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ACCTS Newsletter

January 2022

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

Dear friends and partners,

2021 came and went with its challenges. Yet we experienced the Lord’s presence despite all the difficulties. Your friendship, prayers, and financial support were the fuel that kept us moving with energy and excitement in serving the Lord.

While in the US, we visited some of our valued partners in the ministry and recruited some new ones. We had a blessed time seeing them since we have not seen some of them since the pandemic started or even before that.

We start this year knowing Covid still impacts how we live and do ministry. We are relying on the Holy Spirit’s direction to have a significant impact on our spheres of influence. We covet your prayers and support for serving with complete confidence in the Lord, who will enable us to reach out to our community during this time.

We are grateful our participants have trusted us and found a safe environment in the ACCTS family. In 2022, we hope to see more women and youth identify their needs, adopt the truth about themselves, pursue change, and influence others.

The AWT team is busy planning for this year's events. We have many goals in mind and are working on several exciting things for 2022. Here is a sneak peek at some of what we hope to achieve:

  • Developing and designing material for e-courses

  • Updating content for our program and website

  • Writing and designing an inductive Bible study kit

  • Hosting several workshops for our different programs

  • Hosting Nouara and My Story groups

  • Developing and designing kits for other programs that will include videos, written material, and more


A New Addition to the Ministry

When we return to Jordan in February, we will be welcoming a new addition to the ACCTS team. However, for many of you, he needs no introduction. Our youngest son Randy will be coming back to Jordan with us and plans to join the ACCTS team. He will serve as the media producer for all our programs at ACCTS. You may remember his excellent work with the Her Factor short film he helped direct and produce. He has the heart to serve and make a difference in people's lives. We are excited he will be able to use his gifts and skills in this strategic way.

ACCTS and Facts: Why Media?

Did you know that people in the Arab world spend an average of 3.5 hours a day on social media? Several North African countries where we have influence are among the top 10 territories for the fastest growing number of Facebook users. Seventy-nine percent of Arab youth say that they get their news from social media. Media is an essential tool for reaching this area of the world and today's generation. We don't want to miss these ripe opportunities for sharing the truth and reaching out to those in need. ACCTS has a dedicated team working hard to create content that will engage them.

Rebecca is restored!

Rebecca lives in a place heavily controlled by a major terrorist organization. Since she was a child, family members sexually abused her. Even though she is well-educated and has a good job as a dentist, she feels as if she has nothing. At one point, her father was taking all her salary, and she saw herself as no more than a servant in her own house. She couldn’t differentiate guilt from the deep sense of shame she felt from her abuse. More than once, Rebecca contemplated taking her own life.

Last year, after coming across Arab Woman Today’s campaign “It Is Not a Shame,” she reached out to an AWT team member. “Can you explain to me the difference between guilt and shame?” she asked. This AWT team member explained the difference to Rebecca, who then understood things more clearly.

“Thank you!” Rebecca exclaimed. “Now I can tell why I mixed up guilt and shame.”

This AWT team member reaffirmed to Rebecca God’s love for her and her value in his eyes. With some time, Rebecca began to get rid of her feelings of shame from her abuse. She was able to stand up to her father in order to keep half of her salary. Not too long ago, Rebecca moved into a dormitory near her dental practice, where she finds respite during the workweek from her abusive family. An AWT team member regularly keeps in touch with Rebecca, often sending her encouraging messages. Before long, she will respond back and share her current struggles.

Each message and phone call is like medicine for her bones. “I’m on a journey toward healing,” she recently shared. We are glad women like Rebecca heard the truth about honor and shame in a way that is bringing healing to their hearts and lives.

Encouraging glimpses from 2021

"I will endure. I will never allow my self-confidence and self-image to be shaken. I thank God for having gained satisfaction and self-acceptance. Thank you for listening to me, believing in me, and guiding me. I didn't know what to do without your support."

"Based on what I learned from the workshop, I can say to myself, 'I am important, loved, and beautiful. I'm accepted in the eyes of God.' I find my value in him and his precious blood that he shed for me. He is worthy of praise because he is good and faithful. He never forgets his beloved, precious daughters."

 

Nabeeh and Ruba Abbassi
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