NABIL COSTA ~ Lebanon  

TRUSTING CHRIST AMID CRISES     

                            
Nabil Costa, FBA Faith Promise Missionary serving in Lebanon, directs a Christian organization with a mission to serve the Church in Lebanon and the Arab world through spiritual, social and educational development. 

Despite his country witnessing a third collapse - of the judicial system, after the economic and political collapse, Nabil and his wife remain, trusting Christ amid crises. Below, they share updates.

Three recent massive earthquakes in Turkey have added to the devastation in the Middle East region, as Turkey is often considered a bridge between Europe and the Middle East.

Syrian churches offer a glimmer of hope to earthquake-affected people 

Another earthquake hit last week, after two powerful earthquakes struck near Turkey’s border with Syria on Monday (Feb. 6). Many buildings have collapsed, thousands of people are dead or missing, and even more are left without shelter right during a winter storm. It also triggers painful memories and trauma for people who have experienced conflict and the destruction of their cities.

Since the earthquakes struck, we have been in close contact with our partner churches in the Aleppo, Hama, Lattakia, and Tartous governorates. They are devastated but have already stepped out to help earthquake-affected people around them. They have identified urgent needs for food, hygiene, and winter items.

We are currently receiving donations to help our Syrian partner churches provide food, blankets, warm clothes and jackets, and hygiene supplies to displaced and affected households residing in various shelters.

As we lament over the plight of our Syrian neighbors and while we seek to support them in practical ways, we are reminded that “the LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18

Pray for Lebanon, as the only solution is a Godly intervention.   Pray for peace in the Middle East and regions of North Africa. Pray that the Church in the Arab World would remain steadfast amidst the rise of extremist groups and be a lighthouse and haven to those affected by the raging conflicts in the region. Pray for God's guidance and provision as they work towards inclusive educational opportunities for all, including children with learning challenges.

***********************************************************************************************************************************

The Week of Prayer for North American missions is annually observed by SBC churches to pray for missionaries, their ministries, and their families. Prayer is the fuel for spiritually sustaining missionaries in places where the gospel is greatly needed, but often opposed.

The official 2023 date is the first Sunday in March through the second Sunday - March 5-12.

PRAYER & PRAISE ~ March 1-7, 2023

  

3/1 Nabil & Lena Costa (our featured blog guests)

Christar, Lebanon 

Lebanon is witnessing a third collapse, after the economic and political collapse, with the judicial collapse as the investigation over the port explosion is further politicizing an already corrupt system. Please pray for Lebanon, as the only solution is a Godly intervention. Three  massive earthquakes in Turkey have added to the devastation in the Middle East region, as Turkey is often considered a bridge between Europe and the Middle East. 

 

3/2 K & C 

Middle East / USA 

Thank God for the western tradition of “due process of law.” Pray for strong Christian witness to the current ever growing “Woke”-Leftism agenda against Christianity.

 

3/3 Bela & Ildiko Dobos 

Word Of Life (WOL) Hungary 

Please pray for their Mission Conference March 3-4, that the Lord would work in young people’s hearts to make a commitment to serve the Lord or renew their relationship with Him. Pray for the Go Mobilize program March 6-12, as Bible Institute students serve in seven different countries. The Dobos will lead the group to Portugal to serve alongside WOL Portugal in evangelism.

 

3/4 Fotis & Mary Romeos

AMG International, Greece 

Please pray for the following events: March 4-11, Trinity Christian Academy educational trip in Greece, March 17-19, Conference of the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches, and March 24-26, Romanian conference at CosmoVision Center.

 

3/5 LINDA SUMMER 

The Agape Puppets, USA/Worldwide

Pray for Linda’s work overseas as she leads women’s conferences. She will be teaching from Dr. Stanley’s 30 Life Principles, or at least several of them. Linda is also training thirty new trainers in storytelling. Pray for Linda’s health; even with COPD, she continues to minister. In March, she will minister in Brazil. 

 

3/6 Rick & Elisabeth Arnold 

Pioneers, Inc., West Africa 

Praise God through FBA, He has provided the finances for one new roof in preparation for the rainy season and one shade roof for the Pre-School.

 

3/7 PAUL & LOIS JENKS

AMG International, Asia 

Pray for a survey team of doctors and spouses coming from America on March 7-11, as they look for service opportunities here, both at the By Grace School and at the Thai Myanmar border where AMG assists refugees from Myanmar. Pray for AMG’s leadership as they have sold the current office facilities and are building and then will move operations into a new facility.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58 (NASB) 

Our monthly Prayer & Praise Calendar is also available on fba.org/globalmissions