Linga - Haifa

Cross Media ministry celebrated the opening of it's new centre and studios in Haifa on Saturday March 09 2013.

Pastor Yousef Dakwar, of the New Covenant Church and Director of Cross Media, welcomed the audience and thanked them for participating in this special evening. Followed by a short time of praise and worship led by Nancy Hawa. Pastor Edwrad Tannous of the Assembly of God church in Haifa, lifted up a prayer of blessing for the celebration and upon all the workers involved with Cross Media ministry.

Pastor Yousef Dakwar thanked the Lord for giving them this place and for dedicating it to the Lord’s service. The place was previously used as a store and a location for the Ministry of unemployment prior to that and has now become a place for the Lord. He thanked all church leaders and ministers who came from many places to take part in this occasion and thanked both the local and foreign attendees. He specifically welcomed the mayor of Haifa Mr. Yoni Yahaf who was never late in sharing with the church celebrating its previous occasions.

Mr. Yoni Yahav expressed his surprise at how neat and beautiful the studio looked, mentioning that this church has a special work with the youth who are part of it, where he prefers to see them rather than seeing them leaning towards extremism for example, or seeking other undesired things. Afterwards, he talked about the importance of pluralism in Haifa, a place where Arabs and Jews coexist and that he was working on investing in the sector of education in the Arab area.

Pastor Yousef continued to talk about the vision of Cross Media ministry that started in 1997, when he met with Pastor Nizar Shaheen, Director of Light for All Nations Ministry, who encouraged him to study photography in Canada. After praying about it and feeling the guidance of the Lord, he left to Canada leaving behind his wife and three children for four months.

His wife, Christine shared about her experiences during that difficult time and also mentioned some of the humorous incidents that took place whilst her husband was away. It was indeed a difficult time for the family while Pastor Yousef was doing the Lord’s will.

Pastor Yousef also shared how the Lord dealt with him and how He met all his needs without him having to ask help from anyone. He prayed with other brothers and sisters so that the needs of the ministry would be met. It is as if God was taking him by surprise and meeting the needs through people.

Pastor Yousef talked about the dream he has to take the message of salvation to all the Middle Eastern countries through producing more programs for Satellite Christian channels as well as educational programs for youth and women. He invited pastors and ministers to support the work and take part in it. Several short clips and films produced by Cross Media were shown afterwards.

Many people shared short messages, of whom we mention: Pastor David Davis, Pastor Marwan Beem, Usama Mka’bal and his wife Jackline, Basel Mka’bel and others. Other people from outside the country were not able to attend but shared their messages through video recordings.

Pastor Yousef thanked all those who participated in the work and in the maintenance work of the studio and who helped in Al Tareeq Radio (the Way). They were called to the front to receive prayers from Pastor Hanna Katanacho.

At the end of the meeting, everyone joined in time of fellowship and enjoyed light refreshments.