Video update: What began as a small pilot project in Rahbeh northern Lebanon, to support the economically deprived community there has grown into a flourish farm and dairy. Today, as the Israel-Hezbollah conflict intensifies, those families in Rahbeh are now helping others by sending vital supplies from the farm’s dairy to help some of the over 1 million people now displaced in the country.

“In my 10 years of working as a Partnerships Manager at Embrace, I have borne witness to the most extraordinary chronology of political, economic and social events to befall one tiny Mediterranean country and its people – Lebanon… what has continued to astonish me throughout this period is the seemingly irrepressible spirit of our Christian partners and friends… But the latest regional war in the Middle East is upending everything…”

Hanna is one member of the relief team serving families in the Beqaa Valley, distributing the essential Winterisation supplies that your generous support funds. We follow Hanna through a typical day as he meets three different families, offering support to meet physical, emotional and spiritual need.

The Armenian Apostolic Church one of the oldest branches of church; like many in the Orthodox family of churches, they celebrate Christmas on the 6 January, but they also have many traditions that are distinct.

In difficult times, we face difficult questions. Written by staff at Embrace’s partner MERATH, this blog discusses what it’s like to live with the threat of war in Lebanon and wrestles with why God is allowing the bloodshed and destruction to persist. It also gives some specific prayer points so that you can join in interceding for the region.

Against the backdrop of a crippling economic crisis and a gaping political vacuum, tensions are growing in Lebanon between Syrian refugees and host communities. With a marked rise in intolerance and even violence, one church in the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon is going against the grain. As part of a network of local churches supported by Embrace’s partner, MERATH, this particular church is choosing to walk in the paths of love.

In the final webinar of our series, Dr Martin Accad and Revd Dr Rima Nasrallah painted a vivid picture the extreme difficulties facing Christians (and most of the population) in Lebanon today.