Serving on the ground in Lebanon
“We pray for the thousands and tens of thousands of our brothers and sisters who are in Christ and who are now living under these bombings and airstrikes. They are experiencing war and the threat of more war.”
That’s a recent update from a church in Beirut, Lebanon, pastored by a Langham Scholar whose name we are withholding for security reasons. He’s an emerging theological leader who received his PhD with support from Langham Partnership. Hundreds of thousands of people in Lebanon have been displaced over the past few weeks as the Israel-Gaza conflict spilled over the border. As the crisis unfolds, his church is responding by sheltering and feeding hundreds of the displaced families.
The latest update, from the week of Oct. 7:
“As the situation in Lebanon remains unstable, most schools have yet to begin the academic year and hope to start this week. While some schools are attempting to implement hybrid or online systems, many children face significant challenges due to a lack of reliable internet access. Meanwhile, other schools remain entirely closed, with many serving as shelters for displaced families during this crisis.
This is a deeply challenging time for both children and parents, as uncertainty grows and families struggle with concerns about their future and their children’s education.
In response to these challenges, including the sharp rise in school tuition fees, Resurrection Church is committed to providing 140 scholarships to ensure students can continue their education when they start this week. Additionally, our dedicated volunteers have been tirelessly supporting displaced families. Just yesterday, in one of the towns we serve, Resurrection Church, in collaboration with a local church and school, prepared and distributed 500 sandwiches to families taking refuge at the school. This act of service shows collaboration that positively impacts affected families.
We continue to lift up these families especially the children in prayer, standing by them in faith, trusting that God will provide guidance and hope.”
Seven other Langham Scholars are pastoring, teaching or leading seminaries in the region, including Langham’s international director Riad Kassis. Lebanon is a key Middle East outpost. It’s one of the few places in the region where Christians can worship and study freely.
Pray for peace in the Middle East, and, in the words of Hikmat’s church, pray for: “The gospel ministry of your Church in the midst of violence. Give boldness to her evangelists. Give strength to her shepherds and elders. Give perseverance to her saints. Give rest to her children. Let them all remain faithful to Jesus through whatever comes — and receive the crown of life!”