Lebanon (MNN) — The United Nations reports that the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is perilous due to ongoing military operations, continued displacement, and damage to critical infrastructure.
Yet, hope remains. Heart for Lebanon shares the Gospel message with thousands of families by meeting immediate physical needs.
“Fourteen months of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel caused so much death and destruction,” Heart for Lebanon’s Camille Melki says, describing the newest crisis underway in his homeland.
“Sadly, more and more Lebanese families and other citizens who live in Lebanon are asking for food aid.”
Nearly 900,000 people have returned to their neighborhoods in southern Lebanon, but serious challenges remain. According to the UN, unexploded bombs and collapsed structures, as well as damaged water and sanitation systems, pose threats to community members.
“The Lebanese in southern Lebanon have lost significant amounts of people, dead or injured, but also a lot of properties,” Melki says.
“It’s easy to destroy a nation. It takes a generation to rebuild what was destroyed in one day.”
Winter is the rainy season in Lebanon, and the nights are often cold and wet. Along with food, Heart for Lebanon distributes winter supplies to needy families. You can help Heart for Lebanon provide critical aid here.
The harsh winter weather in Lebanon is making life even harder for vulnerable families. Heart for Lebanon is on the ground, providing essential winterization items like blankets and warm clothing, and providing heating supplies to those in desperate need.
(Photo and caption courtesy of Heart for Lebanon)
“These are people who fled during the summer. [They] cannot access winter clothing: scarves, mittens, hats, blankets. Our approach is, ‘You need to stay warm. You need to stay fed and healthy to rebuild a nation,’” Melki says.
“Heart for Lebanon distributes 4,200 food parcels every month [to] families in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. These are the two regions in our country that were the most affected by this conflict.”
Every interaction provides a chance to share the Gospel. Pray for perseverance as believers help families rebuild.
“We are talking to people who might have never heard about Jesus before,” he explains, describing how the unconditional love displayed by Heart for Lebanon workers often leads to questions about Jesus.
“This is not a transactional relief. This is a relational relief. Heart for Lebanon seeks every opportunity to stand in solidarity with the families we serve, making these families wonder, ‘Why do we do it? Why do we invest so much time and energy?’ They want to know what the Christian faith is all about, and who is Jesus?”
