the streets of Beirut , Tripoli and other parts of the country witnessed different manifestations of protest. Lebanese people went to bed yesterday night not knowing what to expect in the morning, yet -  and not surprisingly so - they woke up to yet another normal day of work, school, etc…   Praise God! The Lebanese Army is very alert and on top of things, and we continue to get the sense that everyone is keen on maintaining security in the country.  Again, we stand encouraged and hopeful.

In such days, listening to the news  – whether local, regional or international – can be quite alarming especially that each news agency has its own agenda and affiliation.  As I think of the  state of panic that one can get into while switching from one channel to the other attempting to make sense of things,  I am thankful that God is in control and focus on His promises and His word in Philippians 4:6 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers.”   Our country needs leaders after God’s heart.  Difficult?! Not for God! We pray and await His intervention.

I believe that as Christians we are to hold on to His promises that we may not be overtaken by the sense of panic and confusion that disables us from doing the work that He has called us to do.  May God give us wisdom to guide our countrywomen and men to put their trust in the Lord and not in human leaders  - that they may have peace.

Please pray for the consultation process and outcome  - that His will may be done.

Pray for the people of Lebanon -  and the Lebanese Army.

Pray for the Body of Christ in our country – that we may not be distracted from doing the work that He has called us to do; that our lives -  at all times -  reflect the Source of our peace.

Thanking you for your care and prayers.

In His grip,

Nabil 

Executive Director

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind (Philippians 2:1-2 NIV).

Our joy is being made complete…….

With each team meeting our excitement grows! Every new detail discussed regarding planned activities and faithful expectations of what God will do fills us with greater anticipation. The team is presently brainstorming ideas for arts and crafts, skits, sports and games, bible study lessons, as well as music for the evening program. Although we have quite a ways to go, seeing the smiles on each child’s face makes all of the time and hard work well worth it. With all that we are planning I believe the most rewarding task will be our visit to the Home of Hope Orphanage. During our time there we will paint and add some loving touches to a room for the children and hopefully enjoy some time with them as well.

God is so amazing and we are so humbled that He has called each of us to serve Him in the lives of children who need it most. 

Stay tuned….His best is yet to come!



Jesus with children (photo courtesy of sugardoodle.net)