Syria-Lebanon Partnership Update
Two days. Two locations. More than 400 women.
It was a busy weekend in early May for some of the staff of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL) as they traveled to Syria for two, one-day women’s conferences. The events were something of a regional mini retreat, a glimpse of the larger gathering that occurs each year in Lebanon.
In total, these spring gatherings brought together more than 400 women; the first in Latakia and the second near Homs, both locations in Syria. Under the theme “standing firm with unwavering courage, God is forging a new path,” the conferences were time for women to connect, to share stories, to worship, and to pray.
While the women anticipate a retreat this summer that will bring them all to one place, for now it was safer, and a little simpler, to gather closer to their homes.
That’s not to say it was easy. Just getting there had its challenges. Leaders coming from Lebanon had to walk across one border because the bridge was still out following years of hostilities in the region.
For the women too, such gatherings come with risk. It’s not easy to travel in Syria. It’s expensive and many roads are still being rebuilt after years of war. But for the women, risk is part of normal life. As Najla Kassab, the Head of the Synod’s Christian Education Department, reminds us, “We take risks just to continue.”
In this case, the risk is worth the reward; such gatherings are good for the soul.
Najla Kassab, head of the NESSL Christian Education Department, addresses the gathering of women.
In a context shaped by war, instability, and fear, it’s the women who carry the burdens not just of the family, but of the church too. These mini conferences provide a place of respite and encouragement. It’s a place for women to tell their stories to other women who get it. Their experiences might not be identical, but they share common themes of loss, heartache, and uncertainty. Sharing stories with one another is a reminder they aren’t alone in their struggles. “We survive through these hopeful stories.” Kassab says, “Gatherings [like these] are like getting some air when you’re drowning.”
But it’s not just about the women themselves; these conferences strengthen their local churches too. Women arrive tired and worn down, but return home renewed and energized, recommitted to serving their churches.
Such gatherings are also a reminder that while the local church can feel small – even isolated – since Christians remain a minority in both Syria and Lebanon, the Church there is many parts connected to one body, the Synod, which connects 40 congregations in Syria and Lebanon.
“When we come together it feels like God is with us,” Kassab concludes.
The Impact
Gifts to the Syria/Lebanon Partnership are a way to stand alongside faithful believers living on the front lines of suffering. Together, we can strengthen local churches, sustain hope, and ensure that Christ’s love continues to shine in some of the hardest places.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of NESSL. The Synod is made up of 40 congregations spread throughout Syria and Lebanon. Your gifts provide support for these congregations and their pastors, in addition to supporting projects such as the women’s conferences. All gifts of any size are welcome to support our Presbyterian family of faith in Syria and Lebanon.
You may make a gift by sending a check to the address below with Syria-Lebanon Partnership in the memo or you can donate on the GIVE page of our website: www.theoutreachfoundation.org.
