Affirming the Christian Presence and Witness in the Middle East
Rev. Habib Badr attended the Executive Committee meeting of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), held at St. Mark Cathedral, Abbassia in Cairo, Egypt from 3-5 November, 2015. The meeting was hosted by the Coptic Pope, Tawadros II. The leaders and representatives of the four Christian families (Evangelicals, Eastern Orthodox [Greek], Pro-Chalcedon and the Catholic) tackled many critical issues and agreed upon several details, such as the possible unification of the Easter Day as a sign for their common witness and the urgency of dialogue with Muslims (as all share the same destiny). Also it has been agreed to consider the forced displacement and refugees’ crisis as priority for humanitarian assistance, remembering the Armenian martyrs as indication of Christians facing persecution. Finally, the meeting called for the election of a president of Lebanon, signifying the unity of the nation and promoting stability. The Executive Committee also considered the General Assembly of MECC that will take place next year, as a new General Secretary will be elected then.
150 Anniversary of Translating the Bible
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of publishing the Arabic (Boustani - Van Dyck) version of the Bible an opening service took place at our church on Sunday, November 1, 2015. This was an introduction for a two-day international Conference on the occasion of this translation (PROGRAM). Different evangelical churches along with Coptic, Maronite, and Orthodox churches participated in the Conference.
During the opening service the congregation joined the organist Martin Hollenriegeland sang an old Arabic hymn written by Ibrahim Sarkis who brought the first copy of the Bible from the American Printing Press (a room near our church which does not exist anymore) into the church in 1865.
Rev. HabibBadr, the pastor of the church, and after 35 years of ministry, summed up his spiritual experience of the Bible by saying: "I love the word of God... It is the lamp of my feet and the light of my path".
Celebrating Reformation Sunday
On the occasion of Reformation Sunday on October 25, 2015 a special service took place in Rabieh Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Many faithful people from different Evangelical churches in Lebanon came together to celebrate the reformation day. The organizing committee prepared a blessed service reflecting on the richness of the Reformation heritage that keeps reforming our communities. The general theme: "As Lively Stones" (1Pt. 2:5) POSTER (pdf)
Honoring Dr. Raja Hajjar
"By love serve one another" (Gal. 5:13)
Honoring Dr. Raja Hajjar upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service and dedication to the National Evangelical Church of Beirut (NECB). This momentous occasion was celebrated with a reception in his honor on Friday, October 16, 2015, at NECB.
When time was given to Dr. Raja to say his word, he summed up his life quoting Peter in the Gospel of Luke 5:5, "Master... at Your word I will let down the net". Therefore, Dr. Raja said, "because I relied on Jesus's word, my life was full of blessings and graces". He also recalled a unique personal story that changed his life when he was young. When Rev. Moufid Abd El-Karim raised his hand and the end of the worship service and said the benediction, a dove accidentally entered the church from the window and sat upon the communion table, something moved in his soul made him rely more on His word. And now, at the "autumn years of my life", Dr. Raja conclude, "I will rest on Your word".
Interfaith and Community Service
Dr George Sabra was invited by U.S. Department of Education Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships that works with the White House, and the Corporation for National and Community Service, to participate in the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge.
The gathering, according to press materials, “offers an opportunity for students, staff, and administrators to share experiences, learn from experts, and meet Obama Administration officials who share a commitment to community service with an interfaith engagement component.”
