Beqaa Valley, Lebanon: Ken has been working with Heart for Lebanon and their partnerships and ministry among Lebanon. Home to many Syrian and Iraqi refugees in the last several years. Excerpts from the Oldham most recent newsletter read as follows:
Since our summer in the United States, I have spent almost as much time in Lebanon as I have in Egypt. While Keli and the kids were beginning a new school year, I went back and forth to Lebanon twice; first to participate in the annual Ana Terzo young adult camp, and then again last week for the annual Heart for Lebanon fall staff retreat. So, this is a good time to update you on what we're seeing experienced from the Christian community in Lebanon these days.
Nearby Crisis
The Syrian conflict continues to rage to the north of Lebanon, occasionally spilling over into the border communities. The Iraqi crisis brought about by the development of ISIS radicals taking over a larger territory in Syria in Iraq not only led to an increase in Iraqi refugees into Lebanon, but also ISIS insurgents failing in their attempt to take over part of Lebanon's Bekaa valley at the beginning of August. ISIS has also executed two Lebanese soldiers just as they did the American journalists. And, there is also the Israel-Gaza clash to the south of Lebanon, that occasionally has Hezbollah factions in southern Lebanon contributing to the violent skirmishes. That's three major world events pressing in on this tiny country--and not only is Lebanon absorbing refugees from these events, they are also absorbing the emotional and psychological strain, too.
H4L (Heart for Lebanon) continues to grow and exceed their dreams almost quarterly; new staff, increases in non-USA financial support, and new vision are only part of the story. H4L is one of those Christian communities that not only has a plan, they continue to plan greater and broader ministries of service to reach or partner to reach more and more families. As I and other American pastors/leaders gathered last week for the annual H4L staff retreat, we observed their smiles, their joy, their positive interaction, and their sincere prayers of faith. At one point, I asked one of the other leaders, "Do you sense any 'doom or gloom' among these believers?" To which he responded with an incredulous, "No, not at all!"
It wasn't that the H4L staff were unaware of the nearby crisis, or the car bombs, or the retaliatory strikes, or the possibility of another ISIS invasion--they knew these things probably better than most because they are on the front line of service to the victims of these events. The difference was the faith to personally respond courageously; not fear, requesting for external contributions.
It's a joy to partner alongside of Ana Terzo, Church of God, and Heart for Lebanon--for planning and praying for greater Kingdom effectiveness, even in the midst of trouble.
Thank you for your continued encouragement, prayers and support for us and the believers in the Middle East. Now that I am back in Cairo, the family begins a very busy week: returning to regular weekly CCF Kids and CCF Worship this weekend, and meetings with Church of God pastors next week. We hope to have an update on these and other Egyptian ministry activities soon.
To contact the Oldhams directly: oldham.servant@gmail.com
Since our summer in the United States, I have spent almost as much time in Lebanon as I have in Egypt. While Keli and the kids were beginning a new school year, I went back and forth to Lebanon twice; first to participate in the annual Ana Terzo young adult camp, and then again last week for the annual Heart for Lebanon fall staff retreat. So, this is a good time to update you on what we're seeing experienced from the Christian community in Lebanon these days.
Nearby Crisis
The Syrian conflict continues to rage to the north of Lebanon, occasionally spilling over into the border communities. The Iraqi crisis brought about by the development of ISIS radicals taking over a larger territory in Syria in Iraq not only led to an increase in Iraqi refugees into Lebanon, but also ISIS insurgents failing in their attempt to take over part of Lebanon's Bekaa valley at the beginning of August. ISIS has also executed two Lebanese soldiers just as they did the American journalists. And, there is also the Israel-Gaza clash to the south of Lebanon, that occasionally has Hezbollah factions in southern Lebanon contributing to the violent skirmishes. That's three major world events pressing in on this tiny country--and not only is Lebanon absorbing refugees from these events, they are also absorbing the emotional and psychological strain, too.
H4L (Heart for Lebanon) continues to grow and exceed their dreams almost quarterly; new staff, increases in non-USA financial support, and new vision are only part of the story. H4L is one of those Christian communities that not only has a plan, they continue to plan greater and broader ministries of service to reach or partner to reach more and more families. As I and other American pastors/leaders gathered last week for the annual H4L staff retreat, we observed their smiles, their joy, their positive interaction, and their sincere prayers of faith. At one point, I asked one of the other leaders, "Do you sense any 'doom or gloom' among these believers?" To which he responded with an incredulous, "No, not at all!"
It wasn't that the H4L staff were unaware of the nearby crisis, or the car bombs, or the retaliatory strikes, or the possibility of another ISIS invasion--they knew these things probably better than most because they are on the front line of service to the victims of these events. The difference was the faith to personally respond courageously; not fear, requesting for external contributions.
Thank you for your continued encouragement, prayers and support for us and the believers in the Middle East. Now that I am back in Cairo, the family begins a very busy week: returning to regular weekly CCF Kids and CCF Worship this weekend, and meetings with Church of God pastors next week. We hope to have an update on these and other Egyptian ministry activities soon.
To contact the Oldhams directly: oldham.servant@gmail.com
