The Philemon Project GROW Centers in Beirut, Lebanon are expanding with the “Grow2” buildout of a new center. By God’s grace, the buildout is progressing very well. Their contractor has a great team in place, and they are working diligently to get everything ready for a hopeful summer 2024 opening. Robert Hamd, Executive Director of the Philemon Project, shares a video tour of the new site which he visited in January. You can view the tour by clicking here.

Together for the Family cares for Syrian refugees through ministries including baby care for new mothers, medical and dental clinics, and educational classes for children. Executive Director Izdihar Kassis recently shared this news:

• In response to the 6.4 magnitude earthquake in February 2023, we set up three schools and classrooms in the affected areas to provide educational and psychological support to 61 students. This program will continue through 2024.

In our waiting and grief over our tremendous losses, sometimes we cannot help but cry out with the psalmist, “Relent, Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:13-14). Our hearts long for the joy and gladness of Christmas and the celebration of our Lord and King. We do live daily in a deep reverence for the wonder that is the Christ Child, that He was given to us here, even in our hometown!

Their unwavering spirit fuels our determination to stand by them in their time of need.

Excerpts of a letter received from the Middle East Council of Churches and the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees:

Our hearts ache to convey this message during what should be a season of joy and togetherness. Amid strife and sorrow, we reach out to you, dear partners supporters, and friends, with heavy hearts. This Christmas, our usual celebrations are shadowed by turmoil and the tragedy of Gaza.

Letter of Lamentation

We at Musalaha lament the devastation and unfolding tragedies in Gaza and Southern Israel. We stand firmly against the embrace, use, and justification of violence against civilian populations in the name of justice, vengeance, and liberation. We are distressed and overwhelmed, never having seen this scale of inhumanity, anguish, rage, and hatred before.

The GROW Center is safe and continuing our important work of providing the best early childhood development, food support, and adult mentoring, all in the name of our Savior, Jesus!