Lebanon (MNN) — In a year that has been extremely difficult all around the world, countries in the Near East are particularly struggling. Cry Out Now encourages prayer for Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq as people in these countries search for hope.
Hungry for Hope
Jane of Cry Out Now explains that ministries in these countries have been working hard to reach people even in a time when in-person conversations aren’t always possible.
It’s beautiful to see how God is orchestrating the things that are happening,” she says. “Some of the stories that I’ve been hearing over the last couple of weeks are [about] online outreaches. Different groups [are] getting involved in Facebook campaigns, Instagram campaigns, and Twitter to really see if there are people interested in knowing more about Jesus, His life, and what He’s done for us.”
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“It’s been beautiful to hear so many positive reports [about] people responding.”
These online campaigns have also opened up the opportunity for collaboration among the Church in these countries.
“I’ve had people from different organizations contacting me saying, ‘We’re having people respond in a different area from where our team is. Are there workers in that area that could follow up with these people who are interested in having face-to-face meetings?’ or ‘We have people in this area who want Bibles. Do you know if somebody in that area that would be able to give Bibles to them?’” Jane says.
Jane also believes that this trying year has pushed many to become more receptive to Jesus.
“It’s been really exciting to see how there’s an openness that there hasn’t been before. We often talk about when the world is shaking, and when people are shaken in their normal ways of life, then their hearts start to break open to actually long for God.”
Prayer for Lebanon
Jane asks for prayer for these people seeking God and hungering for hope and peace through a relationship with Him. She also requests prayer for the people in Lebanon specifically.
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Lebanon has faced great struggles. From the pandemic to the economic fallout to the explosion at the Port of Beirut, the country and city of Beirut have endured a year full of hardships. Amidst all the suffering, many native Lebanese people are still not open to the Gospel.
“I was speaking to somebody that lives in a part of Lebanon that’s harder to reach. She was saying that their Facebook campaign is having a lot of fruits, but it’s all among the Syrian refugees living in that area. It’s not actually among the local Lebanese,” Jane explains.
“Even though the Lebanese have been shaken with everything happening from COVID, to the economy, to the political situation, they’re still not the ones that are actually responding to the Facebook campaigns. I would ask people to continue to pray for hearts to really be open, and I would especially encourage people to pray for the harder to reach areas.”
Visit Cry Out Now’s website to learn more about how you can be praying for Lebanon and other countries in the Near East.
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