Lebanon is quite a unique Middle Eastern country, full of an array of nationalities and cultures, with a strong presence of Western influence. Beirut, where we are staying for the month, is unofficially divided into different sectors based on religion and nationality as people “naturally,” congregate with those like themselves. The evidence of generational wounds is clearly visible in the construct of the unofficial borders. Lebanon is roughly around 40% Christian, and we’re in the “Christian sector,” of the city.
There are currently about 2 million refugees in Lebanon. We’re partnering with an organization that serves the refugee community here. It has been such an honor to meet and do life with people in this community. Each person’s story about their journey here is uniquely harrowing and rousing. We have been beyond blessed by the generosity and hospitality of those we have met here. It’s been humbling, to say the least, to have the opportunity to serve, share stories, pray with, and participate in discipling the men and women here. Yet, with each interaction I’m constantly reminded that life is vastly different here, especially for believers; sometimes it doesn’t feel real.
Before this month…I’ve never been to a staff meeting where the closing prayer requests included prayers for protection and boldness for our friends, whose family members are actively trying to kill them because of their faith in Christ. One of the leaders here reminded us to, “pray for boldness within the persecution, don’t pray for the persecution to end.” I’ve never worked in a clinic and heard a child say, “if we play outside today, hopefully the babies don’t cry too loudly because last time a man came and pointed his gun at one of the volunteers.” I’ve never taught Sunday school and had a child ask me if, “he could still draw his father in his family picture, even though he was killed when a bomb hit their house in Syria.”
Amidst the daunting differences in life here compared to the western world, I am encouraged as I see my brothers and sisters in Christ live life in complete dependence on the Lord and cling to the hope they have in Him. They share their faith and disciple those around them with an essential urgency, that is contagious and empowering. God continues to reveal Himself to people here in spectacular ways, and is doing amazing things in and through His children.
Please be praying for:
- Boldness for the men and women here (and worldwide) who face persecution for their faith in Christ
- Provision for the organizations and families here
- Strength, wisdom, vision, and good community for those who serve here
- Healing and restoration for the men, women and children who have journeyed here
- For God to continue to reveal Himself to the people of Lebanon
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
~Matthew 9:37-38
