Lebanon (MNN) — Winter storms are making life increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities in Lebanon. Heart for Lebanon’s Camille Melki says, “We’re talking about refugees who have come across from Syria [and] Lebanese who have lost their homes in the Hezbollah-Israel war.”
Thousands live in tent communities or makeshift shelters. These structures offer little protection against excess rain, cold, or flooding. When temperatures drop, people face serious risks of hypothermia.
Certain populations are more at risk than others. “It’s the children, it’s the elderly, it’s the sick people who pay the highest price in any conflict. How much more with bad weather?” Melki says.
Kindness speaks volumes
Heart for Lebanon offers help and hope through its winter outreach. More about that here. Believers share the Gospel as they deliver blankets, mattresses, and warm clothing.
Many Syrian refugees are taken aback by the kindness. “It baffles them,” Melki says.
“It makes them wonder, ‘Why would you care for our needs? Our Muslim brothers and sisters didn’t even attend to our needs.’”
Displaced Lebanese are used to groups giving them help in exchange for a vote. “There are a lot of organizations that reach out to the Lebanese with a political motivation,” Melki explains.
Along with food kits and winterization supplies, Heart for Lebanon introduces people to the love and hope of Christ.
(Photo courtesy of Heart for Lebanon)
Heart for Lebanon’s support is different. Melki says, “Our motivation is only the love of Jesus Christ, so we come out openly, boldly sharing the Gospel without any conditions attached to the gifts that we give.”
How to help
Consider donating to help Heart for Lebanon reach disadvantaged communities with the hope of Christ this winter. Pray for protection, wisdom, and boldness as believers interact with needy families.
“Pray that these conflicts in the Middle East end and that peace prevails. We’re not talking about any peace as much as eternal peace, a peace that comes from above,” Melki says.
“Unless the Church stands firm in times of crisis, we will miss the great opportunity to transform the Middle East for Christ.”
Header and story images courtesy of Heart for Lebanon.
