Lebanon (MNN) — Israel expands its military footprint in southern Lebanon, reportedly to deter rocket fire from Hezbollah. Israeli leaders described initial actions in the region as “limited,” but many in Lebanon fear an all-out ground invasion.

Staff at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary outside Beirut have little capacity to worry. ABTS Director of Partnerships Loulwa El Maalouf says they’re busy hosting hundreds of displaced people.

“Our guests come from different backgrounds and areas across Lebanon. Yet amid uncertainty, we see them gather hand in hand to assist the kitchen staff in preparing meals. Join us in prayer that during this season of hardship, just as these meals nourish their bodies, the word of God may also nourish their spirits.”
(Photo, caption courtesy ABTS)

“This word ‘balance’ doesn’t exist in our dictionary, especially during this time,” she explains.

When the crisis began in early March, “so many members of our staff spent more than 12 hours at work, and no one is complaining.”

ABTS serves amid crisis

ABTS offers undergraduate- and graduate-level education to believers across the Arab world through traditional and hybrid programs. More about that here.

For ABTS students, Lebanon’s current emergency is nothing new. “We have students from Morocco, Yemen, Iraq, Sudan, Syria,” El Maalouf says.

“Our students are used to living in crises.”

Even so, “We want to be an example for our students,” she adds, stressing the importance of combining practical demonstration with classroom learning.

“We equip them to be the salt and light within difficult circumstances, so it’s very important for us to be able to do what we preach.”

Displacement pushes Beirut to the limits

Israel’s defense minister says his country would establish a “security zone” in southern Lebanon and take control of key river crossings, a move that would stop over a million people from ever returning home.

These displaced masses are filling every nook and cranny of Beirut, a city already strained by overlapping disasters. According to the UN, many newly uprooted families lack basic necessities such as shelter, food, and medical care.

(Photo courtesy ABTS)

Faced with ever-increasing need, believers press on. “They’re preparing for what might be a long-term war; some of them had to relocate because their areas are not safe. However, they are serving wholeheartedly with a smile on their face,” El Maalouf says.

“This is truly only possible through the strength of the Holy Spirit.”

Pray that displaced families will come to know Jesus through the word and deed of ABTS staff.

“Our prayer and our plan is that everyone will hear the Gospel and have a clear understanding of why we are doing what we are doing,” El Maalouf says.

Ask the Lord to continuously strengthen believers, and consider supporting emergency efforts here.

“We are sharing regular updates on our website,” El Maalouf says, and if “someone is interested in providing meals or accommodation, they can also financially support” ABTS work.

 

Header image depicts Israeli air strikes in Beirut early in the current crisis. Header and story photos courtesy of ABTS.