“Books for Life” Christian Resource Center opens its door

 

Beirut – LEBANON: “Books for Life”, the newly established Christian Resource Center by Bible Society – Lebanon, opened its doors to the public on Sunday, January 9, 2005, at 6:00 PM. The opening ceremony was attended by several Church and Christian leaders mainly: The Rev. Dr. Salim Sahiouny, President of the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Churches in Syria and Lebanon, and Honorary Chairman of the Bible Society, who also led the prayer of dedication; His Eminence Bishop Roland Abou Jaoude, General Deputy of the Maronite Church and head of the Catholic Information Center; His Eminence Bishop George Saliba, Bishop of Mount Lebanon of the Syrian Orthodox Church; Father Gabriel Karam, representing the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Beirut, Bishop Elias Awde and Bible Society Board treasurer. Also present were several Fathers, Reverends, Pastors, Bible Society Board and General Assembly members, avid readers, and a crowd of supporters, friends, and Christian media, mainly Tele-Lumiere and SAT-7 televisions.

 

After the traditional cutting of the ribbon, the crowd entered the Center and was warmly welcomed by the Chairman of the Bible Society, Mr. Amine Khoury. “We are extremely excited that this Center is now open to the public in this strategic location, offering its services to our community” said Mr. Khoury. Rev. Lucien Accad, General Secretary of the Bible Society read a few words from the Bible, followed by the dedication prayer. The cake was cut and refreshments were offered to the participants and to whoever was passing by the new Center.

 

Before adjourning, the Society’s Executive Director, Mr. Mike Bassous, shared briefly about the vision and the various activities, services and functions of the Center, and thanked all those who were involved in the process of establishing it, mainly the Advisory Board, contractors, staff, volunteers, supporters and donors – particularly the family of late Fayez Moghabghab. Those who attended had the opportunity to walk around the 200m² Center, review the books available so far, chat with the Center’s staff and volunteers, and learn more about the opening hours and facilities available as of the 10^th of January.

“Books for Life” is a peaceful oasis in the midst of the most crowded area in Tahwita, Abraj Center. It is the first facility of its kind, holding thousands of Christian books and materials for non-commercial reading and lending, conducting Christian research on the Internet, and simply relaxing with a book and coffee.