August 10, 2006
The situation in Lebanon is worsening and the suffering of the people is increasing, but the Lebanese Alliance is providing relief and comfort wherever they can. Here’s the latest report from Sami Dagher:
I am truly amazed when I look to the believers and see how they are serving the people with great enthusiasm and joy. Up till now we have helped nearly 30,000 people with food, mattresses, medicine, hygiene items, and kitchen utensils.
I was in Sidon yesterday with Steve, a photographer from Samaritan’s Purse, and he was touched to see the place where Bonnie’s blood was shed. Now about 50 children are playing in that room, and 180 persons are being housed and looked after in that church in Sidon.
We were told that the orphanage in the south was directly hit, causing huge damage to the building. Now the whole village is empty.
The country is really in a terrible situation. Most people are saying there will be no schools for the first six months of the school year, and now few stations are giving petrol. You see a couple of miles of cars waiting to fill up with petrol. They are giving only $10 for each car. In the schools where the refugees are, skin diseases started spreading lice, fleas, and scabies, and we don’t have hope for them except if the Lord will change their hearts and lead them to know Him.
A Blessed Time
Inspite of all the disturbing news, we are enjoying a blessed time in the church. Every Sunday we have about 200 people who are listening to the Word of God for perhaps the first time. In the Sidon church, we have a Sunday school program every day for more than 50 children. Their mothers and fathers sit as well listening to Bible stories.
The attendance in Haret el Bellaneh church has increased about 50 percent, and the attendance in Byblos church has increased about 10 percent. But again the sad issue is that four believing families are immigrating to Canada and one to Brazil. They naturally fear the war. In Kafarchima many people have left, but Pastor Nabil is still going there for a home Bible study on Sunday.
Grateful for the Help
We are so grateful for all that Alliance people have done in providing generous gifts and for the efforts to raise more funds to help the church in Lebanon and the suffering people around.
I was impressed that the church in Jordan has sent nearly $5,000 to our church account. We are really grateful to the love of the brethren all around the world and for their prayers.