Latest News #299
January 27, 2005

The following news concerns Lebanon.

Passers-by looking at the window display at the Christian Resource Center which opened at the Abraj shopping mall and cinema complex in central Beirut, Lebanon, on January 9, 2005. This facility was established as a result of the Books for Life project involving several Christian agencies, including BS Lebanon, and church volunteers. Photo BS Lebanon (LEB05DJ-3.JPG)

Browsing books for sale at the Christian Resource Center which opened at the Abraj shopping mall and cinema complex in central Beirut, Lebanon, on January 9, 2005. Photo BS Lebanon (LEB05DJ-2.JPG)

Using the internet at the Christian Resource Center which opened at the Abraj shopping mall and cinema complex in central Beirut, Lebanon, on January 9, 2005.Photo BS Lebanon (LEB05DJ-1.JPG)

Christian Resource Center places God’s Word in heart of Beirut

BEIRUT, Lebanon — The Abraj retail and entertainment complex in central Beirut is a popular destination for young people from many different social and religious backgrounds. Now, as well as visiting the shops and going to the cinema, visitors to the complex can escape its hustle and bustle at a facility which is the first of its kind in the city: the Books for Life Christian Resource Center.

This facility, a Year of the Bible 2004 initiative (see Latest News # 265), was jointly developed by volunteers and Christian agencies including the Bible Society in Lebanon. Here in the heart of the city, those who enter the Christian Resource Center can browse a selection of between 5,000 and 6,000 titles of Christian literature in three languages, borrow Christian materials and undertake research on the Internet. If they wish, they can simply chat with friends over a cup of coffee. As its location suggests, the Center's target audience is young people and its aims are to encourage them to grow spiritually and socially through interacting with God's Word and to strengthen their faith through answering their questions.

The many people from different denominations and agencies who attended the opening ceremony on January 9 were able sample its relaxed atmosphere and catch a glimpse of its wealth of resources, including items for specific aspects of ministry such as youth work and Sunday school teaching. Some curious passers-by who stopped to watch the proceedings were quickly invited to join the invited guests for refreshments. As the ribbon was cut and prayers of dedication were said, the proceedings were filmed by the Christian media, including Télé-Lumière and SAT-7.