Training Conference for Female Leaders of Syrian and Lebanese Churches
The National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, or NESSL, has been pouring into its female leaders equipping them for the next decade of ministry and outreach in their communities. These women represent their churches in the biblical cities of Sidon (Lebanon) and Damascus (Syria), in cities prominent in international news such as Beirut and Aleppo, and in many lesser-known but vital communities. Each participating church sent one long-time leader and one emerging female leader.
The war in the Middle East prevented our team’s intended presence this spring, but on April 18, three Outreach Foundation trustees joined virtually for a Bible study session by Zoom. Rev. Nancy Fox from National Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., Rev. Lisa Culpepper from Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church in Lexington, KY., and Lois Andrews from First Presbyterian Church in San Diego, CA., represented The Outreach Foundation on this virtual Bible study.
Rev. Najla Kassab, Director of Women’s Ministry for the Synod, addresses the gathering on the screen in the photo.
Rev. Nancy Fox led an interactive Bible study on 2 Corinthians 12:7b-11, about God’s strength working in and through Paul’s weaknesses and our own, as the apostle Paul wrote: “…for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” The Syrian and Lebanese women are living amid challenges not unlike what the apostle Paul described: weakness, hardships, difficulties.
Some of the women are still displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon because of bombings that have destroyed one of the churches, the pastor’s home, and other buildings. All of these women are struggling through crippling financial challenges due to the war and earthquake, foreign sanctions, the Lebanese bank collapse, the port explosion, and the lack of a functioning government.
During these struggles, just as Paul did, they hold firmly to their faith and calling to serve God with joy in whatever situation. In this daily context, they love and serve their families, congregations, and communities in the name and likeness of Jesus. The women’s ministries in these churches are vital and active! In the midst of challenges, God’s Spirit makes them strong.
We are thankful for trustees like Nancy, Lisa, and Lois, whose passion for partners like NESSL helps fuel the global mission of Christ in the Middle East. These three have previously attended numerous women’s conferences and have visited the churches in Syria and Lebanon. While the faces of our sisters and friends on this recent Zoom call were small, they were familiar along with the stories they told. Inshallah (God willing), an American team from The Outreach Foundation will join them in person for their third training conference and graduation next spring!
Fellowship - even over Zoom - can be a blessing. However, as we all know after COVID, Paul’s truth is especially evident, that when we are together: even in our weakness, that is when we are strong. Please pray for The Outreach Foundation's global mission partner NESSL as they live out God’s call during a difficult time in the Middle East. Please also pray that our team can attend next year’s conference in person!
