(Photo credit FH)
Lebanon (FH/MNN) — Lebanese leaders are urged to work together this week as Christian groups put unity in action. Food for the Hungry (FH) and the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development (LSESD) are partnering to help Iraqi Christian families who’ve fled to Lebanon.
Speaking at a Lebanese anniversary celebration on Monday, Prime Minister Tammam Salam told political leaders that working together is the only way to overcome ISIS terrorism. He also said “electing a president and strengthening the state were top priorities,” noted The Daily Star.
“Fighting dark terrorism should be prioritized on the decision-making level, and confronting the murky wave is a long and complicated operation,” Salam stated in his speech.
“I again invite all political factions to elect a Christian Maronite president as a head of state, because this is how we fortify our home and revive our institutions.”
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) dragged Lebanon onto the regional stage in mid-August when they stormed a town near the Syrian border and kidnapped Lebanese soldiers.
Meanwhile, FH and LSESD are helping Iraqi Christian families find safety and shelter in their own countries and in Lebanon.
“As ISIS controls further territory in Iraq, more than 1,500 Iraqi Christian families have sought refuge in Lebanon, and we are expecting more Iraqis to arrive,” FH staff reported.
FH and the LSESD are currently providing shelter, food, education, and the Gospel to approximately 7,000 Syrian families in Lebanon and Syria each month. As Iraqi Christian families arrive, LSESD is providing aid but needs financial support to continue to meet the numbers of people who need help.
“We have been called to provide for Christian Iraqi refugees in Lebanon, and we expect to have a growth in Iraqi refugees in the coming months,” FH staff says.
“We do not know how we will be able to upscale our relief and aid program yet.”
Starting today, FH is releasing the “I Am Your Voice” campaign to increase awareness and funding for LSESD so they can get resources to serve Iraqi Christian families and Syrian refugees.
Pray that the campaign accomplishes both goals. Pray that more believers in the West will take action to help their brothers and sisters in Christ.
How can I help Iraqi and Syrian Christians?