Lebanon (MNN) – For many families in southern Lebanon, the war didn’t just destroy homes. It dismantled livelihoods. In response to Hezbollah’s cross-border attacks, Israeli troops have been dismantling terrorist enclaves and tunnels in southern Lebanon. More than one million Lebanese people have been displaced.
A recent International Labour Organisation report found Lebanon has lost roughly one-third of its private-sector workforce, with unemployment soaring in the country’s southern governorates. Unemployment is at 43.2% in South Lebanon, and a staggering 76.5% in Nabatieh.
(Photo courtesy of Heart For Lebanon)
Displacement from the fighting has been a major driver of those job losses, leaving many families without both income and access to basic necessities.
Camille Melki with Heart For Lebanon says, “They have been disconnected from the rest of the country. They are having the challenge of providing basic necessities of survival. Many of these villages are completely cut off from the rest of the world.”
Getting relief into those communities isn’t easy.
“Heart For Lebanon has attempted many times to provide food and basic hygiene supplies, some medicines, and we’ve been successful in many cases, but also have failed in others – all due to the security situation,” Melki explains. “We need all kinds of security clearances from many parties involved in this conflict before a truck of aid reaches those villages.”
Yet, Heart For Lebanon continues, compelled by Jesus’ love, to bring aid to villages in southern Lebanon – reaching both Christians and Muslims.
Melki says, “Everything that Heart For Lebanon does [is done] unconditionally. So we tend to families who come from a Muslim background. We tend to families who come from a Christian background. So we serve all Lebanese communities who have been affected and have suffered tremendously.
(Photo courtesy of Heart For Lebanon)
“Not only is this an immediate need, but this seems that there is going to be a long-term need before families are able to rebuild, restructure, and be able also to get back to a normal, steady life.”
Pray for open Gospel doors. Ask God to protect believers and civilians in southern Lebanon, provide for families facing prolonged hardship, and give Heart For Lebanon continued opportunities to share the love of Christ.
You can also find ways to support Heart For Lebanon here!
Header photo: Bint Jbeil Road, Southern Lebanon (Photo courtesy of Ahmad Bader via Unsplash)
