Introduction
Salt & Light is a specialized ministry for outreach and church support operating under the Thimar - Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development family of ministries in Lebanon. It functions as a catalyst for the Great Commission by providing the tools needed to launch gospel-centered ministries and strengthen the Local Church.
Ministry Growth and Key Milestones
Salt & Light, formerly known as BCYM, was formed in 2006 out of a desire to serve local churches and support their ministry with children and youth. From the beginning, the heart of the ministry was partnership: coming alongside churches, encouraging leaders, and helping create spaces where children and young people could hear the Gospel, grow in faith, and experience the love of Christ.
In 2011, as many Syrian families arrived in Lebanon, the ministry’s reach expanded to serve refugee and displaced communities as well. Through local churches and faithful partners, we have walked alongside Lebanese, Syrian, Kurdish, Assyrian, Sudanese, and many other families and communities, creating opportunities for churches to both proclaim and demonstrate the Gospel in practical and meaningful ways.
As the years passed and the needs around Lebanon changed, the ministry grew and adapted. Children and youth remained at the heart of the work, but the ministry gradually expanded into a wider community-focused ministry, investing more deeply in local churches through training, leadership formation, discipleship, outreach, and practical community service.
Over the years, this journey has shaped Salt & Light into a rich and growing ministry, serving through camps, church programs, leadership training, children’s gatherings, family outreach, and creative resources that respond to the real needs of the church and community. The ministry has also reached new geographic clusters and communities across Lebanon, including the Chouf District, North Lebanon, and South Lebanon.
Even in seasons of crisis, the ministry continued to serve. During COVID-19, when traditional camps were no longer possible, Salt & Light created “Camp in a Box,” bringing the camp experience into homes and churches. Each box included activities, creative tools, and Gospel-centered content that helped children and families remain engaged, encouraged, and reminded of God’s love during a time of isolation and uncertainty.
In 2024, as war once again affected families and communities in Lebanon, Salt & Light responded by walking alongside displaced children and families through safe spaces, meaningful activities, emotional support, and Gospel-centered care. This response continued in 2026, running in parallel with the ministry’s ongoing programs. Through it all, Salt & Light remained committed to both crisis response and long-term discipleship, serving immediate needs while continuing to invest in children, youth, families, and churches.
The name Salt & Light reflects the heart of the ministry. Rooted in the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:13–14, it reminds us that followers of Christ are called to bring hope, preserve what is good, reflect God’s light, and positively influence the world around them. Just as salt brings flavor and preservation, and light brings clarity and hope, Salt & Light exists to serve others and point communities to the love and truth of Christ.
Today, Salt & Light continues to grow from these deep roots. Through its current programs, the ministry remains committed to strengthening local churches, serving vulnerable communities, and sharing the hope of Christ in ways that are spiritual, practical, and deeply relational. We look back with gratitude, and we move forward with hope, trusting that the same God who began this work will continue to use it as a light in the communities we serve.
Our Impact per Year
10,000+
Children Reached
60+
Churches Partnered With
2500+
Families Supported
60+
Youth Leaders Trained
4+
Medical Teams Hosted
4+
Trainings & Workshops
40+
Events & Conferences
35+
Camps
Beneficiary Testimony
In one of our partner church plants, the journey started by establishing trust with the community through home visits which led to home Bible Study groups. Due to the increased need this year, we have rented a center that enabled us to start outreach programs and provide social services which include medical team visits, launch a non-formal education center, and provide food and non-food assistance. The crisis over the years has robbed the people of any sliver of hope and left them surrendered to their bleak situation until we took our place as God’s ambassadors and brought hope and joy back to their lives through social, physical, and spiritual care. This center has provided employment opportunities to several citizens of this town. Amid persecution and diverse challenges, we were still able to deliver the Gospel and be a light in this village. By practically reflecting and demonstrating God’s love towards this community, they saw this place as a haven they could trust without having the spiritual part imposed on them.
Each day, we encounter people in need of hope, disconnected from the love of God. As beacons from a lighthouse, God employs His children to guide them back to Him. Therefore, the name “Salt and Light” is not merely a label for our ministry, it is a mission statement, a calling, and a reflection of our faith-filled commitment to serving others, just as Jesus taught us.