Beirut Church Opens Doors to People Fleeing War

Written by: Johannes Morken. Photo: Resurrection Church Beirut. First published on stefanus.no 09.25.24. 

 

Resurrection Church Beirut has opened its doors to people fleeing the ongoing war in southern Lebanon. The church, which has been supported by Stefanus Alliance for many years, is witnessing a humanitarian tragedy:

Tens of thousands are fleeing in panic from southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley in the northeast. They are desperately seeking refuge in Beirut and cities in northern Lebanon.

Many are in urgent need of shelter and basic necessities to survive.

 

Housing 25 Families

The church is housing 25 families in 5 apartments.

They have distributed 170 mattresses and 150 blankets.

Thirty large food and hygiene packages were provided to our pastors, giving them and other helpers the resources to cook meals for the refugee families.

Ten families in need have received clothing.

Volunteers are organizing to prepare meals for the families.

“We also hold a daily prayer meeting via Zoom for the church and the surrounding community, allowing us to come together in prayer for Lebanon.”

 

Trusting God

“Despite the overwhelming challenges, we continue to trust in God’s strength and the generosity of our community to care for those in urgent need,” says the church.

“As a church, we are called to be peacemakers in a world often torn by conflict. War disrupts lives, destroys communities, and sows seeds of fear and despair. In these difficult times, we are reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 5:9: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ We believe in the power of prayer to bring peace, healing, and hope to those affected by the conflict.”

The church was one of the first in Lebanon to open its doors to refugees from the Syrian civil war in 2011.

 

Asking for Prayer

In these difficult times, the church is asking for prayers.

Pray for the people of Lebanon: Pray for those grieving lost loved ones, suffering from PTSD, and feeling hopeless. May they find comfort and strength.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

 

Pray for encounters with Christ: Pray that people in Lebanon may see His power working in the region’s weakness. May they have dreams, visions, and awakenings that lead them to salvation.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).

 

Pray for our church and leaders: Pray for Pastor Hikmat and our church leaders as they navigate these circumstances, seeking guidance in their words and actions. Pray for our emergency relief, medical, and community service teams as they plan for the crisis.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).

 

Pray for our pastors and ministry leaders: Lift up our 50 pastors and ministry leaders, asking God to give them encouragement and wisdom as they lead and care for their people, sharing the hope of Christ.

“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15).

 

Pray for emergency aid and medical efforts: In these times of war, many have been displaced and injured. Pray for support as we rush to distribute emergency aid and provide medical care to those in need.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

 

To donate directly to RCBs relief work click here.