Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

Besides managing the dental clinic and teaching English, I am also involved in a women’s ministry of reconciliation. During a recent retreat we looked at principles of reconciliation during times of crisis when relationships are tested, and we tend to identify with one side or the other. As believers it is important to reach out to one another and make the effort to come together to pray together. Putting this principle into practice during the recent Gaza conflict, some of the women had taken the initiative, and we prayed as Israeli, Palestinian and ex-pat women for people on both sides of the conflict. Even in a small way we can make a difference by praying for God’s mercy and compassion; caring for widows, orphans and strangers; and speaking against injustice and violence on both sides.

Click here to read her full report.

News from Jerusalem

BT writes from Jerusalem:

This has been another year of change. As I was writing my last letter I did not know what would happen at the end of August. When Dr. Mousa told me he had to close his practice in Tiberias it meant that I would have no clinic or dentist to provide a dental program for the needy.

After helping many hundreds of the Lebanese with extensive dental care I expected at some time to gradually phase out the service, but not to suddenly stop with so little notice. The day I got the news I began to inform our patients, one of whom was a believer who had been referred by the pastor of a local fellowship. She thought the service was too important to lose and asked her pastor if he could help. To make a long story short, I discussed the project at length with the pastor and we agreed, with an initial six month commitment, to partner to support the service thus making it available to even more needy people referred by the fellowship as well as the Lebanese. This plan allowed Dr. Mousa to keep the clinic and continue working with us.

It is a solution I neither initiated nor thought possible so I can only thank God for it. As I reflect over the past 25 years of my ministry I can clearly see the Lord’s hand enabling and guiding me, even through circumstances that I could not anticipate and could not understand. Life is full of uncertainty, but we have confidence in the Lord.

Click here to read B's 2008 Holiday newsletter.

Focus on the Epicenter

Here are two thought-provoking articles for your reflection as we enter times of national political change and global unrest:

1. Dr. James Dobson's current newsletter from Focus Action.
2. The Introduction and Chapter 1 of Joel Rosenberg's recent book, Epicenter.

Both are dense but well worth the read.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

July 1983, twenty five years ago, I traveled to the Middle East to begin a year of volunteer service. I am amazed as I consider how the Lord has kept me here and enabled me as a dental hygienist to provide dental services for hundreds of needy people in both Lebanon and Israel.

Much to my surprise, the dentist who has been working with me for the past eight years told me he can no longer continue and we are now trying to work out an alternate solution to continue to help the needy. I will write more in my next letter, but please keep this matter in prayer.

In an email accompanying her newsletter, BT adds:

I just mailed out the following letter, but have a revision for my e-mail list. I'll write in more detail in my next letter, but the Lord has provided the means to continue the dental clinic and together with a local fellowship, to provide dental services to even more people in need of assistance, Israeli residents as well as the Lebanese. As we begin the new program from the first of September, please keep us in prayer.

Click here to read her full report.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

This letter is long overdue, but finally I am sitting down to write. Over the past few months little has changed in news reports from the Middle East and the conflicts seem impossible to solve. Through the years that I served in Lebanon, and now among the displaced Lebanese in Israel, I have learned first hand what it means to live in the midst of conflict and instability. I have also learned that even if the news events reported are discouraging, there are many personal stories of hope.

Recently I attended a women’s conference and was challenged by the biblical teaching on the elements of justice, righteousness, mercy and peace in relation to reconciliation. As Arab, Jewish and international believers we had our faith in common, but still you must leave your comfort zone to face difficult issues and here there are personal stories of hope. Even in the midst of conflict we can make a difference in our communities, reach out to others and develop relationships.

Click here to read her full report.

News from Jerusalem

BT writes from Jerusalem:

I returned to Israel early November and am settling back into life here. I kept in touch with my staff dentist and was able to keep the dental service going as usual in my absence. Besides our Lebanese patients, I was also contacted by a local congregation to ask if we could offer dental care to several Sudanese refugee families they were helping and of course I was happy to help them too. Since returning I've visited a number of Lebanese families, including family members of the Lebanese family I have been helping to resettle in Canada who were very happy to have a first hand report from me. Next week, I'll take dental equipment and supplies to a new project in the Bethlehem area.

Personally, although I know I still have work here, I also know the Lord planned for me to be available to help my youngest sister in her fight with cancer and I seek guidance as to how to use my time over the next months. Linda is starting radiation treatment today over the next two weeks. Chemotherapy will follow starting sometime in January or February. Please keep her in prayer as she undergoes treatment. We are praying for healing, that she will come through all of this cancer free.

While in Canada I explored new ministry opportunities and found a training course for ESL that would give me a certificate from Cambridge University that is widely recognized throughout the world. I also found opportunities for ministry among new immigrants and refugees. 2008 will be my 25th year of ministry in the Middle East (Lebanon and Israel). As I shared with you during my last visit to Rochester, I believe the Lord is preparing me for changes, but I'm praying for guidance as to what and when.

I missed seeing all of you this year, but I hope to visit again sometime next year. Until then, I appreciate your friendship and your faithful support in prayer.

Click here to read B's 2007 Holiday newsletter.

Praying for Jerusalem

DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM

The International Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem, instituted with the endorsement of hundreds of Christian leaders from around the world, representing tens of millions of Christians, will be held annually on the first Sunday of every October, until the coming of Messiah. Our call is for sustained, fervent, informed global intercession for the plans and purposes of God for Jerusalem and all her people. This global grassroots prayer initiative coincides with the season of Yom Kippur, and for the first time in Church history, makes an effort at linking the Christian liturgical calendar with the Biblical, Jewish calendar.

On October 7th, this coming Sunday, thousands of worshipers from around the world will be lifting up their voices in prayer on behalf of Israel as they pray for the Peace of Jerusalem according to the scriptural mandate given in Psalm 122: 6–9: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, "Peace be within you." For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.

Would you consider taking a few minutes during your Sunday morning service to pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and all its inhabitants? For further information, please contact Diane Beaudoin, Rochester Coordinator for the Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

Recently a new crisis has erupted as the Lebanese army has been battling an extremist militant group operating from a Palestinian refugee camp. As I write the conflict continues and details of the origins and consequences are not yet clear. There have been more bombings in various neighbourhoods that have shaken the residents. In September the government must elect a new president but unless the political impasse is resolved this will be very problematic. With these and many other problems, the reports I read about Lebanon are not very promising, but still the country has avoided civil war.

Click here to read her full report.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

Lebanon is again in crisis and although there is fear of civil war, there is also a determination not to cross that line again. As demonstrated publicly the country is divided in support of and opposition to the government and each camp includes those of various sectarian groups. Lebanon is complicated and looking objectively each side has valid criticisms, but for the sake of the country a resolution is urgently needed and I hope that by the time you read this letter they will reach a solution.

Click here to read her full report.

News from Jerusalem

BT writes from Jerusalem:

As the year 2006 draws to a close, the cease-fire that ended the summer war is holding, and normal life has resumed for many, but the consequences of the war will be felt by both Lebanese and Israelis for a long time to come. As I write the kidnapped Israeli soldiers have not yet been returned, but I pray that by the time you read this letter they will be safely home. Lebanon has begun the enormous task of reconstruction, but thousands of Lebanese whose homes were destroyed face a bleak winter.

Click here to read her entire Christmas newsletter.

BT Visiting

In mid-September, BT will be back home for several weeks to report on her work among the Lebanese refugees in northern Israel. We're looking forward to seeing her again and hearing her perspective about the effect of the recent war on the community she serves. If you would like to talk with BT while she's here, please contact us. In the meantime, be sure to read her most recent newsletter.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

I recall well my first impressions when I moved to south Lebanon in 1984. It was devastated by years of warfare. By the time I left in 2000 the area was prospering with many improvements and new shops and homes. Although I did not see all of the reconstruction of Beirut, I had traveled throughout the country and saw the great efforts of Lebanon to recover from the years of civil war. I had to leave with the families of the former South Lebanese Army, allies of Israel, but it was with great sorrow as Marjayoun in south Lebanon had been my home for sixteen years and I left many friends behind. Since May 2000 I have been living in Israel, working on behalf of the Lebanese families who fled to Israel when the Israeli army withdrew from south Lebanon, but I have also followed news of Lebanon with great interest and fondly remember my friends, neighbours and all the people we served at the Marjayoun Dental Clinic.

Click here to read her full report.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

After serving for many years in south Lebanon I am glad I can continue to help the families who lost their homes. When I first opened the Arazim Dental Clinic I thought it would be a project to offer these people emergency dental treatment during a short period of transition. Most hoped to either return to Lebanon or to immigrate to another country. Now, six years later, the dental clinic continues to serve this community. Dental care is an important and practical way to assist people in need and many consider it to be the most valuable project offered for their benefit...

Looking ahead, I am planning to visit Toronto and Rochester, NY from Sept. 9 to Oct. 10. I can be contacted in Toronto at 416-225-2060 during this time. I have also been invited to teach in the Youth With A Mission primary health care school in Senegal the end of November. I will teach preventive dentistry, clinical dental hygiene and share from my experience in cross cultural ministry in the Middle East.

Click here to read her full report.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

May 23 will mark the day that thousands of Lebanese fled from their homeland six years ago when Israel withdrew her troops from south Lebanon. The community of approximately 2,500 who reside in Israel continue to struggle to build new lives, displaced from their homes, traditions, family and friends. Financial compensation for years served approved by the Israeli government over a year ago has still not been received and no one knows when and how it will be paid. One instalment was expected in March when rent assistance was discontinued, but nothing is certain. Although the first generation will never recover what they lost, they hope for a better future for their children. Those who excel in school and pursue higher education will have better opportunities to find their place either in Israel or elsewhere – perhaps to study abroad or to emigrate. It is harder for their parents, though, none of whom feel as though they truly belong being neither Jewish nor Arab. Although they speak Arabic, as Lebanese they are distinct in ethnicity, culture, tradition, history and belong to Christian, Muslim or Druze religious sects. Many, especially the Christians, fear they will lose their identity from one generation to the next living within Jewish neighbourhoods as a small minority.

Click here to read her full report.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

This has been a year of change in the Middle East. Lebanon has witnessed historic events including the assassination of former prime minister, Rafik Hariri, the subsequent withdrawal of Syrian troops, the first free elections since 1975 (the outbreak of the civil war) and now awaits the results of the investigation into the assassination of Hariri with the expectation that those responsible will be brought to justice. The Lebanese community in Israel (families of the former South Lebanon Army soldiers who took refuge in Israel when Israel withdrew from south Lebanon in 2000) watch the news from Lebanon with great interest. In this changing world anything can happen, but for now, the official policies of the Lebanese government and general situation in Lebanon does not allow these people to return home safely. They continue the long process of building new lives in Israel, but never feeling truly at home and always with underlying insecurities about their future, often feeling neglected. I cannot change their circumstances, but I can reach out to them in Christian love.

Click here to read her entire Christmas letter.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

In my last letter I referred to winds of change blowing across the Middle East. Since I have worked so long among the Lebanese I have been following the developments in Lebanon with great interest. The dramatic changes have been covered extensively in the media, but I want to include a brief summary in this letter. Syrian troops deployed since 1976 were withdrawn, finalized with a farewell ceremony at the end of April. Syrian troops entered Lebanon as a peacekeeping force early in the civil war, became embroiled in the war and in the end stayed to maintain security, but stayed much longer than specified in the Taif Accord that ended the war. The history of this period is complex with many influences both internal and external. Regarding Syria’s role there are opposing views, but regardless, the withdrawal of Syrian forces marked a new chapter in Lebanon’s history and made way for the election of a new government free of Syrian influence for the first time in 29 years.

Click here to read her entire report.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

First, I have some good news to report. After a long struggle, I have a happy ending to the story of my visa. Finally I was granted temporary residency. That means that I can continue my work here without worrying about my legal status to stay. The timing was quite remarkable. Previously, just when my request for a visa had been denied and appeals had been unsuccessful, the government fell and after the elections the interior ministry was given to a new political party. The new minister reviewed my case and granted me a volunteer visa for two years (until the end of 2004). In November, again he reviewed my case and granted me temporary resident status. Just two weeks after I was notified of the decision the government faced a crisis that led to major changes, including a new interior minister. I got the visa just in time, avoiding the delay that would have been inevitable dealing with new administration. I am very grateful for the favour shown to me for my contribution in assisting the Lebanese families, and for all who have helped and prayed for me through this long process. The situation of the Lebanese is unique as is my work among them and although I did not have an organization to support my application, the Lord gave me the assistance I needed.

Click here to read her full report.

Greetings from BT

BT writes from Jerusalem:

Despite the turmoil in the region of the Middle East and the difficulties they face, the Lebanese, as people displaced from their homeland, continue through their long process of transition. Some are coping better than others and I try to give a picture of the community through the personal stories I share. Some of the older people may never really adapt, but they do hope for a better life for their children. The Lebanese value education and with extra tutoring most of the children are doing well in school, even though they must study in a new language. Many who have completed high school are now students in university or college. Working amongst this group of people over the past 20 years, first through years of war in south Lebanon and now as refugees in Israel, has also been a great learning experience for me. They have a unique history and it has been both interesting and challenging to have a part in it. As I reflect over the years I know the Lord has enabled me in many ways to be a witness of His love and compassion. Even though they have often felt neglected, the Lord loves the Lebanese and has not forgotten them. As I visit with many individuals and families, they are encouraged to know that the assistance I can offer through the dental clinic and projects of mercy represents the prayer and gifts of many caring Christians.

Click here to read her entire Christmas letter.