Pray with the Middle East, Sunday, September 29, 2024

Lectionary Selection: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22

Prayers for the Middle East

Heavenly God,

Gracious and merciful God, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude and hope. We thank you for your unending faithfulness, mercy, and grace that sustain us each day. As we reflect on your word from Esther, we are reminded of your sovereignty and the way you work through every circumstance for our good.

We lift the Middle East region before you, asking for your divine intervention and guidance for the land you blessed by your presence. God, heal this land from division and strife. Defend the vulnerable and voiceless, and bring justice to those who have suffered injustice and violence. May your peace reign in the communities and lead them toward unity and understanding. We pray for the leaders, that your wisdom and grace may guide them in their decisions.

We also bring before you the work of the Middle East Council of Churches and the people we serve. Almighty God, we embrace our purpose of service with open hearts. Grant us the wisdom, strength, and compassion to fulfill our roles with integrity and love. May we be a reflection of your light and a source of love, light, hope, encouragement, and transformation to those we encounter.

God, extend your healing touch and comfort to those in need and grant us all the grace to live in harmony and hope.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mission Moment from the Middle East

Three years ago, Amal, a 56-year-old woman with quiet resilience, walked into our dispensary seeking help. She had recently emerged from a grueling battle with cancer, and life had continued to be unkind. Her husband, who had lost his right leg and now relied on a prosthesis, also struggled with high cholesterol, while her elderly mother battled Alzheimer’s disease along with serious cardiac issues and high blood pressure.

Despite her own health challenges and the immense weight she carried, Amal was the sole provider for her family. To make ends meet, she baked and sold pastries, but worsening economic conditions meant she struggled to afford even the basics. When Amal first came to the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)’s Our Lady Dispensary, she shared her heart-wrenching reality: she couldn’t afford adequate food for her only son, who had to wait at school for leftover meals from other children. This heartbreaking situation underscored the urgency of her needs.

A crucial aspect of our support was addressing the high costs of medication that were essential for Amal’s family. Her husband required medication to manage his cholesterol, her mother needed medication for her chronic diseases, and Amal herself required costly medication for her cancer recovery. Additionally, Amal also needed special needles for the treatment of a kidney problem, but the healthcare system in Lebanon was dwindling and could no longer cover these costs. Without our intervention, Amal would have faced the grim reality of inadequate medical care for her and her loved ones.

Our assistance went beyond just providing medication; we offered comprehensive support that included cash assistance, psychosocial support, and food aid packages. Over time, this support allowed Amal to improve her son’s situation, ensuring he no longer had to rely on leftover food. The immense relief this brought to Amal was transformative, allowing her to envision a brighter future for her family (the Arabic name Amal means hope).

Amal often refers to us as “angels on earth,” expressing her profound gratitude for the assistance that has been a lifeline for her family. Our support throughout the years has been instrumental in alleviating their burdens, and Amal’s heartfelt appreciation reflects the deep impact of the help provided.

Amal’s story is not unique. Many families face similar hardships, struggling with high medical costs and the strain of caring for loved ones with serious health issues. Through our programs, we strive to extend the same support and compassion to all those in need, demonstrating the critical importance of medical assistance in these challenging times. Each story, like Amal’s, underscores the essential role of our collective efforts in providing hope and resilience to those who need it most.

The MECC Dispensary for medical and health services does more than support one family; it has built community resilience. By addressing the vulnerabilities faced by families like Amal’s, particularly through the provision of essential yet expensive medications and medical supplies, we have strengthened the community’s ability to respond to future challenges. Through fostering relationships and supporting the local economy, we have created a foundation of hope and strength. Amal’s story is not only one of survival but of triumph, made possible through the compassion and support of a community that refuses to let its members fall behind.

Written by: Rev. Antoine Al Ahmar, Director of the Theological and Ecumenical Department, The Middle East Council of Churches.

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