Lebanon

The World Bank has described Lebanon’s economic crisis as one of the worst in modern history. Pray that Lebanon would have a stable government and recover economically. Praise God that BMS World Mission's partner has given faithful and joyful testimony of God’s love and faithfulness through years of challenge. Pray that they will be encouraged themselves as they encourage others.

CMS mission partners J and R, working in Bible translation in the Middle East, write that the book of Ezra will be reviewed for accuracy and readability (consultant-checked) in September. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guard against anything that would hinder this vital work. Pray, too, for J and the other Bible translators as they work to balance the time and effort on each book at each stage of the translation.

CMS mission partners Nabil and Sarah Shehadi are seconded to Alpha International and based in Lebanon, where Nabil is Alpha Levant coordinator while Sarah manages the hospitality and administration side of things, and they run courses together. They ask for prayer for Lebanon’s economic and financial crisis which has no foreseeable solution or end. Pray for new economic opportunities, food security and the provision of basic necessities.

Pray for two doctors as they head up a Health Project among nomads, and navigate the many challenges of time pressure, travelling for specimen and data collection, long hours, fatigue and stress as they manage staff and locals. Pray for good working relationships between local staff and foreign visiting specialists who come and go, with opportunities to be ‘salt and light’ among these remote people.

Local partner Tamar Dawood, based in Lebanon, uses her filmmaking skills to amplify Arab Christian voices that are not often heard, creating short, powerful films. Pray for her new series of testimonies of people who are holding onto God’s promises despite difficult life circumstances - for God to use this series to encourage his people in the Arab world and draw more people to himself. Pray, too, for God to open new doors for creative programmes to reach those who are seeking him.

Pray for BMS World Mission partners in Lebanon working in Syria, that they might both provide crucial relief on the ground but also offer necessary support to Syrian refugees in Lebanon who are grieving from afar.

There has been little improvement or change in the country over the past few months. Families are struggling to survive in the difficult financial climate, with price inflation not matched by salary increases. Pray for a vast improvement in the near future, and for peace among the people of Lebanon.

BMS World Mission supports Lebanese churches as they distribute aid and come alongside struggling refugees and Lebanese people. Pray that the comfort and peace shared would continue to have an impact. Pray that the Lebanese people and world leaders will find ways to revitalise the economy so that the population will be lifted from poverty and be able to afford basic necessities.