During Lebanon’s recent conflict, the Seventh-day Adventist Church and affiliated organizations provided food, shelter, medical care, and hope to thousands of displaced families, demonstrating faith through compassionate action.
A year has passed since conflicts erupted across the country, tearing families apart and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. The streets are filled with the desperate sounds of those seeking safety by any means - on foot, by car, or on motorbikes - with most heading towards the capital, Beirut. In this time of crisis, churches and ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) are answering the call to give hope.
"Lebanon is in crisis, the darkness in the country is real. The challenges now haven’t been seen since 2006." shares Pr. Rick McEdward, president of the SDA Church in the Middle East and North Africa Union. His voice filled with emotion as he continued: "And right now, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, along with other NGOs and denominations, are called to be light in the darkness. We are offering people, regardless of religious or political affiliation, a ray of God's love. They need to see the real God, which is a God of love. Sharing hope and love is the motivation of our teams who are doing so much right now."
In response to this heart-wrenching crisis, SDA communities across Lebanon quickly recognized the profound need of these Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and took action. Church members from different groups stepped up to offer something these families had lost: hope.
Middle East University (MEU) + University Church of MEU: One Care Pack at a Time
MOUNT LEBANON
Every day, as the sun rises and sets, a dedicated group gathers in the MEU Auditorium, their voices uniting in fervent prayer, both for peace in Lebanon and that they can be the hands and feet of Jesus. This act of faith sets the tone for their mission of mercy. After a season of prayer, the cafeteria becomes the next buzz of activity where the group works as a team to prepare over 100 sandwiches for families uncertain about their next meal.
A young student, her eyes glistening, shares, "Instead of sitting at home, feeling helpless in the face of this crisis, the Holy Spirit inspired us to share essential items and food with those in need. Preparing a sandwich might seem simple, but knowing it will bring a moment of joy to someone who has lost so much - makes me want to make countless more. It's a small act, but it's filled with love."
Pastor Andy Espinoza, leader of the University Church in MEU, affirms their commitment: "Our mission is to pray and work. By God's grace, we'll continue as long as the need persists, and as long as the Lord provides the means."
This dedicated team's efforts extend beyond meals. They actively collect donations to purchase essential supplies like powdered milk, water, baby wipes, diapers, and sanitary napkins - items that become precious commodities in times of displacement. Students, parents, teachers, and community members work side by side, their hands busy, their hearts united. They know that these care packages will not only bring physical relief but also a touch of comfort to those who've had their lives upended. Once the packages are ready, a small, brave team navigates the streets of Beirut to deliver food and supplies to those forced to call sidewalks their temporary home.
Adventist Learning Center (ALC): Compassion and Love, Just Like Jesus
GREATER BEIRUT
Each morning, as dawn breaks over a tense Beirut, staff, volunteers, and students from the Adventist Learning Center embark on an adventure. They have no way of knowing what this day will bring, but what they do know is that Jesus will be with them giving them the grace they need to be lights shining in a dark place. Several cars are dispatched to drive through the city's streets, either picking up women and children in need and bringing them back to the Center where their most basic needs are met, or letting them be recipients of one of the 300 meals prepared each day by the dedicated kitchen team. When these displaced individuals cross the threshold, they discover more than just shelter for a few hours - they find a haven of hope.
Here, amidst the chaos of their upended lives, they enjoy the simple dignity of a shower, the comfort of clean clothes, the nourishment of warm meals, and the reassurance of basic medical care. These are the blessings that many never expected to find after fleeing their homes, and leaving behind everything they'd ever known.
One volunteer shared a story that encapsulates the very heart of their work. A 4-year-old girl arrived with her parents, her small frame trembling with fear, her skin marred by illness and caked with dirt. This child suffers from a skin condition caused by liver problems, and in their hasty escape, the family forgot her vital medication. "By God's grace," the volunteer recounts, "we were able to obtain the cream she needed.” Her eyes misted over. “It felt like a small miracle in so much hardship."
After a shower, a nourishing meal, and treatment, the transformation was absolutely remarkable. "The little girl who arrived frightened and withdrawn left us with eyes full of light, her smile brighter than the morning sun." the volunteer recounted, her own face lighting up at the memory. "In that moment, we saw hope reborn."
The team at ALC is united in their commitment: to meet the basic needs of the displaced with compassion, striving to reflect God's love through every act of service. By these small acts of kindness, they desire to be like rays of hope in the darkest of times, believing that each gesture of love helps to heal a wounded world.
Adventist School of Mouseitbeh: A Refuge in the Heart of Beirut
BEIRUT
In the bustling heart of Beirut, the Adventist School in Mouseitbeh (ASM) has transformed into a sanctuary of blessing for over 300 displaced individuals fleeing the ruins of conflict. Families who've lost everything - homes, possessions, and in some heartbreaking cases, loved ones - find refuge within the school's walls, its classrooms now serving as temporary shelters from the storm raging outside.
Attending to 300 people who have had their lives shattered, in a place where the infrastructure isn't designed to handle so many people around the clock, is a monumental challenge. The school's plumbing, electrical systems, and living spaces are being stretched to the limit. Yet, the Task Force - a dedicated ASM group formed to address the crisis and care for those in need - tackles these challenges with remarkable grace and efficiency as the impossible appears manageable through their tireless efforts and innovative problem-solving.
"This is how we live our faith," says Dr. Elias Choufani, the school's principal, his eyes reflecting both the exhaustion of sleepless nights and the unwavering determination to continue. "Through action, through opening our doors when others might close theirs, we demonstrate our identity as Christians and as humans. It's not just about providing shelter; it's about preserving dignity and kindling hope in the darkest of times."
ADRA Lebanon: Providing Immediate Relief Since Day 0
NATIONWIDE
The past year has brought a wave of challenges for ADRA Lebanon's dedicated workers. Since the first day of conflict, they've been on the front lines, their hearts and hands extended to those whose lives have been upended. More than just distributing food vouchers or providing cleaning supplies and kitchen utensils, they have continued to offer something far more precious: hope to those who have lost everything.
Jessy Challita, the Project Coordinator at ADRA Lebanon, leads a team whose tireless efforts shine as a ray of light in the darkness. With compassion etched on their faces, the team works around the clock, providing immediate relief to those caught in the crossfire of conflict. Their purpose goes beyond mere survival; they strive to restore dignity by assessing shelters, providing warm meals, and ensuring access to soap and water - small comforts that mean the world to those displaced.
"These are our people," Jessy shares, her voice breaking with emotion. "They had homes, jobs, and income. Now, they're facing a completely new and frightening reality. They've lost everything." The weight of her words hanging heavily in the air, a testament to the profound necessity of their work.
In close coordination with government entities, ADRA Lebanon has become a lifeline for 11 shelters across different locations in the country. These havens of safety have become home to countless families fleeing the conflict. The numbers speak volumes: 1,550 individuals were fed, and 4,760 completed warm meals were served. But behind each number is a story, a life touched, a glimmer of hope resurrected. They are also collaborating with other Adventist organizations in Lebanon to supply their needs by providing meal vouchers and cleaning supplies.
The toll on the ADRA team is visible. "We've barely slept these past weeks." Jessy confides. "We're constantly checking to make sure our own families and friends are safe." Yet, despite their exhaustion, their commitment is unwavering.
Jessy's final words resonate with a powerful call to action: "We need people to understand that the only way to help these families who have lost everything is to be there for them and assist them with their needs in any possible way." It's a reminder that in times of crisis, our shared humanity becomes our greatest strength. Through ADRA Lebanon's unwavering dedication, we see the true meaning of compassion in action, being a light of hope in the darkest of times.
Seventh-day Adventist Church of Bechmizzine: Willing Hands That Bring Comfort
NORTH LEBANON
For over 10 days, the Seventh-Day Adventist School and Church in the mountainous community of Bechmizzine has been a haven for more than 130 people seeking refuge from shelling and destruction. From bedding to food and water, even the basic necessities are scarce. The grief of losing everything hangs thick in the air. However, these facts do not seem to deter the willing church members from doing whatever they can to be beacons of hope to these needy families.
With the high altitude and winter approaching, the nights are unbearably cold. The lack of proper bedding and a roof for everyone adds to the discomfort and the ever-present danger of sickness. Working tirelessly to provide at least the basics, the church members of Bechmizzine are going to immeasurable lengths to assist the IDPs: using their savings, calling for aid, raising awareness within the community, and so much more.
A United Church
"As Adventists, we are seeking a better place, not built by human hands, but we also believe in making this world better or more tolerable while in it. We are here to point others to a better day when all will be smiles, but in practical ways until He comes. I have no doubt that many will see a new picture of God through the loving service of our members here in Beirut," concludes Pr. Rick McEdward.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lebanon is being empowered by the Holy Spirit, and is working tirelessly, despite the fear and tension that the country is facing nationwide. Prayers are needed that hearts will be softened and the light of God’s love can be seen flooding across this country.