My Experiences as 10/40 Hope's first missionary intern

I am pleased to say as 10/40 Hope’s first missionary intern that I have already made it through three months of my stay here in Beirut, Lebanon.

Upon living here for these few months, I have come to find out that the most surprising thing is not the amazing food, nor the hectic driving, but rather it is me. It is difficult, especially as a young female to leave what you cherish back home and move to an unfamiliar region that is at unrest compared to the westernized world.

Although it was difficult coming, I have realized how strong I am. I see how quickly I have fallen in love with this country, and most importantly the people. Daily interaction with the Lebanese people is my heart. I have made family visitations with the people in the community, both Christians and non-Christians. I am completely honored and humbled by their service, even if it is only for a cup of Turkish coffee. It’s amazing to see how loving the Lebanese can be and how their priority is people, very different from the “time-oriented” culture I know very well.

One of the most frustrating things, if you can imagine, is the language barrier. I am currently studying the Lebanese Arabic language here. The beautiful calligraphy of Arabic is no longer just twists and twirls, but words that I can now read and right, although I, most of the time, don’t know what the meaning is. Once, I babysat my neighbor’s children, though they are only four and six, it was still very difficult communicating with them because they speak only Arabic and Armenian.

There are some adjustments that I had to overcome, and even still are overcoming. The first on the list is definitely the electricity. I have never known life with a limitation of electricity. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but is something you quickly become aware of. Another is the Arabic culture itself. Being independent back home, it was and still is difficult learning my role here as a female and what I could do and also shouldn’t do. Today actually, I along with some friends went to visit a lady who recently had surgery. As we were sitting, the lady asked the size of my shoe, so quickly I took of my shoe to see. I heard gasps from fellow friends as they watched. I didn’t know it was disrespectful, and although the family laughed about it and was not offended I felt really bad, so as you see I’m still learning.

My desire is not for you to see my own heart for Lebanon, but for you to also have a heart for Lebanon and the entire Middle East. Keep this region of the world in your fervent prayers as we step into a time that is noticeably calling out for change.

May the Lord bless you all!

-IC-

New Year, New Goals!

As president, I made the step to move to Lebanon in April of 2006. I currently am serving with one of the leading pastors of the Middle East. His church has help start thirty other churches and small groups all over the Middle East. As the president of 10/40 Hope Missions, I decided to partner with him to establish a two year training program. For this program, we will be using the curriculum from MTI School of Ministry based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This will be one of the first training programs to use Arabic speaking pastors and teachers to train up leaders in the Middle East.
We ask for continual prayers for the work being done here so that we could train thousands of leaders and send them out into the harvest. With some certain changes in the Lebanese government, time will only tell how long this door will remain open. One of our current financial needs is translating the material. We have raised enough to have the first year of curriculum be translated but are in still in need of the second year material. Also, we believe that we will be able to purchase a building where we can house many of the students coming from all over the Middle East.
I see the greatest challenge in the Middle East is the lack of faithful workers on the field. I believe this school will help fix this problem as we powerfully spread the Gospel in Middle East. We are called to do a mighty work for our Lord, and we are answering that call with the same authority that we have been sent with.

North Lebanon

Hello everyone,

I realize it has been a long time since I have written a blog and a lot of things have happened. I had a month home in the states, and it was a productive trip. I also went to UAE with a team from here, and it was an amazing time.

This last saturday though I was able to go with the pastor to visit a family that just visited our church a few months ago. They invited us to have lunch at their home in north Lebanon which is about an hour and half drive. It was a tremendous time, and after the pastor ministered to them the whole day by sharing about our faith two more of their family memebers gave their heart to the Lord. A whole family, total of six members, has come to the Lord. They were previously catholic, not serving the Lord, but salvation has come to their home. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Be in prayer as we are in need of more laborers to send out. I bless you all in His name.

Youth Meeting

This past Saturday, I was able to share a word at the youth service. The worship was incredible as the youth passsionately sought after God with all their might. We worshiped for one hour and a half. I love these guys because they are so hungry for God and seeking Him with all their hearts. I then shared about God given dreams. That everyone is given a dream from God and a mission to do in this life. Their talents are hints of what they are to do for God. I encouraged them and asked God to reawaken the dreams that have fallen asleep and been distracted by the temptations of the enemy. I am personally living His dream for my life, and there as been many tests and challenges in this past year. God is been faithful to give me the strength to overcome every obstacle of the enemy. I then prayed over the youth, and so many came to me afterwards to tell me how much that blessed them. I am so thankful to be ministering to the future leaders of Lebanon. To God be all the Glory.

First Resurrection Sunday in Lebanon

This past Sunday was my first Resurrection Sunday in Lebanon. It was a day I will never forget. It started off with the youth of our church presenting a tremendous drama. Then I went with our assistant pastor to our international church in Hamra. I was able to share a word before the offering, and he also gave me the opportunity to serve communion. It was the first chance I was given the opportunity to do this and it was incredible. It has always been a dream of mine to do this one day. Then I went to eat dinner at the house of one of the ladies at our church. I am so thankful for her because she has treated me like a son. Then i met with the young guys, and we went bike riding downtown. I have not ridden a bike in 10 years so it was an funny but enjoyable experience. One of the young guys who just gave his heart to the Lord (last month the Lord spoke to him in a dream and when he woke up he gave his heart to God) shared his testimony with two Syrians we ran into. They thanked him for taking the time to share, and they shared they received what he was saying. You could see the love of God in his face as he was sharing with these to guys. This young man is only 18 years old. He has a bright future in the Lord. I am so honored to be sharing life with these young guys. They are going to change this region for Jesus. All Glory be to our King.

English Ministry and Palm Sunday

Well I cannot believe it is April already. The month of March flew by, but the Lord did amazing things. I was honored to help start an international chruch in Hamra. We have over five nationalities attending this meeting on Sundays from 2-4 pm. Many of them work as maids in the community and many are abused and don't receive their wages. It touches me so much to see them weep in the worship as the Holy Spirit touches them. Also, I help serve in the English fellowship at Abudant Life on Sundays. I was able to share a message twice this month, and I really enjoyed being able to encourage the beleivers. Sunday before last we went witnessing in the streets and the people were receptive. We had two new visitors this past Sunday.

This Past Sunday at Abundant Life we had our Palm Sunday service. It was incredible. We had over 200 people walking the streets in Bourj Hammoud singing Hosanna and praises to our God. We made a statement to the principalties in the heavens over this area that we will worship only our King Jesus Christ. It was awesome to see the people stop and watch us sing praise to our God. We definatley made an impact in the community. Praise be to God in the Highest.

Continue to keep us in prayer as we represent our Lord in this region. Pray for more laborers to be sent into the harvest.

Blessings on you all in His Name.

Egypt and Encounter level two

These past two weeks have been incredible. 1040 Hope Missions sponsored its first trip to Egypt this past week. We went into people homes during the day, ate whatever they gave us, and we healed their sick. We lived Luke chapter 10. We held meetings every night with at least a 100 people attending every night. The church would usually only have 20 people come every week. The church has not had a pastor in over five years and every pastor that has come would leave within two months because the spritual warfare is so intense. We felt the oppression the first day we arrived. We were a team of four and every one of us was attacked physically, mentally, and spiritually. We pressed in though and brought the light of the Gospel to a dark area. We encouraged and our leader gave instruction to the leaders of the church. They have been divided and working against each other in the past, but now they are planning to meet every Tuesday and work together till a pastor is ordained. I am so thankful God has given me the privilege to serve his people in the Middle East. Jesus is worth it all.
Also we just had an encounter level two training for the church servants this past weekend. I was so honored I was asked to serve. Even though it has been a tiring week I enjoyed every minute of this weekend. The training lessons were incredibly edifying. Also, It was good for me after coming from Egypt and praying for the sick and being honored by the people to pick up a bucket of water and wash the tables after the servants ate their meals. " The servants are not greater than the Master" if Jesus took up a towel and washed the feet of the ones He loved how much more should we.

I am privilege to be a servant of the King in the Middle East. Thank you for all your prayers and support that has made this dream possible for me.