October 01st, 2012

Click on Photo for Video

Dear Pastors, Missionaries, Chaplains and Friends,

Steve Jones here…Today I did a quick search of the word, “Lebanon”, on my smart phone.  Lebanon is mentioned 71 times in the Bible.  One of them particularly “poked” me, Isaiah 29:17 (NLT) “Soon—and it will not be very long—the forests of Lebanon will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops”.

Most of us are praying for a spiritual “bumper crop” to be harvested in the Middle East.   However, for years we’ve witnessed barbwire, instead of a bounty of fruit.

I remember  visiting the border of Israel and Lebanon in 1998.  Being the clueless tourist, I took a photograph of the barbwired, barricaded border.  Lebanese soldiers immediately picked up their binoculars from 100 meters away looking straight at me.  I smiled and quickly slipped away.

However, we continue to dream, envision and pray for fertile fields and bountiful crops spiritually speaking in Lebanon.  One of the key ways this will be accomplished will be by capturing the hearts of Lebanese children.  Penetrate the nation with the Gospel one child at a time.

Introducing Karim and Rita Anayssi
I’m pleased to introduce you to Fellowship International missionary appointees, Karim, and Rita Anayssi.  They are active members of Willowdale Baptist in Toronto.  Both Karim and Rita grew up in Lebanon, immigrated to Canada, were living the dream in the comfort and affluence of Canada, but, then the Lord got hold of their hearts to go back to Lebanon as missionaries.  They are fluent in the language(s), know the culture and are ready to serve the Lord through our Fellowship churches.

Karim has become the Executive Director of the Cedar Home Orphanage for girls. The Anayssis have two girls, but, if you ask Karim, he’ll tell you they have 14 daughters.  His dream is to increase this to over 50 girls (they have the capacity already) caring for their spiritual, physical and emotional needs.

The Anayssis provide a unique opportunity for churches and individuals to partner in prayer and finances as these young lives are impacted for Christ on different levels.

This humanitarian and relief mission initiative might be perfect for churches who wish to involve their members on short term missions trips to be involved on children/youth ministry.

We need to complete the Anayssi’s support package as soon as possible so that Cedar Home might have Karim and Rita’s full attention.

Please pray for Karim and Rita Anayssi. I have attached a brief  VIDEO CLIP above (2 minutes) to introduce you to Karim and Cedar Home.

Please prayerfully consider financially supporting the Anayssis this year possibly as a one-time gift or as a monthly partner.  Please consider them for your church’s mission budget for 2013.  Is the Lord speaking to you about reaching this new generation for Christ in Lebanon?  Gospel penetration will occur in the Middle East through the children and young people.  The “Arab-Spring” has largely been a young people’s movement yearning for democracy…why not the gospel?!

Please consider inviting Karim and Rita to your church if you have further interest.  Thank you.
 
Are you registered for Fellowship 48, our National Convention?
Our National Convention is November  5-7, 2012 in beautiful Niagara Falls, at the Sheraton on the Falls hotel.  Rooms are only $89 and are limited.  Register soon.

My prayer is that couples will come to Fellowship 48 this year as we hear from a ministry couple in a seminar format.  Peter and Geri Scazzero will be sharing about improving our spiritual and emotional health as believers and ministry couples. Our Convention concludes with a banquet with Christian humorist, Phil Callaway… it’s good to laugh, good for the soul.

Register on-line, mail or phone  TODAY

Have a blessed week.
Steve Jones

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