Let me tell you about two new friends, Samuel and Amal, from Lebanon. We met during an online Bible study sponsored by the International School Project. You likely heard about the explosion that rocked Beirut earlier this month. The explosion flattened the port and damaged buildings across the city up to six miles away, as shown in the before and after photos. 

When the explosion happened, Samuel and Amal, ISP staff members,  were 25 miles away in the mountains. Had they been at their apartment in Beirut, less than a mile from the port, they likely wouldn’t have survived. The blast blew doors and windows into their home, and broken glass covered their floors and furniture. “We badly need your prayers,” Samuel said. They verified that our staff members and key teachers survived the blast unharmed, but they, too, suffered damage to their homes. 

Earlier this year, Samuel and Amal led ministries to students and teachers at multiple schools. Every week, they hosted assemblies during school hours and club meetings during recess. On March 15, when the city shut down because of COVID-19, they continued, but with online meetings. They discussed topics like fear, worry, surrender, and God’s care for teachers and students during and after the virus. 

Nana, another staff member, started a Facebook page for teachers. She posted a video viewed by 9,300 people. She received messages from 27 people. Teachers are still asking questions, and they want to know more about starting a relationship with Christ. 

Samuel and Amal, and Nana, will rebuild their apartments, and help their neighbors. They also plan to help teachers repair their homes. Schools were closed before the blast. Now, before they can reopen, they have to be repaired. 

Will you take a minute and pray for our staff members and key teachers as they clean up? Ask God to help them repair the damage and to be able to help others around them. Pray that they will have opportunities to talk about their faith as they work.

Thank you for your prayers and generosity. Your gifts allow us to continue the work God has called us to do.

— Anne Marie, for the Winzes