Assyrian Democratic Organization ADO
By Michelle Vu
Christian Post Reporter
Thu, Aug. 03 2006 05:49 AM ET
Persecution groups expressed their concerns for Christians caught in the crossfire of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict as offenses escalated in the region.
The launch of Israel?s deepest ground strike into Lebanon and the firing of at least 150 Hezbollah rockets into Israel on Wednesday continued to fuel the fierce and unrelenting war in its third week.
Christian groups, in addition to providing desperately needed items to Lebanese civilians, responded to the conflict by urging prayers for believers who are trapped or have decided to stay in the region.
?Open Doors has always been concerned for the persecuted church or those who are under persecution and suffering,? said Open Doors? Paul Estabrooks to Mission Network News in a report on Wednesday. ?And our request for that area is that we?d pray for our brothers and sisters there. Among those who are fleeing the country, those who?ve lost family members, those who are caught in the crossfire of that land are many of our family. And though we don?t know them by name always, they are still our family.?
Lebanon Christians make up 39 percent of the countries 3.9 million people according to the CIA World Factbook. The Christian population includes Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian Cop, and Protestant.
Partners of the persecution watchdog Barnabas Fund, Nabil Costa of the Lebanese Society for Education and Social Development and the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, are caring for the needs of the displaced. The groups report that in addition to the needs of the displaced, there are also many needy Christians who were in low-paid jobs, hired out or paid daily that now have no work and cannot afford to buy food.
Tens of thousands have also taken refuge in Syria where the most urgent need is milk and food for babies and children according to BF?s partners in the country.
?Under-nourishment, weakness and illnesses as well as physical injuries (wounds and infection)? are some of the medical issues listed by Dr. J. Haddad, a Syrian doctor and Christian ministry leader, according to Barnabas Fund. ?Some need hospitalization and others need on-the-spot medical help,? Haddad said.
Barnabas Fund?s International Director, Dr Patrick Sookhdeo, is urging Christians around the world to be concerned for believers in the region and to pray for their safety.
?The distinctive calling of Barnabas Fund has always been to care for Christians, in accordance with the Bible?s teaching: ?As you have opportunity, do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.? (Galatians 6:10). I urge my fellow believers to pray for our Christian family in Lebanon and to send help as they are able.?
