The Chairman’s Report for November, 2024

In this issue of the newsletter
Update: War in Lebanon continues to raise Christmas program questions
New: Mission to Lebanon, Jordan and the West Bank canceled
New: As needs change in Lebanon the Christmas program is adjusted
Update: GOOD NEWS from Nigeria … Farm and orphan outreach successes

War complicates Christmas program

Mission trip cancelled as airports close

Lebanon: Targets are unpredictable.

The plan for this Christmas was for my wife Nancy and I to fly into Beirut, Lebanon and stay for two days to visit sites of Christmas programs. We then planned to fly to Amman, Jordan and visit for two days before visiting Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

Even with the ongoing war the plan was still feasible, that is until the war moved into Lebanon. As Israeli troops and Hezbollah clash, there is a toll on civilian infrastructure. Several airlines, including the one we booked, suspended all flights in and out of Beirut.

Because of the fear of an air war between Israel and Iran that could occur over Jordanian airspace, several commercial airlines also cancelled flights into Amman, Jordan.

In addition, the U.S. State Department has now advised American citizens to leave Jordan and Israel. Americans were earlier advised to leave Lebanon.

Hezbollah’s greatest presence is in Lebanon’s south. As a result, Israel has bombed the ancient city of Tyre and the area around it.

On our last trip to Lebanon, we visited Tyre because it is the only place in Lebanon in which Jesus is believed to have preached.

We also visited Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church outside of Tyre where it is claimed Mary stayed while Jesus preached in the city.

Israel ordered civilians to leave the red area in the map before it was bombed to hit Hezbollah targets. On our visit to Tyre we were at the Hippodrome to the east of the bombing, and at the Crusader cathedral which is to the west of the area bombed.

I am illustrating this to show the difficulties we now face with the Christmas program. Areas we thought events could be held in may have to be evacuated.

What happens next for Christmas for Refugees?

Tens of thousands of refugees from the ongoing war in Syria are now fleeing Lebanon and returning to Syria. The refugees are returning to Syria knowing they will be under suspension by the Syrian government and those who remained in Syria and endured the war.

I don’t see any changes in plans for our Christmas program in Syria. All events will be held in government areas. Almost all events will be inside churches.

Likewise, the events in Jordan face no changes at this point.

HOWEVER, I am unsure as to the future status of events for the children in Lebanon as fighting continues and Israel bombs various areas. Programs will not be cancelled but may have to be delayed or moved at additional costs.

Our partners in Lebanon have requested additional funds for mattresses and blankets for the displaced Christians in and around Beirut who have fled south to Lebanon where most of the fighting is occurring.

Some of those displaced from the south represent a danger because they are Muslims, who are targets of Israelis. In one case, some Muslims who fled the south rented a home in the Christian town of Aitou. Isreal deemed them to be associated with Hezbollah and bombed the house, killing 21 people.

Our Christmas events remind the children that regardless of circumstances, Jesus is still there for them. It is urgent in this time of war when death knocks at the door, to take to the children the message of salvation offered through Jesus.

Any additional funds sent to our ministry for Christians in Lebanon will be forwarded to our ministry partners to aid those in the most need.

Bethlehem: The Christmas and Adult Diaper programs for Christians in the impoverished West Bank are continuing despite conflicts between HAMAS operatives and the Israeli military.

Despite the movement of Israeli troops through the area, the planning for the Christmas events is continuing. Halls have been rented and all volunteers recruited. Unless military operations intervene, we will hold the performances and lift the spirits of the Christian children of the West Bank.

In addition, our ministry has expanded our food assistance program to 80 of the poorest families with disabled adults. There are thousands more waiting for help.

Please pray for the success of the Christmas for Refugees program this year and for the safety of all the children we will reach out to. Please pray for all the Christian children of the Middle East, Africa and the rest of the world!

Nigeria

Our ministry partners in Nigeria are working daily to aid those that have lost everything from ongoing persecution. Recently, we supplied children at various IDP camps with blankets and small financial gifts to assist in school costs and physical needs. The orphanage in Jos recently harvested their sweet potato crop and donated three bags of their harvest to another local Christian orphanage.

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