Is There Hope?

A word from Elie Haddad, President
Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS)
A partner school of reSource Leadership International

“The conflict in Syria is far from over, and more than half of the country’s population is displaced. No one knows when or how the conflict will end. The devastating war in Yemen has turned the country into a humanitarian catastrophe. The political and security situation in Lebanon and the region continues to be unstable, especially with the recent escalation with Iran. Sudan is in turmoil. The economy is collapsing in many countries of the region. Churches are being closed in Algeria, not to mention the Arab-Israeli conflict that continues to destabilize the region.”

“Common sense dictates that we flee from a troubled region, while God’s calling for the Church is to endure, to discover its prophetic role, to proclaim the love of Christ, to live out Kingdom values, and to exhibit to the world the marks of the reign of God.

This is the kind of Church that is needed in the Arab world at a time like this. … We, at ABTS, are humbled and thrilled to be called by God to serve such a Church. … We work on developing leaders who are critical thinkers, with a strong spiritual character and competence in ministry skills, in addition to a pronounced missional impulse. Our region is starving for leaders. Our churches are facing a crisis of leadership.”

“The astonishing reality of the ministry of ABTS is that we get to work with churches and leaders all over the Middle East and North Africa to empower them for ministry. … God brings into this web of ministry global partners who empower us, enable us, and join us in this mission. What an encouragement it is to be part of God’s global network coming together to accomplish His mission.

Is there hope? Absolutely! God is raising His Church to be His witness in the most unlikely place at the most unlikely time. To Him be all glory, honor, and praise!”

Taken from the July 2019 E-Newsletter of ABTS. Read the full article.