Saturday, June 28, 2025

Emad and Almess Botros

In 2015, Emad and Almess Botros joined CBM to serve at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) in Lebanon, where they first met and studied.

View ProfileGreetings from Beirut dear friends,

Our family wishes you a Happy Easter
Jesus is Risen; He is Risen Indeed

Celebrating the Power of the Resurrection

As we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, we’ve also been experiencing, as a family, the power of His resurrection in personal and meaningful ways. Looking back at late 2024, we walked through seasons marked by death, destruction, and emotional and mental distress. It certainly wasn’t an easy time. Yet through it all, we have also felt God’s hand gently encouraging us—bringing healing to our minds and hearts, particularly in the last couple of months. Please pray for continued healing and restoration as we lean into the hope and power of Christ’s resurrection.

Timothy’s New Season
Timothy has been doing well. This past January, he made the decision to take a gap semester from university—a choice we fully supported. He needed a pause to reflect and discern the next steps in his journey. In the meantime, he continues to be involved in volunteer ministries and is working part-time, which has brought him joy and growth. Pray for wisdom and clarity for Timothy as he discerns God’s direction for the next season of his life.

Nathaniel’s Final Stretch
Nathaniel is currently writing his Grade 12 final exams. Like many students, he’s facing the normal waves of exam anxiety. After much reflection, he’s decided to take a gap year before heading to university, and we encouraged him to take that step. He’s navigating this transition with courage, and we’re walking alongside him with love and support. Please lift Nathaniel in prayer for peace during exams and for discernment and confidence as he prepares for the year ahead.

Seeking Rest and Recovery
This past year has been heavy for many reasons, especially with the ongoing conflict and uncertainty surrounding us. We sense our need, as a family, for rest and renewal. We’re doing our best to create space for recovery—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—so that we can regain strength and face the coming months with hope. Pray for God’s peace, rest, and continued healing over our family as we seek to be renewed.

Thankful for CBM Family
We are deeply grateful for CBM family and the ongoing support they’ve shown us as a family. Their care, encouragement, and tangible help have meant so much during this season. We thank God for the people He places in our lives to walk with us through both the highs and the lows. Please join us in thanking God for CBM’s faithful ministry and pray for continued strength and guidance for their ministry.

Women Learning English

CBM in Egypt: Integral Mission in Action

CBM’s partnership in Egypt continues to deepen, especially in the area of integral mission. Over the past year, CBM has supported the Egyptian Baptist Convention in a variety of meaningful ways, contributing to both spiritual and community transformation.

Empowering Women Through Healing, Learning, and Skills

This year, we have witnessed powerful transformations among young women recovering from addiction. Through weekly small groups, personal devotion times, and a safe, supportive environment, 12 participants began rediscovering their God-given gifts and purpose. At the same time, our English learning initiative provided 12 women—many of them mothers—with the tools and confidence to support their children academically and communicate more effectively in everyday life. These programs are not just about education or recovery; they are about restoring dignity and offering hope.

Praise God for the transformation among young women recovering from addiction, and pray for their continued healing and growth in faith and purpose.

Women Learning Sewing

Praise God for the impact of the English learning initiative, and pray that these women will continue gaining confidence to support their families and engage in their communities.

Equipping for a Better Future

In response to the need for economic empowerment, 24 women completed a 10-week vocational training in sewing and hairdressing. Many of them have since launched small businesses or found employment locally—equipped not only with technical tools but also with the encouragement and mentorship of church members. In one center, women even began producing and selling clothing. Alongside this, 45 women benefited from family counseling and training sessions on marriage, parenting, and healing from past abuse. These efforts are creating ripple effects—strengthening families, building resilience, and revealing God’s care in tangible ways.

Pray for the women who completed vocational training—that their new skills and small businesses will flourish, providing sustainable income and dignity.

Pray for continued healing and growth for the 45 women who received counseling and training in family life, marriage, and parenting.

Pray for the churches involved—that they will continue to be sources of encouragement, mentorship, and a reflection of God’s care in their communities.

A Celebration of Ability and Friendship

Building Inclusive and Hope-Filled Communities
This year, we have been blessed to walk alongside 18 individuals with special needs, offering them support services that include personal assessments, life skills training, and steps toward greater independence. Their progress has been a source of deep encouragement, not only to our team but especially to their families—many of whom have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the positive impact these services have had. In addition, we equipped teachers and caregivers through specialized training, significantly improving the quality of care. Medical and financial support was offered to those most in need, helping to reduce economic and health barriers. We also provided parental training sessions, strengthening family support systems and empowering parents with practical tools and knowledge for ongoing care. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to nurturing dignity, inclusion, and hope for every individual.

Praise God for the holistic support provided to individuals with special needs and their families—through life skills training, caregiver education, and medical aid—and pray that these efforts will continue to restore dignity, strengthen families, and open new doors of opportunity.

Equipping Youth and Families for Sustainable Growth

The sports club program has made a significant impact, with 40 participants actively engaging in activities designed to build healthy relationships between Muslim and Christian youth. By fostering an environment of cooperation and mutual respect, the program has become a powerful tool for bridge-building across religious communities. More committed leaders have joined the initiative, further enhancing its effectiveness. Participants have not only learned valuable life success principles, but they have also provided overwhelmingly positive feedback about the program.

In addition, 13 young individuals completed the 10-week HVAC Technician vocational program, which focused on technical skill development and practical life training. The program included hands-on assessments to measure technical improvement and was enriched by mentorship from church members, who provided both guidance and encouragement throughout the course. Participants experienced God’s care through the church’s active involvement in their future success, receiving not only the skills but also the tools needed to start their own businesses. This vocational training program has become a crucial stepping stone for many youth, empowering them to pursue entrepreneurship and secure a more independent future.

Praise God for the positive impact of the sports club and vocational training programs, which have fostered unity, built relationships, and equipped youth with valuable skills for the future. Pray that these initiatives continue to strengthen the bonds between youth, their communities, and the church.

Emad, Almess, Timothy & Nathaniel

You may also like

Leave a Comment

The Centre is a curated Christian charity news site designed to be the go-to homepage for ministry leaders and charity workers across Canada. With a steady stream of sector updates, highlights from notable Canadian charities, and insightful stories that matter to those in ministry, The Centre is fresh way to stay connected to the heart of the charitable sector.