God’s Power Seen in Possessed Refugee Girl in Lebanon
The Muslim uncle of a 17-year-old girl under demonic influence was visibly irritated when local missionaries showed up at the door of their home in a refugee camp. The Muslim parents of the girl had requested they come to their home at the camp in Lebanon for Syrian refugees, but her uncle did not approve, especially as it was the Islamic month of Ramadan and the girl had already driven out a Muslim cleric who tried to help her. “The cleric had been met by the young woman’s screams and her aggressively pushing him away from the home,” said the leader of the local ministry. “As he began to leave, their daughter encouraged his quick movement from the property as she picked up stones and began throwing them his way. He left promptly and did not return nor seek out her parents.”
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.
Help Refugees and the Poor in Lebanon
When refugees and Lebanese nationals impoverished by a collapsed economy receive food, clothing and other aid from local missionaries, they often ask workers why they are helping them. The workers gladly share about the love of Christ.
Help Form New Christians in Lebanon
Despite the presence in a refugee camp of Islamic relatives and neighbors, a Muslim family of six has put their faith in Christ after hearing the gospel from local missionaries who provided aid. The family members are inviting others in the camp to meetings.
Support Workers in their Outreach in Lebanon
Syrian refugees and Lebanese families hit hard by economic turmoil experienced the love of Christ through local missionaries helping them emotionally and physically. Workers provided food for 37,600 refugees from Syria and 18,720 Lebanese nationals over the course of six months.
Bring Gospel Hope to the Lost in Lebanon
The parents and four children of a Muslim family in a refugee camp put their faith in Christ after local missionaries had several gospel discussions with them. In discipleship they are growing in their faith and are inviting others in the camp to meetings; recently a distant relative also accepted Christ. In various outreaches, workers recently planted seven house churches.
Provide Aid for the Needy in Lebanon
As the economy has deteriorated, local missionaries have stepped up aid for the growing number of poor among both the Lebanese and refugees.
Some in Broken Lebanon Choose ISIS, Others Christ
With unemployment at 55 percent, runaway inflation and more than 60 percent of the population in need of aid, many people in Lebanon are in despair. COVID-19 and a collapsed economy are driving some Muslims to join the Islamic State, but others are finding joy in Christ. “Joy filled the faces and the hearts of those who were getting baptized as they worshiped the Lord and presented their testimonies,” the leader of a native ministry said.
Devil Scares Atheist in Lebanon to Faith in Christ
An atheist addicted to drugs and alcohol showed up at the door of local missionaries in Lebanon saying he had suffered a spiritual encounter with the devil. He said the encounter with Satan was especially terrifying as he did not believe in God. “It was shocking and hard, as I struggled with the devil himself, who was trying to hurt me,” the stranger said.
Effects of Beirut Blast Expected To Be Felt for Months
Local missionaries gave out food and medicines and prayed with victims immediately after the Aug. 4 explosion in the bustling Gemmayzeh neighborhood of the port of Beirut that killed at least 180 people and injured more than 6,000.
Tens of thousands of people were injured or lost homes and loved ones, and the effects of the blast are expected to be felt for months, if not years.
“Before the explosion, the people had nothing,” the leader of a native ministry said. “Now they have less than nothing.”
