Saying goodbye is never easy! Especially to a colleague like Gladys Haddad Sebali who has been with us for 23+ years, i.e. since the founding of LSESD in 1998.
In 2006, and along with our Youth Minister Rev. Joseph Kazzi, Gladys played an important role in leading LSESD’s Baptist Children and Youth Ministry (BCYM) bringing joy and hope to vulnerable and marginalized children in Lebanon – both Lebanese as well as Syrian refugees – assuring them of their value in the eyes of God and that their challenging circumstances are not a reflection of His view of them. She worked with local volunteers leading children’s camps and kids clubs, young girls at risk too. More recently and since the pandemic, Gladys introduced the “camp in a box” wherein BCYM takes the camp activities to the children where they can immerse themselves in reading Christian resources, crafts and games that draw them closer to Jesus, to put their trust in Him. The impact of which has been heartwarming for the children and their families.
We wish Gladys all the best as she and her family decided to move on with other plans. And so effective January 1st, 2022 BCYM will have a new director and team whom we’ll be introducing to you in due course, along with new avenues through which BCYM will pursue in working with local churches and ministries.
In the meantime, our prayer for Gladys and her family is from Numbers 6:23-26:
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”