In Memoriam: Nassib Shankour
For those of us who knew him, Bro. Nassib was a cheerful and loving brother, one we were always pleased to see during our day.
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Bro. Nassib Shankour
You might ask why a memorial for a brother who fell asleep recently belongs in a special section about “Personal Preaching.” Bro. Nassib fell asleep on June 25 after a battle with cancer. For those of us who knew him, Bro. Nassib was a cheerful and loving brother, one we were always pleased to see during our day. Our prayers for comfort and strength are with his family, his wife, Sis. Norma Shankour and his teenage daughter, Sis. Abigail.
Bro. Nassib was a wonderful example of a single servant deciding to make a difference in the lives of others. A native of Syria and fluent in Arabic, Bro. Nassib discerned that there was an important and unique service that he could fulfill for other Arabic speakers seeking the truth. Waking up early in the day, well before normal hours, Bro. Nassib hosted Zoom Bible classes with students located in Europe and the Middle East. When you spoke with Bro. Nassib about this work, he was literally brimming with enthusiasm. His teaching led many to baptism. He demonstrated in his classes that he was interested in teaching his students and genuinely cared for them.
Here is a loving tribute from several of those who were baptized after being led in classes by Bro. Nassib.
We express our gratitude to your wife and daughter for the time you generously gave to us, your students. Our prayer is to see you, our teacher, returned to life and full health again when your Master returns, whom you served faithfully. Dear teacher, you are an example for all of us to use our time wisely and in serving God. Thank you so much for your teaching, for your patience, for your kindness.
Your brothers in Christ Jesus.
Bro. Abdul Abbas, Bro. Adel Ghaneem, Bro. Hamed Al-Hamoudi, Bro. Muhammad Al-Ayashi, Bro. Mustafa Aziz Hussain, Bro. Nowruz El-Yashi
When we are graced with examples of faith from those around us, it makes us take note that our time also needs to be redeemed. It puts life’s priorities in clear view. As Paul wrote:
For this reason, it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.” So then, be careful how you walk, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:14-16 NASB).
Let us glorify our God, as our Bro. Nassib did. May Bro. Nassib’s sleep be short. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
Dave Jennings