WIN: Lebanon - Persecution
Lebanon, Middle East
Leader: Prime Minister Fouad Siniora
Dominant Religion: Sunni and Shia Islam
Christians: 23-30%
Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked
"Lebanon has been wracked with war and civil war for decades," reports Light the Window, the prayer guide edited by Floyd McClung. But this "once beautiful Mediterranean country" has begun to recover. The Syrian army which had maintained a military presence in Lebanon since 1976, withdrew after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on February 14th 2005. Since then, there have been several bomb attacks, mostly in Christian communities.
Lebanon officially recognizes 18 religious groups including Sunni and Shia Islam, Druze, and Christian. In fact, the political structure allocates senior positions to specified religious groups. Religious freedom, granted by the Lebanese constitution, is respected. Citizens may change the religion denoted on their identity cards to reflect personal choice. However, society in general is not accepting of such changes. Further, the government is fearful that citizens changing religion may ignite inter-community tensions. People from all religious backgrounds are choosing to follow Christ. They do face societal and family pressure, and some are forced to move to other more Christian parts of the country.
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Prayer points:
= Pray for Prime Minister Siniora and his government as they seek to establish a new era in Lebanese politics following the withdrawal of the Syrian army.
= Pray for those who choose to follow Christ and face hostility from their families.
= Pray that Jesus Christ will be made known in the midst of ethnic tensions and diversity.
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Dear LORD Jesus, we thank You for the extensive network of Christian schools in Lebanon that are held in high esteem. Continue to bless these schools, we pray, that they would continue to provide good education and honor your name. Bring greater stability and a sense of national good to this religiously diverse land. We pray that the Almighty God would be made known in the midst of ethnic tensions and diversity. Amen.
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Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, and 3P Ministries.
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."
Leader: Prime Minister Fouad Siniora
Dominant Religion: Sunni and Shia Islam
Christians: 23-30%
Persecution Ranking: Not Ranked
"Lebanon has been wracked with war and civil war for decades," reports Light the Window, the prayer guide edited by Floyd McClung. But this "once beautiful Mediterranean country" has begun to recover. The Syrian army which had maintained a military presence in Lebanon since 1976, withdrew after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri on February 14th 2005. Since then, there have been several bomb attacks, mostly in Christian communities.
Lebanon officially recognizes 18 religious groups including Sunni and Shia Islam, Druze, and Christian. In fact, the political structure allocates senior positions to specified religious groups. Religious freedom, granted by the Lebanese constitution, is respected. Citizens may change the religion denoted on their identity cards to reflect personal choice. However, society in general is not accepting of such changes. Further, the government is fearful that citizens changing religion may ignite inter-community tensions. People from all religious backgrounds are choosing to follow Christ. They do face societal and family pressure, and some are forced to move to other more Christian parts of the country.
<+><
Prayer points:
= Pray for Prime Minister Siniora and his government as they seek to establish a new era in Lebanese politics following the withdrawal of the Syrian army.
= Pray for those who choose to follow Christ and face hostility from their families.
= Pray that Jesus Christ will be made known in the midst of ethnic tensions and diversity.
<+><
Dear LORD Jesus, we thank You for the extensive network of Christian schools in Lebanon that are held in high esteem. Continue to bless these schools, we pray, that they would continue to provide good education and honor your name. Bring greater stability and a sense of national good to this religiously diverse land. We pray that the Almighty God would be made known in the midst of ethnic tensions and diversity. Amen.
----------------------------------------
Sources: LifeAgape International, Barnabus Fund, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Forum 18 News Service, Jubilee Campaign, Middle East Concern, Open Doors International, and 3P Ministries.
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"Copyright © 2005, Window International Network. All rights reserved."
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