What is FORGE?

Forge is a Mission Field Training Program offered by Horizons International. Situated in Beirut, Lebanon, this nine-month program is designed to provide practical missions training through interactive discussion-based teaching, team-led fieldwork, and Arabic language studies. The program places special emphasis on sharing the gospel and discipling Muslims.

How is the program designed?

The FORGE internship program aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for effective ministry in three key areas.

Participants will be grouped into teams of around five people. These teams are formed before arrival in Lebanon, allowing you to meet either online or in person (if from the same region).

This also facilitates team bonding. You’ll learn and serve alongside your teammates, fostering fellowship, encouragement, and essential team-building skills. The program consists of three parts: training, fieldwork, and Arabic studies.

Typically, the week is structured with 5–10 hours of discussion-based training, 15-20 hours of fieldwork, and 10 hours of Arabic studies.

Who can apply?

Anyone! If you are 18 years old or older, willing to commit for nine months, and interested in long-term missions, we encourage you to join us. The skills you’ll acquire in this program will be invaluable for future missions, wherever the Lord calls you.

What is the course schedule?

The inaugural Forge training program launches in September 2024 and runs until June 2025.

Applications should be submitted by March 1, 2024. After acceptance, we will conduct an online orientation to assist you in garnering support and prepare you for starting the full-time program in September.

An additional one-year program extension is available. After the first year, you also have the opportunity to apply for a staff position with Horizons International. This is conditional on the completion of the full two-year training program.

Where is the training held?

Horizons International’s headquarters are based in Beirut, Lebanon, but we also serve in various regions of the country (and around the world!)

While you will experience Horizons’ projects throughout Lebanon, you will be assigned a specific region for your primary fieldwork.


What are the three parts of the program?

The FORGE internship program is divided into three key areas.

1. Discussion-Based Class Work

Forge will provide you with training in several areas. The primary focus will be on ‘Heart’ (personal growth), ‘Mind’ (growing in knowledge), and ‘Skills’ (developing practical abilities).

Heart covers topics like your personal relationship with God, relationships with others, and personal, spiritual, and emotional health.

’Mind’ delves into theology, Middle Eastern culture, finances and stewardship, and the vision of Horizons International.

'Skills' teaches how to share the gospel, build a multiplying movement, and manage discipleship groups.

Some lessons are held in a classroom with a teacher facilitating training and discussions, while others will be with coaches for practical skill development and question-answering sessions. There will also be dynamic discussions for individual teams.

The goal is to make the teaching practical and immediately applicable to fieldwork. Feedback is encouraged to adapt the course to participant needs and team challenges.

2. Field Work

This is the most crucial part of the course and takes up the bulk of your time. Each team is assigned to a different field ministry and engages in both established work and starting new initiatives, while also sharing the gospel and discipling others.

During the application process, you will have the opportunity to share your skills and interests. We use this information to form teams, matching individuals with appropriate departments and ministries within Horizons. This way, you are paired with fieldwork opportunities that foster personal growth and have a lasting impact on the community.

There will also be opportunities for you to use and grow your own educational or academic abilities. For example, someone skilled in computer programming could spend a few hours a week developing this ability. The ultimate goal is for you to enhance your professional skills and gain a practical understanding of how to use these skills for God’s kingdom.

3. Arabic Studies

Participants will spend six hours a week in class learning Arabic and four hours a week in personal study. The course will focus on survival Arabic, meaning language for everyday life, as well as basic spiritual conversations. As much of the fieldwork is in Arabic, students can immediately apply what they have learned and get plenty of practice interacting with native Arabic speakers.

Forge |fôrj|

First Definition: 

Noun: 

  • A blacksmith's workshop; a smithy.

  • A furnace or heat for melting or refining metal.

  • A workshop or factory containing a furnace for refining metal. 

Verb:

  • Make or shape (a metal object) by heating it in a fire or furnace and beating or hammering it (don’t worry - we will not beat or hammer you)

Second definition: 

  • Create (a relationship or new conditions) that is strong and enduring

  • Move forward gradually or steadily

Expression: “forge ahead” – to take the lead or make good progress