Last night, Beirut was bombed. It was the first strike on Lebanon’s capital since a ceasefire agreement was announced in mid-April. Though the attack came without warning, it was in some ways not unexpected. For the past few weeks, Hezbollah and Israeli military forces have continued to clash in southern Lebanon and along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Amid such fighting, the ceasefire is widely perceived as being a ceasefire only in name. Lebanon remains in a state of war, and the country’s south is still a bloody frontline where scores of people are killed and wounded everyday.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, tensions remain high. After weeks of relative calm brought about by a parallel ceasefire agreement between the US, Israel, and Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Oman came under fire on Monday. That same day, the US and Iran also claimed to have carried out strikes on each other’s naval forces. A few days later, US President Donald Trump threatened to renew attacks on Iran amid conflicting signals about the war being over and progress on negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Collectively, these developments keep the region on edge. Here in Lebanon and across the Middle East, churches and believers have been caught in the crossfire and uncertainty alongside everyone else. Our lead article in this month’s newsletter highlights the stories of Christians in the UAE, Bahrain, and Iraq. Churches in these countries were impacted in different and similar ways by the Middle East war, but their prayers have one common theme: peace. Having weathered the dangers of the past several weeks, they pray and hope that the ceasefire will hold as world leaders negotiate a lasting peace agreement.
Here in Lebanon, Thimar’s ministries continue to respond to the humanitarian and spiritual needs of people impacted by ongoing hostilities. According to the UN, more than 1 million are still displaced. Thimar’s Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) continues to host families who are unable to return to their homes in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, our aid and relief ministry, MERATH, continues to work with local partners to provide essential aid to people in need. A Fragile Ceasefire provides more context on what’s happening in Lebanon and the stories of three women supported by MERATH partners.
Our third article looks at the impact of the war on our Beirut Baptist School (BBS) and how BBS has once more adapted to another crisis. During a massive attack on Lebanon on April 8, multiple airstrikes hit close to the school and some of its staff. While none of our school staff were hurt by the bombings, family members of several students were. April 8 was one of the bloodiest days of the war. It also put further strain on an education sector already crushed by several years of crises.
In the face of ongoing conflict and tensions, we continue to put our trust in the Lord. He is the one who guides and sustains us. We hope that these articles reflect the hope we have in the One who is sovereign over all things. We also hope that it helps inform you about the situation in the Middle East and how you can be praying. As one body in Christ, let us join our brothers and sisters in the region in praying that peace will prevail.
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For more than 25 years, Thimar has walked alongside local churches across the Middle East as they share the gospel and support their communities. If you would like to join us in empowering the local church in the region, consider donating.
