From Jonathan Moulding, Senior Relationships Executive Sat-7 UK

We have been hearing about the war in the Holy Land for the past year, which has now spilled over into Lebanon where SAT-7 has its largest studio.  You may not have had the chance to read the different news articles that we have published about the present situation in Lebanon on our website, so I thought that I would try to summarise those articles to give a picture of the situation in Lebanon, covering:

• a very brief history of the country
• the experience of Christians on the ground
• and how the Church and SAT-7 are responding to the ongoing conflict and uncertainty.

History:

One of the smallest countries in the Middle East, Lebanon sits on the eastern shoreline of the Mediterranean. Despite its size, the snowy peaks of Mount Lebanon and the Mediterranean coastline in the east make for a beautiful landscape and a diverse climate. 

Southern Lebanon is often included in the biblical region known as Upper Galilee and includes key sites in Jesus’ ministry such as Cana, Sidon and Tyre. Wood from the famous Cedar of Lebanon groves was used to build King Solomon’s Temple.

After becoming independent in 1943, periods of prosperity have been interspersed with significant political instability and wars. However, despite periods of conflict, Lebanon has remained a cultural and economic hub in the region, and in recent years has also experienced a spiritual awakening, with Christian congregations growing in number and thousands coming to faith in Christ. While there aren’t any official numbers for Christians in Lebanon, it is one of the few countries in the Middle East to have a significant Christian population: it’s estimated that over 2 million people, or around 33% of the population, are Christian.

Lebanese officials have reported that, over the past four weeks more than 1,700 people in Lebanon have been killed, and another 1.2 million have fled their homes. Almost 180,000 are currently staying in approved centres for the displaced. Additionally, more than 400,000 people have sought refuge in war-torn Syria, including over 200,000 Syrian refugees!

The present conflict in Lebanon is affecting everyone there. Christian families are among the displaced and killed. And even for families in neighbourhoods that haven’t been directly hit by airstrikes or fighting, the war is being felt, heard – and feared – everywhere.

Church Support

As people move north in an attempt to escape the violence, local churches, considering how they can support those who have become displaced, have responded by opening their doors to those needing shelter. 

Last week SAT-7 ARABIC programmes Different Angle and Voice of the Church heard from church leaders in Lebanon about how they are supporting people affected by the ongoing violence. Dr Michel Abs, Secretary-General of the Middle East Council of Churches, told Different Angle about how they’re stepping up their Lebanese relief programme in response:

“We are moving fast as events develop. We are following up on our network of provisions… We are all one in Lebanon; there’s no discrimination based on denomination. We help treat all those who need medical treatment.”

While some Lebanese Christians are concerned that the renewed violence may lead to a large number of Christians leaving the country, Enaam Haddad, from Resurrection Church Beirut, shared on SAT-7’s Voice of the Church how in providing shelter, meals, medicine, and other essential supplies for the displaced, the Church has an opportunity to show God’s love to people:

“The Church is going through a difficult time because of the strikes and fear around us, there’s death and injury, and many displaced. Our church is experiencing difficulties, but this is now our chance and not a challenge for us… [as] we also work on showing people who Christ is.”

Christians across Lebanon are being motivated by their faith to help those who have lost their homes. 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.”

Meanwhile, Pastor Souheil Saoud, from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Beirut, told SAT-7 how they have been preparing to launch supply packages to help 300 displaced Lebanese families. He asked for prayer for church leaders in Lebanon as they open their doors to those fleeing the intensifying violence. 

SAT-7’s Response

For SAT-7, it is an opportunity, too. Our studio in Beirut is continuing to operate; producing and broadcasting programs that give people a voice and that shine the light of Christ into the darkest of situations. The studio is only a few kilometres away from the site of airstrikes on the city, so continuing production work from the building requires courage and faith.

“We don’t want to leave our country. We don’t want to leave our mission,” said Maroun Bou Rached, Executive Director of SAT-7 Lebanon. “We want to stay committed to our ministry in the Middle East, and this is so important. This is a good opportunity, and I think churches and individuals in Lebanon grab this opportunity to talk about Jesus as much as we can and show His love to everyone in Lebanon.”

Lebanon is home to more than 30 SAT-7 staff and their families, but amidst the violence the team continue to go live with programmes after nights of airstrikes and fear. Director of SAT-7 ARABIC’s You Are Not Alone, Sarah Soueidy, told us what it’s currently like for the Lebanese team:

“When we are at work at the studio, we are so close to the bombing, it’s palpable – it’s only a few kilometres away, so you can really feel and hear everything when the bombs go off. Christian and non-Christian people are fleeing their homes. Our programme You Are Not Alone is trying to cover these stories and be the voice of those who don’t have a voice at these times. We are living in very difficult circumstances – we are sleep deprived and anxious. But we keep faith in God and his promises, and we are passionate about SAT-7 and its mission. We ask everyone to keep praying for all the SAT-7 staff in Lebanon, so we can keep the strength and faith to keep doing what we are doing.”

You Are Not Alone is usually a weekly programme, but for the next two weeks will broadcast live three times a week to help give a voice to those affected and bring much-needed messages of hope and comfort to viewers. Episodes have featured interviews with people who have been forced to leave their homes; church leaders offering messages of encouragement and support; aid and medical workers who are helping those in need under very difficult circumstances; and highlighted the practical and spiritual response of the Church. 

Viewers on You Are Not Alone shared live on air how they’re holding onto faith, even as everything around them falls apart:

Viewer Rakan Diab, who lives in south Lebanon with his family, wrote: “The power of prayer is strong. Pray, pray, pray for this country. That is my message.”

Nisreen, a mother of three from the southern border of Lebanon, shared the heartbreaking reality of how her children, once terrified by the sound of explosions, now accept it as a part of their daily reality:

“It makes me upset that these children are not being raised safely, going to school, and living in peace and security,” she told presenter Sirene on You Are Not Alone. “Everyone has the right to live in safety and peace…[but] this is a reality we can’t escape.”

But even while Nisreen fears for her children’s safety and future, she is also firmly holding onto faith in Jesus:

“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.”

As SAT-7’s Beirut studio called for prayer that the situation will de-escalate, SAT-7 ARABIC held a live prayer session focussing on 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.” 

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.”

Other live programs, Different Angle and Voice of the Church are also covering the situation and sharing Christian perspectives and prayers.

Special episodes of the new children’s program, Jesus is Our Strength, have been designed to offer strength and hope, focusing on themes that resonate with children during difficult periods.

Children from La Fiesta program filmed a special clip for peace on Saturday (5 October) and will be aired as soon as it has been edited.

New prayer spots for children have been aired featuring prayers to provide support and encouragement during these challenging times, and also addressing important topics such as fear, war, hope, peace, and acceptance of differences.

Two dramas made last year, Hagar and The Question of War are being aired again. Hagar tells the story of a 15-year-old Kurdish girl who has been displaced. As she relives her traumatic experiences, she finds hope and peace through her encounters with Jesus. The Question of War is a dramatic piece that addresses the questions and concerns children may have regarding war, providing insight and understanding of their fears.

SAT-7 KIDS Channel Manager, Andrea El-Mounayer, said: 

“In times of war, fear, and uncertainty, SAT-7 KIDS becomes more than just a TV channel – it becomes a refuge, a source of comfort, and a voice of reassurance for young hearts. When the world around them feels chaotic and overwhelming, children need a place where they can find peace, hope, and love. This is exactly what we strive to provide through our live programs like Jesus is Our Strength.”

I would like to finish with some quotes from viewers of our programmes as well as guests who appeared on our live shows.

From You Are Not Alone

Lena, reportedly the last woman to leave the Christian village of Deir Mimas in southern Lebanon: 

“We wanted to stay in our village but couldn’t. We endured until we couldn’t anymore. We were sure that the Lord wouldn’t leave us; that’s why we endured for a year. We miss our village and our friends and neighbours and our churches. We pray together. We are all believers. We didn’t want to leave our village this way. It is abandoned now… We have faith in God that He is almighty and we will return to our village. I want to say to the whole world to stop the war. We used to help our friends who came from Iraq during the war and provide for them. I hope people’s hearts will be filled with mercy and love and peace.”

Enaam Haddad, the Administrator of Servants and Operations at Resurrection Church Beirut said:

“The role of the church is important. Historically, the church has always been at the forefront in times of crisis. If we look back, the church has been instrumental in establishing hospitals, orphanages, universities, schools, and elderly homes. Jesus taught us to show love through actions, and this is exactly what the church embodies. The role of the church is to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, clothe the naked, and care for the sick. The global church is supporting each other. There’s solidarity among all the churches. The unity of the church is visible through these actions on the ground.”

From Different Angle
Pastor Nehme Saliba: 

“We are all in shock and traumatised. It is a very miserable situation but as a pastor and a human I have a role to fulfil which is to help everyone on the streets regardless of who they are and who is responsible for their displacement. Some see that displacement is a human tragedy but from a spiritual perspective it is a unique opportunity to express solidarity and peace and joy and love and hope. Jesus taught us to be the good Samaritan. Our efforts are the five loaves of bread and a few fish. This is how weak we are in front of this tragedy. We have a million displaced persons who are in refugee centres. All Lebanon is displaced in one way or another. Our abilities are limited but with the help of the Lord we are doing all we can to make a difference and show solidarity with each other as one people who are seeking peace.”   

Viewer comments from Jesus is Our Strength:

Marah, from Syria but lives in Lebanon, aged 14:

“I feel terrified and anxious, when I think about the people who are out on the streets without homes, it makes me sad. I thank God we are far from what’s happening. When I feel anxious and worried, I pray.”

Fayza from the Holy Land:

“I’m so happy with this program because Jesus is our strength. I love you all so much; you are my second family.”

Christine from Egypt:

“I lost most of my family to chronic illnesses, and it was very difficult for me. Everyone who loved us has gone to heaven. Sometimes I fear the wars from the evil one, but my mom taught me to pray continuously and to seek refuge in God’s embrace. However, I can’t help but feel fear, and this pushes me to pray even more.”

Some people ask me how they can direct their prayers in this situation.  Some guidelines that I would recommend would be:

• Pray for an immediate end to the conflict in Lebanon and the Holy Land. Pray that the Lord will fill hearts with peace and love, replacing anger and revenge.
• Pray for wisdom for political leaders and that international efforts to establish a peace deal will be successful.
• Pray for the bereaved, injured and displaced, that they will experience the Lord’s peace and comfort. Pray for protection and safety for those who have fled their homes.
• Pray for the SAT-7 team in Lebanon as they continue making and broadcasting programmes and offering support to viewers. Give thanks for their strength and perseverance and pray that they will know the Lord’s strength and peace as they minister to others at this difficult time.
• Pray that You Are Not Alone, Voice of the Church and other special programmes addressing the current conflict will be a great source of comfort and encouragement to viewers in Lebanon, and that they will shine God’s light in these turbulent times.
• Give thanks for the churches in Lebanon who are helping those in need and pray that they will continue to be the Lord’s hands and feet as they support those seeking refuge from violence.

“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.” –a SAT-7 Viewer from Lebanon

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