The Peacemakers
Editorial
This past weekend, Lebanon marked a sombre occasion: the 50th anniversary of the start of a devastating 15-year-long civil war. By the war’s end, some 150,000 people were dead, the capital city Beirut was heavily battered, and the country was fractured along sectarian lines and foreign occupations. Decades later, the impact of the war still reverberates in every aspect of daily life in Lebanon. Sectarian tensions and distrust persist; militias continue to undermine state sovereignty and rule of law. The history of the war is not taught in schools, leaving younger generations to inherit the war’s collective trauma but to only know what they are told by parents and relatives. Time has passed, but Lebanon has never fully healed – at least not on a national level.
Among some individuals, there is a different story. At a Thimar-partner church this past Sunday, several believers stood on stage and shared their testimonies. Each had been a combatant from opposing sides during the Lebanese civil war. Now they stood together under one roof, embracing each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Their lives are testimonies to the radical healing and transformative power of the gospel. They were not just former enemies who had made peace with their pasts; they were people who had become part of one family.
Such testimonies remind us of the peacemaking role that believers and the church have, especially in a country and a region long tarnished by violence and division. As Christians, we are called to live in ways that are often counter to the rest of society. Jesus described what that looks like some 2000 years ago when he delivered his famous Sermon on the Mount. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God,” Jesus declared to the crowd around Him (Matthew 5:9 ESV). Like the rest of His sermon, it was a radical message to His audience – people living under oppression and occupation by the Roman Empire. Many Jewish people at that time were expecting a warrior-like Messiah who would liberate them and restore ancient Israel to a greatness that it once knew. It was a worldly understanding and interpretation of God’s promise.
Today, we see striking parallels to the time of Jesus. The Middle East is inflamed by wars, occupations, and uncertainty. The natural response to such blatant injustice and danger is to fight back. With good intention, one may be inclined to draw their sword like Peter and strike against an enemy seeking to harm their loved ones. But Jesus gave his followers different instructions: “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52 ESV).
All of this, of course, comes with nuance and wisdom, but our mandate is clear: we are to be peacemakers. Our lead story in this month’s newsletter features a real, recent example of what that looks like. Sectarian violence recently reignited in Syria, including in areas where a Thimar-supported church is based. Amid the fear and bloodshed, our partner church sought to be a model of Christ and an agent for reconciliation by extending love, compassion, and support to people in need. It hasn’t been easy, but Jesus told us that following Him often wouldn’t be.
As we approach Easter, we extend our thanks to all our partners who continue to support our work and the local church in the Arab world. As we move forward amid uncertainty, hope, and challenges, we continue to ask for your prayers as we seek to fulfill our role in all that God is doing in our region.
Thoughts and Ideas: Raising New Timothies
True leadership is about purposeful sacrifice, spiritual formation, and patient discipleship. In this article, Jad Tabet shares powerful lessons on how we can equip and walk alongside the next generation of Christian leaders in Lebanon. Read the full piece and be inspired to sow seeds that will bear lasting fruit.
Stories from the Field: A peacemaker amid Syria’s sectarian massacres
Amid deep sectarian violence in Syria, a small village church became a refuge of love, peace, and reconciliation for families from all backgrounds. Their courageous story shows how Christ’s embrace can heal even the deepest divides. Read the full story and witness how light shines in the darkest places.
Watch the video below to know more about the Lebanese Response to this crisis:
Ministry Updates: Solid Roots, Infinite Horizons: Lebanon Commemorates the 13th Annual National Day
Over the past 13 years, Lebanon’s National Day for Students with Learning Difficulties has grown from a small awareness campaign into a powerful movement of inclusion, hope, and transformation. Discover how deep roots of advocacy and faith are expanding into infinite horizons — read the full story!
