Bearing Fruit in Its Season

At Thimar LSESD, our very name, “Thimar” (ثمار), meaning fruits in Arabic, reminds us daily of the sacred calling to bear the fruits of faith. Yet bearing fruit is not a product of mere effort or a secret evangelistic formula.

As Jesus teaches in John 15, it flows from a deeper source. “Abide in me,” He says, “and you will bear much fruit.” The life of the disciple is not first about doing, but about remaining—resting, being rooted, and alive in Christ, the true Vine. From that vital union, the Spirit produces what we could never manufacture on our own: lasting, God-glorifying fruit.

But fruit does not appear overnight. Ministry, like agriculture, unfolds in seasons: removing stones, breaking ground, planting seeds, watering, pruning, waiting, and—by God’s grace—harvesting. Each task has its time. And in each, we are called to be faithful, diligent, patient and intentional.

In that sense, ministry is a shared labour across time. Those who harvest owe a debt to those who plowed and sowed. And those who sow rest on the work of those who first prepared the soil. But the glory belongs to God alone—the One who sovereignly oversees the entire process and brings it to completion. What a privilege it is to be tools in the hands of the redeemer.

Here in Lebanon, we are witnessing this process unfold in remarkable ways. During the recent war, our region became a place of refuge for fellow Lebanese from different faith backgrounds. Serving them in their time of need was a gift. We believe these relationships represent the early stages of Gospel work—soil being prepared, trust being nurtured. Fruit may take time, but the process has started.

Elsewhere, among Druze, Syrian, and Kurdish communities, we are seeing signs of harvest. Seeds planted in hardship are now bearing the marks of transformation—lives being discipled, communities being renewed, hearts turning to Christ. It is not because of our strength, but because the Vine is alive and the Spirit is moving.

Prayer request:

-      Praise God for the period of relative political stability in Lebanon following the election of a new president and the appointment of a new prime minister. There are immense challenges ahead, but we are grateful that new leadership is in place and that a fresh chapter has begun.

-     Give thanks that the school year has resumed normally at Beirut Baptist School and at MERATH’s learning centres after months of disruption due to the war. Beyond the return to academics, new ministry opportunities have emerged, opportunities we continue to steward with prayerful expectation.

-      Thank God for His grace on the home front. I’m especially grateful for Sophie, who has carried an extra load with great patience during this season of extensive travel. I was privileged to have been able to attend BMS’ Council this year.

-    Pray with us for the ongoing transition into my new role at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary. I am deeply encouraged by the work ABTS is doing across the Arab world, and I ask for wisdom, strength, and clarity as we look to the future.

We are also deeply grateful that, after five years, our family will finally be reunited this summer. By God’s grace, my older sister and her family will be visiting from Canada, my younger sister and her family from Belgium, and my parents from Saudi Arabia. Please pray that this time together would be filled with joy, rest, and meaningful connection.

May the Lord continue to bring forth fruit through this work—fruit that reconciles people to the Father, and endures into eternity.

Thank you for abiding with us through your faithful prayers, encouragement, and support.

With gratitude,

Wissam Nasrallah