Compassion in Crisis: Supporting the Middle East Update
In the wake of the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza, the situation in South Lebanon has become increasingly perilous. While the exchange of hostilities from both sides remained contained within previously accepted “rules of engagement,” the situation has escalated quickly as of mid-September. Communities near the border have been greatly affected, leading to a significant displacement of residents from their homes. Our partner organizations like the Compassion Protestant Society, which is the diaconal arm of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon, the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees of the Middle East Council of Churches, and the Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue in Lebanon are all on the ground providing much-needed support and relief to some of the 112,000 internally displaced persons.
“When we look and think about the deaths, injuries, hunger, displacement, and the women and children on the streets running to be rescued, one cannot help but have a broken heart and tears running like streams.”
This is the unfortunate reality that our partners face every day as they continue to provide for the needs of many in and around Lebanon. Many families, either displaced or unable to leave their homes due to the lack of an alternative shelter, face immense challenges. However, thanks to the tireless work of our partners in the region, crucial aid has been extended to families, helping them with financial assistance, and supplying basic needs such as food and water, fuel for heating, and medications for chronic illnesses. Their ability to stock up on these necessities has been crucial, especially given the ongoing conflict and the frequent disruptions caused by airstrikes. By ensuring that families have the resources they need to stay warm and healthy, our partners are helping them navigate these challenging times with greater resilience and security.
Our friends at the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees of the Middle East Council of Churches said this recently, “Helplessly, we pray and ask God to help us – please, no more death, no more destruction. Yet, the loud sound of ambulance sirens fills the empty streets while they transport men, women, and children.”
The Outreach Foundation and its donors continue to support the relief work of our partners in the Middle East and ask that you consider coming alongside our friends there. We also pass along requests for prayer from so many of our friends connected to the Middle East. We pray that God’s hand will be upon those affected, providing a peace that only He can supply.
Let us join our brothers and sisters in Lebanon to bring God’s gift of hope during these difficult days.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the Middle East Crisis Fund. All gifts of any size are welcome to assist our partners in helping reduce the suffering of all people in the region. While nations and groups are at war, The Outreach Foundation stands with all of God’s children in the hope that the light of Christ will shine in the darkness.
You may make a gift by sending a check to The Outreach Foundation or you can make an online gift via the link below.
