Emmanuel - God with Us
A Word from the President, Elie Haddad
As we near the Christmas season, our hearts are drawn to the powerful reminder of Emmanuel—God with us. In this time of reflection, we are reminded of the profound truth that God’s presence is not distant or abstract; it is real, personal, and active in our lives and ministry. Emmanuel is not just a message for the nativity; it is the reality we witness daily at ABTS. God is with us in every challenge, every hardship, and every step forward. His presence has been our anchor and our assurance, especially in 2024.
Although we have weathered years of crises and hardship, 2024 undoubtedly stands out to me as the harshest we have faced. Yet, in a profound way, it was also no different from other years. Each year, amid the challenges, we find ourselves earnestly imploring God to protect, provide, and sustain us. And each year, He answers—not only meeting our needs but exceeding them in ways we could never anticipate. Emmanuel, God with us, is evident in His provisions, His guidance, and His faithfulness.
Amid these crises, the role of the Church becomes even more crucial. The Church is called to be a beacon of hope and a voice of deliverance to tired and hopeless communities. In the middle of uncertainty and suffering, the Church carries the message of Christ’s peace and redemption, offering not only spiritual encouragement but tangible acts of care and service. ABTS stands committed to equipping leaders who embody this role, serving as agents of hope in their local contexts.
As we reflect on what God has accomplished at ABTS over the past year, even in the face of adversity, one truth shines through: His faithfulness is unwavering. Despite the harshness of 2024, God has continued to expand the ministry and reach of ABTS. We not only ran our usual programs with steadfast dedication but were also blessed with new opportunities to serve. This year, we had the privilege of hosting displaced families, extending care to them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You can read more about our response to the war here. Their presence reminded us of our mission to embody Christ’s love in practical ways, even amidst turmoil.
In addition, we launched a PhD program in collaboration with partner seminaries, a milestone that marks an exciting new chapter in our journey. This program provides accessible, contextual, and high-quality doctoral education that serves both the Middle Eastern Church and the global Church. It focuses on areas of specialization available within Middle Eastern institutions, equipping leaders to engage deeply with theology in ways that resonate with their cultural and ministry contexts. The program underscores our commitment to strengthening the Church in the region and beyond, ensuring it is prepared to navigate contemporary challenges with wisdom and insight. You can read more about this exciting development in our press release.
One way we see God preparing ABTS for the future is by enabling us to offer a full suite of programs, tailored to the diverse needs of the Church and ministry in the Arab world. From non-formal initiatives that engage church communities directly, to the Certificate in Ministry, a fully online program that trains people for various ministry roles, to the Bachelor of Theology, a vocational program that equips leaders to serve churches and ministries across the region, ABTS remains committed to raising up leaders at every level. At the advanced level, the Master of Theology and PhD programs are designed to develop Arab theologians, scholars, and authors who can articulate theology for the Arab Church, addressing its unique challenges and opportunities.
Another way God is preparing ABTS for the future is by enabling growth and succession across all areas of the institution. We are blessed to have new faculty in development, ensuring the next generation of educators is equipped to carry forward the mission. Our staff are growing and flourishing, taking ownership of their roles and contributing to the vision in meaningful ways. We are led by a highly-qualified leadership team that is deeply committed to the mission and values of ABTS. Most notably, a new president has been appointed and will take over next October, a transition that I believe God has orchestrated in His perfect timing. I am confident that God is guiding the way forward, and I look forward to seeing how He will lead ABTS into a new season of fruitful ministry.
As the year ends, and as we reflect on Emmanuel, God with us, we see with renewed clarity how God has been at work, using even the harshness of 2024 as a stepping stone for greater impact. His faithfulness assures us that He is preparing us for even more growth and opportunities in the years ahead. Indeed, while 2024 was unique in its challenges, it is no different in this: God remains faithful, always working for His glory and the good of His people.