Pray for Lebanon on Sunday, June 30, 2013

Lectionary Selection: 2 Kings 2: 1-2, 6-14

Prayers for Lebanon:
God of Love and Peace,

We have come again to seemingly unfamiliar ground. Unsure of the path ahead we entrust in you our faith that a way might be made from no way. As the seemingly unconquerable divisions continue to appear to divide us, may you remind us that in you we are one. In this time of continued conflict we wish to lift up Archbishop Mar Yohanna Gregorios Ibrahim and Archbishop Paul Yazigi who were kidnapped while serving those most affected by the conflict in Syria. May you help to ensure their safe release, so they may be able to continue their work serving those in deepest need. Help those who are tempted by violence to know your peace and help us to resist the temptation of fear in the unknown and unfamiliar. Through you, O God, we maintain our hope for the future. Amen.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Lebanon:
As the conflict in Syria continues to rage on, Lebanon waits in anticipation of what the future may hold. For many it is not a question of ‘if’ the conflict in Syria will engulf the fragile dynamics of the Lebanese society, but ‘when.’ Still working to heal the wounds from its civil war, those in Lebanon work tirelessly to avoid the disintegration of the fragile peace.

Funded in part by Global Ministries, the Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue and the Arab Group for Muslim-Christian Dialogue work to promote this peace. Through dialogue, our partners in Beirut continue to work toward a reality in which all members of society are engaged in deep and meaningful dialogue, bridging historical gaps and working toward a more hopeful future. While the reality of the current situation leaves little room for optimism, there remain those dedicated to the establishment of a just society built upon a foundation of trust and understanding.

While tending to the needs of social cohesion, the Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue is also involved in the provision of humanitarian aid, both in Syria and in Lebanon. Tending to both internally displaced persons in Syria and refugees in Lebanon, the Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue works with its ecumenical partners to channel humanitarian aid to those who need it most. Carrying the words of Desmond Tutu, the Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue embraces the call to service in recognition that “my humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”

From Lebanon and Syria, we thank you for your continued support!

Mission Partners in Lebanon:

Video Resources about Lebanon:
LEBANON: Breaking Down Barriers Among People (Tim Rose, Global Ministries missionary)

More information on Lebanon:
http://globalministries.org/mee/countries/lebanon/