Philemon GROW Project Update October 2024

We are happy to share with you an update about the incredible work happening at the Philemon Project’s center in Bourj Hamoud, Beirut, Lebanon. In the midst of the challenging times that Lebanon is going through, this center is a beacon of hope and transformation for vulnerable and at-risk children. It is a safe place where God’s love is demonstrated to them in tangible ways, in acts of love that transform the hearts of these children and their families. Your generous support makes all the difference in these lives. Together, we can continue to plant seeds of hope, love, and transformation in the lives of these precious families.

New Church Development in Egypt Update September 2024

A Year of Steadfast Faith, Hope, and Diligence

This year has been a powerful witness to God's work through the Pastoral and Outreach Ministries Council of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Egypt (EPCE). Thanks to the generous hearts of those who stand alongside this ministry, lives are transformed, and hope is born.

Persian Diaspora Partnerships (Radmard) Update September 2024

With August comes hope borne from fresh starts. Our young ones are experiencing new teachers and the fun of classmates reuniting. Our congregations are stepping into Fall with new series, studies, and opportunities. For The Outreach Foundation, August brought a visit with the men of Radmard, one of our partners in the Persian Diaspora. Radmard, which means “men of purity,” is a ministry offering Persian-speaking families around the world a fresh start through men transformed by Christ. Our visit in August opened our eyes to the breadth and depth of this ministry.

Middle East, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationSeptember 2, 2024Radmard, Persian Diaspora Partnerships, Türliye

Near East School of Theology Update July 2024

The Near East School of Theology (NEST) is pleased to announce the election of Dr. Martin Accad as its 11th president, effective September 1, 2024. Dr. Accad brings a wealth of experience in theological education, interfaith dialogue, and leadership within the academic and socioreligious communities.

Projects, Partnership, Middle EastThe Outreach FoundationJuly 10, 2024NEST, Near East School of Theology

Bethlehem Bible College Update May 2024

We hope this update finds you well. Here at Bethlehem Bible College, we are finishing our spring semester with 8 graduates from our Biblical Studies program.

Recently a group of Bethlehem Bible College students, under the supervision of Dr. Madeline Sara, organized an activity as part of their Youth Ministry course titled "Who’s Your Influencer?" This activity was part of their final practical project for the course, where they invited diverse groups of Christian youth from the Bethlehem area.

Iraq Partnership Update May 2024

Electric Generator and Distribution Board Needed!

We received some encouraging news from our partners in Iraq this week – the church in Erbil is growing! As a result, they have outgrown their meeting space. These are the kinds of challenges we love being part of at The Outreach Foundation!

Partnership, Projects, Middle EastThe Outreach FoundationMay 27, 2024Iraq Partnership, Iraq Appeal, Iraq

Syria/Lebanon Partnership Update May 2024

The Outreach Foundation has a long-standing history of fueling the global mission of Christ in the Middle East. Our mission partners there live out God’s call for their ministries in a variety of ways including new church development in Egypt, reconciliation work by Musalaha in Israel and Palestine, theological training and education by the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo and Near East School of Theology in Lebanon, and humanitarian relief work among refugees by the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon. Each of these ministries has merit, however, given the current situation in the Middle East, relief work among refugees is strongly needed.

Israel/Lebanon/Palestine Appeal Update April 2024

Our friends at the Pastoral, Outreach, and Mission Council (POMC) with the Synod of the Nile in Egypt, continue to do God’s work in the Middle East. POMC helps revitalize existing churches, plant new churches, and send missionaries across the globe to places where God’s hope and love are most needed. And now, a major portion of their outreach is helping those in Palestine as POMC addresses critical humanitarian needs for vulnerable populations in the region.

Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo - March 2024

Dr. Samuel Rozfy visited with numerous partners during his most recent trip to the United States, January 26-February 6. He began his visit with a stop in Hendersonville, Tennessee, visiting the Community Church of Hendersonville. Community Church is a new ministry partner, currently funding a MAT scholarship. Don and Ann Crittenden joined him as he attended the ECO National Gathering in Greenville, South Carolina. His host for the event was the Eastminister Church in Marrietta, Georgia.

Musalaha in Israel and Palestine - March 2024

Hiba Allati, Project Manager with Musalaha, updates us on what they are currently going through in the Middle East. Read excerpts from her story below:

Israeli Military raids were a part of the reality I grew up in as a little girl in the West Bank during the Second Intifada. Today, these life-interrupting events continue to traumatize families and seem to be getting worse.

Middle East, Projects, PartnershipThe Outreach FoundationMarch 7, 2024Middle East, Musalaha

The Philemon Project Grow Center - February 2024

The Philemon Project GROW Centers in Beirut, Lebanon are expanding with the “Grow2” buildout of a new center. By God’s grace, the buildout is progressing very well. Their contractor has a great team in place, and they are working diligently to get everything ready for a hopeful summer 2024 opening. Robert Hamd, Executive Director of the Philemon Project, shares a video tour of the new site which he visited in January. You can view the tour by clicking here.

Together for the Family — January 2024 Update

Together for the Family cares for Syrian refugees through ministries including baby care for new mothers, medical and dental clinics, and educational classes for children. Executive Director Izdihar Kassis recently shared this news:

• In response to the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in February 2023, we set up three schools and classrooms in the affected areas to provide educational and psychological support to 61 students. This program will continue through 2024.

Middle East, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationJanuary 24, 2024Together for the Family, Lebanon

Bethlehem Bible College — We Wait in Hope

In our waiting and grief over our tremendous losses, sometimes we cannot help but cry out with the psalmist, “Relent, Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:13-14). Our hearts long for the joy and gladness of Christmas and the celebration of our Lord and King. We do live daily in a deep reverence for the wonder that is the Christ Child, that He was given to us here, even in our hometown!

Middle East, Partnership, ProjectsThe Outreach FoundationDecember 28, 2023Bethlehem Bible College, Bethlehem, Israel, Palestine

Christmas Message from the Middle East Council of Churches and Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees

Their unwavering spirit fuels our determination to stand by them in their time of need.

Excerpts of a letter received from the Middle East Council of Churches and the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees:

Our hearts ache to convey this message during what should be a season of joy and togetherness. Amid strife and sorrow, we reach out to you, dear partners supporters, and friends, with heavy hearts. This Christmas, our usual celebrations are shadowed by turmoil and the tragedy of Gaza.

Musalaha — As We Lament

Letter of Lamentation

We at Musalaha lament the devastation and unfolding tragedies in Gaza and Southern Israel. We stand firmly against the embrace, use, and justification of violence against civilian populations in the name of justice, vengeance, and liberation. We are distressed and overwhelmed, never having seen this scale of inhumanity, anguish, rage, and hatred before.

Important News, Middle East, PartnershipThe Outreach FoundationNovember 2, 2023Musalaha, Israel, Palestine

Philemon Project GROW Center — November 2023 Update

The GROW Center is safe and continuing our important work of providing the best early childhood development, food support, and adult mentoring, all in the name of our Savior, Jesus!

Projects, Partnership, Middle EastThe Outreach FoundationNovember 2, 2023Lebanon, Philemon Preschool GROW Center, Middle East

Partner Updates

Their unwavering spirit fuels our determination to stand by them in their time of need.

Letter of Lamentation