Lebanon: On the Brink

Welcome to the paradox of Lebanon: a once-stable republic tolerant of religious differences that now faces economic ruin and a never-ending, tumultuous relationship with its neighbors: Syria and Israel. 

The country’s 1975-1990 civil war brought devastation to multiple levels of society: industry, power networks, transportation infrastructure, agriculture, the armed forces. In addition, Lebanon watched a large-scale emigration of its skilled laborers. Then the August 2020 explosion at Beirut’s port left more than 300,000 homeless. 

Financial corruption by the nation’s top leaders has led to economic disaster that hits everyone. Imagine life if electricity is available in your city only one or two hours a day? Those who can afford to leave the country are doing so, with more than 79,000 moving abroad in 2021 alone — such that Lebanon “is now heavily reliant on remittances sent by family in the diaspora,” according to the New York Times. 

But many cannot leave — their life savings are locked up in banks that limit withdrawals, due to financial corruption by the nation’s leaders, again according to the New York Times. The banking nightmare has led ordinary citizens to take drastic measures: A small but growing number of Lebanese are robbing banks for a portion of their savings — some desperate to care for sick relatives.  

So, Lebanon’s greatest crises are not due to internal religious strife, as is true across the Middle East, but to a growing economic disaster combined with a steadily growing refugee influx that’s straining already tenuous resources. 

In fact, of the 25 nations where the Arabic language dominates, Lebanon is one of the few that the Christian ministry Open Doors does not routinely feature on its World Watch List — countries where believers face the greatest risk of persecution. 

According to the CIA World Factbook, the population is roughly one-third Christian (the vast majority being Maronite Catholics) and two-thirds Muslim (half each Shia and Sunni). Brittanica.com notes, “Since the 7th century, Lebanon has served as a refuge for persecuted Christian and Muslim groups.” 

Please pray: 

• For justice to rule over corruption and for wisdom in turning the country around. 
• For practical, personal hope for the many Lebanese and refugees in dire straits. 
• For believers to speak boldly about eternal hope.  

With your support, AMM’s ministries are touching lives in Lebanon. Click here to learn how you can help us share the gospel with those whose hearts God has prepared.   

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Sources: “Meet the World’s Most Honorable Bank Robbers,” video by Zach Goldbaum and Todd Bieber, New York Times, Feb. 28, 2023; Brittanica.com; “UN experts call for international investigation into 2020 Beirut explosion,” Aug. 3, 2022, United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner; “Oppressive Blackouts Force Lebanese to Change Rhythm of Life” by Raja Abdulrahim, New York Times, Sept. 21, 2022; Open Doors; CIA World Factbook.