We have watched in horror as war has reached Lebanon, with many innocent victims affected and mass destruction of homes and infrastructure. Some of our worst fears have been realized as the war between Israel and Palestine has widened, reaching further into Lebanon. This small country (the size of Delaware) is nestled between the Mediterranean Sea, Syria, and Israel, which has made it particularly vulnerable to surrounding rival factions and conflict.
The Outreach Foundation’s partnerships in the region follow in the historical footsteps of 19th-century Protestant Christian missionaries who established churches, schools, universities, and hospitals as witnesses to the gospel of Christ. Two hundred years of Protestant Christian witness has had a profound effect on the country’s well-being and culture through the education of girls and women, care for the elderly and people with special needs, aid to Armenian and Syrian refugees, and protection of at-risk children.
The resilience of the Lebanese people has been tested through a 15-year civil war (1975-1990), COVID, the devastating explosion of the Port of Beirut (2020), followed by a debilitating bank failure resulting in an ongoing economic crisis. Throughout these crises, The Outreach Foundation has partnered with NESSL (The National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon) to assist in the rebuilding and support of churches and their ministries.
NOW, the crises are magnified in the lives of people already struck down by unimaginable hardship. A letter from Rev. Joseph Kassab, General Secretary (NESSL), says it best and includes the most recent information we have received:
These are dark days. Continue to pray for those innocent people who did nothing other than being in the space of Hezbollah. We are afraid that Lebanon will turn into a second Gaza. The destruction is enormous, and the needs are larger than the capacity of an already bankrupt government.
A painting called “A Prayer for Peace” from our Outreach Trustee Rev. Dr. Lisa Culpepper
The latest wave of attacks in southern Lebanon has resulted in significant casualties and widespread displacement. In one day, September 23, 2024, more than 558 people were killed in Lebanon, including 94 women and 50 children, in addition to 1,835 injured. This tragic toll underscores the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict on Lebanese civilians.
In addition to the tens of thousands already displaced, tens of thousands have been forced to flee their homes due to the intensified cross-border exchanges. The constant threat of airstrikes and the destruction of infrastructure have left many communities in a state of fear and uncertainty. The conflict has also strained Lebanon’s already fragile economy, exacerbating the challenges faced by a country grappling with political instability and economic crisis.
We appeal to you, our supporters, to join us in standing with our Christian family in Lebanon at this time of unprecedented crisis. Through the Synod’s relief arm, the Compassion Protestant Society (CPS), The Outreach Foundation can assist in providing relief for many in need. May we remain in prayer and give generously to bring light and life to suffering people in Lebanon.
But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. (2 Corinthians 4:7-12 NRS)
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the relief work of the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon. All gifts of any size are welcome to assist Compassion Protestant Society as it shares the hope of Christ with so many in need. You may make a gift in one of three ways: send a check to The Outreach Foundation designated Middle East Crisis Support Fund or you may donate via the online giving link below.
Advent Greetings from NESSL
Dear Supporters,
We are honored to share with you a powerful message we received from our partner Rev. Joseph Kassab, General Secretary, National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL). In his message, Rev. Kassab expressively describes the current situation in Syria, shedding light on the hopes, concerns, and challenges faced by our Syrian sisters and brothers in Christ. We invite you to read his words and join us in prayerful solidarity. Here is his message: