Lebanon

Partner with Local Missionaries in Lebanon

Located in the 10/40 Window

Politically and economically fractured, Lebanon’s religiously and ethnically mixed population has staggered from high unemployment and inflation, COVID-19, and the massive August 2020 chemical explosion in the port of Beirut. Amid this chaos and an influx of refugees from neighboring Syria, many people have turned to Christ.

Islam is the leading religion at more than 61 percent of the population, about evenly divided between Sunnis and Shiites. Christians amount to nearly 34 percent of the population. Among those identifying as Christians, Maronite Catholics are the largest group, followed by Greek Orthodox, and only 1 percent of the population is Protestant.

Arabic is the official national language while French can be used in legally prescribed instances. Nearly 40 percent of Lebanese people are considered francophone and another 15 percent “partial francophone,” while 70 percent of Lebanon’s secondary schools use French as a second language of instruction. English is increasingly used in business and science. About 5 percent of the population is Armenian and speak in their native tongue.

With the high cost of living getting higher every day, support for local missionaries is greatly needed. They are spreading word of eternal life in Christ in a variety of ways, with a remarkable number of saved souls especially in outreaches to children and refugees. Assistance to train Muslim-background leaders reaching refugees is needed. Newly believing refugees require discipleship training and gospel literature to be biblically grounded and to reach others with the gospel. Funding for Bibles, audio Bibles and the costs of rent and transportation is critical. One ministry seeks donations to continue bi-weekly Bible clubs that draw 600 children monthly; workers also reach youths in evangelistic sports camps, summer camps and other outreaches.

Besides working under difficult circumstances with scant resources, local missionaries are ministering to hurting people afflicted in many ways. Persecuted converts from Islam and other refugees need food, medicine and housing assistance. One ministry requests assistance to help 36 Christian families struggling to survive amid factory closings and mass unemployment.

Following governmental and economic collapse, local missionaries are providing health care at a medical clinic based in a native ministry community center. They are caring for increasing numbers of patients daily with medicines, physiotherapy, lab tests, spiritual counseling and other care. As workers provide a powerful demonstration of Christ’s love, they are reaching destitute families with the hope of the gospel.

Sources: Joshua Project, Wikipedia, CIA Factbook

6.74 million

Population

0.71%

Evangelical Population:

People Groups:

Unreached People Groups:

How to Pray for Lebanon

Pray the Lord will provide resources for local missionaries and those they are serving to survive amid a ruined economy further afflicted by COVID-19.
Pray that more youth leaders will be trained to meet the growing number of children wishing to participate in kids’ Bible clubs.
Pray that Muslims putting their faith in Christ will be protected from violent hostility, and that those abandoned by family and friends will find new community in Christ.

More stories from Lebanon

Help Provide Compassionate Aid in Lebanon

A non-Christian retiree who lost most of his pension in Lebanon’s banking crisis of 2019 recently received help from a native ministry with acquiring the medications that he and his wife needed. He told Christian workers, “It is because of the strong faith that you people at the church have that I came to believe in Jesus too.” Native Christian workers also provided food to 18,340 households last year, along with health care and other aid to vulnerable Lebanese nationals and Syrian refugees. Donations of $35 or $70 are sought for such compassionate aid. Pray for economic and political stability, as both workers and those they’re serving struggle.

Enable Workers to Form Strong Disciples in Lebanon

Amid social, economic and political chaos, Lebanese nationals and refugees are putting their faith in Christ as local missionaries reach out to them. Distributing Bibles and gospel CDs and providing food and help finding work to the unemployed, workers also proclaimed Christ in home visits as they planted new home fellowships. They also guided other people they had led to the Lord to other area churches. A women’s Bible study included seekers and former Muslims who have come to Christ. Workers need donations to bring the message of Christ’s salvation and strengthen the faith of new believers. Pray the Holy Spirit will refresh weary workers.

Meet People’s Needs in Jesus’ Name in Lebanon

The need for medical care is growing as living conditions deteriorate among both the vulnerable and those with higher incomes. Medicine prices have also skyrocketed after the government lifted subsidies on most drugs. A native ministry is helping to meet the need at its clinic at the church site and at its community center, serving about 100 to 120 patients weekly. Both Lebanese and Syrian refugees receive care. Workers also helped them survive winter with blankets, tarps, food and vouchers to acquire fuel for heaters. Donations of $35 or $70 are sought for such needs. Pray the Lord would be glorified as the needy recover their lives.

Give Hope To Struggling Families in Lebanon

Farmers in one ministry’s sustainable agricultural project reaped 35 tons of potatoes this season. The harvest, alongside a variety of green vegetables, was delivered to local families who also received donated winter clothes in preparation for colder weather. The ministry’s medical outreach has provided healthcare to more than 6,000 patients and has distributed more than 5,000 packs of medicine over a six-month period. But the economic and political situation has forced many more people into dire situations. Donations are needed to provide for the increasing number of vulnerable and displaced families. Pray for long-term sustainability projects to help families who have lost their livelihood.

Support Compassionate Outreach in Lebanon

When the government decided to remove and destroy tents occupied by Syrian refugees, the first night that families were suddenly without shelter, native Christian workers came to their aid. “It was during this very difficult time that we met their physical needs for food, prayed for them, helped them with transportation to visit the United Nations to petition for support, and helped as friends and advocates during a desperate time,” the leader said. The workers pray for God’s continued provision for the refugees. Donations of $35 or $70 are sought to make such aid available to refugees. Pray the Lord will provide for them and for workers.

Help Missionaries Become More Effective Leaders in Lebanon

A native ministry’s theology program enables men and women already on the mission field to study part-time to enhance their biblical, historical, and theological understanding. “With the influx of new Arab believers, the Arab Church is in need of theologically educated and biblically trained men and women who are equipped for effective ministry to their communities across the Arab world,” the ministry leader said. Approximately 250 students participated in the degree program during a six-month period. Your donations of $25 or $50 are needed for evangelism and discipleship throughout the country. Pray for missionaries as they learn how to be more effective for Christ’s kingdom.