This past year everything has been turned upside down—not only what we were doing, but also how we were doing it, in addition to a foggy outlook for the future. This roller coaster ride taught us how to adapt to and be flexible with unforeseen circumstances. As a result of these challenges, we had to refocus and reflect on who we are as an organization. This self-reflection led us to redesign our logo to more accurately embody and visually represent LSESD’s spirit and purpose of longstanding, faithful commitment to seeing communities transformed and churches flourishing in the MENA region for the glory of God. As such, our in-house designers created a logo that encompasses three layers of meaning: spiritual, organizational and cultural.

As an olive branch, we are grafted into God’s “nourishing root of the olive tree” (Rom 11:17). We therefore recognize that we are part of the larger community of faith and seek to fulfill our mission through partnerships with local churches and other faith-motivated ministries.

Bearing fruit is the sign of a healthy branch. As an organization we aim to do so through the ministries and the three tracks God has entrusted us with while remaining rooted in “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” (2 Cor 13:14).

As for the seven leaves, the number seven in Scripture is full of symbolism and meaning: the fullness and completeness of God’s good creation upon which we should be faithful stewards (Gen 1) ; the perfection of God’s sustaining interventions that culminates with the Incarnation (Isaiah 11:1-2); the restoration and healing that should characterize God’s people as result of His redeeming grace (2 Kg 5:9-10); the assurance of God’s promises that we should hold on to in faith and humility (Gen 9: 8-15). Furthermore, the olive tree is first mentioned in Scripture when the dove returned to Noah’s ark carrying an olive branch in its beak as a sign of hope (Gen 8:11). Since then, it has also become known as a symbol of peace. As God’s adopted children, we are called to be peacemakers (Matt 5:9) who carry God’s peace, which is made available to us through Jesus Christ. Finally, olive oil was also used for lighting the lampstand in the Tabernacle (Lev. 24:2). As Children of light (1 Thess 5:5), we are called to let our light shine through the proclamation and demonstration of the Gospel so that the people we are serving might glorify our Father who is in Heaven (Matt 5:15).

Olive trees are very resilient; they can grow on rugged terrain, withstand low temperatures as well as long periods of drought in the summer, and can recover from fire thanks to their dormant buds. As a faith-motivated organization evolving in a tumultuous region, resilience has become part of our DNA with the buds of faith helping us carry on through the most difficult times.

Furthermore, the longevity of olive trees symbolizes inheritance and continuity for future generations. At LSESD we realize that we are mere stewards of the work God started through faithful servants before us. One day we will pass it on to the next generation as it was passed on to us. As we continue journeying with God, we understand that it is not about our mission but about His Mission and it is our privilege to be a part of it.

Although Lebanon is mainly known for its cedar trees, throughout its vast history it has also been known for its olive oil. Centennial and millennial olive trees are still standing here to this very day.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, olive oil was considered “liquid gold”, as described by Homer in the Iliad. Most Lebanese and Middle Easterners use it as a healthy, staple ingredient in many of our local dishes.

During the fall, it is common for the Lebanese to offer freshly pressed olive oil to family and friends. At LSESD, we are blessed to have an olive grove on our campus and visitors are welcome to try some of our olive oil when they visit!

Since we are located in Lebanon and serve throughout the Middle East and as a faith-motivated organization, we felt that the olive branch with the three olives captures the spirit, the mindset and the regional scope of our organization.