Melanie and I were in Beirut in June 2022 to meet with Matt and Julie Beemer to hear their vision and see how Grow Churches could serve them. We heard vision for Rhema Mena (Bible schools and an online school), church planting, and MLT (missionary leadership training).  

While we were there, we visited Go Church Beirut's "Big Sunday Gathering." Go Church Beirut is a groups-based church that launched in April of this year. They meet in "Grow Groups" once a week, they have fun fellowships to build community, and they meet once a month in a cinema for the Big Sunday. There was much enthusiasm for the Big Sunday when they come together for adult and kids' services. Later that week we spent a day with our good friends, Matt, Julie, Trinton, and Kaitlynn Hattabaugh to discuss suggestions from our planting experience and enjoy a day in Batroun!

The Beemers have a heart to connect and support other churches in Lebanon. I was honored to minister at Abundant Life Church on this trip. In addition, the Senior Pastor, is currently a part of our home church in Baton Rouge, Healing Place Church. We were glad to come alongside and serve this wonderful congregation while in Lebanon.

Matt and Julie Beemer were very hospitable, taking us to lovely places for Lebanese food, an outdoor market, a drive to the port, a walk to view downtown shops, and walks by the Mediterranean Sea. Raffi and Patricia hosted a dinner with heads of another ministries in Lebanon, amazing Christians.