Spring Recap and Summertime Plans
Dear Life Center Family,
Blessings, as we gather once again in spirit, if not always in person. In these pages, you’ll find a reflection of our shared experiences, the highs and the lows, the moments of grace and the challenges we face as a community of faith.
As we continue our ministry journey, spring has indeed blessed us with resilience in overcoming obstacles. But let’s not forget, summer is just around the corner, bringing with it a flurry of exciting events and opportunities.
Sustaining our Ministry
It's crucial that we stand firm in upholding the integrity and momentum of our ministry. That's why we've been diligent in ensuring that we fulfil our goals and mission every day, both in our various projects and during our church meetings.
This commitment ensures that we stay true to our purpose and continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of our community members without taking all the blessings God has given us for granted.
Beqaa Valley Update
Our mission in Aashkout, predominantly assisting Kurdish Syrians, and in the Beqaa Valley, aiding mainly Arab Syrians, is facing significant challenges. Despite our best efforts, securing funding for our project and even covering basic expenses has become increasingly difficult.
The current situation is dire, with Syrian refugees facing the threat of arrest, detention, or forced return to their home country. The pervasive fear among Syrians has paralysed daily life, making it nearly impossible for them to leave their homes to seek employment.
While sending Syrian refugees back to their home country might be a good solution for non-believers, it is not a viable solution for Syrian believers of our community. For many, returning means facing the obligation of mandatory military service, where they risk their lives on the battlefield or facing persecution (by their own families) for accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and saviour.
This reality amplifies the strain on us as we strive to support their livelihoods. The urgency of our situation cannot be overstated. Without adequate support, our ability to sustain our vital work is in jeopardy.
Mothers' Club
We’re thrilled to announce a brand new addition to our calendar – "The Mothers’ Club". This monthly meeting is designed to offer spiritual and psychological support for mothers and expectant mothers alike. Not only will we be providing essential assistance such as children's vitamins and monthly doctor visits for pregnant women, but more importantly, this gathering will serve as a sanctuary for moms to enjoy fellowship, and relaxation. Join us as we create a nurturing environment where mothers can recharge, connect, and thrive.
Labor Day Break
We embarked on a memorable journey to "Theopolis" at Douar, extending an invitation to all Church of God members across Lebanon to unite for a day of conference, fellowship, and mutual sharing.
It was a remarkable opportunity for us to come together, share our faith, deepen our connections, and enjoy the warmth of community as we broke bread together. Let's cherish the memories made and look forward to more gatherings that strengthen our bonds and enrich our spiritual journey.
We started our month with a conference with the slogan “We not Me” for all of our pastoral team and staff where we delved into the distinction between a group and a team, emphasizing the importance of shared purpose, open communication, trust, collaborative problem-solving, and celebrating diversity. These insights serve as foundational principles as we continue to work together towards our common goals, united as a cohesive and effective team.
Plans For Summer
During our bustling summer months, we will embark on a series of conferences and camps that play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, knowledge sharing, and personal growth. However, organizing such endeavours entails significant expenses, including venue rentals, speaker fees, and logistical arrangements. Without adequate support, our ability to host these enriching experiences may be compromised. Your generosity ensures that we can continue offering these impactful gatherings and creating impactful and memorable experiences for all involved.
Additionally, we know many parents struggle with paying upcoming school fees. Education is crucial for us, so helping families with this is a big focus. Any support you can offer would mean a lot.
Thank you for joining us in this journey of faith and community. As we continue to walk this path together, let us remember to uplift and support one another, spreading joy and light wherever we go. May God’s blessings be upon you until we meet again.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” – 2 Corinthians 13:14
Blessings,
Said Dib
Life Center, Beirut