U.S. Students Begin Year in Beirut to Build a Campus Ministry

Guillermo Adame – San Diego, CA: The past six weeks have been incredible here in Beirut. We’ve had our fair share of challenges but it’s been so encouraging to see God do so many amazing things already. Due to the unstable situation between the U.S. and Syria, we were told on two separate occasions that we would have to go to Jordan. It seemed there was a strong possibility that we would have to go back to the States – something we desperately didn’t want to do – but I believe that God saw our hearts and because of all the prayers from us and everyone around the world praying for us, God performed a miracle and provided a way for us to stay. Satan is constantly on the prowl trying to attack the group and rob us of our peace, but God is stronger and He has proven He is with us. He wants us to be here. It has been amazing to see so many times that if we would simply take the time to ask God for something, He will give to us whatever we need.

We have begun our English Campus Bible Talk in the heart of Beirut with two major campuses surrounding us. We are very excited and faithful about all of the people we’ve met so far. God is setting us up for victory. I have loved my time living in Beirut. It’s incredible living in a new place and being able to see the Mediterranean Sea from our apartment, but nothing here has been more encouraging than our brothers and sisters in the Church. They have made us feel so welcomed into the family and we are beyond grateful to be bonded with them for the rest of our lives. The group is continually growing in our unity and faith. Please pray for us. Glory to God.

Johnny Madrigal – Los Angeles, CA: To try quantify my experience so far here in Lebanon is quiet the task at hand. There is so much to be shared in the month that I have had here in Beirut. For almost a whole year I dreamed and prayed to be able to come here, thinking it would bring my relationship with God into a whole new realm of seeing the world. This trip has changed the way I view the world. All the comforts of America are no longer with me, the convenience of friends, family and even everyone speaking English are absent. The Lord has stripped me down from all that is normal to me and has put me in the place where I need to always run to Him. Gracefully the Lord has provided family that I can go to for help, support, and encouragement. The Beirut Church of Christ has been more than just welcoming and loving to the team so far, but they have already been there for us in our challenges so far. It has merely been a month and the enemy has tried to deter us from continuing our mission here. Yet we have seen God move in so many ways and have seen Satan defeated. The year ahead of us will be bring trails and challenges, but will also bring victory and glory to God.

Cory Wadstrom – San Diego, CA: My experience in Lebanon so far has, in so many different ways, changed me at my core. I have seen, with such clarity, God as he guides, teaches, protects, inspires, and strengthens each and every one of us on the mission team. God’s mighty hand has never been so visible to me. So far, I have learned a lot just about myself. How weak and helpless I really am. How powerless to move the hearts of men, how defenseless to stand firm against the schemes of Satan, how unstable in situations that demand secure heart, and how I am completely and utterly nothing if I do not have God. Before moving to Beirut I thought to myself that living in this foreign country would, as a result, bring me closer to my maker. This is true, but in reality it has been so much more. 

I have been able to see God like never before. His word is completely new. Its meanings, its teachings, its wisdom, and its truths have all come to life. What I have dedicated myself to for a year and for a lifetime is really what life is all about; loving people and teaching them the love of God. So far this journey has been a wild one. The clearer I have been able to see God, the clearer also Satan has become. He has tried and tried again to break us down. He has used sickness, threats of war, and his weapon of fear to try and stop our mission. He has even resulted to using his most prized tool of evil to try and halt our progress, but even discouragement could not keep us from doing the will of God. Every day is a battle, but to tell you the truth it is so much fun. God is preparing good works for each member of this team to do, and after a year I cant wait to see what God has done in Beirut, Lebanon. 

Jenny Rivera – Los Angeles, CA: My experience in Lebanon so far has been incredibly inspiring, challenging, and rewarding. The warmth of the disciples here is amazing. They have been taking care of all of us, providing us with many rides and so much of their time. In this past month I have been able to see God work in miraculous ways – ways I have never seen before. One of the biggest miracles was being able to see the situation in Syria improve. It is amazing to see the faith of the disciples. We were all praying for the peace in Syria and for the families there. It was also amazing to know how we were unified with all of our churches around the world praying together for the same cause. And God heard us, I am sure of that. It is shocking for me to see how so many people here in Lebanon in the mist of wars conflicts still welcome us and open up their homes to us.

I also have seen how God is working in my own life and refining my faith in him through challenges, uncomfortable situation, and turning my weaknesses into strengths. During this month I have learned to rely on God and surrender everything to him. I have also learned that without him, his love, his mercy and his grace, I could not be standing here where I am right now. The whole time has been a blessing each day all the disciples here and the mission team become closer to each other. There are so many people in need of God here and around the world. I have seen it, heard it, and listened to how God is changing and has changed the lives of those who walk with him.  The power of the Word of God is indescribable as it overcomes all types of barriers. His love pierces hearts and has the power to overcome languages and cultures. God’s word applies to everyone wherever they are. I love our church in Lebanon and the disciples all around the world who work so hard for God. Acts 2:43 – we are fulfilling this scripture.

Ashley Zamora – Los Angeles, CA: Amidst war, conflict, instability and disorder I have witnessed God move in the hearts of men. Here in Lebanon I am seeing God’s living word breathe life, peace, and love into the lives of many including my own. Among many of great faith a sister named Hiba has strengthened and encouraged me. Hiba, a Syrian immigrant, once resided in Damascus but is now living in Lebanon away from her family. About two months ago she made the decision to become a disciple of Jesus. Despite all the hardships she faces, Hiba wrestles fearlessly and faithfully that our God will determine her every step towards being reunited with her family once again. She continues to selflessly love others and our team despite the inner turmoil of her present circumstances.

One day, she invited her longtime friend, Rasha, to our weekly Bible talks. Rasha was attending college in Syria but came into Lebanon en route to her home country. Little did we know God had been at work in Rasha’s life and she was eager to study the Bible within the next couple of days. The moment we opened up to Jeremiah 29:11 Rasha’s eyes were filled with joy and emotion. In five days of digging into God’s word Rasha decided she wanted to make Jesus Lord and get baptized. My faith has been renewed by the power of God’s word as it transforms the heart of man in every nation just like God declared it would in Isaiah 2:2: “In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.” Amen!