Lebanon (MNN) — Statistics show Lebanon to be one third Christian, a tremendous opportunity for churches and organizations there to leverage. But the nation also faces tremendous challenges today.
One day last February, a group of leaders gathered at one of the facilities of Thimar-LSESD, a ministry to Lebanon in the capital city, Beirut. These leaders came from the business sector, NGOs, churches, and the media world, but they had a common goal for the day: to learn how to build God’s Kingdom better together.
Photo of Movement Day February 2024 courtesy of Thimar-LSESD
In the months since then, what have been the results? Hunter Williamson with Thimar shares about two groups that formed from Movement Day.
“The Christian Businessmen Association has been meeting to discuss different ways that they can actually work with local churches to support local churches, and also ways that they could consider the workplace a ministry,” Williamson says.
“Having your local business not only [be] a local business that supports your community, but also using it as a platform for sharing the gospel, for talking to people about Christ.”
Second, a pastors’ network has allowed churches to share wisdom on the best ways to reach local communities.
Photo of Movement Day February 2024 courtesy of Thimar-LSESD
“Lebanon is a country that is very diverse — it can really change a lot from one area to the next. So finding ways that each pastor can share the gospel and the proper context for their individual community is critical.” Williamson says.
Thimar intends to host a Movement Day again next year. But for today, they need your prayers.
“For the past four, almost five years now, a series of crises have been afflicting Lebanon,” Williamson says.
“First there was a mass public uprising against the government. That was quickly followed by very severe economic collapse. The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on Lebanon and really exacerbated the political and economic crisis. Now there is the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which seems that it could escalate into a full-scale war any day now.”
Williamson adds that another wave of mass emigration from Lebanon has risen in the past few years. That includes Christians.
“It’s great for us to have days and events like Movement Day,” he says. “But as more and more people seek to leave the country, this really affects Christian organizations and the church, when you have its members leaving.”
Ask God to lead Christians to stay in Lebanon. Pray as you feel led for stability and effective gospel witness. To learn more about what Thimar is doing to advance the gospel in Lebanon, click here.
Header photo is a representative stock image courtesy of Andrew Moca/Unsplash.
