Just like a pinch of salt brings out the flavor in a delicious dish and a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel brings hope to the voyager, so is our ministry called to be in a flavorless and dark world.
Over the years and as the needs grew, we gradually saw BCYM morph into a multi-track community development ministry. While children and youth are still at the core of our program, we felt the need to invest deeper into the life of local churches we partner with whether through training, leadership, formation, discipleship, and community service.
Our approach involved closely partnering with church plants and young congregations, not only to proclaim the Gospel but also to demonstrate it within their community, exactly as Jesus envisioned for His church.
With new avenues, the ministry is reaching new geographic clusters and previously untapped communities from different religious and/or ethnic backgrounds in Chouf District, North and South Lebanon. Given the expanded scope of the ministry, we felt a name change was needed.
Why “Salt and Light”?
Rich in meaning, the “Salt and Light,” metaphor is rooted in the teachings of Jesus. Both salt and light exist for the benefit of others, illustrating how Jesus envisions our roles as His followers—a medium through which God’s blessings can flow into the lives of others. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells His disciples, “I am the light of the world.” He then shifts the torch of responsibility, saying, “You are the light of the world”. We must understand that we are not the original source of light; instead, we mirror God’s light that has been bestowed upon us. As stated in Matthew 5:16, we are called to be the light that shines before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.
As followers of Jesus, what is expected of us? We are to embody qualities that reflect His character—creating positive, beneficial, and purifying influence. This role brings with it a significant responsibility, for the light’s purpose is to illuminate the truth.
In parallel, salt plays a significant role in that it preserves, cleanses, nourishes, and adds a distinctive flavor, symbolic of how believers are to influence the world around them. But, if we claim to be Christians without embodying this light and salt—without positively affecting our surrounding community—we risk becoming like the salt that has lost its taste, which Jesus said is “good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Matthew 5:13).
How did BCYM grow into Salt and Light?
Today, while our country is in dire need of resurrection and people to serve as salt and light–planting the hope that pursues justice and conveying the teachings of Jesus–LSESD is fully engaged in strengthening the witness of the church. Over the course of 17 years of ministry, God has continuously helped us in fulfilling our mission to serve as a bridge of support with a vision aimed at seeing communities transformed and churches flourishing in the region, all for the glory of God.
A Beneficiary’s Testimony
In one of our partner church plants, the journey started by establishing trust with the community through home visits which led to home Bible Study groups. Due to the increased need this year, we have rented a center that enabled us to start outreach programs and provide social services which include medical team visits, launch a non-formal education center, and provide food and non-food assistance. The crisis over the years has robbed the people of any sliver of hope and left them surrendered to their bleak situation until we took our place as God’s ambassadors and brought hope and joy back to their lives through social, physical, and spiritual care. This center has provided employment opportunities to several citizens of this town. Amid persecution and diverse challenges, we were still able to deliver the Gospel and be a light in this village. By practically reflecting and demonstrating God’s love towards this community, they saw this place as a haven they could trust without having the spiritual part imposed on them.
Each day, we encounter people in need of hope, disconnected from the love of God. As beacons from a lighthouse, God employs His children to guide them back to Him. Therefore, the name “Salt and Light” is not merely a label for our ministry—it is a mission statement, a calling, and a reflection of our faith-filled commitment to serving others, just as Jesus taught us.
‘SALT & LIGHT’ MINISTRY EXISTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS
Salt & Light’ is a multi-track community development ministry which aims at strengthening the witness of the Church, Church engagement and community engagement through various activities, as well as providing a comfortable environment and place for seekers and believers to come and worship the Lord together.