At Your Service - an Update from RCB
Over the past 6 months, Resurrection Church has continued to serve faithfully in Lebanon despite the ongoing instability affecting the country. While a ceasefire has brought greater stability to Beirut, the situation remains fragile, with continued conflict in the south preventing many families from returning to their homes. Some members of our congregation have experienced damage to their homes, displacement, and the emotional toll of prolonged uncertainty.
This year, our church has been united around the vision "At Your Service." As part of this vision, we have challenged every member of our church family to identify their "+1"—one person they can intentionally pray for, invest in, and disciple. Our desire is to build a culture where every believer is actively making disciples, reflecting Christ's heart by reaching, raising, and restoring lives through the hope of the Gospel. This simple but intentional focus has encouraged our church family to invest deeply in others and reflects our overall mission of making more disciples for Christ.
By God's grace, our church campuses have remained unharmed, allowing all of our ministries and worship services to continue. During the height of the conflict, one of our three Sunday services was temporarily relocated so that people could continue gathering safely. Throughout the crisis, the church remained united and committed to serving both our congregation and the wider community, providing practical care, encouragement, and the hope of Christ during a very challenging season.
God has continued to move powerfully. During Holy Week and Easter, we welcomed more than 2,200 people across our services at two locations, including many first-time visitors. Even amid nearby conflict, people gathered with joy to worship and hear the hope of the Gospel. One of the greatest highlights of the year has been seeing lives transformed. We celebrated 38 baptisms in Lebanon and 36 baptisms in Syria, marking a significant milestone as baptisms were once again able to take place in Syria after years of conflict and instability.
Our ministries continue to care for people in practical and spiritual ways. This summer, our church is hosting a Children's Summer Camp, providing a safe, Christ-centered environment for children during the long school holidays while supporting working families. We also look forward each year to our Family Retreat, which gathers around 250 people for a weekend of worship, discipleship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal, strengthening families and building deeper community within the church.
As our church continues to grow, we are also in a season of leadership development and transition, investing in new leaders who will strengthen ministries for children, families, and discipleship. We remain committed to equipping the next generation of servant leaders who will faithfully shepherd God's people in the years ahead.
Throughout this season, Hikmat has continued to faithfully serve as Senior Pastor of Resurrection Church, carrying significant responsibility as the church has navigated ongoing uncertainty and change. Alongside preaching and teaching the congregation each week, he has
provided pastoral leadership by making many important strategic decisions, mentoring and training pastors and ministry leaders, and helping guide the church through both spiritual and practical challenges. Beyond Lebanon, Hikmat continues to teach weekly through Christian satellite television ministries, including SAT-7 and other media platforms, bringing biblical teaching, encouragement, and the hope of the Gospel to thousands of Arabic-speaking viewers across the Middle East and around the world. We are deeply grateful for God's sustaining grace and for the many opportunities He continues to provide to proclaim His Word far beyond the walls of our local church.
On a personal note, our family remains deeply thankful for God's faithfulness throughout the year. Krista and Daniella are grateful for the opportunity to visit family in Latvia for a few weeks this summer, while Markus continues his Master's studies in hybrid program through Harvard in Boston before returning to Beirut to continue to serve as Communications and Social Media Director at Resurrection Church. Betine continues to faithfully serve at Resurrection Church through the Worship Ministry and Graphic Design team while pursuing her degree in Product Design at a local art university.
Although the past year has brought significant challenges, we have witnessed God's faithfulness at every step. Even in the midst of uncertainty, many people have been searching for hope, and we have seen open hearts responding to the Gospel. We remain encouraged by what God is doing in Lebanon and the Middle East and are deeply thankful for faithful partners like St. John's Church, whose prayers, encouragement, and generous support continue to strengthen our ministry. We are honored to serve together in God's Kingdom and look forward with confidence to all that He will continue to do in the year ahead.
With gratitude,
Hikmat, Krista, Markus (22), Betine (20) and Daniella (17) Kashouh Resurrection Church, Beirut