MIDDLE EAST — As the war in the Middle East intensifies and the region faces a devastating surge of violence, Help The Persecuted is on the ground as their teams minister to those fleeing the southern border with Israel to northern Lebanon.
Neighbouring Israel and Syria, Lebanon is the most open country in the Middle East to Christianity. Many persecuted believers seek refuge there as a result, yet its economy has been in ruins over recent years.
Now, as Hezbollah launches more attacks, Christian families have fled from the southern border with Israel. In response Help The Persecuted is providing a respite for these families in their Safe Houses in north Lebanon.
As the war in the Middle East intensifies, many Christian families in Lebanon are fleeing the fighting on the southern border with Israel. In response, Christian charity Help the Persecuted is providing a respite for those who have been displaced in their refuge centre and safe houses in north Lebanon.
When Manal and her family found themselves caught in the crossfire between Hezbollah and Israel near their home right on the southern border, she and her two daughters were evacuated to this help the persecuted refuge centre. Manal says they were overwhelmed by the support they received there.
Manal:
We were so comfortable when they greeted us. They did more than expected to provide all kinds of comfort and support. They provided heating, food, prayers, and more. They made us feel like we are family and this is where we belonged. Thank God.
Behind me is the eastern border with Israel. We’re hearing explosions as we speak. In the southern border where most of the fighting is happening, we’re going to be hearing the story of churches that have completely closed and have helped families like Manal’s get to safe shelter through the support of help the persecuted. We’re going to visit the home now of her pastor to hear more about that story.
Pastor:
Manal and her kids go to our church. Her kids were attending Sunday School every Sunday. And everything happened so fast that I could not follow up with her, but I knew that she was safe at the shelter.
As well as receiving a safe shelter for families like Manal’s, Help the Persecuted is also providing spiritual and emotional support to those traumatised by the war and persecution. They’re also delivering emergency relief packs to displaced families and providing medical supplies and food packages. And Manal shared her hopes for returning home soon.
Manal:
It is too hard. I mean.. We miss everything! Gatherings, friends, family! It is too hard to leave your home and flee. Leaving your family, friends, church, your life. It is too hard. Too hard! We had hopes that we would be back to celebrate Christmas, But that is not happening. We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ brings peace to the area and we go back to celebrate.
So as families like Manal’s remain desperate to return to their homes, it’s hoped everyone who receives support from Help the Persecuted will experience the true hope and peace of Christ at this time.
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About Help The Persecuted
Rescue. Restore. Rebuild. Help The Persecuted has been supporting suffering Christians with practical and spiritual help since 2011 and in 2018 was established as standalone charitable organization. We pray our efforts will empower the global Church to flourish not just in Middle East and North Africa, but also in the Western world as we share in their suffering and bear their burdens. Help The Persecuted is a 501(c)3 organization and a member of ECFA, the Evangelical Council of Financial Accountability
Sources:
- Global News Alliance, Providing Safe Shelter for Lebanese Families Displaced by War
- Help the Persecuted, Official Website