Late last week, as many reading this already know, the anticipated conflict between the USA and Iran finally reached a decision point, and a new war in the region began. While it is hoped that this may be a brief, but intense, conflict nothing certain is known. It’s been well said, that starting a war is easy, but ending it is the real challenge.
As the strikes on Iran intensified, and retaliation began from their side, it inevitably drew Lebanon back into the conflict and plunged the country into a new war it can ill afford right now. The IDF bombing in the border areas and the south of Beirut has been intense. This sent people fleeing from their homes seeking safety anywhere they could.
As in the war in 2024, people caught in between the fighting are finding their way to the mountains for safety. That has yet remained a relatively peaceful and neutral place of refuge. Once again, like in the last war, the streets and villages of our mountain area are being flooded with internally displaced war refugees by the thousands.
People are sleeping in the streets or their cars, shelters are packed, and the needs are many. But as war returns, so too does the opportunity for the local believers to step in and help. So far, the current needs, like in wars past, are for help with hot meals and bedding for the cold nights, as well as medicines for the sick.
Cooking Hot Meals For The Displaced
The local believers did not have much time to react to this sudden escalation in the conflict and mass displacement. But within the first day of the war, they determined to once again volunteer to do what they could and begin cooking daily meals for displaced families.
The current plan is to provide hot boxed meals for dinner to as many families as logistically possible. This began on Tuesday with about 100 meals for families in initial contact with our team, then increased well beyond 100 yesterday as more families came asking for food. The amount continues to grow daily as the needs grow.
We are really thankful for the hard work and dedication of the local Arab Christian women giving their time to manage cooking in the giant pots for hundreds of hungry refugees. Please pray for them as they begin this service to the displaced. Pray they’d have strength to do it joyfully unto the Lord even if days of war turn into weeks of war.
Delivering Bedding and Medical Aid
As people arrive in the mountains, they often come with just a bag of clothes and possibly not even a blanket. Many of them had only a few minutes notice of impending airstrikes on buildings nearby them, and had to flee with what they could quickly grab.
Taking time to strap mattresses to the roof of their car often doesn’t happen. We are finding that people once again, like in 2024, have a need for basic sleeping mats and blankets. People are finding anywhere to stay that they can, but that often is a space without a bed, and they are ending up on the floor with nowhere to sleep. For this reason, our volunteers are beginning to take requests from displaced families and delivering mats and blankets to those in need.
We are also getting an increasing amount of requests for essential medications for health conditions. In the rush to leave, it seems people did not have time to always grab their medications. As our team is able to consult with them medically and provide aid, they are doing so. This is yet another opportunity to help show Christ’s love and compassion in the midst of a chaotic and needy time.
Please Pray For The Days Ahead
The only thing certain in a war is that there will be human suffering of some kind. In the midst of this suffering, we do believe God calls us to help as we can. The people caught up in this new regional – even somewhat global – conflict with Iran are certainly suffering from being displaced, with no certain end to the war or timeline of when they will be able to return home.
Please be praying for the volunteers in the days ahead as they seek to help serve those in need for the glory of God. In dark times His light can shine ever brighter through the compassion of His people. Pray this would be the case again like in 2024.
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