LENT STUDY GUIDE
LENT STUDY GUIDE ONLINE RESOUCES
This is our digital Lent resource space, giving you additional resources to accompany our new Lent Study Guide: Hope in Hard places. We also have online resources to accompany our previous study guides.
WEEK 1 - I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES
LISTEN TO OUR HOPE IN HARD PLACES PODCAST
In weekly conversations drawing on the themes in this year’s Lent Study Guide, Embrace’s Revd Su McClellan talks with women in the different countries where Embrace works. This week, Su is speaking with Hana Zoughbi Kirreh. Hana is a social activist, researcher and mother of two young boys. She lives in East Jerusalem.
MUSIC SUGGESTIONS
ADDITIONAL QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How can we draw strength and comfort from the assurance of God’s unwavering presence and faithfulness, even in the midst of our most challenging and painful experiences and even when we do not feel his presence?
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“We want to be the hands of Jesus”
Find out more about the work of Embrace’s partners in the West Bank.
WEEK 2 - FOR THIS CHILD I PRAYED
PODCAST - HOPE IN HARD PLACES EPISODE 2
In weekly conversations drawing on the themes in this year’s Lent Study Guide, Embrace’s Revd Su McClellan talks with women in the different countries where Embrace works. This week, Su speaks with Sally Boya from Ankawa in northern Iraq. Sally’s background is in education and she currently works as a foreign policy researcher at Kurdistan Region Presidency.
MUSIC SUGGESTIONS
ADDTIONAL QUESTION TO CONSIDER
In what ways can we dedicate the blessings we receive from God back to him, as Hannah dedicated Samuel, to serve his purposes and bring glory to his name?
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The Rock Project - Supporting Egypt’s Zabbaleen community
Embrace partner Life Vision runs a range of projects supporting marginalised communities in Egypt – including one that helps families stay together.
WEEK 3 - “We will not serve your gods”
PODCAST - HOPE IN HARD PLACES EPISODE 3
In this episode, Embrace’s Revd Su McClellan speaks with Huda Nassar, the Middle East Director of the Awareness Foundation. Huda lives in London, but she is from Syria and visits the country regularly.
MUSIC SUGGESTIONS
ADDITIONAL QUESTION TO CONSIDER
Can you think of some common things that people idolise in modern society and reflect upon why God may call upon us not to idolise things of the world?
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“Lessons amid the sound of airstrikes”
In the autumn of 2024, as the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalated, Embrace’s Lebanese partners worked hard to keep vital projects going and respond to the unfolding crisis. This personal blog, written by one of our partner staff as IDF airstrikes hit Beirut, gives an indication of what life was like.
WEEK 4
PODCAST - HOPE IN HARD PLACES EPISODE 4
Revd Su McClellan speaks with Dina from Cairo. Dina is a humanitarian worker and she works with children and families living in extreme economic deprivation.
MUSIC SUGGESTIONS
ADDITIONAL QUESTION TO CONSIDER
How does Jesus’ reminder of God’s care for the widow in Zarepath and Naaman challenge humanity to recognise and embrace God’s love for all people, especially those outside our community or comfort zone? How could embracing this principle help society and the world as a whole and what part can we take as Christians to spread this message?
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SUPPORTING LIVELIHOODS IN IRAQ
Finding a job in Iraq is incredibly difficult. A project run by Embrace partner CAPNI offers small loans to support young entrepreneurs as they create new businesses to rebuild their country’s economy.
WEEK 5 - “Your will be done”
PODCAST - HOPE IN HARD PLACES EPISODE 5
Embrace's Revd Su McClellan speaks with Alia Abboud from Lebanon about the challenges facing people in Lebanon, the vital role of the church, and the true nature of Christian love.
MUSIC SUGGESTIONS
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
How can Jesus’ example of submitting to God’s will, in the face of such adversity, inspire us to trust and surrender to God’s plan, even when we face overwhelming challenges and uncertainties?
Jesus’ submitting to God was not without emotion or discomfort, but in doing so he saved the world. What does this show us about God’s love for us and his ability to work things out for the highest good? How can this bring you comfort during challenging world events or personal circumstances?
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HARPUR NURSING SCHOOL IN PICTURES
Find out what it takes to graduate from the Embrace-supported Harpur Nursing School in Egypt.
WEEK 6 - “Believe in the Lord Jesus”
PODCAST - HOPE IN HARD PLACES EPISODE 6
In this episode, Embrace's Revd Su McClellan speaks with Anya Isakharov from Israel about working with people living in desperate conditions on the streets of south Tel Aviv, drawing inspiration from Acts chapter 16, and placing all of our hope in God.
MUSIC SUGGESTIONS
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
How can the story of Paul and Silas’ unjust imprisonment and miraculous release inspire us to trust in God’s power to bring about justice and freedom, even in times of seemingly insurmountable conflict and oppression?
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IS RECONCILIATION STILL POSSIBLE IN ISRAEL-PALESTINE?
The level of violence that has unfolded in Israel and Palestine since 7th October attacks means that, for many, the thought of a peaceful solution is a distant, if not impossible, aim. But for our partner Musalaha, giving up on reconciliation is just not an option.
