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Wissam Nasrallah
January 2025
A new Middle East
What a season it has been! The past few months have been marked by events that feel as though they’ve reshaped decades of history. The Middle East is undergoing dramatic changes, impacting the destinies of nations, including Lebanon and Syria.
The war between Israel and Hezbollah, the decimation of Hezbollah’s leadership, and the fall of the Assad regime in Syria have ushered in a new political order, one now significantly influenced by Israel. In Lebanon, this turmoil has opened a path for a cautious hope: after two years of political deadlock, we now have a newly elected president, Joseph Aoun, and a nominated prime minister, Nawaf Salam. Both are widely regarded as men of integrity, untainted by Lebanon’s political corruption. While many remain cautious, this leadership shift has sparked a cautious yet tangible optimism.
The recent conflict also provided several profound effects and insights:
Devastation and Displacement: While some regions were spared the brunt of the fighting, many villages were reduced to rubble, leaving thousands of families displaced and unable to return home.
Unexpected Witness: The influx of displaced Shia Muslims into predominantly Christian areas created a unique opportunity for building bridges and witnessing God’s love in action. Many of our church partners and ministries at Thimar were mobilized to serve meals, attend to basic needs and show the love of Christ. We pray that these connections grow deeper in the days ahead.
Risk and Mission: This crisis highlighted a growing trend in modern missions—a hesitancy to embrace risk. Historically, missionaries and local church leaders embraced perilous and uncertain conditions as intrinsic to their calling. Mission work was not merely a task to complete but a lifelong commitment to a cause greater than oneself. We should therefore reflect on how we approach risk and how much cost we are willing to pay should we have a conviction regarding God’s call for our life. We should ask ourselves: What is our theology of risk? Where do we draw the line between acceptable and unacceptable risks? What drives our decision-making process? What biblical framework and Spirit-led discernment process are we using? What cultural biases influence us? In other terms, are we too cautious, or simply more matured? Were those before us more willing to pay a greater price for the gospel because they loved Jesus more than we do today? You can read more about this topic thouroughly here:
In a recent blog post, I delve into this topic further, reflecting on how cultural shifts have influenced our willingness to take risks for the Kingdom. I encourage you to read more here.
On a personal note, I am preparing for a significant new chapter. Starting October 2025, I will transition from overseeing operations at Thimar to leading the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS), a ministry of Thimar. This new role will grant me the opportunity to work closely with local churches across the region, equipping faithful ministers of the gospel. Ministry is not merely a task—it is a calling that engages our minds, wills, hearts, and souls. As servant leaders, we must remain rooted in Christ, guided by His Word, and led by the Spirit to serve in a manner worthy of the Lord.
Prayer requests
Please join us in prayer during this time of transition in the Middle East.
Pray that we would faithfully display and declare Christ to our communities, loving them as He has loved us. May these turbulent days lead many to seek and know Him personally.
Additionally, I ask for your prayers as I step into my new role at ABTS.
Pray for God’s wisdom and guidance as we equip gospel ministers across the Arabic-speaking world.
May everything we do glorify Him.
In Christ,
Wissam Nasrallah