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God's ways are often incomprehensible, yet always wonderful. He has given us an open door in Lebanon. In August 2020, a devastating explosion rocked the port of Beirut, prompting us to travel to Lebanon with the CDH-Stephanus mission. Thanks to our brothers on the ground, we were able to establish valuable contacts with the local church, which were already reported in the summer 2024 issue. Since then, the church in Lebanon has been visited and supported regularly.
Once again this year, we were able to support people in need. Thanks to your donations, we distributed food parcels and heating diesel. This aid was especially needed in Beirut, Tyre (South Lebanon), and the Bekaa Valley (North Lebanon). Pastor Nehad Hasan organizes the distribution, supported by dedicated members of the congregation who see this as a missionary service.
Employee distributes diesel to people in need
A special focus: The Bekaa Valley
A particular focus is on the Bekaa Valley, which lies on the border with Syria. Many refugees from Syria have sought refuge here. The food was purchased and packaged locally. The brothers provided their cars and motorcycles for distribution. By God's grace, 347 families were able to receive food packages, many of whom belong to the congregation.
These packages also serve an evangelistic purpose by reaching families who attend church but haven't yet come to faith. In Lebanese culture, it's unusual to receive gifts without expecting anything in return, which makes people curious about why they're receiving this help. The reason is the unconditional love they experience through the support of the brothers and sisters. In this way, the church grows, and many people come to faith.
Temperatures in the Bekaa Valley can vary dramatically in February. Daytime highs can reach 15°C, while nighttime lows can plummet to -5°C. Houses are often poorly insulated, resulting in cold interiors. Since wood is expensive, diesel fuel is frequently used for heating. Thanks to your help, we were able to provide 39 families with diesel fuel, bringing them hope and joy during the coldest time of year.
Helpers fill the tank for the diesel heater.
A word of thanks
Pastor Nehad Hasan sent a moving letter of thanks to CDH-Stephanus:
"Peace of the Lord to all brothers and sisters in CDH-Stephanus e.V. I would like to thank the Lord for the financial support you have given our Kurdish community in Lebanon. Thanks to your help, we have been able to support many families in need and share the love of Christ with others. We thank you for your trust and pray that the Lord blesses your ministry."
To the glory of the name of Christ.”
Hope in difficult times
The economic and political situation in Lebanon is tense. The people are exhausted by the recent wars, and many are seeking God to share their needs and worries. Through the helping hands of the church, God answers these cries. People experience how God fulfills their requests. The psalmist describes in chapter 34, verse 6, how trust in God is never disappointed. It is a great privilege that this mighty God is our God.
Distributing food parcels to those in need
Prayer requests
We thank God for His work and for the faithful and devoted helpers He has placed at our side. Nevertheless, we continue to depend on His grace. Please pray with us:
- For spiritual work among the Muslim and Kurdish people.
- That God will grant us the financial means for a minibus to bring church members to worship and to support evangelistic outreach.
- That God will create a solution for the children's education, since many cannot afford the costly education.
- That God moves people to provide ongoing financial support for the church in Lebanon.
May God continue to bless our work!
Daniel Jabo,
Municipality of Molbergen