A journey from Australia to Lebanon
Sometimes God changes our plans in ways we never expected.
My family and I recently began a new chapter in Lebanon. By God’s grace, we have been given the opportunity to serve at Middle East University — I as an Assistant Professor in Computer Science and Maglin as an Instructor in Biology. Our loving daughter, Trinita, is in Grade 6. My background is in engineering, technology, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, while my wife’s background is in nursing and healthcare research. We have spent much of our working lives in Australia and Canada. But as I look back at how we arrived here, I see much more…
I see God leading us, one step at a time.
The Call
It was Monday afternoon when I received a call from an officer with the Australian Defence Force. He told me that they had reviewed my profile and that, because of my background and experience in RF, space-related technology, and IoT, I was being considered for a role involving advanced space communication and surveillance aircraft systems. He also shared the good news that I had successfully cleared all the required examinations and tests.
The following Monday morning, at 9:00 a.m., I went for an important Defence psychological assessment. After about an hour of conversation and assessment, the officer said: “Welcome to the ADF.”
There was a real possibility that I could eventually be deployed in the middle east region.
I called my wife.
“Let’s pray about it and trust where God leads us.”
A Promise on the Road Home
After the assessment, I began walking back home.
I was thinking about everything that had just happened. Just before crossing the road, a Bible verse appeared as a notification on my phone.
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
— Deuteronomy 31:8
I stopped.
Those words were deeply familiar and personal to me.
In 2002, during my early college years, God had used those very words in a very significant, life-changing moment in my life. So, when I saw the verse again in that moment, my eyes opened wide.
I began to wonder whether God was preparing me for something I could not yet see.
Then Everything Changed
A few days later, I travelled to Dubai for another purpose. Long story short, while I was there in January 2026, I received a response to an application I had submitted to Middle East University.
I contacted Dr. Amy and asked whether I could come to MEU for an interview while I was in Dubai.
The interview went well, and eventually I met with Dr. Carlos for the final interview.
Before I left, everyone prayed for me. Then Dr. Carlos asked me to choose a card from a box. I picked one. When I turned it over, I could hardly believe what I saw. It was the same verse:
The same words.
The same promise.
But now, in a completely different country and a completely different circumstance.
A Different Kind of Deployment
I returned to Australia, and Dr. Amy and Dr. Carlos continued to guide me through the entire process. We were also grateful for the prayers and support of MENAU, SPD, and the General Conference.
And then, here we are.
My family and I arrived in Lebanon in July 2026.
Sometimes, when I look out of my window at MEU, I think about how different life could have been.
I might have been deployed in this region for another purpose.
Instead, God brought me here for another.
This is my different kind of deployment.
Not with any military equipment or aircraft systems, but with a classroom, students, technology, and an opportunity to serve God’s mission.
“Lord, empty me each day, so that You can fill me more. Help me to partner with You and accomplish the purpose for which You have brought me here.”
A Prayer for This New Chapter
Every day at MEU has been a blessing.
We have experienced wonderful hospitality, welcoming colleagues, caring people, and a beautiful church community. There is still much to learn in the community, and we are continuing to settle into this new chapter.
Looking back, I am reminded that God’s leading does not always look like the plan we make.
Sometimes a door opens.
Sometimes another door closes.
And sometimes God takes us somewhere we never expected.
But through it all, His promise remains:
“The LORD himself goes before you.”
And that is enough for the next step.
Dr. Irrai Anbu
