Church in Lebanon is ‘still standing’

The church in Lebanon is “under pressure, but is still standing”, with ongoing conflict across the Middle East bringing difficulties but also gospel opportunities, according to a source in Lebanon.

The source, a Release International partner, told en of how the nation continues to live through a “very fragile and uncertain moment,” with ceasefire discussions ongoing between warring parties. Families still face the “severe” humanitarian impact which has seen over a million displaced, while fighting is fierce around Beirut and parts of the Bekaa Valley.

Wishing to remain anonymous for security reasons, the partner spoke of how the church “is suffering under the same national pressure as everyone else”, leaving many believers “exhausted” while trying to care for church members and displaced families with few resources. However, they continue to serve where possible, benefitting from the fact that persecution towards them has generally not increased across the nation, except for some “minor tensions” in some areas.

The partner said: “Local congregations are providing practical help, prayer, pastoral care, encouragement and basic relief… I would say the church is under pressure, but it is still standing. This is a difficult season, yet it is also a season in which the church is trying to be the hands and feet of Christ in a very practical way.

“Our church in the Bekaa valley feels this burden directly as fear, disruption and uncertainty continue to shape daily life for host communities and newly displaced families. Despite the uncertainty, the church continues to stand beside those who suffer. We cannot stop the war, but we can remain present with those who are hurting because of it.”

Asked if people are responding differently to the gospel amidst the ongoing conflict, the partner revealed that receptiveness has increased among people who would not previously have entered a church building, fostered through “an atmosphere of trust and welcome” which has been developed through “compassion, hospitality and care” in churches.

“This has opened many doors for meaningful relationships and conversations,” he said. “Through one-to-one encounters, home visits, relief work and the daily contact our staff have, for example, with displaced families, we have noticed a real openness to spiritual support.

“Many people are more willing than before to receive prayer, to speak about God, to ask spiritual questions, and to listen to the message of the gospel. In a time of pain and uncertainty, hearts are often more open to hope, comfort, and truth.

“In that sense, this difficult season is breaking down some barriers. Through loving service and personal presence, the gospel is reaching people who may previously have been distant from the faith or outside the church community. While the conflict has brought suffering and, in some places, some local tension, it has also created unexpected opportunities for the church to bear witness to Christ in a way that is personal, compassionate, and deeply human.”