Lebanon (MNN) — Lebanon’s Hezbollah says it’s ready for war as the Iran conflict spreads across the Middle East.
“Is this the sentiment of the Lebanese people? Absolutely not. I don’t speak for the Lebanese people, but I do understand the sentiment of the Church, the ministries, and what God is doing,” Heart for Lebanon’s May-Lee Melki says.
“This is definitely not something that we pray for, ask for, or have any ties to.”
(Photo courtesy of Heart for Lebanon)
The Lebanese government echoed this position as it condemned Hezbollah’s actions.
“The Lebanese government is trying its best to distance itself (from Hezbollah) for the first time, which is a historical decision,” Melki says. Hezbollah has been entrenched in Lebanese politics since the early 2000s.
Thousands on the move
Meanwhile, Israeli troops advanced into southern Lebanon on Tuesday after the Lebanese army cleared the way. Fighting has uprooted at least 30,000 people since Monday, when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to strikes on Iran.
As people flee by the tens of thousands and needs skyrocket, Heart for Lebanon is responding in three locations: southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut.
Watch this emergency update from Daoud Arnaout, managing director of Heart for Lebanon.
“We are blessed to be a ministry that is strategically positioned to immediately respond to families that are fleeing those areas,” Melki says.
“This is directly impacting us. Our center in Ghazieh is very close to a lot of what is happening, but our team has been able to shift and find safe areas to operate and respond.”
How to help
Pray Heart for Lebanon can continue getting supplies for its food ministry.
(Photo courtesy of Heart for Lebanon)
“This is just the tip of the iceberg; just the initial response because of what transpired in the last 48 hours,” Melki says.
“These are vulnerable Lebanese families that woke up one day and had nothing prepared for a crisis like this. This also encompasses some refugee families who are now twice and thrice displaced, whether Kurdish or Syrian.”
Most importantly, pray. Ask the Lord to protect Heart for Lebanon teams as they travel in dangerous areas to bring aid to those in need. Pray for continued access to “our center in southern Lebanon, because that is the hub of our response,” Melki requests.
“Please pray for the hearts of these (1,500) families and our ability to show the Gospel in action. This is not something that we are wired as humans to respond to, but it is yet another opportunity for the Kingdom to expand and for the hope of Christ to be front and center.”
In the header image, a recent art activity at Heart for Lebanon’s children-at-risk club exposed the deep trauma experienced by Lebanon’s children. (Photo courtesy Heart for Lebanon)
