URGENT Prayer Requests for Lebanon
Inspite of the recent turn of events in the Middle East, we thank God that our field staff and partners report that they are safe in Lebanon but ask for our prayers for the escalating military situation in Lebanon. Key infrastructure has been targeted, including bridges, electrical power plants and airports. The Israeli military response has made travel in and out of the country extremely difficult. The Lebanese Baptists are concerned about a group of 60 American short-term missionaries that are there with them and unable to leave at this time. Another group of 200 Shiite families has sought shelter at the Beirut Baptist School (BBS) in a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood in West Beirut. Because the ABTS is located in a relatively safe part of town, they may also be called upon to shelter two church groups currently in a hotel nearby.
* Safety. We thank God that our field staff—Elie and Mereille Haddad—and church partners are safe. Please pray for their continued safety, especially as they travel in and around Beirut to minister to those in need. Pray that the group of 60 American volunteers currently at the ABTS for a conference would be able to leave Lebanon and return home safely.
* Relief. The Sharing Way has committed USD$5,000 in emergency relief funds to help feed those seeking shelter at the ABTS and BBS and to support those in need. If you would like to contribute, please designate your donation: The Sharing Way - Emergency Relief. Some supplies are already becoming difficult to obtain, due to transportation difficulties and the stockpiling food by frightened families.
* Peace. Please pray for world leaders to intervene and mediate a peaceful solution for this conflict. Pray that stability will return before the CBM Youth Conference led by Jeff Carter in August.
* Leadership. Elie and Mereille Haddad are playing a key role in mobilizing the Lebanese churches to pray for this current situation and have begun to organize prayer meetings for the local churches. They are also challenging the churches to respond with action and compassion. They have already begun to
