HOW GOD MOVED THROUGH THE WAR IN LEBANON

In 2024, Lebanon endured a devastating war, facing tens of thousands of airstrikes that destroyed homes and villages, claimed approximately 4,000 lives, and displaced over a million people for nearly three months. This period was both heartbreaking and profoundly significant. The suffering was immense—families lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods; over 14,000 people were injured or disabled; and children were deeply traumatized.

Yet, even in the midst of this crisis, we witnessed God's hand at work. He used us and fellow believers in Lebanon to bring relief, hope, and the life-transforming message of the gospel to those in need.

A Shift in Lebanon’s Political Landscape

One significant outcome of the war was the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military capabilities, weakening its grip on Lebanon. Within weeks of the ceasefire, Lebanon was able to elect a president—after more than two years without one—and appoint a prime minister, who also serves as the president of the International Court of Justice. This swift political progress indicates a shift in power dynamics, with Hezbollah no longer dictating the country’s affairs.

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Impact on Our Ministry

The war’s greatest impact on our ministry was felt by our South Lebanon Ministry Center team and the Tyre Church, which was planted by the same team. Forced to flee their homes, they had to abandon the ministry center and church building. Located next to four ten-story buildings that were bombed and reduced to rubble, our center suffered significant damage, with all its windows blown out. The structural integrity of the building remains uncertain, so we have relocated our belongings and are searching for a new facility.

During the war, our displaced staff and church members gathered in Beirut at our newly opened MEC Café, which proved to be a tremendous blessing. Now that the war has ended, they have returned to the South, though many remain without homes, living in overcrowded conditions with friends and relatives.

Ministry Highlights & Achievements

Despite the turmoil, God opened doors for us to serve on a large scale. Here are some key milestones:

• Over 11,000 people received aid and spiritual ministry during the war.

• Our ministry centers, school, and network of partner churches provided shelter, aid, and pastoral care to hundreds of families, creating new ministry opportunities.

• Season 2 of our docudrama series, "Women of God," was filmed during the war, featuring testimonies of ten women from Muslim backgrounds who found faith in Christ—despite ongoing airstrikes.

• MEC Café officially opened in November 2024 (Google Maps). This space has already hosted dozens of events, including youth meetings, training sessions, and a Christmas village. The café features a conference room that accommodates over 50 people, serving as a hub for ministry and fellowship.

Relief & Outreach Statistics (November 2024)

Food Assistance:

• 1,426 food packages distributed, benefiting an estimated 5,000 individuals.

• 4,000 hot meals provided to approximately 3,000 people.

Medical & Shelter Support:

• 619 individuals received medical aid.

• 97 families (450 individuals) received shelter assistance.

• 1,268 winterization items (mattresses, blankets, etc.) distributed to 800 people.

• 59 hygiene kits provided to 59 families (270 individuals).

Spiritual Ministry & Outreach:

• 1,190 families (5,300 individuals) received pastoral care and home visits.

• 240 children and 70 youth engaged in ministry activities.

• Horizons International partnered with 23 local churches, distributing aid and sharing the gospel with displaced families.

• Over 1,500 gospel-centered conversations took place, leading many to faith in Christ.

Looking Ahead

This season has been one of immense hardship, but also one of divine opportunity. God has used this crisis to expand our reach and deepen our impact in Lebanon. As we move forward, we seek continued prayers and support as we rebuild, provide ongoing aid, and disciple those who have come to faith.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and partnership.

We are committed to being the hands and feet of Jesus in this crisis, but we cannot do this alone. Your support makes it possible for us to respond to the uncertainty Lebanon now faces.

Without it, countless people will go without the help they so desperately need.

Your Support Will Provide:

1. Hygiene kits

   We are currently raising funds to put together hygiene kits and distribute them to people who are still displaced.

Each kit will include essential first-aid and hygiene supplies:

• Panadol tablets and syrup for children

• Antibiotic cream 

• Shampoo 

• Soap

• Toothbrushes 

• Toothpaste 

• Feminine pads

• Deodorant

Project Need: $18,800 to provide 500 First Aid and Hygiene Kits for internally displaced individuals.

2. Food Aid

Currently, we are providing a limited amount of food aid. However, the needs are far greater and we have the logistical capabilities to distribute a much larger amount of food aid. This can be done through our ministry centers and partner churches. There is an urgent need for food portions, as thousands of families are unable to work their normal jobs while displaced.

If the situation worsens due to escalating conflict, a significant number of hot meals will be required for survival. Our Tyre Lebanon ministry team will be ready to prepare them in our commercial kitchen for local distribution.

Project Need: $200,000 to provide 10,000 food portions for needy internally displaced families.

3. Emergency Medical Preparedness Plan (in case of war)

So far, we have provided limited amounts of medicine to those in need based on our current supply. We have a stock of medical supplies and equipment, including gloves, portable patient mattresses/beds, examination tables, wheelchairs, canes, and crutches.

However, with outbreak of war in the rest of the Lebanese areas, we urgently need additional emergency medical supplies. These supplies include gauze, bandages, betadine, splints, antibiotic cream, I/Vs, syringes, and more. Unfortunately, these supplies are scarce in Lebanon, and the country is ill-prepared for a crisis involving military conflict. 

Horizons’ medical ministry staff are reaching out to local physicians and nurses to see if they would be willing to volunteer in the event of further escalation. Resources would be needed to provide transportation aid and food for volunteers.

We are praying that the situation cools down. In the scenario that war is avoided, any funds raised for this initiative will be used for the monthly operations of our two clinics in Beirut and Tyre.

Project Need:

Emergency Medical Clinics in the Event of War: $25,000 per month x 4 months = $100,000

Operation of Medical Clinics (Tyre and Beirut): $6,000/month x 12 months = $72,000 

For real-time updates on what’s happening and the needs on the ground, follow our social media platforms. Your contributions, no matter the size, are critical during these difficult times—together, we can offer hope and relief to the most vulnerable.

Sign up for LCF Updates

The Lebanon Crisis Fund (LCF) is a gospel-centered humanitarian aid and development project that is transforming the spiritual landscape of Lebanon and the Middle East. As Lebanon is currently facing some of the most dire circumstances of any country in the world, the Lebanon Crisis Fund empowers the local evangelical Church to address the practical, emotional, and spiritual needs of refugee and Lebanese families. Today, our partnership network of 130 local churches has been able to minister to in-need families at a scale never before seen in Lebanon—and as a result of our labors together, thousands of refugees and Lebanese citizens have proclaimed faith in Christ and entered into discipleship relationships.

The LCF initially launched as a short-term crisis response, focusing on food distribution, medical aid, church and home renovation. However, over the last 15 months, the vision of the project has grown to encompass long-term sustainable development initiatives that strengthen the Church, such as agricultural development, missional businesses, and internships to train local believers with skills to build up their churches.

Practical and Spiritual impact

The Lebanon Crisis Fund pairs 73 of Horizons’ indigenous staff members with 34 local and international volunteers, who together serve churches and community members. Already, their combined outreach and discipleship efforts have produced a tremendous Kingdom harvest. Below are some of the most compelling results from partner churches and Horizons ministry centers since August 2020: 

• 3,638 proclamations of faith in Jesus

• 2,061 people receiving in-home and group discipleship

• 745,700+ meals distributed

• 7,500+ medicine prescriptions procured for families

• 780+ repairs completed in damaged churches and homes

Additionally, the LCF has enabled Horizons to purchase our first piece of farmland in the Beqaa Valley, to function as the hub for a missional community that provides food to in-need families, employs local believers, and supports the local church. This land represents a physical investment in infrastructure that will spiritually impact its entire region, and we pray for God’s blessing as we build upon and develop it.  

If you would like to know more about how the Lebanon Crisis Fund is impacting churches and individuals in Lebanon and beyond, reach out to us at connect@horizonsinternational.org.

A Kingdom Future For Lebanon

As the Arab League country with the most freedom of religion, Lebanon is a critical gospel access point to the rest of the Middle East. Unity between evangelical churches in Lebanon not only enables them to invest in community recovery and service, but also to gain the vision and capability to send. Through the Lebanon Crisis Fund and the Middle East Center for World Missions, Horizons seeks to support, uplift, and empower the local Church in Lebanon to make Kingdom impact across the entire region.

Today, thousands of churches, ministries, and individuals from across the globe have joined hands with the Church in Lebanon, through financial and material donations, mission trips, and prayer. You too can join in this revival, at a critical moment in Lebanon’s history, to invest in the spiritual future of the entire Middle East and North African region. 

Give a Kingdom gift today!