Beirut Prayer and Vision Trip 12-16th February 2024

Date/Time
Date(s) - 12/02/2024 - 16/02/2024
12:00 pm


BEIRUT PRAYER AND VISION TRIP 12-16TH FEBRUARY 2024

About BEIRUT

Beirut is a city of sharp contrasts. Marred by civil war, a regional conflict and a mass influx of Syrian refugees, it’s a city where traditional Muslim and Christian communities live side by side and cultural challenges and gospel opportunities are at every corner. Beirut is a key player when it comes to Newfrontiers’ God-led strategy for the Middle East and the Arab world.  

Come and visit this wonderfully diverse and complex melting pot of cultures, creativity and conflict. Experience the challenges and gospel opportunities first hand and find out how you can play your part in mission to the Middle East long term. 

Booking will open in September. Spaces are limited. 

Register your interest with us or join one of our Prayer and Vision evenings (book in below). Or email info@unreached.network

dates

12-16th February 2024

Book before 24th December 2023

It is assumed that people will arrive before midday on 12th February and depart after midday on 16th February 2024, although there is flexibility.

ACTIVITIES

The focus of the week will be learning and prayer. Praying for the country, learning about local people groups, the history, taking some sightseeing trips, meeting some of our teams to listen, learn and pray and helping out where we can.

Most of these activities can be done together, some can be done separately. 

  1. Visiting churches, home groups, local believers and Newfrotniers teams. 
  2. Help at Cedar Home with activities at the girls home or start to help build the boys home. 
  3. Visit the Seafrontdowntownthe site of the 2020 port blast, and understand the history and the impact of Lebanon’s place in the region 
  4. Visit Sidon and Tyre, Follow in the footsteps of Jesus and Paul, David and Solomon were friends with King who gave cedars for the temple. 
  5. Visit Byblos, a lovely ancient Phoenician sea port, first place the AlphaBet was invented and first used. 
  6. Snow/Cedars/Villages, Visit Lebanon’s beautiful mountains, historic and filled with biblical significance. (There should be snow in February)
  7. Cave Trip A World Heritage site home to the world’s largest stalactite.
  8. Skiing 
  9. Baalbak a majestic roman temple in the Beqaa Valley: a land rich in produce and fantastic wine, the valley is also home to much lawlessness, fighting and refugee camps.

Accommodation

Cedar Home, Lebanon

Full board/ self catered apartments on the edge of Beirut. 

Extra nights can be booked for £20+ per person per night

 

Transport

In country transportations will be included between the airport and cedar home and on group excursions, but not for your own adventures or extra trips in country.

You are responsible for arranging your own flights to and from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY).

Context

There is much to read, watch and learn about the history of this diverse country, with its history of invasions, people seeking refuge and mix of religious minorities.
 
This episode from our friends in Frontiers gives a helpful overview of some of Lebanon’s history and context, leading up to the present day.  
 
During our trip, there will be a national holiday (14th February) to commemorate the assassination of the much loved former prime minister Rafic Hariri. You can read more about how the country mourns him here. https://www.arabnews.com/node/2251176/middle-east 
 

Language

The Levantine dialect of Arabic is spoken in Lebanon, although English and French are also widely spoken and very much on trend. You will hear a lot of English and French phrases interjected in every day speech. You will get on well with ‘Bonjour’ ‘Bonsoir’ and ‘Sava?’ But if you want to really impress the locals, try learning these basic local Arabic words and phrases. 

Marhaba: Hello

Keefak (m) Keefik (f): How are you? 

Ahlan/Ahlaen/Ahla wa sahla/ Ahlan wa sahlan: various forms of saying ‘Welcome’ You can respond by saying Ahlan Bikum

Shukran: Thank you

Hamdilla (Short for ‘Al Hamdu lil laah’): Praise God! (used a lot to answer most questions)

Inshalla:  God willing (used a lot to punctuate sentences)

Falafel: Great street food.

Ahwee: Coffee

Shy: Tea

Duolingo is great, but for conversation, we recommend finding Lebanese language playlists such as this.

preperation

  • Check your documents, your passport validity and visas requirements.
  • Take out sufficient travel Insurance for your trip.
  • Enquire about travel vaccines in plenty of time (there has been a recent outbreak of cholera)
  • Take all necessary / usual medications. Be aware that some over the counter medication may be illegal in Lebanon or in one of the countries you are transiting through. Check local laws before traveling. 
  • Check gov.uk for any potential safety concerns before you travel
  • Important: Lebanon is a cash only country. You will need to take all spending money in US dollars. It is not possible to get a good exchange rate from ATM’s in country, but it is possible to use one of the many Western Union branches to arrange a transfer for yourself. 
Time of year The average daytime temperature in Beirut in February is in the high teens/early twenties and it will drop to about 5-10deg at night.  It is sometimes stormy.  In the mountains it is about 10degrees cooler.  Check the weather before you travel. Pack sun cream and gloves.

Dress Code  Men and Women should dress modestly at all times. Ladies should take a scarf to cover their heads in more conservative areas and men should cover their legs.

Budget

Approximate Costs c£1,000 per person

Example Budget

  • 400 Accommodation, meals and planned excursions (4 nights)
  • 4-500 Flights and Airport Transfers UK
  • 50-100 Spending money, your own sightseeing, eating out.
  • Money to give where there is need.
Extra nights are from £20-70 pppn with or without meals. 
There will be a discount for families with children. 
 

Currency US dollars are used widely in Lebanon. You can bring some with you, pay by card in some places, or withdraw dollars or local Lira from a cash machine

Bookings

Sign up bellow to register interest for the information evenings or to join us on whatsapp for prayer. 

Bookings

Tickets

Ticket TypeSpaces
Register for the next online prayer and information evening
Log in details will be sent on registration Date TBC
Register for updates by Email
For prayer and Information
Register for updates on Whatsaap
For prayer and information

Registration Information