Holding onto Faith as Middle Eastern Conflict Escalates

As violence escalates across the Middle East, SAT-7 has been hearing from viewers in the region who are holding onto their faith as everything around them shatters.

“The power of prayer is strong. Pray, pray, pray for this country. That is my message.” These words from Rakan Diab, a father of three from a village in southern Lebanon, were broadcast across the Arab world on Saturday (September 28) in an extra unscheduled episode of the SAT-7 ARABIC program You Are Not Alone.

The program went live on Saturday after also airing on Friday (September 27) as the violence intensified in Lebanon with a strike on the capital, Beirut. More than 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past two weeks, and up to a million are thought to have been displaced.

Both episodes of You Are Not Alone broadcast over the weekend featured personal stories from those caught in the conflict; highlighted how churches and other organizations in Lebanon are stepping up to support those in crisis; and shared messages of encouragement from church leaders.

“Strong Faith”

Nisreen, a mother of three from Rmeish, a town on the southern border of Lebanon, shared the heartbreaking reality of how her children used to be afraid of the sound of explosions – but have now gotten used to it.

“It makes me upset that these children are not being raised safely, going to school, and living in peace,” she told You Are Not Alone. “This was imposed on us, and the children have to adapt to the fact that this is a reality we can’t escape.”

Nisreen expressed her fears for her children’s future and also for their more immediate needs, such as accessing medication and education. But she is also holding onto faith:

“Our strong faith is in Jesus Christ – He is our salvation. This is what keeps people in my village strong… To find resurrection, we must walk on the path of Calvary. We are all holding the cross and walking towards salvation. That’s why we say we are children of hope and the resurrection. We are holding tightly to our faith.”

“Peace-Makers”

Christians across Lebanon are being motivated by their faith to help those displaced by the conflict. Nihad Hasan, Pastor of the Kurdish Church in Lebanon, told You Are Not Alone how his church is providing shelter for displaced people, and also how members of the congregation have opened up their homes to accommodate families fleeing the violence.

“Christ came for all people,” he said. “This is an opportunity for us as Christians to be a light in this world, so that people can see Jesus Christ through our actions.”

Together in Prayer

Also on Saturday, SAT-7 ARABIC held a live Facebook prayer session with a Lebanese church leader with the theme of Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” The video received over 6,500 views and more than 100 comments from people joining in prayer for Lebanon and the wider region.

Participants shared encouraging Bible verses and specific prayers for those affected, including children, the displaced and wounded, and all those who are working tirelessly to help those in need. Some shared testimonies of how God had worked in their lives through adversity: “We pray that the Lord saves the souls of the displaced, because our God desires our salvation even in the midst of difficult circumstances. This is what happened to me when we were displaced from our homes during the war. The Lord’s plan was to save me spiritually. Thank you, Lord, for Your great ways.”

As the violence continues to intensify across the Middle East, let us join together in a prayer shared by another SAT-7 viewer:

You, Lord, are all-powerful, and nothing is too difficult for You. In the name of our Lord Jesus, extinguish the flames of war and let Your name be glorified everywhere. Comfort the hearts of the grieving and heal all the wounded. Only our Lord Jesus is able to do all things, and nothing is beyond Your power. Amen.”