I planted the seed,  Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.  (I Corinthians 3:6-9 NIV)

Everything about this Scripture is so true. Now that we have returned home and begin to meditate on our time in Lebanon, it is very easy to harmlessly talk about the things that we have done and the ways that God used us. But the truth is that it was God who worked in every situation. It was God’s hand of protection that covered us and His favor that has opened doors in Lebanon that no man can ever shut. It was God who did those things; we were simply willing to be used by Him.

During the first day of camp the children learned that God is with them. This lesson incorporated the camp theme and verse from Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Having been physically abused and abandoned by those who were supposed to love them the most, this Scripture ushers a vital message into the lives of these children. To know that God will never ever leave them is reassuring. To know that there is nowhere they can go or nothing they can do to separate themselves from the presence or love of God is eye opening for them. Though they may not fully understand all that this message means right now, the seed of this truth is now planted in their hearts and it is up to us to not lose heart or fervor, but to continue to pray for God to send others to water the seed as He makes it grow.

On day two the children learned that God has given them His power. During this time Sarai used the story from John 6:1-15 about the little boy who was willing to share his lunch of two fish and five loaves so that Jesus could work a miracle of feeding a multitude, to illustrate to the children how the Lord can use them and that when they allow themselves to be used by the Lord, they too, just like the little boy in the story, cannot just see, but be a part of the miracles that God works in the lives of others as well as their own.

After doing the group discussion from this lesson, Connie had shared that when one of the boys in her group was asked to describe a miracle God had worked in his life, his response was that he had gotten so mad at someone that he had made up in his mind that he was going to kill the person. The little boy said that he had gotten an object sharpened it, and was hovering over the person about to stab them when he felt God stop him. He said he knew that that was a miracle and that it was God because he really wanted to kill this person.

This is why we ask you to stand with us in prayer for these children. They need to know that God loves them even when so many people have hurt them, giving them a warped view of love or no real evidence that love exists at all. We also want them to know that we love them and that you love them and you pray for them. God’s love and His Word are truly having an impact and working miracles in the lives of these children. Please don’t ever stop praying for them.

Arriving at the camp the kids were excited about tent assignments – Yes, I said tents! This was a true camping experience for them and for us as well. Once everyone was satisfied with where they would be sleeping it was off to lunch and then on to crafts.

During their craft time the kids really got their hands dirty with glitter glue, acrylic paints, and regular glue as they created designer original carry bags, visor hats, and bandanas on day one and journals, Fear Not bead bracelets, Lamb of God foam picture frames, a Jonah and the whale catch game, and even designed their own flying discs and glow in the dark shudder shades on day two. Even the camp leaders joined in on the fun. To say that these children are creative is an understatement. They did an awesome job expressing their artistic sides!

When crafts were done the children moved on to activities! They got to play volleyball, frisbee and ping pong. They even got to kick around a huge plush soccer ball – making up the rules as they went of course!  There were also life-sized chess and Connect Four games for the children. I was amazed to see them playing chess – and actually playing it correctly! They made up the rules for soccer but they actually knew how to play chess – children are so funny!

The camp activities for the second day gave the children an opportunity to apply the camp theme. They did balance beam walks, a nature hike, a zip line, and wall climbing. Some kids were excited and brave when it came to these activities, but there were still quite a few who were afraid. It was such a heartwarming experience to see each frightened child being comforted and guided through their fear with the Word of God and with the helping hand of a camp leader. Not one of them was left alone to conquer their fear or complete an activity. There was always someone right there with them just as God is. I know that they will never forget that.

Day three the kids took full advantage of their unplanned access to the activity bag where they found Tim and Valhalla’s stash of sports equipment and balloons. Some tried their hand at transforming the balloons into recognizable shapes or animals but weren’t very successful. So instead they just blew them up and relished in the joy of simply having a few balloons to call their own! Later the kids got to do a balloon toss which they really enjoyed and hey the few splashes of water even helped them cool off a bit!

After their activities it was time for showers. Now this is something we should have added to our list of prayers. But our prayer warriors back home didn’t miss a beat because God answered our unspoken-need-of-strength-for-shower-time-prayers too.

Our team leader, Sarai often used the Bible story of Jesus dividing the two fish and five loaves of bread among the multitude to catapult our faith as we prepared for the trip. Well this story became a vivid reality every time we had to shower the kids.  I say that because only God could have gotten 45 kids bathed in one hour using four showers, and barely working, barely hot water to accomplish it!

Last year we spoke of a run away. Well we had one of those this year too but for a different reason. We had a shower runaway! One little boy had no problem making it known that he was not willing to take a shower. With a lot love and a little bit of coercing he finally gave up his plight to escape from being washed by the water so to speak. There was a multitude of praise as he emerged from the shower room clean as a whistle. This gives a whole new meaning to rejoicing in all things!

There are times when these children could be hard to deal with but for the most part they were a ton of fun and it was an absolute joy to be with them!

After showers the children had a hearty, healthy dinner and then marched off to the worship tent for their evening program. On day one during this time the Arabic leaders performed a hilarious skit that the children really enjoyed. They also lead the children in some of their favorite worship songs. The children really come alive during praise and worship. It’s amazing to see them really get into the songs, with choreographed movements and all. 

On day two our team led the children in praise and worship singing both some familiar favorites like Superhero and Shine! But we also introduced some new favorites as well to include You Make Me Happy and I Am Not Forgotten.  All of the dancing and dust being kicked up in the tent was a sure fire sign that the children were enjoying themselves.

Candice and Virginia also did a skit that reminded the children that there was nothing for them to fear because the same Lord who calmed the storm and who even the wind and waves obey, is the very Lord who is with them and protects them.

At the beginning of camp each group was assigned a biblical character to familiarize themselves with and to present a skit to the rest of the camp about how that character trusted God when they were fearful. The skits were so hilarious! To see the kids acting out the lives of characters such as Moses, Esther, Daniel, Rahab, Mary, Joshua, and David was just simply unforgettable because now they know from their lives that God keeps His promises!

When the evening program was finally finished it was finally off to bed. Using flashlights to guide them to their tents, we also got to pray with the children and tuck them in before bidding them goodnight.


God was conitnually answering prayers while we were in Beirut and as we returned home as well. Candice our camp nurse kept pretty busy tending what seemed like endless minor scrapes and bruises. We praise God that there were no serious injuries.


Although our flight in Beirut was delayed by over an hour and a half, we made our connection in Paris with ease, and even arrived in Atlanta slightly ahead of schedule. 

Departure day is always the most difficult day for the kids and also for the rest of us.  This year the children received lots of extra goodies. Before camp ended the girls were excited about receiving new dresses made from pillow cases and donated by the women at FBA. Those smiles were unforgettable! Each child also received a new pair of gloves, a stuffed animal, toothpaste and tooth brushes, and the boys received W.W.J.D bracelets.

T-shirts that were donated were given to the missionary in which she had designed with the camp theme and the name of each child. We were totally surprised to find out that she had even gotten t-shirts made with our names written on them in Arabic!

During this time we also presented gifts to the missionaries and local leaders to show our appreciation for their partnership, faithfulness, and hospitality.

As the buses arrived for the children to leave each of them expressed their thanks in different ways.  The hugs seemed endless. We didn’t want to leave them and they didn’t want us to. But we have always known and because of this year’s camp lessons they now know that even when others can’t be there, God is always with them, wherever they go.

Please continue to pray for the children of Lebanon. Pray that the Lord’s love will become so overwhelming and undeniable in each of their lives.

We want to say thank you to each and every one of you. It is because of your prayers and support that God’s work is done in the lives of these children. Thank you for supporting His mission in faith and with the expectation of seeing all of the prayers that you sent up for this team answered. Know that God answered each of those prayers in His way and in His timing. God truly did immeasurably more than we could have ever asked or imagined!

In His Love,

Team Lebanon 2011

Hi Everyone!


As always thank all of you for being so faithful in praying for us. God has answered your prayers in unbelievable ways. We look forward to sharing all of the details with you very soon.


During our time at camp we were not able to access the internet which meant that unfortunately we were also unable to make daily blog updates as we would have liked.


All in all camp was great! But why would we expect anything less from the amazing, miracle working, promise keeping God that we serve.


Today was the most difficult day as departure day from camp always is. Each child had their own way of expressing their goodbye. Some gave hugs, some shared a smile or a wave, and some shed tears.

Please pray that they would be reminded of the camp's theme -Fear not. Pray that they would not be fearful but take comfort in knowing that their heavenly Father loves them and that they would also be assured that He never leaves them and is always with them.


Pray for safe travel as we leave Beirut in the morning to return to Atlanta.


We will be posting all of the day by day details of our trip as soon as we return!


Team Lebanon 2011

GREETINGS FROM BEIRUT!!!

Well what can we say? To say that the Lord is awesome would be an understatement. He has been so much more than that to each team member and even to each of you who is reading this and prayerfully embarking on this journey with us.

The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous has certainly prevailed. How blessed are we to be able to declare that we serve the true and living God – a God who hears and answers the petitions of His faithful ones!

As a team we were overwhelmed with both joy and excitement as we watched the Lord at work from the time  we entered the Hartsfield International Airport, until the time we landed right here in Beirut. Our bags were checked with ease. We were able to make our connecting flights with absolutely no delays. When we arrived in Beirut to see that all of our luggage had arrived on time and intact it was all the more reason to give God the glory that He deserved. We are more than convinced that God’s favor is a result of the prayers being poured out before the throne of grace sent forth by all of you.  If just arriving in Lebanon was that impacting in our lives, we look forward with willing hands and open hearts to see what God is going to do next.

I am so glad that this is God’s mission and not ours. I am so glad that He is not like man.  It is God who chooses who He uses, and He did an excellent job of bringing this team together.  He knew exactly what spiritual gifts, talents, professions, and personal experiences were needed to make His mission a success.

Tim did an outstanding job of taking on the leadership as our travel coordinator. He led six women – moods and all- through foreign airports without hesitation. And believe me when I say that we had full confidence in his ability to do so. Later this evening he also shared with us a devotional stemming from IPeter 5:8 and Colossians 4:2-6. During this time we were reminded as a team to stay in prayer, keep alert, and to have an attitude of thanksgiving as the Lord uses us to accomplish His purpose in the lives of the people of Lebanon.  Tim’s humble heart and genuine desire to see the hand of God at work while we are here is exactly what this team needs and what the children of Lebanon need as well.

Sarai’s ability to communicate with the French-speaking nuns here at the Rosaire, where we are staying prior to leaving for camp, her passion for orphans, and love for Lebanon have been a tremendous blessing to us as well as the local missionary.

I shared those experiences to say that this team is full of leaders, all of whom the Lord has chosen to be reflections of His love, compassion, and gentleness in the lives of children who so desperately need it.

Tomorrow is a full day. We will be spending time with the children at the Home of Hope Orphanage, taking a language course at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, and attending training in preparation for the camp which will be lead by the local missionary, Gladys Haddad-Sebali.

Continue to pray that the Lord would open the eyes of our hearts so that we can experience Him in a new and refreshing way. Pray that each day we would decrease and that evidence of His presence would increase. Pray that as others encounter us they hear His voice, feel His love, but most importantly that they would accept His grace and mercy that is being so freely extended to them. Pray that our light would shine so that our Father in Heaven will be glorified.  

Shukran (Thank you)…..

Team Lebanon 2011

Getting Ready to Go

First Meal

Expect the Unexpected

I have been humbled and honored to go to Lebanon for the orphan & needy children camps.  I am a child psychologist and children's Sunday School teacher as well as a mom of a now adult daughter and young grandmother.  But I never expected that I would find myself in Beirut chasing after a boy.  This happened last summer.  As we prepare to go back in just a few days, here is the story.

The Runaway
One day while at the camp, one of the leaders came up to me and said about a child, “What’s wrong with him?”  I didn’t know the child so I asked what he had observed.  He said that the boy complained that children bothered him and cried.  I said, “So he’s sensitive”.  I didn’t hear anything else.   After the mission trip, I saw pictures of the boy having a good time.  When the camp ended, we waited for all the children to be picked up by buses to return to their homes.  He lived in an orphanage.   Suddenly, a car drove up to the group where I was standing.  The driver was known to me.  She was a leader I’d met in 2009.  Dona said she was driving and recognized one of the children.  He was running away!  She asked me to go with her.  I jumped in and off she sped.  Dona is a great driver!  Driving in Lebanon can be a little wild when you’re not a native.  Very scenic, there are few lights or stop signs and when you find them, it doesn't mean they will be followed.  There can be a lot of traffic and some of the roads are quite winding.  Off we sped in pursuit of a runaway child before he disappeared.  When we spotted him, he was walking in the summer heat with his duffel bag.  He was zig zagging through the traffic and spoke to several drivers.  I hoped that no one would give him a ride.   Dona asked me what to do.  I told her to follow him and when we got close to tell him to get in the car and we would take him wherever he wanted.  When she did, he refused, disregarded her completely, and crossed the street.  Concerned that he could get hit by a car or that eventually he could go where traffic would not allow us to turn readily, my lack of relationship with him and Arabic language ability; I asked that she call the camp coordinator, Gladys.  Then, he turned down a street.  The car could not go down the street because the entrance was blocked by a truck being repaired!  I knew I had to get out.  I heard Dona mention a Pizza Hut as she was directing Gladys.  I figured if I got lost and would find it.  Without knowing Arabic, a cell, a purse, or passport, I got out of the car and ran across the road.  I soon discovered that it was an alley which had several larger houses and one driveway.  At the end of the alley was a steep hill.  If he ventured down that hill, he would be gone.  He had not stopped for Dona and wasn’t stopping for me.  So I kept my distance.  I knew that I had to keep him in sight and stall him until Gladys arrived.  I saw some debris and trees and hid behind them.  From there I could see him but he could not see me.  Eventually he thought no one was following him and turned around.  I could not let him pass me but if I approached, he would run.  So after he walked pass where I was hiding, I emerged and sat on the ground.  I told him in my little bit of Arabic that I did not know Beirut and I did not know Arabic implying that I could easily get lost.  I’d caught his attention but he wasn’t buying it.  I knew now that this child was possibly depressed and using all his energy to get away from returning to the orphanage.  Then I saw some large ceramic tiles on the ground.  I began to stand the tiles in a triangle shape and envisioned myself building a church.  Now I really had his attention!  He didn’t come closer but he didn’t leave.  Shortly after, Gladys arrived.  After talking to him she turned and asked me, “What’s wrong with him?”  I’d heard that question.  She explained that when she spoke to him, he did not remember coming to the camp on a bus.  Once in the car, he shared that he thought he was near his home and wanted to go home.  Somehow God allowed me to be in the right place at the right time.  I’ve helped runaways in the States but I never imagined running after a child in a foreign land. 


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Beirut

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Having fun 

Packed and on our way....

I guess the age old saying is true – time truly does fly when you’re having fun. What a journey it has been for the eight of us. Beginning from the moment that each of us answered the call to go more than six months ago up until now, where we are actually packing to leave.

Answering the call wasn’t easy, packing isn’t easy, and leaving isn’t always easy either. I guess most of you are wondering where the fun comes in.  It is just absolutely amazing how God chooses to reveal glimpses of His glory as we go for Him and as we are growing in Him. This team has been blessed beyond measure by each of you as well as by one another. Nothing this world has to offer can compare to the joy that our Lord has reserved for those who love Him!

Packing night always seems to be one of the most memorable moments for any mission team, and our team was certainly no exception. There was just something about coming together Wednesday night that brought out more compassion in the team, more encouragement and willingness to uplift each other, and so much more excitement about all of the activities planned and time that will be spent with these extremely needy but precious children.

As the time draws closer for our departure please begin to uplift the needs of each and every child. Pray that the Lord would soften our hearts so that we are sensitive to His guidance as we interact with them.  What assurance we have in knowing that the Lord’s thoughts and ways are so much higher than ours, and that His perfect will always accomplishes the purpose for which He intended. In knowing this, pray that we will continually yield to His purpose at all times and that with humble hearts we will do any and all that He requires of us, no matter how major or minor the task.

There were a total of 8 suitcases filled with supplies!

glow in the dark glasses!

Above all pray that the door will be opened for God’s Word to impact the lives all whom we encounter and that we would be awesome reflections of God’s grace and love.

Thank You! We've Almost Reached Our Financial Goal!

As of yesterday our team support reached 90%.  Thank you!  With a deadline of 6/15/11 to reach our goal, we are just five days away!  There are still a number of individuals who plan to give.  Donating online is the fastest way for your gift to be processed.  We need all funds before we leave.   Thank you!(https://my.fba.org/portal/mission_trip_giving.aspx?filter=campaign:25|pledge:0|amount:)

Our team consists of people with families, jobs, financial obligations ...  We have dedicated months and numerous hours to get ready.  There are still purchases to be made, supplies to be weighed & packed, miles to be traveled, tents to be set up, children to be met...  Why do we do this?  Because we love God and want to show His love to others especially needy children and orphans who have been abused, abandoned, and feel so unloved.  Why do you do it?  To help us.  To invest in the lives of children.  To give to God's work on earth.  Proverbs 19:17 reads "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done".  I cannot fathom lending to God!

Support comes in many different ways. From donated items needed to carry out the mission to taking care of children while away.  From prayer to financial support.  Our support comes from many different cities.  Is your city on the list?  Thank you all!!  Alabama - Birmingham, Mobile, Tuscaloosa

California - Hawthorne
Florida - Fernandina Beach, Fort Meyers, Oviedo
Georgia - Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Ball Ground, Buford, Canton, Chamblee, College Park, Conley, Decatur, Doraville, Douglasville, Duluth, Dunwoody, East Point, Ellenwood, Kennesaw, Hiram, East Point, Fayetteville, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Hiram, Jonesboro, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Lithonia, Locust Grove, Mableton, Marietta, Milner, Monroe, Norcross, Oxford, Riverdale, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Stone Mountain, Sugar Hill, Suwanee,Tucker,Woodstock

Kentucky - Cynthiana

Maryland - Gaithersburg
Missouri - Saint Louis
New Jersey - Burlington, West Windsor
New York - Brooklyn, New York City
Ohio - Belpre, Cincinnati, Warren
Oklahoma - Edmond
Pennsylvania - Dingsman Ferry, Milford, Pittsburgh
South Carolina - Bluffton, Blythewood, Port Royal
Tennessee - Nashville
Virginia - Ft. Valley, Midlothian, Williamsburg
West Virginia - Bluefield
Wisconsin - Mequon

Puerto Rico - Carolina, Ponce, San Juan

Team Updates.......

Time is winding down, excitement is building, and preparations for camp are under way!


Of course a lot has taken place since our last blog post including some very obvious and significant events presently surrounding the Middle East. The violence continues in Syria, Libya, etc.  The death of Osama Bin Laden brings additional cautions for Americans.  While the travel warnings are high, we are excited and confident because God is in absolute control! 

Although only two team members have raised their full support, all glory to God that we were still able to move forward with purchasing airline tickets for the entire team. However, we are still in need of funds for room and board, camp supplies, etc.  We are praying to not just reach but exceed our 100% of our support by June 15th.


We just placed our order for the arts & crafts that we will be making with the children.  We have tote bags to decorate, glow in the dark glasses, T-shirts to tie dye, and much more.  We're asking our church family to donate some items such as glitter glue, craft jewels, acrylic paint, frisbees, balloons, Aleve, and ice packs.  We've been working on songs and the team is putting together a Bible story skit which involves puppets and there's a comedy act too!  There will be rock climbing, wiffle ball, and water balloon games. There is no doubt that the kids will have an awesome time at camp this year. We can't wait to see the smiles on their faces as they participate in all of these activities!

We can't carry out this camp without you. The smiles and laughter that the each child shares with us during our time with them, is made possible by your heart for God, your prayers, and your giving.

The Lebanon 2011 Mission team needs your donations to complete the trips' medical & sports inventory. We need: 1 box of exam gloves, 1 box - 25 gauze pads, 2 ace wraps, 4 ice packs, balloons, 3 frisbees, any kind of inflatable sports ball including nerf, volleyball, soccer, & kick balls as well as 8 blue, 8 red, 8 yellow, and 8 green bandanas. If you can help, please label these items for Lebanon & bring to Missions Mall or send an email to Chantelle Cudger at spiritual-qt@hotmail.com to make arrangements to send your donations.  We are also still accepting arts & craft donations as well.

If you would like to donate online you are more than welcome to do so using the following link: https://my.fba.org/portal/mission_trip_giving.aspx . You may select "Unassigned Contact" and leave a note that your giving is specifically for donations if you would like for your financial contribution to be designated towards the items listed above or if you would like to support the team so that we can reach our goal by June 15th.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support.

A-Camping-We-Will-Go...

The site for camp this year is totally different from the sites FBA’s 2009 and 2010 mission teams experienced. This is a REAL outdoor camp site. There will be tons of fun-filled activities for the children to include archery, a climbing wall, camp fires, and tents!

The team is just as excited about all of the stories and humorous challenges that the new camp site will bring. For some strange reason all we missionaries can think about at the moment is how we will get a shower and get to the restroom in the middle of the night! Pray for us!

Regardless of what challenges and discomforts we may face, they are but a small price to pay compared to what these children have endured. 

                                                                         

Praises to God that the team reached half of its total goal by our target date of April 1st!!!! Please continue to keep us uplifted in prayer for the remaining funds to be raised before we leave on June 25^th. The team is still in need of remaining support to cover our travel and lodging as well as purchasing camp supplies.  We have seen God’s hand of provision in many ways thus far, and we remain faithful in knowing that He is able to supply every single need for this trip –exceeding abundantly above all that we could ever ask or think!

The Lebanon 2011 Mission Team also needs donations of glitter glue, inspirational foam stickers, Elmer's glue, craft jewels and beads, multi-colored permanent markers, acrylic paint, and 4 tie-dye kits (for 20 shirts each). 

If you would like additional information on how to donate any of the materials listed please send an inquiry to spiritual-qt@hotmail.com.

Thank you for all that you are doing to help make this an unforgettable time for these children!



(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)