Lebanon, a land where war and peace, joy and pain, life and death, compassion and greed, live side by side. There is a beauty to it. A raw open honesty and a courage to continue against all obstacles.
Many people have learned to coexist with the continual conflict that surrounds them. They continue living their lives, making every moment count.
Our team originally came to Lebanon hoping to build shelters in Southern Lebanon. It soon became clear that the conflict is still ongoing and shelters built in that area could potentially become the next target. Therefore we thought it wise to focus our attention on the needs in the north.
In northern Lebanon, Alawites, Christians, and other persecuted minorities continue flooding across the border from Syria. The Lebanese government has been actively working on housing these people as they come, which makes the need for our resources less urgent. We have been working alongside the government and local organizations, looking for ways that we can support them in the work they are doing here. We are hoping to team up with local Christian organizations, equipping them with resources and offering training, with the goal of handing this project over to people who can offer longterm ministry to those affected by the conflict, on a physical level as well as on a spiritual level.
In many ways this project has been quite difficult for those on the ground. Many times it seemed that despite all the effort put in, there were very few results. But through all of it, the Lord has been right there beside us, showing us our next step, and giving us the courage to keep going. His presence has so clearly gone before us on every part of this project, and we are grateful to have been a part of what He is doing here in Lebanon.