Greetings from Beirut, dear friends,
We are rejoicing in the Lord these days for all his goodness and mercies toward us. We are experiencing God’s powerful hand in everything we do. We can say nothing other than:
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. (Lamentations 3:22)
Family Update
Some of you have been asking about Timothy. Once again, we have seen God’s faithfulness in Timmy’s life over the past two months. After Timothy underwent ACL surgery in November, we discovered that he had two blood clots—one in his lungs and another in his leg. This was due to a genetic condition and was, of course, somehow related to the surgery. He spent about five days in the hospital and was then released to go home. This was a very scary and exhausting experience for our whole family. We can truly say that Timothy has walked through the shadow of death, and we are deeply grateful for God’s mercy and grace toward us. Yes, we were extremely tired, worried, and emotionally drained. This has been especially heavy for Almess, particularly in light of everything else we have been navigating recently.
Timothy is recovering well, and we are monitoring him closely over the next few months, praying that he will not need to remain on medication for long. Indeed, we are so proud of Timothy, who serves the Lord with all his capacity despite all that he has been through. We sense that there is a spiritual battle surrounding his life, and we are continually praying for God’s protection over him. We also invite you all to join us in prayer for this young man.
Nathaniel has been enjoying his gap year while continuing to work on his projects. He has already applied to a few universities and is prayerfully waiting to see how God will guide him in the next phase of his life. Let us continue to lift him up in prayer, asking for God’s wisdom and guidance throughout this process.
Having gone through all of this, we are now in a much better physical and emotional place as a family. One important reason is that we have moved to a new church as a family, where we worship and serve the Lord together. This move took place last November after much prayer and discernment, and the whole family was very supportive of this step.
This move was also an answer to prayer over the past two years, as we have witnessed the loss of a significant number of Christian leaders in Lebanon due to the ongoing unrest the country has experienced in recent years. We strongly sensed that it was time to step in and support the Church in Lebanon during this challenging season, especially in light of the shortage of leaders and pastors. We are greatly encouraged, as we are now supporting one of the churches in Lebanon that has a real need for Emad’s pastoral ministry.
This move has given us renewed energy, as we truly feel at home in our pastoral ministry. Emad is using his teaching and pastoral gifts there, and Almess is using her hospitality gifts and is very encouraged by this new beginning. We have already witnessed and experienced God’s hand in many different ways: the warm welcome we received as a family, the space given to us to serve, and the encouraging number of families who have begun attending the church with us. We praise God for this move and for the renewed energy he has given us to serve the church in Lebanon.
CBM in Egypt: Integral Mission
Over the past year, CBM has walked alongside more than 10 churches within the Egyptian Baptist Convention, supporting their growth and service through Church-Led Community Initiatives.
This project has helped the church create and offer safe and inclusive spaces where people can connect, learn, and serve together. The project has encouraged collaboration between families, church members, youth, and community leaders, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and unity. As people worked together in educational programs, support groups, and service activities, relationships deepened, and barriers were reduced.
Additionally, the project has strengthened the church’s relationship with the wider community. The church is increasingly viewed as a welcoming and reliable partner that listens to local needs and responds with compassion and respect, opening doors for ongoing cooperation, dialogue, and joint initiatives beyond the scope of the project.
Sport Ministry
Philo, a 17-year-old high school student from Bani Mazar- a city in Upper Egypt, lives with his mother and siblings while his father travels for work.
Despite the challenges of financial strain and his father’s long absences, Philo finds joy in his family, friends, and studies, holding onto his dreams for the future. Through the church-led sports ministry, he has participated in table tennis training and other activities that have helped him stay active, build new skills, and feel part of a supportive community. These experiences have encouraged him to manage his time wisely, make better decisions, and choose friendships carefully, all from a biblical perspective.
The sports program has also strengthened Philo’s sense of calling and ministry. Inspired by his mentor, Peter, he has learned how to walk alongside other young people, creating safe and welcoming spaces through sports where youth can grow spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
Philo is now actively engaging in church programs, helping peers, and setting a positive example in his community. He expresses heartfelt gratitude to those who pray for him, saying, “It makes me feel loved, cared for, and close to God, even when things are hard.” Through this ministry, Philopater is not only growing in faith and character but is also becoming a source of hope and encouragement for others.
We invite you to join us in prayer for Philo and all the young people in this ministry, asking God to continue guiding and protecting them as they grow in faith and service.
CBM in Egypt: Leadership Development
The Church Leadership Development Project continues to provide pastors and church leaders with practical training, mentorship, and opportunities for spiritual renewal.
Along with conferences, seminary training, and pastoral retreats, these efforts help leaders grow in confidence, make wise decisions, and collaborate more effectively. By equipping pastors and church leaders in practical ways, the project strengthens their ability to guide their congregations, care for families, and make a meaningful, lasting impact in their communities.
Serving with Faith and Purpose: William’s Story
William has faithfully served his church in Al Matba‘a (Dar El Salam), a busy neighbourhood in southern Cairo. Living with his wife in an apartment building that also houses the church, William finds joy and purpose in preparing the space for worship, meetings, and Sunday school. Despite the challenges of aging, health, and financial responsibilities, serving the church brings him strength, hope, and a daily reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Through the Leadership Development Project, William has gained practical ministry skills, encouragement, and confidence. He now organizes church activities more effectively, supports families with care and compassion, and helps create a welcoming, safe environment for all. His faithful service has strengthened the church’s presence in the community, inspired others, and shown how Christ’s love can be lived out through daily acts of dedication and service.
CBM’s Unique Approach in Egypt
CBM’s work in Egypt is rooted in walking alongside the local church, listening carefully to their visions and dreams, and providing both human and financial resources to help them flourish. By encouraging churches to engage actively in their communities, CBM supports a new generation of leaders to dream boldly and see those dreams become reality. Through this holistic approach—combining guidance, training, and partnership—churches are strengthened to serve faithfully, build meaningful relationships, and bring Christ’s love into every corner of their communities.
Praise and Prayer requests:
Praise & Family Prayer:
- We give thanks for God’s faithfulness in Timothy’s life, especially his recovery and resilience. Pray for continued protection, strength, and spiritual growth for Timothy as he walks faithfully with the Lord.
- Pray for Nathaniel as he navigates the next phase of his education and life, asking for God’s wisdom and guidance.
Ministry Prayer Requests:
- Pray for the Church-Led Community Initiatives in Egypt, that the safe and inclusive spaces created through these projects continue to nurture spiritual growth, unity, and positive relationships in local communities.
- Pray for the young people involved in the sports ministry, like Philo, that they may develop leadership skills, strong character, and a desire to serve others in their communities.
- Pray for pastors and church leaders participating in the Leadership Development Project, that God would equip them with wisdom, courage, and practical tools to guide their congregations and expand the Church’s impact in society.
Emad, Almess, Timothy & Nathaniel
