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ABTS
Amid conflict and injustice, we see God at work
Five years ago, in the bustle of a typical afternoon, one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history rocked Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, killing more than 220 people, injuring over 6,000 others, devastating entire neighborhoods, and leaving an entire nation traumatized.
Bearing Fruit In Its Season
At Thimar-LSESD, our very name, “Thimar” (ثمار), meaning fruits in Arabic, reminds us daily of the sacred calling to bear the fruits of faith. Yet bearing fruit is not a product of mere effort or secret evangelistic formula.
Amid a fragile ceasefire, moments of joy and rest
This year, people in Lebanon are celebrating Christmas differently. With weary hearts after a period of intense aggression, we are reminded of the one true hope and the peace that brings comfort to our souls. After nearly 13 months of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, a 60-day ceasefire went...
Appointment of Wissam Nasrallah as New President of ABTS, Effective October 1, 2025
December 9, 2024 It is with great joy that we announce Wissam Nasrallah’s appointment as the next President of the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS), effective October 1, 2025. This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life and ministry of ABTS and its broader...
BBS
A Lighthouse in the Storm: An overview of BBS’ war response
By Jad Tabet Sitting in his office at Beirut Baptist School (BBS) in Msaytbeh, a predominantly Muslim neighborhood in the middle of Beirut, Jean-Pierre beamed with energy. The smile on his face was a stark contrast to the landscape around him. In areas near the school, buildings are still damaged...
In the shadow of war, Lebanon’s economic crisis threatens a vital Christian school
Jawad cried as he cleared his office at Beirut Baptist School in late July. He didn’t want to leave his teaching position at the school he had known for most of his life, but the rising cost of living in Lebanon left him with no other choice.
Fear of the Lord: A Foundation for True Wisdom
The fear of the Lord is a foundation for true wisdom and empowers high school graduates to face life’s challenges with integrity and purpose.
Leading BBS with Grace and Faith: The Story of Alice Azar
Discover the journey of Alice Azar, Principal of Beirut Baptist School, as she exemplifies the power of prayer in leadership.
BCYM
Let the Children Come
or Jesus so loved the world that he came to fulfill our need for salvation. Every Christmas season, we commemorate this message by spreading the good news of salvation among children.
A Long-Awaited Harvest: BCYM Summer Recap
Ministry work is often like gardening. You till the soil, plant seeds, faithfully water, but mostly you watch and hope for fruit. Then, all at once, when the weather is finally right, the garden seems to explode with new life.
Ordinary People, Extraordinary God
Georgette Issa has been in a wheelchair since the age of one. For her, leaving the house is a tough and pricey task. Not only must she pay for rides, but she has to check if there is electricity, so she can use the elevator to move in her wheelchair.
From Avoidance to Trust: Catholics & Evangelicals
On May 2, BCYM (Baptist Children and Youth Ministry) led a children’s event for over 170 youth! Invited by MIDADE Maghdouche and Abouna Chady, our team had the privilege to spend the day singing hymns, sharing Bible stories, crafting, and enjoying lunch with the community.
DMAH
Launching a New Youth Bible Curriculum for Today’s World
Saturday, June 27 marked an important milestone for youth discipleship in Lebanon as Thimar-LSESD’s Dar Manhal al Hayat (DMAH) and Salt & Light ministries officially launched a new Youth Bible Curriculum, the fruit of nearly five years of development by author and Executive Director of the Lebanese Evangelical Society Toni Haddad.
Protected: Bringing Christian Resources to Iraq and Kurdistan
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Breaking Taboos in Syria
Maya sat in the conference hall of the sweltering Syrian monastery with her husband and 16-year-old daughter. As a church leader, she was excited to hear, for the first time in her life, a qualified professional explaining how to address sensitive topics like porn and sexting to her daughter and...
Behind Closed Doors, What is Happening?
Behind closed doors, a battle is raging for their minds and hearts. Teenagers and young adults grapple with challenges less tangible but just as real as physical needs and safety. Gender identity, sexual and pornographic material, and substance abuse are complex, deep-rooted issues affecting youth.
MERATH
Helping Syrian families return home
A home rehabilitation project in Syria is helping families displaced by war return to their communities and neighborhoods.
Supporting Lebanon’s Unseen Migrant Domestic Workers
Insaaf is a Lebanese Christian organization that supports and advocates for migrant domestic workers. Through medical assistance and access to clinics, food support, vocational training, computer and language lessons, and weekly Bible studies, Insaaf serves women who often go unseen in Lebanese society. MERATH partners with Insaaf to strengthen this work, supporting a community that is often unseen.
Winter Deepens the Humanitarian Strain on Displaced Families in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley
Snow coated the mountains around the Beqaa Valley and turned the roads into a slippery passage. The cold cut through the streets, where small, fragile houses were scattered across the hillsides.
How a BBS teacher is trusting God in Lebanon’s post-war uncertainty
After a year of airstrikes, sonic booms, and constant fear, more than a hundred preschoolers stood proudly on the graduation stage at Beirut Baptist School (BBS) in June.
SKILD
Equipping Syrian Church Leaders to Foster a Culture of Inclusion
Through its new “The Culture of Inclusion: Scientific Knowledge and a Practical Mission” course, SKILD is training church leaders from Iraq and Syria on how to welcome children with special educational and behavioral needs.
Solid Roots, Infinite Horizons: Lebanon commemorates 13th National Day
By Daniella Daou On April 10, Lebanon celebrated the 13th annual National Day for Students with Learning Difficulties, a day that has become a powerful symbol of cultural transformation and a milestone for children with learning differences. First launched in 2013, this day began as a call for...
Kings and Queens of Our Hearts
Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night celebrating individuals with special needs in Lebanon and crowning them as kings and queens.
The Impact of Small Gestures
In a world bustling with events that shake our peace, tranquility can still be found. It exists in the simplicity of small gestures. Like quiet architects of peace, their beauty has the power to mend fractures in our hearts, demonstrating a unique form of love — a love that Jesus taught us.
Devotions
From a Spectator Church to a Priesthood of All Believers
Instead of being overcome by despair, we realized that, in the same way Christ entered the darkness of our fallen world as “the light of men”, we need to be the light within the tunnel for those around us for “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
Poetry: Light in the Tunnel
But there is light – light in the tunnel! Followers of Jesus Christ are in the tunnel: Keeping the Beirut Baptist School and SKILD going and growing!
A Hymn of Faith: “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”
This song was recorded on August 4, 2020 – the morning before the Beirut blast. Like the song says, we “don’t know about what will come tomorrow”,but our God does. There are many things we don’t understand, but we can trust in the One who holds our hand.
Are You Okay? We’re Focused On Him.
Faith grows in pain. We learn to surrender to Him when we feel helpless. We then fix our eyes on Him, and we plant a seed of hope.
Updates
Op-Ed: Is There Going to be War in Lebanon? Recent Updates
The recurring question arises, almost ritually: “So, how is the situation? Any news?” Will there be a war in Lebanon? Read this Op-Ed part 2.
Will There Be a War in Lebanon?
The most recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for over a month. Will There Be a War in Lebanon?
Appeal: Sustaining Light on Campus
Lebanon has been living at the mercy of power cuts by the state provider and rationing of private generators due to fuel shortages. Public electricity is only available between 0 and 2 hours a day, while diesel has been in short supply and at a very high cost.
Exodus: The Existential Threat Facing Christians in the Middle East
Driven by increasingly desperate living circumstances and no visible resolution in the near future, a significant number of Lebanese have been forced to seek a sense of normalcy abroad.
Annual Reports
Impact Report 2024 – 2025
Thimar’s 2024 – 2025 Impact Report looks at the regional work of our six ministries during the fiscal year. From special needs education training in Lebanon to humanitarian projects in Syria, this report highlights another year of Thimar coming alongside the church in the MENA region to empower its witness.
Impact Report 2023 – 2024
Thimar’s 2023 – 2024 Impact Report looks at the regional work of our six ministries during the fiscal year. It includes a special focus on our response to the 2024 war in Lebanon, along with other regional challenges.
Impact Report 2022-2023
We are thankful that we are all one big family in Christ, with our different gifts and callings. Read THIMAR-LSESD’s Impact Report 2023-2023.
Impact Report 2021-2022
We trust that God is in control, so whatever work He begins – He will finish. Nothing we do is in vain. In times like these, our communities desperately need a Church that demonstrates the unwavering and practical love of Christ.