Story
Adel was born in 1962 in Taalabaya, Bekaa, Lebanon, into a family consisting of a mother, father, a brother, and five sisters. He was the eldest among his siblings. His father owned four car repair workshops, and the family was financially comfortable. Adel studied at a private school in Taalabaya until the ninth grade, as there were no higher grades available at this school. Later he transferred to another school in Zahle, where he excelled academically.
In 1975, Lebanon was engulfed in a severe war. The roads between Taalabaya and Zahle were not functioning normally due to the war, which forced Adel to leave his school. Due to the danger in their area, the family had to move to live with their aunt in Jalala. Sadly, their house was destroyed later by a missile strike.
After the war ended, Adel’s family faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. Adel’s father rented a house, and he opened a small grocery store. Adel helped his father in the shop, and he earned a modest income. After working with his father for twenty years, Adel decided to pursue agriculture seeking new opportunities and challenges.
In 2003, he met and married Silva, but their desire for children remained unfulfilled. Sixteen years into their marriage, Silva fell ill with cancer and passed away, which was very difficult for Adel.
Adel has gone through numerous challenges and hardships, from facing the turmoil of war to enduring his wife’s battle with cancer and eventual passing. Despite the weight of these trials, Adel found strength and solace after accepting Jesus as His personal Savior. In the midst of his struggles, his faith became a source of comfort and hope, and he found light in the midst of his darkness.
One day, the “Hope Evangelical Church” team was reassuring and following up with Adel’s sister at her flower shop. During this visit, the team had the opportunity to meet her brother, Adel. Adel and the team discussed certain concepts about the Bible, but Adel expressed harsh opinions and misconceptions about the teachings of the Scriptures. The team responded respectfully by using verses from the Bible. At the end of the conversation, they invited Adel to attend church meetings on Sundays.
Curious to know more, Adel attended church and found himself drawn to the worship and preaching. The warmth of the community and the depth of the teachings resonated deeply with him. Adel actively participated in various church activities. Through the guidance of mentors and the study of scripture, his understanding of the gospel deepened. Eventually, he made the profound decision to get baptized and share his testimony and spiritual journey publicly. During his baptism, he proclaimed who Jesus is to him and expressed his commitment to follow him throughout his life.
After that, the church pastor invited him to attend leadership training classes to become an effective leader in the church field. Adel enthusiastically participated in these classes, and he even volunteered with the church’s visitation team.
Adel expressed his gratitude for the love and care he received from the church. He always prays for strength and wisdom for himself and all servants of God, and he prays for all people thirsty for the word of the Lord like he once was.
Through trials and loss, Jesus turned Adel’s sorrow into happiness, his weakness into power, and his turmoil into peace.
