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

Equip Gospel Workers in Lebanon

The kingdom of God is expanding as local Christian workers and refugees coming to Christ share the gospel. Muslim refugees from Syria and elsewhere who have accepted Christ are eager to testify to others despite dangers. “New believer or leader, fear is a very real and valid feeling that can only be counteracted by the power of the Holy Spirit,” the ministry head said. “So as the community grows and refuses to slow down, so too are we inspired to disregard the fears of this world and keep pace with the kingdom work.” Donations are sought to bring the love of Christ to refugees. Pray the Lord will protect workers and new Christians.

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 seven 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.

Help Train Ministry Workers in Lebanon

Students who graduated from a local ministry’s seminary are not so much beginning service as they are continuing in ministries they have already practiced. “They have been faithfully serving the Lord in each of their unique contexts and putting theology into practice all throughout their training period,” the ministry leader said. More than 40 percent of the students are Christians from Muslim families, and some are serving in Kuwait, Syria and Yemen. In addition, an online program has helped those already in full-time ministry to become more effective. Workers throughout the country need donations to provide such training. Pray the Lord will use students to reconcile people to Himself.

Help Plant Gospel Seed in Lebanon

Native Christian workers went to disciple a woman who recently put her faith in Christ, and her twin daughters said they wanted to attend church services. “They said that they had seen the change that took place in their mother’s life, and that they would like to attend Bible study,” the ministry leader said. “They are both now part of the study groups, and they come to church regularly.” About 70 people from different backgrounds meet regularly for discipleship. Workers need donations to share the gospel and disciple new Christians. Pray for increase in the knowledge of God and His will.

Help Provide Compassionate Care in Lebanon

As living conditions continue to deteriorate, impoverished families have even less access to health care, and a native ministry is seeing more patients. Christian workers offer health care to both Lebanese and refugees at a clinic on their church premises, serving 100 to 120 patients weekly, and their facility at a community center offers lab tests, fetal monitoring, physiotherapy for adults and children, a pharmacy and other care. The ministry provided medical care to 2,550 people over a six-month period, and needs are increasing. Workers seek donations of $25 or $50 to provide health care and other aid to needy people. Pray for economic recovery and the Lord’s strength for workers.

Help Send Word of Christ’s Grace in Lebanon

A father of three young children was pleased when they became involved in a native Christian ministry’s youth program, and when he was laid off from one of two jobs he had taken to support his family, a native Christian worker offered to pray for him. The next day he obtained new work that paid so well it enabled him to quit his other job, and he then had time to attend the ministry’s adult Bible study for parents of the children in the kids program. He and his family have put their faith in Christ. Donations are sought for these and other gospel outreaches and follow-up. Pray for worker safety and provision.