The current conflict in the Middle East has had devastating effects, with millions being affected since 7th October 2023. Here we look at three organisations who have been supporting the civilians of Lebanon, and ways in which you can help too.
Cedar Home
Cedar Home is a Christian society operating in Lebanon that takes care of orphaned and disadvantaged girls. They work to help build these girls up to become independent individuals so they can fulfil their highest potentials. You can find out more about the organisation here.
Regarding the current situation, Cedar Home have provided this update:
“We are hosting some families who have evacuated from South Lebanon to our area. Some of them escaped just before their towns were badly hit the same day, so just in time.
“We are operational at Cedar Home, hoping the war ends soon. Until then, we continue with relief to 60 families (grocery shopping coupons). Rita and the girls cook and distribute 100 meals once a week to a different displaced location.
“We are encouraged and committed to staying. God is good, we are in His peace and care.”
If you wish to give in support of Cedar Home for Girls, you can donate here.
Seek Peace
Seek Peace is an organisation that works with churches and other faith-based organisations to develop their peace-building work through promotion of the tenets of forgiveness, justice, truth-telling, and reconciliation. They are currently working near Beirut, supporting individuals and communities. You can find out more about the organisation here.
Regarding the current situation in Lebanon, Seek Peace have provided this update:
“We have been deeply saddened to see relations in the Middle East deteriorate into violent conflict over the last year, and into Lebanon in the last few weeks.
“Earlier this year we sensed the Lord leading us to begin a ministry partnership with Al Shabiba Risala under the leadership of Ramy and Roula Taleb. We did not know all that would unfold, but God is sovereign and we respond where He has placed us to act.
“Since the escalation of violence Al Shabiba Risala have been actively hosting 47 individuals in the new Peace Centre, providing essential services, educational support for children, community meals, and more. Yesterday they began trauma and mental health support in their community. They are also engaging with the broader community in Bourj Hammoud and beyond, building strong partnerships with the local Municipality, other organisations and health care services.
“At Seek Peace we are standing with our partners and are committed to supporting them in this critical time of need. So far we have seen over £4000 given in response to this appeal! Thank you to those who have given. If you are stirred to support them as we have been, and to champion local churches and ministries around the world to be emblems of peace especially in these horrific times of conflict, please pray, and please give in faith for our sisters and brothers in Lebanon:”
Please donate below with the reference ‘Lebanon’:
In the UK:
Seek Peace
Sort Code: 40-52-40
Account Number: 00036474
Alternatively, you can visit the organisation’s donation page.
100% of the funds you give will support the work of Al Shabiba Risala in responding to this crisis.
Safe Haven Lebanon
Safe Haven Society cares for abused and at-risk children in Lebanon. Their ultimate goal is to share the love of Christ with these children through programs designed to meet their most basic needs in a safe and loving place. You can find out more through their Instagram page.
Safe Haven Society have provided these updates about their current work in Lebanon:
“After a few weeks of serving our children through online activities, we were able to resume our classes even during this hard situation that is deteriorating faster than we ever expected. Although many kids have left the neighborhood or even the country to stay with family, those who are still in the area are more committed to our program than ever.
“As the war spreads through Lebanon, over 1 million people have been displaced, with many of them living in temporary shelters in public schools, including the schools where our Safe Haven kids attend. Without a normal school year, our programs are even more crucial for our children.”
Safe Haven have also provided updates on points you may wish to use to support them through prayer:
“Pray for Mercy with Other local commentators on the ground: This war is different from anything we have lived through. We have lived through 6 wars. They spent years collecting information. A large web of informants. Plus technology. We are living in a very dark and fallen world. It feels like no-one cares about human life. They sit in their office and kill people. Nobody says anything about civilians. The population of our area has more than doubled. The displaced came with their cars and motorcycles, so streets are blocked with parked cars on every inch. The small school facing us is full of displaced people. The noise level is huge day and night.
“We don’t take sides. We love Lebanon and want to live a peaceful life. Pray for God to have Mercy.”
Safe Haven Society also say, “We pray for the war to end soon, but in the meantime we are grateful to have the opportunity to step in and meet the needs of those who have been most affected. What we are doing is not easy, we couldn’t have done it without your prayers and support.”
You can donate to Safe Haven Society here. The organisation need to reach $12,000 to meet their regular budget for the year, and every extra donation will go to help their new work with displaced children. Their aim is to serve more kids in a bigger place and in many new displacement shelters.
Let us pray for peace in the Middle East, and for those living in Lebanon and other affected countries, who are left vulnerable in this time of crisis.
