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In ancient times, cedars were highly desired for building. Ships, houses, and temples were all made from cedar trees. Perhaps the most famous builder who used cedar was King Solomon. His temple was built with cedars imported from ancient Phoenicia (modern day Lebanon). Today the cedars are seen as a national symbol of strength and perseverance to the Lebanese people. The tree figures prominently on the nation’s flag.
Over the years, the cedars diminished through trade. Constant war ruined the land of Lebanon. The country lost its strength economically and its people were weak. But they have not lost hope. Lebanon is in a state of rebuilding today. Both the country, and its cedars, are slowly beginning to thrive again.
Christianity in Lebanon has also survived in an area of the world where other religions have tried to destroy it. The local pastors long to see their churches grow strong and to see the Gospel of Christ proclaimed. These pastors desire training so that they can be better equipped to understand and expound the Word of God. They want to be growing themselves so they can better teach and shepherd their flocks.
By God’s grace we plan to move to Lebanon to assist the Lebanese people to build a strong national church. We want to partner with the Lebanese and see God use us to help build a strong and vibrant church again in a land where Christianity once thrived.
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