Syria-Lebanon Partnership: National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL) Update
It’s already been a busy summer for the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL).
In addition to the ongoing support for its 40 congregations, NESSL, alongside the Committee on Religious and Spiritual Affairs, hosted two camps for youth and children, with several more to come this summer.
Each camp brings together young people from across the Synod, Syrian and Lebanese alike. Located in the mountains at the Synod’s historical retreat center in Dhour Shweir, Lebanon (about 25 minutes from the Synod’s offices in Beirut), the camp offers a chance to get away from the realities of daily life.
That means something different for each person. For some, it’s a chance to escape the hardships of ongoing regional hostilities. For others, it’s a chance to reunite with friends they haven’t seen since being forced to leave their homes. Camp is a glimpse of “normal” in the midst of so much uncertainty and a chance to experience peace, and find respite from the pressures and busyness of daily life.
The first camp was for junior high and high school students. The time was filled with worship, singing, interactive workshops, Bible lessons, and plenty of time for fellowship and games.
Gathering under the theme “What content did I bring?”, the youth spent five days considering how to interact with the digital world. They talked about the content they engage with online and on social media and how that content shapes their hearts and minds, whether or not they realize it.
But they also talked about the content they produce and how that content can reflect their faith, not just on social media but also in the world.
At their closing worship, the speaker drew from the practice of archery, using the image of an arrow that gets launched towards a target. The youth were launched from camp as “arrows” carrying a message that makes a real difference in their community.
A few days later, after a brief rest for the leaders, a children’s camp launched under the theme “We are Unbroken.” Children joined for four full days of vitality and blessings, as they learned together. Their time was filled with fun excursions, learning centers, creative worship, team games, competitive activities, and even a talent show!
Through daily sessions, the children learned about foundational spiritual truths such as God is with us, God is our refuge, God works behind the scenes, and God invites us to belong.
At their closing worship, the kids lit candles and sang “The Light is in My Heart” as a reminder to shine with light as they returned to their homes and daily lives.
These educational and discipleship opportunities aren’t just for fun and fellowship; they help strengthen the local church, too. The youth and children returned home renewed in spirit and energized in faith. That joy, energy, and love are contagious for those unable to attend camp.
And the summer isn’t over yet! Camps for families, university students, and women will occur in the coming weeks.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Please join us as we pray for the work of NESSL and churches in Syria and Lebanon. Pray for children and youth who returned home and for those who will participate in camps this summer.
Opportunities like this don’t happen without incredible support from partners like you. The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts of any size to assist NESSL and the 40 congregations it supports. You may make a gift by mailing a check to the address below with Syria Lebanon Partnership on the memo line. You may also make a gift on the GIVE page of our website www.theoutreachfoundation.org.
