By Peter Wooding —
As a major escalation between Iranian backed Hezbollah and Israel has been taking place in the Middle East, Christian ministry Help The Persecuted is continuing to step up their efforts to meet both the increasing practical and spiritual needs of the persecuted Christians and other vulnerable people in Lebanon.
The country is a hub for Help The Persecuted because thousands of Christians, who have fled persecution in other countries, seek refuge there and are then supported by their Field Ministry Team. With current events, people simply do not know what will happen—will there be full scale war, or will the conflict die down?
Field Minister Amin said: “The people know nothing about tomorrow. They live day by day, all the time. They have nothing, in fact. No economy, no peace, nothing…they are really frustrated. The only thing that can change everything is the Lord Jesus Christ. We need Him. Nothing can change this situation except Jesus.”
Help The Persecuted CEO Joshua Youssef added: “My greatest concern is if this escalates into an all-out war. But we remain determined more than ever to stand with the most vulnerable persecuted Christians and those in need in Lebanon at this time. We urge the Church around the world to pray for peace in this region and for endurance for our Field Ministers on the ground serving tirelessly.”
In response, Help The Persecuted’s team is seeking to be the hands and feet of Jesus by rescuing, restoring and rebuilding the lives of those suffering.
Their Seeds of Hope farm continues to produce truckloads of vegetables every week, and their team distributes the fresh produce to the most vulnerable. Their War Refuge Center provides emergency safe shelter to those fleeing the danger in the south–many having lost homes and livelihoods.
“Our work has multiplied because of people moving from southern Lebanon,” their Field Minister Leila said. “We are distributing Emergency Relief Kits–a month’s supply of dry food–and medicine. We’re operating our Safe Houses for persecuted believers. It’s non-stop work. I don’t know what’s coming, but I’m willing to serve in any way that I can.”
Leila shared one example of the impact they are having when a colleague of hers saw a soldier sitting on the road in tears. She approached him to see if she could help.
“I need medication for my sister who has cancer, and I can’t afford to pay for what she needs,” the man, whose name is Tamer, said.
The ministry’s Pastoral Care Team member immediately called Leila, who paused and prayed, “O Lord, help me.” Leila was already stretched ministering to those fleeing the warzone in southern Lebanon, but her heart ached with compassion for Tamer and his sister.
Leila called a pharmacist she knew. They had the medication, but it was costly. But then the pharmacist said, “However, I have one missing the package, so it’s half the price. It’s sealed and brand new.”
“We’ll take it!” Leila said. She met with Tamer and gave him the amount needed for the medication and transportation back to his sister in the hospital. She told him, “We will send you an Emergency Relief Kit tomorrow so you will have some food.” The next day, Leila packed up a box and put a Bible in it. She had it hand-delivered to the man.
A few hours later, Tamer sent a photo of his sister reading the Bible in the hospital. Leila said, “It was amazing! I thank God, and I am sending him Bible readings now!”
And, this past Friday, the ministry hosted a public event in which 1,200 people gathered to pray for peace in the region and worship God together. Field Minister Amin preached the gospel, and over 90 people asked for prayer.
Amin said that at the end, “There was unity from people. Everyone felt the touch of Jesus in their hearts.” Another attendee said, “We were starting to feel like we were dying, but you kept the spirit alive in us.”
For more about the work of Help The Persecuted go to: www.htp.org
Editors Note: To request a media interview with Help The Persecuted CEO Joshua Youssef contact: Peter Wooding peterwoodingproductions@gmail.com+44 7500 903067
