Greetings from Lebanon!!
We departed Winnipeg, Manitoba on Monday, July 9th. Our connecting flights saw us pass through Toronto (Canada), London (England), Kiev (Ukraine), and Larnaca (Cyprus). We arrived in Beirut, Lebanon on Friday, July 13th with all six suitcases.
Lebanon is part of the EME (Europe and Middle East Region); we had the priviledge of attending the first ever EME Youth Congress of the UPCI. It was held in Kiev, Ukraine from July 9-12. There were attendees from 20+ nations. Some were Missionary delegates (many from closed nations), while others were members of their local churches. Songs were sung in Russian, French, and English; all sessions and services were interpreted in Russian. It was a joy to worship with young people from all over our new region of service.
Missionaries Mark and Mariann Starin orientated us for 10 days, then left for the USA on July 23 to begin their deputation. We are thankful for the invaluable information and time they poured into us. We are honored to live in their beautiful home overlooking the Mediterranean Sea these six months. Please pray with us for a successful deputation for the Starin's.
Sunday, July 29th was our first Sunday without the Starin's. Our family of four jumped in with both feet playing instruments, singing, preaching, teaching Sunday School, and teaching Discipleship class. A lady was healed of shoulder pain in the middle of the service. Her mobility returned, and the pain instantly vanished! Praise God for His miraculous power and great love for all people.
Almost all attendees are former Catholics whose lives have been transformed by the power of God since coming to the Pentecostals of Lebanon. Every Sunday we have at least one Muslim in service. They are there to accompany their girlfriend or wife, but they are hearing about the Gospel at the same time. Pray that they will receive a revelation of who Jesus is.
We travel each Wednesday to Beirut for a house bible study (1 hour away), and each Saturday for another house bible study (45 minutes away). Last week there were 17 attendees at each bible study. At the church building, Tuesday evenings are bible study at the church building, and Friday evenings are prayer (10 minutes down the mountain from our home).
Arabic, French, or English?? All three languages are spoken in Lebanon; sometimes in the same sentence. Our brains are beginning to adjust to this trilingual gymnastic exercise.
We are so thankful for you, our friends and supporters; for your prayers, moral support, and financial support. God bless you all!!
The Deweys
Jonathon, Sherry, Matthew, Shaylyn
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