May Newsletter 2020

"The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."
Psalm 9:9

Dear friends and partners,

The world is still facing the Covid-19 crisis that brought us health challenges, death, economic recession, and frustration; however, it taught us how to reprioritize and acknowledge what is important. There were many difficulties at all levels, but we have been flexible and learning lessons for growth and improvement. While, they advise us to keep physical distance from one another, yet we are drawing closer to our Heavenly Father, enjoying his care for he has been our good shepherd, and loving Father during this crisis. He provided not only our physical needs but also comfort, strength and peace. 
 
Two months ago, no one expected that we would be staying at home for such a long time. We hoped it would be a matter of days, but it turned out to be weeks and months. However, the ACCTS team is back to the office once a week to meet and plan. The team did their best to adapt to the change, showing great dedication and generosity in stewarding time and effort. We celebrate each other and everything we could achieve. 
 
This pandemic brought about opportunities to help and serve our community as well. The month of May, in particular, has been challenging yet fruitful and opened doors to creativity. We are delighted to share our journey with you for May. We encourage you to read and pray for us.
 
Nabeeh & Ruba Abbassi 
 

A Regional Prayer Campaign
AWT Joined the global wave of prayer calling all Christians to pray in May. What happens when women from various Arab countries join in prayer for God's work in their lives and countries? Anything can happen! The power of God is manifested, and prayers are answered. AWT conducted an organized 10-day prayer campaign. Each day focused on a country or region in the Arab world with specific prayer requests sent by our women ambassadors. On the tenth day, we came together for an online meeting of worship and prayer. 
 

Online platforms from vision to reality
ACCTS excelled in worked remotely. AWT started holding training and special meetings on zoom. The first online training focused on how to be successful in your life roles and gathered women from six Arab countries. Being consumed in their roles, we seized this quarantine opportunity to make a real difference in their lives, helping them set and manage their priorities.

Ruba Abbassi shared a heartfelt message based on David's words in psalm 9:9, encouraging women who are facing challenges and many responsibilities. Affirming that the source of their strength comes from the Lord: their father, refuge, and strength. She encouraged them to fix their eyes on the one who can help them overcome the weaknesses, and satisfy the needs by his power and divine wisdom "a very present help in trouble." Ps 46:1

"It is the first time I know there is such an organization. I want to join in anything that you do online. I learned how important it is to know my boundaries and express myself to others. I learned that I should take care of myself and the other branches of my tree."
 
"What a meeting! I acquired some rich information. While listening, some people crossed my mind, and I would like to support them with this topic. It is the first time that I pay attention to setting my duties, priorities and roles. I was looking at the paper representing my tree of roles and contemplating what has been consuming my energy or bringing me joy. I will work on fixing my tree, and I will improve in this regard. I liked that the training was not theoretical but rather applicable. Kindly enroll me in your future training."
 
"I am a fan of your page and continuously participating. I loved the devotional calendar that you shared with us. It made a difference in my life. I used to see myself worthless but now moved steps forward in my self-image. Moreover, I started to support others who are not acknowledging their value." 

We focused this month on identity as a topic of discussion. We shared a live meeting with a specialist addressing the issue psychologically and spiritually, not to mention hosting a business specialist to discuss how knowing your identity and believing in yourself plays a vital role in your successful career life. A fashion designer supported us with tips and quotes linking our outfit choices to our identity as well. Some ministry friends supported this quest by sharing their testimonies on the topic "Who is Jesus whom I know?" through short video clips on our media pages. It has been a great motivation and a self-affirming experience for the women who shared. It has given us immense pleasure and tremendous encouragement. 
 

Christine's testimony
It has been a great challenge when you asked me to record my testimony about "Who is Jesus whom I know." However, I accepted the challenge. The greatest surprise was the reaction of my extended family, who shared the video and felt proud. I have never imagined speaking to them about Jesus. This testimony filled my heart with joy and appreciation for this opportunity that started a conversation with my cousins. We began to dialogue through personal chat, and I feel it is promising. I need your prayers.
 

Christian youth release the Christian spirit on Independence Day
An active group of young men and women representing our Youth Initiative has been cooperating diligently with ACCTS Development Committee arranging for the upcoming Youth Conference in November. They seized the opportunity of celebrating Jordan's Independence Day on May 25 to demonstrate their Christian spirit and belonging. When called to action, they worked in harmony and revealed practical love. They responded by producing an original video, including photos and genuine words expressing their opinions and spirit of loyalty to their country. Thousands watched the inspirational video originating from a promising generation rooted in the faith and devoted to the Lord. Proud of what God is doing in the lives of our youth. They are worth the investment!

Counseling sessions
We are still supporting and following-up on the precious women who take refuge in our ministry through our social media platforms. We also provide private counseling sessions with a specialized counselor for some, building a rapport and helping them feel safe, accepted, and loved during the sessions. We help them defy lies they internalize, accept their past mistakes, and learn from them instead of beating themselves up. We assist them to stand up for themselves and not wait for others to protect them. In some cases, we encourage unemployed women to start small projects while applying for jobs.

Praise

• Our ministry friends significantly responded to our ministry with powerful resources through their interaction, input, videos and sincere testimonies.
• High flexibility and quick adaption from the ACCTS team to the new challenges caused by Covid-19.
• We thank the Lord for protecting Jordan and for his provision during this crisis. We thank him for a country that has always been a haven for many. 

 
 
Pray for

• Creativity in providing our material, presenting our training, and holding our meetings online.
• Wisdom in implementing our strategies and programs. ACCTS is now undergoing an intense advanced training course on fundraising.
• Functional adaptation of the team to working under pressure and managing personal and family challenges relating to working remotely.

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