Administration - Cedars of Hope School

Toufic & April Azar — Founders & Director

Cedars of Hope Academy, established in 2016, is a continuation of the Beirut Bridge of Hope School. It operates as a ministry of the Apostolics of Beirut Church (AOB). The school’s founding pastor, Toufic Azar, was born in Lebanon and received his calling to ministry in 2007. He has been a member of the Lebanese Synod and has served as the senior pastor of AOB since 2012.
Mrs. April Azar, originally from the United States, embarked on a transformative journey when she married Mr. Azar in 1991. In 2013, she made the brave decision to uproot her life and relocate to Beirut with her husband and family. It was in Lebanon that Mrs. Azar’s deep passion for making a positive impact on the lives of underprivileged children began to take shape.
In 2016, Mrs. Azar founded the esteemed Bridge of Hope School (BBHope) and wholeheartedly assumed the role of its director until 2022. Her unwavering dedication and commitment to the education and well-being of underprivileged children have played a pivotal role in shaping the success and growth of the school.
However, as Lebanon grappled with an ongoing economic crisis, Mrs. Azar, guided by her faith, felt a calling to adapt and evolve. In 2022, she made the difficult decision to close BBHope and embark on a new endeavor—the creation of Cedars of Hope Academy (CHA). CHA holds the distinction of being the Middle East’s first government-recognized Apostolic-Christian Lebanese School.
As the Founder of CHA, Mrs. Azar remains steadfast in her mission to provide a superior education for the children of Lebanon. With an English, Lebanese-based curriculum, she aims to maintain the standard of excellence by bringing American Christian teachers to collaborate with the Lebanese staff. Together, they create a dynamic learning environment that not only nurtures academic growth but also fosters a Christ-centered perspective.
Mrs. April Azar’s unwavering dedication and vision continue to shape the lives of countless children, empowering them to overcome societal barriers and embrace a brighter future.

Jacob Azar — Asst. Principal, Asst. School Pastor

Jacob Azar, a graduate of the American University of Beirut with a major in Public Administration, has established a remarkable career since completing his higher education. His commitment to serving the community led him to join the pastoral staff at Apostolics of Beirut immediately after graduating in 2019. Currently, Jacob holds dual roles as the Youth Pastor and Administrative Pastor, working alongside his father, Rev. Toufic Azar, who serves as the Senior Pastor.
In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Mr. Jacob has been actively involved in the growth and development of CHA (name to be clarified). Since its inception, he has collaborated closely with his mother, Mrs. April Azar, contributing his expertise in various areas. Among his many talents, since 2022, Jacob has also taken on the role of an English teacher for students in grades 6 to 8. His diverse skill set and unwavering dedication make him a valuable asset to the CHA community.