Issued by the Catholic Center for Studies and Media - Jordan. Editor-in-chief Fr. Rif'at Bader - موقع أبونا abouna.org

Published on Saturday, 21 August 2021

How do Christian Lebanese react while facing their debacle of gargantuan proportions?

By Munir Bayouk/ en.abouna.org :

Lebanon is currently going through an era that has never been likened in any country in the world. It is a period of time stained with blood shed in explosions, as well as with people being deprived of electricity, water, gasoline, medicine, bread and the Internet. The country's largest hospitals have announced their upcoming closure due to fuel oil shortages, which endangers the lives of those in need of dialysis or chemotherapy, as well as those with chronic illnesses or in need of emergency interventions.

 

It is an era where blood and tears mix producing a people who helplessly seek a noble and dignified life, and at a time when this very life slips through their fingers with their mouths agape and their eyes stare at a mirage in the offing in the  hope of clinching a piece of bread to feed their hungry children who miss everything in life including a decent education.

 

With all viable options missing, Christians in Lebanon say they are having spiritual revival particularly in Zahle township which is located near the Syrian border. These people have come very close to Lord Jesus with definite guarantees that He is going to restore life over this country. They entrusted Lebanon to Him while realizing that He is the very last and the only shelter they have Who can breathe a new life into a society devastated in its entirety.

 

The Christian Lebanese are seeking a spiritual revival by firmly seeking unbreakable relationship with the Lord. By doing so, they experience dramatic spiritual conversions and a feeling of sublime peace engulfing them with their faith in Lord Jesus Christ rekindled.

 

It is actually dolorous and heartbreaking to see families selling their fridge at a time when there is no fuel, no milk, and no medicines. A Christian Lebanese told abouna.org English-language website (en.abouna.org) that despite all the disasters which have befallen the Lebanese, they are firm and steadfast in their faith as they have divine assurances that a miracle will take place soon and Lebanon will restore its status quo ante as a jewel of the orient. He recounted a Holy Bible event when "Lord Jesus got into a boat, and his disciples went with Him. Suddenly a fierce storm hit the lake, and the boat was in danger of sinking. But Jesus was asleep. The disciples went to Him and woke Him up. 'Save us, Lord!' they said. 'We are about to die!'  'Why are you so frightened?' Jesus answered. 'How little faith you have!' Then He got up and ordered the winds and the waves to stop, and there was a great calm. Everyone was amazed. 'What kind of Man is this?' they said. 'Even the winds and the waves obey him!'" (Matthew 8:23-27)

 

"As Lord Jesus saved the ship from sinking and ordered the waves to stop, He will rush soon and save the ship of Lebanon from sinking, stop the waves that wreak havoc, and ensure its people a life full of peace engulfed with His invaluable blessings," he said  with tears welling in his eyes and streaming down his cheek.

 

O Lord Jesus have mercy on the people of Lebanon.