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

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.

Provide Christian Workers With Evangelism Support in Lebanon

A student enrolled in a native ministry’s theology program recently participated in a class entitled “Preparing for Persecution,” a course that aims to prepare students how to respond when they are persecuted for their faith, particularly within the Middle Eastern context. “The course helped me see that persecution and difficulty are parts of a believer’s life that the Lord uses to help us grow and change into His image,” a student said. “We should expect difficulty and be ready for it.” Donations of $25 or $50 help such evangelism and discipleship needs. Pray these students faithfully follow Jesus even when they walk through fiery trials.

Restore Hope Through Community Outreach in Lebanon

A mother of four children, several with serious medical needs, became increasingly anxious and prone to anger due to the constant struggle to cover the family’s basic needs as well as medical costs. When the children received food boxes through the outreach of a native ministry, the family was overjoyed. The boxes included milk, cereals, dried fruits and jams, biscuits, and juices. “It had been a long time since they had enjoyed such a treat,” the ministry leader said. Your donations support community outreach. Pray the Lord will comfort those in need.

Serve the Sick and Ailing in Lebanon

Pray the Lord will comfort the sick and suffering. As part of its medical outreach, a local ministry supports a man and his wife who deal with chronic health conditions. Because of the man’s physical ailments, he is unable to work, which leaves the burden of financial support on his wife, who suffers from epilepsy and hypertension. With the ministry’s help, they receive their necessary medications. “This support has proven invaluable in easing both the medical and financial burden on her family,” the ministry leader said. “Our commitment to delivering health care to the vulnerable populations is uncompromised in these difficult conditions.” Your donations help support medical aid such as this.

Encourage Believers to Study God’s Word in Lebanon

Pray for new believers as they seek to grow closer to Jesus. Soon after two refugees received Bibles from local missionaries, they gave their lives to Christ. “We understand so much more about God and why a relationship with Jesus is so important,” one of the refugees said. “God really loves us. This is something we are not told about in Islam.” The missionaries also gave them CDs to help guide them in their study of Scripture. “We can better read the Bible because we are helped in understanding what it says and means,” one said. Your donations help provide such resources to new believers as they seek to deepen their faith.