Lebanon

Druze in the Levant: Over one million Druze originate in the Levant region, calling themselves the 'Mowahidoon'. Their religion was founded on 9th and 10th century caliph and mystic teachings from Persia and Egypt. Like Alawi people, they believe in 'transmigration of the soul' (reincarnation). They are reticent to talk about their religion, don't accept converts and rarely intermarry with outsiders. Although they respect Jesus as a prophet, the Druze do not know him as Lord.

Alawi people of the Levant: The Alawites are a closed society, led by the 'Khassah', initiated religious leaders who learn the mysteries of their religion. 'Alawi' refers to their veneration of Ali as a manifestation of God; therefore they are persecuted by mainstream Muslims. The mountains have been a haven for such minority groups; today 127,000 Alawites live in Lebanon and 1.67 million in Syria. Alawites will not discuss their beliefs with visitors. There are few known believers, so the good news needs to be shared particularly with Khassah leaders.

Bedouin Arabs in the Levant: The Bedouin traditional homeland is the Arabian Desert. Some have migrated north into the Israeli Negev region, the West Bank, Gaza, the Sinai peninsula and Lebanon. They speak Bedawi Arabic and lead a harsh existence with few amenities. The Banu Sakhr and the al-Huwaytat are mostly nomadic sheep and goat herders, while the Fellahin take menial jobs or farm on the desert edge. Pray for a movement to Christ among the Levantine Bedouins.

The World Bank has described Lebanon’s economic crisis as one of the worst in modern history. Pray that Lebanon would have a stable government and recover economically. Praise God that BMS World Mission's partner has given faithful and joyful testimony of God’s love and faithfulness through years of challenge. Pray that they will be encouraged themselves as they encourage others.

CMS mission partners J and R, working in Bible translation in the Middle East, write that the book of Ezra will be reviewed for accuracy and readability (consultant-checked) in September. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guard against anything that would hinder this vital work. Pray, too, for J and the other Bible translators as they work to balance the time and effort on each book at each stage of the translation.

CMS mission partners Nabil and Sarah Shehadi are seconded to Alpha International and based in Lebanon, where Nabil is Alpha Levant coordinator while Sarah manages the hospitality and administration side of things, and they run courses together. They ask for prayer for Lebanon’s economic and financial crisis which has no foreseeable solution or end. Pray for new economic opportunities, food security and the provision of basic necessities.

Local partner Tamar Dawood, based in Lebanon, uses her filmmaking skills to amplify Arab Christian voices that are not often heard, creating short, powerful films. Pray for her new series of testimonies of people who are holding onto God’s promises despite difficult life circumstances - for God to use this series to encourage his people in the Arab world and draw more people to himself. Pray, too, for God to open new doors for creative programmes to reach those who are seeking him.

Pray for BMS World Mission partners in Lebanon working in Syria, that they might both provide crucial relief on the ground but also offer necessary support to Syrian refugees in Lebanon who are grieving from afar.

BMS World Mission supports Lebanese churches as they distribute aid and come alongside struggling refugees and Lebanese people. Pray that the comfort and peace shared would continue to have an impact. Pray that the Lebanese people and world leaders will find ways to revitalise the economy so that the population will be lifted from poverty and be able to afford basic necessities.