Disciples for Life
Beyond Graduation
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Matthew 28:19. These words, spoken by Jesus to His disciples before His ascension, continue to inspire our students to spread the Gospel in their communities, even in places where circumstances are challenging. At ABTS, we are deeply grateful for the privilege of being used by the Lord to equip men and women for ministry so they can effectively serve the Church and proclaim the Gospel in their communities. Through theological training and practical ministry preparation, our students and graduates are making an impact where God has called them. This year, our graduation ceremony will take place on September 27, where we will celebrate 33 students who are already active in ministry. In this update, we will highlight some of them and share about their ministries.
In 2012, Sara and her husband felt called to move to Lebanon to live and serve at Dar El Awlad (Kids Alive - Lebanon), a Christian ministry focused on caring for children and youth in need. From an early age, Sara had a desire to join a theological seminary since she wanted to become a missionary. Encouraged by her colleague back then Brent Hammoud (our Master of Religion in Middles Eastern Studies - MRel graduate), she enrolled in the MRel program. Until early 2024, she served in photography and communications while investing deeply in children’s lives. Today, Sara cares for her family and provides spiritual support to young women through the Youth for Christ ministry. Sara reflected:
The MRel program has greatly impacted my understanding of Lebanon and effectiveness in ministry here through the knowledge I gained. The Cultural Analysis module was full of “aha!” moments. As I finished my thesis, the Lord gave me a new vision of revival among young people in Broummana, a mountain town in Lebanon. This vision shaped my final elective credits and has led me toward prayer and prayer mobilization, seeking new fields for ministry across Lebanon.
Site Visits during Residency
Lydia, a Certificate in Ministry student, is a non-Christian background believer from Iraq. Driven by a deep desire to understand God’s word, both to nurture her own spiritual growth and to communicate it clearly to others, she chose to pursue her studies at ABTS. Today, Lydia serves actively in her local church and creates social media content to help others know Jesus. Through her posts and reels, she builds bridges with people from similar backgrounds while also reaching individuals from diverse cultures and nationalities. God has used this ministry to lead several people to Christ. In addition, she disciples and teaches few individuals through online platforms. Lydia shared:
At ABTS, I found solid teaching combined with practical spirituality that shaped my character and ministry. My studies taught me how to read and interpret Scripture and present it clearly. I believe that true calling begins with a willing heart.
Elyas Moura, a BTh student from Syria, felt called to serve the Lord through teaching, and sought an academic training that combined practical theology with a deep biblical understanding. He was encouraged to pursue his studies at ABTS after witnessing leaders from his own church complete their studies and experience significant intellectual and ethical growth. Today, Elyas serves on a youth leadership team for young adults and shares the Gospel wherever he goes, including in his workplace. Reflecting on his studies, Elyas shared:
My time at ABTS provided me with both an intellectual and spiritual framework for serving with love and justice. It refined my interpretation and critical thinking skills, while teaching me how to connect theology with practical ministry. This experience has shaped my vision to develop holistic programs that serve both the youth and the wider community.
During Residency Chapel
Atieh, originally from Syria and living and serving in Spain for the past 17 years, is also one of our BTh students. Early in his ministry, he focused on digital communication, engaging with non-believers and sharing the Gospel online. Over the past 15 years, his ministry has centered on following up with online seekers, offering spiritual support to those sincerely desiring to know Christ, and engaging in field evangelism by inviting passersby to discuss who God is. Alongside this, Atieh has also been involved in planting house churches. As his ministry grew, however, he realized that passion and personal effort alone were not enough. He longed for a deeper and more systematic understanding of the Bible that would enable him to communicate the Gospel more clearly and faithfully. Atieh shared:
When I first enrolled at ABTS, I found an encouraging environment, balanced curricula, and teachers led by grace and committed to the truth. I felt that this was the place that would equip me not only with knowledge, but also with wisdom and discernment to serve others with love and sincerity.
In Class during Residency
Fawzi, a Syrian BTh student, serves among the Kurdish community at the Resurrection Church in Lebanon. His ministry reaches around 300 Kurdish
families, divided and organized into 30 groups led by 15 leaders. Beyond this, his work extends into a translation ministry, where theological books are translated into the Kurdish language, and an online outreach that connects with about 100 Kurdish individuals from Kurdistan, Turkey, and Syria. Fawzi explained how studying at ABTS reshaped his perspective on life and ministry; he began to see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Fawzi reflected:
ABTS taught me to think outside the box. Because of my studies, I launched a new ministry where I bring together people from diverse backgrounds. We gather to discuss everyday topics openly and honestly. I don’t hide my faith, but I also don’t let it become a barrier between us. I chose ABTS because it offers more than theoretical studies; it focuses on practical theology that equips you for real-life ministry. At ABTS, I also found a spiritual family where I feel genuinely valued and cared for.
During Residency Chapel
Nadine, a Certificate in Ministry student, lives with her family in Lebanon and serves at Jesus Prince of Peace Church. Nadine joined the program at ABTS, drawn to its flexibility and contextual approach. She faithfully serves in her church’s Sunday School ministry. Nadine hopes to see God’s word rooted in the lives of children from an early age. Nadine shared:
My desire has always been to serve the Lord more and more. When I learned about this educational opportunity and realized that it would enable me to give my best to God, I could not resist joining. By God’s wisdom and providence, every course I undertook addressed a specific need in my life at precisely the right time. For example, while I was studying the course on Home Groups, God opened the door for my husband and me to begin a Bible study with a new family.
As our students move forward, we rejoice to see how God is already using them to proclaim the Good News. We pray that their graduation will be a significant milestone in their journey. Just as God has led them to ABTS, we trust that He will continue guiding them toward new opportunities to serve Him with steadfast hearts.