Student Social Service Project
Something memorable… Something unique… Something to show them we care about their pain, in the midst of a difficult time….
This past May, many Lebanese fled into Israel from South Lebanon. Many had fled with just the clothes on their backs, most of them leaving family and friends behind. They have spent the past few months in hotels/apartments that the Israeli government provided, not knowing what the future will hold for them. Many are scared to spend the rest of their lives here, since fitting in with the Palestinians & the Israeli Arabs would not be easy. Some consider them 'traitors,' and treat them with hostility.
In June, the students who went to the Student Desert Encounter met for a picnic in order to discuss their follow-up project. We spent some time discussing the recent political events, and the difficulties the Lebanese were facing. Many were feeling quite sympathetic toward them. But when the suggestion was made to help them personally, I could tell people were really considering the implications of such a project. Many of the Arab students would possibly be risking their reputation, and seen as supporting 'traitors'.
After some discussion, we decided to go for it. We were reminded of God's frequent concern for the weak and oppressed, and the 'stranger in the Land' - "He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt…" (Deut. 10:18-19). Although some might not have agreed with the political stance these people had taken, we all knew that they were in need of help and comfort. This was an opportunity for some of us to practice obedience to the Lord and reconciliation.
In August, I met with one of the leaders from the desert trip, his wife and three Lebanese. This leader had begun a ministry to the Lebanese the majority of whom were traditionally Christians, some were believers. They had been receiving clothes, food and much more from organizations in the country. Musalaha was one ministry that responded to these needs by sending powdered milk for the babies and Christian literature. Now their request was different. The three shared that it would mean a lot to see some Christian holy sites.
On the 24th of August, about 35 Lebanese, together with a few of our students, came down from the Galilee. The group was mostly made up of families, who had been hand-picked by these leaders, because they might be more open to receiving further ministry, and also spread a good word about "those believers." "Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love…." (3 John 1:5-6).
They arrived in time for lunch, which they had with members of a local Arab church in one of the large parks in Jerusalem. This was a pleasant time for everyone, after which they had just enough time to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City and the market place.
The rest of the Musalaha student group met up with them for dinner. The evening was a special time of worship, sharing by the students, a short message to encourage them, and prayer together. A couple of students helped with a program for the children as well.
For many of the Lebanese, this was the first time to meet Jewish believers, and to experience a joint worship service like this one. And of course, it meant so much to be encouraged by their Arab brothers and sisters from Israel and the West Bank.
As I watched throughout the evening, I saw their expressions softening and a quiet release of any fear or intimidation the Lebanese might have had. After the meeting, many of us spent time with the families, hearing their stories, and trying to understand their pain. As always, getting past the stage of ignorance and getting to know all the different sides was good for everyone.
The next day was spent together, visiting some more sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The atmosphere on the bus was great - some of our students were singing and cracking jokes over the loud speakers, while the rest either joined in or laughed. I especially remember the excitement of the Lebanese, when we drove up to the Mount of Olives, and looked out over the Old City and the new city beyond it. I was suddenly excited myself, not by the view, but by how God had made this trip possible, enabling the students to serve others, to meet their needs, and become an example of unity and of His love.
By Dania Minor