Lebanon: Keeping the Bible at the Heart of the Middle East
In a region rocked by crisis, the Church in the Middle East is standing firm—but it is weary. Economic collapse, political turmoil, and war have all taken their toll. Families are displaced. Communities are hurting. And yet, the Church remains—clinging to the hope found in God’s Word.
In Lebanon, where Bible Society has long served alongside churches, 2024 was a year of both heartbreak and hope. Amid one of the worst financial and political crises in the country’s history—and in the shadow of a devastating conflict that displaced more than 1.3 million people—Bible Society Lebanon deepened its commitment to walk with the Church.
One of the devastating impacts of the ongoing crisis in Lebanon is the mass migration of Christian families. Thousands are leaving—forced by economic despair, a lack of future opportunities, and fear for their safety. Communities that have held firm for generations are now facing the loss of their youngest and strongest members.
For many pastors, this is the greatest pastoral challenge they’ve ever known.
Churches are losing congregants, ministries are struggling to continue, and the future of Christian witness in some areas is in real danger. Yet, in the face of this, the presence and partnership of Bible Society is helping to slow the rate of Christian emigration—offering encouragement, Scripture, and a deep sense of solidarity to believers who might otherwise feel forgotten or abandoned.
When church leaders see that someone is standing with them, they find strength to continue.
A Presence in Every Corner
From January to September 2024 alone, Bible Society Lebanon engaged in over 200 visits and events with churches, leaders, and Christian organisations. Whether through quarterly visitations, attending church synods, or coordinating Bible Days in dioceses, staff were continually on the ground—listening, encouraging, and resourcing the local Church.
The Bible Society has distributed thousands of Bibles to individuals across the country. They have supported joint events for prayer, reconciliation, and training—from the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to social media workshops for Christian publishers.
Every meeting, every event, every Bible handed out is a moment of connection—a way to remind the Church that it is not alone.
A Call to Stand Together
The vision is simple: to keep the Bible at the heart of the Church. But this vision requires staff, vehicles, materials, and prayers. With your help, we can continue to support the Bible Society in Lebanon as they strengthen relationships across denominations, equip leaders, and place God’s Word into the hands of thousands.
Your gift today will strengthen the Church in the Middle East.
Your gift will keep the Bible central.
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:26–27
The Impact Is Clear
Because of this consistent presence, the Bible Society is seeing a real difference. Most notably, they are helping to slow the tide of Christian emigration, encouraging believers to stay and serve in their communities as a witness for Christ.
You Can Help
The Bible Society cannot do this alone. Every visit they make, every resource they offer, and every Bible they distribute is made possible through the generosity of supporters like you.
Pray with Us
- Pray for Christians all over the Middle East who face persecution and difficulties that threaten their existence.
- Pray for the leadership of the churches in Lebanon, for wisdom and strength.
- Pray for the Bible Society, as they work to build a strong network of Christians and serve the Church here.
Donate
Your support today will help the Bible Society of Lebanon to continue this vital work.
- £33 could help provide a pack of Bible engagement resources for a rural parish, equipping leaders to share the Bible more effectively.
- £54 could provide three individuals with their own copy of the Bible and the opportunity to learn about the God who has not forgotten them.
- £238 could support a week of church engagement visits, strengthening relationships and encouraging local Christians. (The cost of simply getting to churches has skyrocketed due to Lebanon’s economic crisis and fuel shortages.)
In the event this appeal is fully funded, surplus funds will be used for similar projects through UBS around the world.