"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Dear family and friends,
In his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul encourages believers to give thanks in everything. Rendering gratitude should be at the heart of the church and the work God gives us as his people to do. After all, it is a joy to participate with him in building his kingdom. The month of November has given us many occasions and opportunities to give thanks.
I (Nabeeh) thank God for my recent appointment as the president of the Jordan Baptist Convention. You can read a recent news press about my appointment here. I am grateful for our opportunity as Baptists to be salt and light in our communities and work together toward unity. This circumstance is also an occasion where I covet your prayers as I carry this responsibility for the next three years.
This month, Ruba had opportunities to be involved in several speaking engagements, including a leadership conference with Arab Women in Media, speaking at the religious conference of the Catholic center for religious research and media, an entrepreneurship webinar for Algerian women, and a workshop on innovation for self-development at the Baptist school. We are thankful for God opening the doors to engage the local and international community in this way. Many opportunities came to network and build bridges with people, accepting one another despite our differences, and spreading the radiance and love of our Lord Jesus.
The Youth Department held its fifth conference for Jordanian youth. We are most grateful for God's direction in discerning the topic that the youth needed to hear about the most. The Lord graciously provided the right speakers, and the feedback provided by the participants attests to this. We thank God for Jordan's Christian youth and the platform he is granting us to invest in them.
Additionally, AWT made a local church visit where a team member presented on the topic of thanksgiving. AWT also hosted a webinar for women through our life-growth program known as "Four Seasons." We appreciate all the ways that God has given us to serve. As we think about the people he has placed before us, we remember you and thank our Lord for the role you play through your prayers and partnership. Thank you for the times you let us know through messages, emails, or phone calls that you were praying for us and supporting us.
Encouraging Feedback:
“When we truly understand ourselves, we can have a purposeful life and a clear vision. These are the key factors to effective leadership.”
“I never truly had a heart of thanksgiving. I was too focused on what I needed to get done to remember to give thanks to God for what I already had.”
“ACCTS has been a true blessing to the generation of youth in Jordan this year and last year. You are building the minds of the youth. God bless you.”
Sincerely,
Nabeeh and Ruba Abbassi
