Testimonials
Calne Baptist Church – UK
“I’m a Baptist Minister in the UK and had visited Lebanon twice before. I wanted others from my church to have an experience of what God it up to in Lebanon. It is like seeing the book of Acts played out in front of your very eyes. In the mists of war in Syria and continued troubles in Israel, parts of the Lebanese church have been transformed by the amazing love that God has given them for the other (the Muslim and the refugee). Many Lebanese have their own personal stories of working through the issue of forgiveness and many refugees have stories of visions and dreams, and coming to faith in Jesus Christ through the love they have been shown by the church.
The accommodation at ABTS is comfortable and LSESD provide the most amazing hospitality. We were well looked after throughout our time, not wanting for anything and never did we feel in any way unsafe.
God is doing awesome things in Lebanon and my experience continues to inspire me in my ministry back home. I have many stories to tell of how God transforms people’s lives in the most amazing way. I have a bigger picture and understanding of God and his calling on my life. As we step forward in faith here in the UK, I am reminded of the many risks God’s people have taken in Lebanon and how God is blessing all they do in his name. I am now one of God’s risk takers too!“
Exodus World Service
“Traveling from the U.S. to Lebanon to learn about LSESD was an extraordinary experience. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed and accompanied by enthusiastic staff who shared their knowledge of the region and culture of beautiful Lebanon. Staying at the Guesthouse in Mansourieh allowed for clean accommodations with meals, great views, internet and front desk support. The hospitality of staff members was endless. They guided us through visits with all of their ministries, introduced us to local church partners and educated us on the refugee crisis. A highlight was seeing refugee families experience God’s love through LSESD programs. LSESD engages the church to serve the needs of refugees with dignity and compassion. God is at work in Lebanon through LSESD.”
Hope Church Glasgow
“Here are photos from our time at the church in Fanar. It was a really wonderful experience meeting and ministering to the women in this church. We particularly loved hearing their stories and listening to the amazing ways that God is working in their lives. We felt privileged to be there even for a short while and wished we had much longer!
The food in Lebanon is absolutely fabulous, and we ate like kings! We also shared some wonderful fellowship over food everywhere we went, including our trip to the Bekaa Valley, and with the other visitors from Bavaria. I’ve also always been privileged to spend an evening being hosted by Nabil and Alia, a real treat and experience that I relish every time. Nabil is such a charismatic host and makes everyone feel welcome and special.
Visiting the True Vine Church in the Bekaa Valley is my favourite thing to do when I come to Lebanon. It’s a very special place because God is doing an incredible work there, and I’ve seen this grow every time I’ve visited. The church reaches out to the refugees in a very practical way that is fantastic, and they are truly the hands and feet of Jesus. But they also share the love of Jesus with them through worship and scripture. I love it!
Lebanon is a land of huge Biblical and historical significance. There are ancient remains from Roman and Crusader times everywhere, and when you visit Tyre, Sidon, and the Bekaa Valley you are struck by the incredible thought that you are walking in places mentioned many times in the Bible, and places that Jesus himself visited.
Our primary reason for visiting Lebanon is to see the work that LSESD and the Lebanese church are doing with the Syrian and Iraqi refugees. This is a real privilege, and always inspiring and challenging. Every time I’ve been on a trip I’ve been able to visit the home of a refugee family – whether that’s in a tent, or a small cramped room, or indeed in an unused cattle shed! There is nothing quite like sitting with a refugee family and hearing their story to help you understand just how brutal the Syrian war is, or how amazing our God is!”
International Ministries
“Our mission agency (International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches) has been a partner with LSESD for many years. We brought some of our Global Consultants and key leadership staff for meetings, with the LSESD staff providing logistical support. The arrangements were all fantastic, carried off with the over-flowing hospitable grace so famous in the culture. More important to us, however, was the incredible work being done by the various folks in the LSESD projects ranging from refugee relief to youth work to publishing to education. We were moved by many stories of God’s transformative work, seeing first-hand the impact of what these visionary and compassionate friends have done. This is a great work. We’re glad to be involved through our financial and personal participation. We encourage others to join in this effort at a strategic place for ministry in our world.”
“What a blessing it is to meet yet another branch of the Body of Christ in Beirut at LSESD! We arrived strangers and left praising God for these faithful, gracious, dedicated brothers and sisters in Christ. We were inspired and encouraged by the many LSESD leaders who shared their vision and ministry with us. We also worshipped with joy at two churches. Our hosts gave us thumbnail history lessons about the history, culture, and religious climate of Beirut that deepened our appreciation for the complex dynamics in this part of the world. The Moore Conference centre was a comfortable, friendly, safe place to stay and have our meetings – the staff were very accommodating and made us feel welcome. And Lebanese food… oh my!”
Virginia Baptist
“My time in Lebanon was incredible. I was absolutely blown away by every aspect of my experience. The Lebanese Baptists are responding with love, compassion, and excellence to the most needy of their communities in both effective and profoundly beautiful ways. LSESD, with its six branches of work, is perhaps the best run and most effective faith-based organization I have ever worked with. They are extremely professional, organized, and efficient while still leading with warmth and grace. God is doing amazing things here with these people. Lebanon itself is stunning; the landscape dramatic, moving, and breath-taking. The geo-politics and socio-economic structures of the country show how complex our world is, but seeing Lebanese Baptists engage boldly with their context is nothing short of inspiring. Our team was so incredibly well taken care of and looked after. I never once felt unsafe, even in the chaos that is Beirut traffic! I cannot recommend strongly enough a visit to Lebanon and LSESD. Seeing God’s work there will change you and inspire you.”
