Greetings from Beirut, dear friends,
As a family, we are deeply grateful to the Lord for His goodness over these past few months in so many different ways.
To begin with, we had the joy of celebrating Nathaniel’s graduation from school in June. This milestone has meant so much to Nathaniel, especially with the relief of being free from school pressure. It’s a blessing not only for him, but for the whole family as well. During this gap year, Nathaniel is planning to focus on finishing the book he has been writing – It’s a science book for kids, explaining common everyday objects and how they work – while also completing an online diploma in teaching from Arizona University.
We’ve also seen God’s faithfulness in Timmy’s life this summer, particularly in his service to the Lord. He has been involved in several camps as a leader, and the number of people who prayed with him was far beyond what he expected. He is so encouraged and truly senses that the Lord is using him in powerful ways. Unfortunately, Timmy tore his ACL and will need knee surgery later this month. Please keep him in your prayers, as he feels at times that these challenges are spiritual attacks against him.
As I write this, Almess is in Iraq attending a wedding and enjoying a precious reunion with her family after such a long time apart. This is a very meaningful trip for her, and we pray it will be a time of rest, joy, and refreshment.
This season has also been one of transition for us. I (Emad) have shifted much of my focus to Egypt, serving in the areas of integral mission and teaching, while Almess continues her tutoring role at ABTS. As you know, times of transition are never easy, but we are thankful to CBM for making this shift as smooth as possible for our family. At this stage, this shift of focus has not required any further changes, so we will continue living in Lebanon for the time being, the country our family deeply loves.
CBM in Egypt: Theological Education
Over the past years, pastors across the Baptist churches in Egypt have expressed a growing need for theological education that nurtures both theological understanding and pastoral formation. In response, the Baptist Convention of Egypt established Carey Theological Seminary for Theological and Pastoral Formation—a practical, biblically grounded initiative led by a team of pastors and ministers from the Evangelical Baptist Convention in Egypt, proudly sponsored by the convention and its leadership.
I have the privilege of teaching in the areas of biblical and theological studies at the Seminary, both online and in person.
This past summer, I taught a course on Biblical Theology of Youth, designed to equip students to think thoughtfully about the discipleship of the next generation in their churches and communities.
The course emphasized the importance of collaboration in youth discipleship:
“Now is the time for the whole church to come together, for parents to be equipped, and for youth leaders to embrace their calling as bridges between the church and the home. Together, everyone can nurture a generation that is faithful, thoughtful, and actively living out their faith.
When we approach youth discipleship this way, it becomes a shared journey—a partnership between the church, the family, and those who guide our young people. Our prayer and hope is to raise a generation that will carry the torch with devotion, wisdom, and hearts that engage both the church and the wider world.”
It has been deeply encouraging to read the projects students developed to help their churches take an active role in youth discipleship. We praise God for the growth I have seen in students as they learn about discipleship among youth. Great projects have been developed to help the church body, families, and church youth leaders work together toward youth discipleship. Please pray for these projects as they are implemented.
Another important aspect of the course has been addressing societal challenges faced youth in Egypt. Students have thoughtfully identified these issues and explored them from both social and biblical perspectives. May our Lord continue to guide these students as they grow in their involvement with society and in their commitment to disciple the next generation.
Here are our prayer requests:
- For Timothy – Please pray as he undergoes knee surgery this month. Ask the Lord to grant him encouragement and patience, especially as he feels disappointed about the recovery time ahead. May he sense God’s nearness and peace in this season.
- For the ministries of the Baptist Convention of Egypt – As the school year begins, pray for the educational centres to be places where children and youth not only grow intellectually, but also spiritually. For some churches, this remains a new adventure, and they need wisdom and strength as they develop these ministries further.
- For Almess – She continues to tutor 22 students while also learning how to share her faith effectively. Please pray that God would bless her efforts, give her joy in this ministry, and open doors for these students to encounter Christ’s love.
- For Emad – I am in the final stretch of writing my commentary on Jonah. Please pray that God will grant me clarity of thought, inspiration, and perseverance to complete this important work.
Emad, Almess, Timothy & Nathaniel
