Sarah and I returned to the U.S. in the month of June. As you no doubt know, many missionaries returned home this summer, largely under pressure to push up our support base and reach 100% of our expected goal by the end of September. Our quest towards this goal began by traveling south from Eugene (Oregon) to California. We attended the Biennial in Pasadena for a day and a half, but starting on Sunday, June 28th, we began visiting churches and individuals and updating them with our ministries. This is also an opportunity to personally thank many of you for your prayers and support. From Northern California, Dan traveled to Southern Idaho, followed by visits to 3 churches in Ohio and 2 churches in Michigan. We have now returned to Beirut and resumed our ministries
Some Graduating Students:
Daoud (Sudan) was a hot favorite to be the valedictorian for the Class of 2009. Daoud excelled in studies, practical ministries, and had a great burden to obey God’s call. In order to reduce his financial burden, he left his wife and two children in Damascus (Syria) and came alone to our seminary. His wife bore the brunt of raising their kids on her own in a foreign country. His 9-year-old daughter is severely epileptic and had to be under constant care. With great determination he completed his training at our seminary. Initially he will be ministering among the Sudanese community in Damascus.
Michel (Lebanon) grew up in Northern Lebanon during the troubled years of Lebanese Civil War. His formal education was severaly disrupted due to the 15 years of unrest. Michel says, “I was religiously inclined even in my teen years. Now that I am graduating, I have been challenged to think about life in God’s terms.” He is excited about his future ministry and what God has in store for him. He will be ministering in the region of Tripoli in Northern Lebanon.
Draoui (Algeria) is a remarkable young man with a great heart and a keen intellect. He was finally chosen as the valedictorian after a keen contest. He comes from a country which has very few Christians with a history of religious persecutions. Ironically, Draoui comes from North Africa, a land which produced theological giants like Tertullian, Cyprian, and Augustine. With his keen mind, Draoui may well pursue higher education in Christian Theology. For the time being, he has returned to his native land to minister in a small church in his home town of Algiers.
Challenges Facing Seminarians: The economic downturn in the West has affected the financial support for our seminary in Beirut. ABTS is resourcing missions and ministries in about 9 countries in the region. While church growth may not be spectacular in comparison to other parts of the world, we are witnessing a steady growth and we thank God. When we observe our seminary students and look at the great risks they take, and the burdens they have to overcome to be trained, we are truly humbled.
- Please pray for Arab students who come to be trained at our seminary, both those who are new to faith, and those from Christian back ground, that God would protect them and honor their calling
- With great pride International Ministries (ABC-USA) will soon be celebrating the 200 year anniversary of our Mission Society, yet our involvement in the Arab World began 11 years back, in 1998. This is too little too late in a region which is often called the Last Great Frontier in Christian missions. We may have become pre-occupied raising support for missionaries, while the challenges of ministries are abounding.
- In the months ahead, I would be making special appeal regarding challenges of ministries in the Middle East. Please prayerfully consider what part you can play in the venture.
- Please pray for the new batch of students who would be joining our seminary this month from the neighboring countries, that God would open the doors for student visas to Lebanon. This is very important.
Thank you and God bless you,
Sarah & Dan Chetti
Mansourieh-Metn, Lebanon