Refugees Fleeing Conflict in Lebanon

The Lebanese Alliance Church is helping all who are in need, especially refugees from the south, people who have left their homes near the airport, and large families with children.  
     Thousands of refugees have fled from the south of Lebanon. Whole villages and neighborhoods are arriving in Beirut as homes and infrastructure are destroyed. Store shelves are empty, and with the destruction of roads and airports, restocking is not likely. Most refugees end up in schools, parks, and public places. Some are finding their way to mosques, churches, and private homes.  
     The national church assisted with major relief ministries during Lebanon’s civil war a few years ago and is stepping up to help. Believers at each Alliance church or ministry site are attempting to care for the needs of the refugees closest to them. Immediate needs are for food, medicines, blankets, mattresses, and kitchen supplies.  
     These are days of war and destruction in Lebanon. The situation is grim, and the Lebanese people are suffering greatly. Due to air strikes and naval bombardment, an alarming number of people have had to flee their homes. One week into the devastation, more than 200 Lebanese have been killed and 400 injured—including whole families with seven, eight, or nine children. 
     One recipient of help was a young mother with two little girls. The younger girl appeared to be about four years old, and her sister seemed to be about seven. As one of their small pieces of luggage was loaded into the trunk of a car, the seven-year-old slumped down in the front seat, resting her head on her hands. Her whole body language spoke of tired dejection. It is very likely that she—like many people in Lebanon—has not had a good night’s sleep in many days. It is hard to sleep when planes are flying overhead. The ground shakes and windows rattle from the loud explosion of bombs. 
     News reports are saying that at least 100,000 Lebanese people have been displaced from their homes, and some reports put the number as high as 400,000. For many people, their homes have been destroyed or damaged, and many roads are impassable because bridges have been systematically targeted and destroyed. 
     Many of the refugees fled with little or nothing from their homes. The Alliance church anticipates helping anywhere from 300 to 500 families, as the Lord supplies opportunities and resources. “Our responsibility is to live out the message of love to people in need,” says a church leader. 
     The church gathered to pray for the country, for the refugees, and for those who are suffering. Several youth from the church began to package supplies to be distributed in the initial relief efforts. Bags were filled for each family, with rice, pasta, tuna, canned meat or cheese, sugar, tea, and candles.  
     The Alliance church in Lebanon welcomes the partnership of the broader church in loving people and praying for the Lord’s work among those who are suffering. 
     A relief fund has been established to assist the church in Lebanon meet basic needs for thousands of refugees. Please keep Lebanon in your prayers.

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