The fifth month and the latest news

 We have come to the end of the fourth month, and have begun the fifth with renewed energy and determination at Books for Life, The Christian Resource Center that is run by the Bible Society in Lebanon.

 How many people???

 This new month has brought with it many changes and more visitors. During the first 17 weeks after its opening, 1400 people visited the place; approximately 83 people a week… despite the fact that during the month of February, Lebanon experienced a political crisis after the assassination of former prime minister Rafic El Hariri. This was followed by a wave of car bombs, and explosions in March and April, which virtually paralyzed the country. However, we praise the Lord that the political situation today seems to be more stable.

Spiritual Oasis…

The Christian Resource Center is like a spiritual oasis, amidst the hustle and bustle of Lebanese society that is being weighed down by materialism…

Every day visitors come to the Center to receive some measure of consolation, encouragement and guidance among the pages of the books, in an atmosphere of peace, tranquility and love which is rare to find in other places…

Some come in solely to find out more about the place, and to while away the time, but inevitably they will receive a blessing simply from being in the Center.

 The number of books!

 Many of the visitors who frequent the Center have noticed to their delight, an increase in the number of books and audio-visual materials on the shelves, lately. This has served to increase their confidence in the place, and the importance of the ministry that it is providing.

The number of items available in Books for Life has almost reached 3000 items, 300 of which are audio-visual. However, the Center has a capacity for 6000 items.

 120 members!

 Naturally, an increase in the number of books and audio-visual materials must be accompanied by an increase in the number of members which now exceeds 120. We pray that this number will continue to increase so that God’s Word may be strengthened in the lives of more people. It is important for us to mention that some of the visitors have become accustomed to dropping in regularly, to encourage us and hear our latest news; and they come knowing the spiritual significance of the Center and its importance in helping to spread the Word of God.

 A meeting Center:

 The main aim of the Christian Resource Center, is to offer a Christian ministry to all, regardless of background or sect. But it is also a meeting Center where people get together to complete certain studies, or (in the future) to attend lectures.

Despite the fact that the place is still in the preparatory stage for holding meetings, a group of students has insisted on meeting here, saying: “We are prepared to do anything you ask from us, we will keep our voices down, and speak in whispers so long as we can meet here, because it is a very suitable place for us, and we are very happy that it is here, and that we can use it.”

 The ministry of the Center is run by a team of people, who work together and cooperate well with each other. And this has served to improve the effectiveness of the ministry. This team is always ready to receive visitors and give them assistance.

 There remains but one thing to say and that is to thank all those who believe in the importance of this ministry, for their prayers and financial as well as moral support.

And naturally we thank our Lord and beloved Jesus Christ, “who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”2 Cor: 2:14 (NKJV)

 Stories:

-One of the volunteers at the Center is going through a hard time and says, “I feel so relaxed when I come here, I feel secure, as if the place is my home. Please allow me to come in more than once a week”.

-Nisreen is a girl who is interacting well with Joyce Meyer’s books and says: “This is the first time I’ve ever read this type of book which speaks to me and helps me understand myself and want to change.”

-Fares is a married man, and father who comes to the Center every week from a place about 40 km away to borrow books. He always says, “We really need this kind of Christian ministry and we thank the Lord for the Center.”

-One girl comes regularly because she finds that the subjects dealt with in the books are very practical and beneficial.

She mentioned how surprised she was to find the praise and worship cassettes and CDs more modern than she had expected.

-A critical teenager borrowed a book about meditating on God’s Word, and he was late in returning it. When he eventually did, he said something that surprised the librarian on duty, “I really liked the subject and would have preferred not to give the book back.”

- Two young men came in just to have a look around, and they discovered that the aim of the place was to provide a Christian ministry, they started asking many questions and afterwards really felt the need for the Lord to change their lives.

- Some members when they are late in returning books, they are more than happy to pay a fine, for they say: “We are pleased to be blessing the ministry.”

-A lady who has been working as a music teacher for a year, and who is having difficulties with the students comes to the Center to borrow books that will help her solve her problems. She also comes to pour out her heart to the librarian and ask for advice.

-Maureen, who works in one of the nearby shops, asked the librarian for a book about angels, so she was given Billy Graham’s book called “Angels”. When she returned it she said:” I feel so safe now.”

Then the librarian recommended that she read Philip Yancey’s books, too and Maureen seemed quite keen on the idea, and decided to take the librarian’s advice because she hadn’t let her down the previous time.

- One of the volunteers at the Center always hopes that members will be late in returning books in order to bring in more money to the Center.