Near East School of Theology Update October 2025
Under the leadership of its new president, Dr. Martin Accad, Near East School of Theology (NEST) has embarked on a new and promising chapter – one marked by hope and action.
Amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic and political instability, NEST persevered with remarkable resilience. During the violent conflict that shook the country between September 2024 and January 2025, the school kept its doors open and reached out in service to displaced families in the surrounding neighborhood. Since the ceasefire, NEST has continued forward in grace, celebrating new academic milestones. Two graduation ceremonies took place for 40 students: five in Beirut who completed accredited degree programs, and 35 in Armenia who earned certificates in Biblical Studies and Christian Education.
NEST also reopened and revitalized its Christian Education Resource Center (CERC), under the leadership of Hala Bitar. The vital ministry aims to equip churches, lay leaders, and teachers with the resources they need to thrive. NEST’s renewed vision – to be a place of hospitality, unity, education, and spiritual and social renewal – goes beyond academic achievements. It also includes infrastructural maintenance and esthetics work to better meet the community’s needs. Over the past year, significant maintenance and renovation work has been completed to prepare for new and returning residential students. This included waterproofing the basement floors to preserve the structural building’s integrity, refurbishing the sports facilities, and upgrading the library with new lighting and a welcoming reading space.
These developments are inspiring and deeply encouraging. They bear witness to God’s faithfulness and sustaining power in this historic ministry – the oldest Protestant seminary in the Middle East, serving since 1932. We leave you with a word of gratitude from Dr. Martin Accad: “as we begin the new 2025–26 academic year, I cannot but pause and feel a great sense of gratitude for the past year and for the many who have stood by NEST during this transition. Despite the challenges, we are deeply grateful for the blessings and growth that we have experienced as a community.”
NEST needs your partnership to continue this journey. You can help write the next chapter in its story – enabling the school to serve students and churches across the region. Your support can expand NEST’s core budget and scholarships for future church leaders. Would you consider sharing about NEST’s ministry with your community and joining us in prayer and support for this faithful witness in the heart of the Middle East?
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation seeks gifts to support the mission and ministry of the Near East School of Theology in Lebanon. All gifts of any size are welcome. You may send a check to The Outreach Foundation at the address below or online at www.theoutreachfoundation.org.
Thank you for being part of this movement of grace, compassion, and unwavering faith.