Lebanon is such a unique country filled with a mix of cultural influence, religious freedom and a land amidst war torn countries. The uniqueness of this country is that many people residing in Lebanon have left their home countries and are in significant need. This creates an open door for the local church.
This past month my team joined with another team on our squad: team peace and we were given a host in Tyre at the local church. Together we had 13 ladies and we have had up to 15 people with leaders at times. We lived in the same building and apartment room as the family who planted this church and have been interacting with their workers regularly.
I’ll attempt to give you a picture of what our month has looked like here in Lebanon.
We began most of our mornings with a devotional time with the workers of the church, many who are Muslim and are employed to drive school buses and work in the sewing room. It was so encouraging to go through some of the Psalms, hear the pastors thoughts, pray, and connect with the ladies who consistently tried to teach me very basic Arabic. Side note- the Arabic in Lebanon is very, very different to Morocco! Connecting with the workers and some locals has been encouraging. We’ve heard their testimonies and are amazed at how God has pursued each person and drawn them to this place in Lebanon. For some God has shown himself faithful amidst persecution for converting to Christianity.
The church is seeking to help the community around them and provide care and help where they are able. They provide employment for some families and transportation, food and clothing for others. Every week there are multiple meetings for children and families to attend the church, participate in activities and hear the gospel. These families are mainly refugees- from Syria, Iran, Iraq and Palestine. Majority of them are Muslim and yet their hearts, especially the children, are so open to hearing the gospel and they love learning about Jesus.
I have loved getting to spend time with the children who attend these meetings. They welcomed us in and it was so sweet connecting with them week after week, sharing smiles, hugs, dancing and singing to children’s songs and colouring pages. These kids soak up love like sponges. We pray that they will understand the love Jesus has for them is far greater than any person can offer them and that despite our brief time with them, Jesus is constant and never leaves them.
There is also a music program connected to the church where children are receiving free music lessons and participating in bands and choirs. One night we even got the privilege of going to a jazz concert in Beirut with the music students. We all loved it! The musically gifted in our group have been able to assist greatly in this area and we have all been encouraged by the man initiating it all. We have seen so much fruit from this ministry. These kids are being impacted with every conversation, act of kindness and intentionality that this music program has provided. The testimonies coming from this have been incredible. Many children have accepted Jesus but are fearful to tell their families due to persecution, some siblings have accepted Christ but haven’t even told each other. One child told a squad mate that they are glad their country had war, because it brought them here where they learned about Jesus! How incredible! Pray for these sweet children as God is consistently drawing them closer to Him and empowering them to be His light in this world.
Through these programs and the workers intentionality they are raising up the next generation that knows and loves Jesus. It’s so exciting to see! Even in the midst of often dire circumstances God is at work.
We’ve also been able to help organise and run pregnancy classes for women, help with a thanksgiving dinner and put on a Christmas party for single parent families through Global Orphan. We were able to share the true meaning of Christmas with the children and the message of peace for many widowed and single mothers.
It’s been a month filled with countless hours of children’s ministry, music lessons, doula workshops, devotional times, decorating upon decorating, cutting out snowflakes, sweet smiles and connecting with another team.
Lebanon has been a month of connection and my heart is thankful that God brought me here to experience it all.
A massive thank you again to those who have been supporting me this whole journey. Your prayers and finances are sowing into God’s kingdom.
