{"id":15173,"date":"2025-01-30T18:25:21","date_gmt":"2025-01-31T02:25:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nexusmission.org\/2025-01-nexus-mission-newsletter\/"},"modified":"2025-01-30T18:31:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-31T02:31:06","slug":"2025-01-nexus-mission-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nexusmission.org\/en\/2025-01-nexus-mission-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"2025-01-Nexus-Mission-Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Future of an Abandoned Baby:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When my Syrian co-worker shared this testimony with me I felt sympathetic, as I’d been abandoned as a baby myself. Because my family was poor, shortly after I was born my mother left me in front of the Tung Wah Hospital in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. My eldest sister didn\u2019t want to give up on me, so she ran to the hospital, got me, and took me home — that\u2019s why I’m here today. And I believe that in the future, this baby girl will believe in God, serve Him, and glorify the Lord\u2019s name. Johnny Li<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Baby Johnny was dumped in front of the Tung Wah Hospital in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Syria \u2013 Olive City \u2013 House of Hope<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On December 8, 2024, former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad fled Syria; and the same day a newborn baby girl was abandoned by her parents in a garbage dump in Damascus. A Muslim couple (Mr. and Mrs. Aimi), who had been attending meetings at the House of Hope, heard a baby crying on their way home from one of the meetings. They searched and finally found an abandoned baby girl in a plastic bag in the garbage. She still had a hospital bracelet on her little wrist, indicating she’d been born that day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mrs. Aimi found the baby’s mother, but her reaction was heartbreaking. She refused to take the baby girl and said that if she was returned to her, she would abandon her again.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though Mr. and Mrs. Aimi already had five children, and her husband had no stable job and sometimes could only afford bread for the children’s dinner, they still chose to adopt her. They knew they could not handle the responsibility alone but trusted in God\u2019s provision. Of course, the House of Hope began walking with and supporting them! We bought milk powder, diapers, and other necessities for the baby girl and delivered them to their home.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nexus intercessor Deborah prayed for the little girl. She delivered the message to us that this little baby is God’s masterpiece and our Heavenly Father’s treasure, that her life is supported by the Lord’s nail-scarred hands, and that she is God’s glory and blessing. Today, she (Mercy) is safe, loved, and embraced by her new family. She’s a miracle! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Baby Girl (Mercy)<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Returning Home<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Challenges of the Returning Wave<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since Assad’s fall, about 500,000 Syrian refugees have returned to Syria from Lebanon alone (including those who returned during the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel which began in September last year). The United Nations estimates that millions of Syrians will return home in the next six months.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The House of Hope \/ Samson and Ava — Are Christians in Syria becoming freer, or more fearful?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since 2018, the House of Hope has provided various kinds of assistance to the community including children’s education, literacy classes for women, and all kinds of urgently needed help for displaced persons and others.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They recalled how shocked they were when Bashar fled Syria and how relieved they had felt because the dictator had finally been ousted. Syrians had lived under a reign of oppression for many years, and his departure was a new beginning. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But now they see the Islamic groups that have taken power, and fear has gripped people, especially Christians. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the past, the concerns of the House of Hope included strict government supervision, regulations, and corruption. But now although the new government has allowed them to continue operating, they are very uneasy about the government’s long-term intentions. Ava cried to us, her voice hoarse, “Armed Islamic groups are everywhere, and we are in the middle of a storm.” <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Islamic government now ruling is allied with the former Islamic State; and the current leader of Syria, Jolani, is a terrorist. They pretend to be docile and lamb-like — to the world they say “Peace,” hoping to change their image as terrorists and to portray themselves as good Muslims. But Muslim extremists in Syria today are stronger than ever before.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Muslim man asked my 11-year-old daughter with a smile, why aren\u2019t you wearing a headscarf?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A church sister on the bus was loudly shouted at by a Muslim, “When will you Christians repent and submit to Allah?”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muslims are demanding the establishment of prayer rooms on university campuses and exercising strong control in all areas, posing a threat to non-Muslims.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite many concerns, the Nexus couple running the House of Hope have chosen to stay, saying, “Our mission is here. If all the Christians leave, how can the church shine?” (The couple and their two children all have European passports and could be free of these concerns, if they leave the country.)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acts 20:22-24<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul knew that his road ahead was one of imprisonment and suffering, but he still obeyed God’s guidance: “Now I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there… I only want to complete my journey. , fulfilling the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God\u2019s grace.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lebanon — The Long Wait — “Hope does not disappoint.” (Romans 5:5)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After a long wait, Lebanon has finally welcomed its president, and the government is about to be established! We pray that God will lead the nation through times of change. Looking forward to the year that has just begun, Nexus Center continues to shine its light.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Long Wait <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Amina and Layla<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tree City – Nexus Center – Small Ministry, Big Change <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sisters Amina, 15, and Layla, 14, from a devout and strict Muslim family, have lived a secluded life. Their father, deeply concerned for their safety, would not allow them to go to public school or even to leave their tent. They’d never held a pen and had no concept of life outside their home. But when they heard about Nexus Center, they decided to come and study. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To avoid transportation expenses, they walked to the Center every day. They longed to be seen and valued. As they’d never received an education, we couldn’t place them in a class; so we tutored them individually. We knew they had come, not just for an education, but for the chance to regain their dignity. <\/strong> \u00a0<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amina said, \u201cI never thought I would learn to read and write. Now I feel I have a future.\u201d Leila smiled, \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to pick up a pencil. But now I can write my name, and I feel like I\u2019m part of this world.\u201d Seeing their faith and hope grow every day, teachers know that God is calling us to live with love. <\/strong> \u00a0<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serving students is not just about providing ‘an education’ but about seeing every child in the Center as precious and deserving of a future. We welcome every precious student with open arms! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christmas Food Pack Testimonial <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Christmas Food Packs <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A Satisfied Heart <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Testimonies received in response to the Christmas Food Package program are truly touching. Many living in poverty here do not even have their basic needs, so each food package brings a testimony.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Satisfied Heart<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“This food package is a miracle! When I received it, I felt I was receiving a treasure,” said Abir, a mother of three who struggles to support her family. Amid hugs and laughter, we knew this was more than just food … “God was helping us! We were at the end of our rope, but this gift let us know that we are loved and not forgotten!” … Thank you for being the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Food Package – A Little Hope in a Tiny Tent<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A Little Hope in a Tiny Tent <\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A member of Antioch Church lived in a small tent with several family members. The living environment was poor and the narrow space made it difficult to even breathe. When we visited them, the family welcomed us warmly and said, “We are not rich, but we are grateful for what we have. God has not forgotten us, and you have not forgotten us.” These were simple words, but they are full of meaning — full of strength and gratitude for God’s grace.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pakistan \u2013 Friendship Country – Nexus workers go to villages every week and every month to share the Good News<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Bangladesh – Water City – Nexus workers visit and serve in the slums every week.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The New Year brings new hope! May it be a brand-new beginning for all of us! May the Lord protect and keep you, now and forever!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candy & Nexus Mission<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ways to Donate please click on the link below:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Donation Page<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Future of an Abandoned Baby: When my Syrian co-worker shared this testimony with me I felt sympathetic, as I’d been abandoned as a baby myself. Because my family was poor, shortly after I was born my mother left me in front of the Tung Wah Hospital in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. My eldest sister didn\u2019t want to give up on me, so she ran to the hospital, got me, and took me home — that\u2019s why I’m here today….<\/p>\n

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