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We Train Leaders

Ministry to Lebanon and the Arab world’s unreached demands a strategic and Spirit-led approach. With over 500 million people across the MENA region, many of whom have never encountered the Gospel, the need for well-trained leaders and church planters is as urgent as ever. Our mandate to make disciples here is both a privilege and a responsibility, demanding commitment, prayer, and a clear strategy grounded in the Word of God. Jesus’ command in the Great Commission—”Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, NIV)—is a call to action that leaves no room for hesitation or passivity.

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes equipping others to carry out God’s work. In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul speaks of Christ’s gifts to the church—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—to “equip his people for works of service” (NIV). This equipping process is vital for creating a sustainable impact. When we empower local believers to take ownership of their faith and calling, we ensure that the Gospel message will resonate in ways a foreign presence alone cannot accomplish.

The model of training and sending is exemplified in the life of Paul, who not only preached the Gospel but also raised up leaders like Timothy, Titus, and many others. In his letters to Timothy, Paul instructs him to steward what he has learned, entrusting the Gospel to “faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2, NIV). Paul’s approach shows us the power of multiplying leaders who understand their cultural context and can shepherd their communities in relevant and transformative ways.

Today, we follow this model by equipping leaders and church planters in Lebanon. Training leaders from within the community means they are equipped with Biblical knowledge and practical skills and are grounded in the culture and language of the people they serve. This contextual understanding is essential for ministry in the Arab world, where family ties, traditions, and a deep respect for cultural values shape people’s daily lives and belief systems. Equipping leaders who navigate these complexities allows the Gospel to be shared with integrity and authenticity.

Beyond training, these leaders must also be spiritually equipped to endure the challenges of ministry in a region where opposition to the Gospel is, at least for now, strong. Jesus reminded His disciples that they would face hardships, saying, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV). Leaders in Lebanon and across the MENA region may serve under difficult circumstances, facing hostility from authorities or societal pressures. We endevour to build resilience and faith in these leaders by grounding them in the unchanging Word of God so they may stand firm in the face of trials.

One of the key aspects of our training is developing a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower His followers to be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8, NIV). As church planters and leaders in Lebanon, we rely on the Spirit to guide us, give us boldness, and open doors for ministry. Our training programs emphasize the importance of Spirit-led ministry, encouraging leaders to seek God’s guidance in every decision, whether big or small. This reliance on the Spirit is not merely a doctrine to believe but a way of life that sustains our mission.

Furthermore, locally trained leaders create a sustainable and reproducible church growth model. When leaders are empowered to plant and grow churches within their own cultural contexts, the message of Christ spreads more naturally and endures beyond our direct involvement. This aligns with Paul’s strategy, as seen in his ministry in Ephesus, where his teaching led to a ripple effect throughout Asia (Acts 19:10). By training leaders to reach others, we create a foundation for a church movement that can multiply and thrive even under challenging circumstances.

In Lebanon, we see this reproducible model beginning to bear fruit. Church planters we have trained are now leading their own congregations, mentoring new believers, and reaching out to surrounding communities. Each leader represents another opportunity for the Gospel to take root in the hearts and lives of people who may have never heard the Good News. This impact is magnified when local leaders bring hope to their families, friends, and communities, creating a ripple effect that we alone could not achieve.

The call to train leaders for the Arab world is filled with hope and purpose. We see the hand of God at work, opening doors and preparing hearts for His message. As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful,” (Matthew 9:37, NIV). By training and sending out more workers, we answer this call and participate in the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for the Arab world.

Partner with us in this mission as we look forward. The need is great, but so is the opportunity to impact lives for eternity. Through prayer, financial support, and hands-on involvement, each partner plays a vital role in equipping the next generation of leaders who will carry the Gospel to the unreached. Together, we can continue to make a difference, shining the light of Christ into some of the darkest and most spiritually hungry places in the world.

We are committed to train and send well-prepared, Spirit-filled, and culturally aware leaders. There are many challenges, but our God is greater than all. As we plant and water, we trust that He will bring the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6, NIV). We are privileged to be part of His work in Lebanon and the Arab world.

 

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