Press Release: 14 July 2006

CHRISTIANS URGED TO UNITE IN PRAYER FOR MIDDLE EAST

Major Middle East-focused charitable NGO, BibleLands, has appealed to UK Christians to pray for an end to the escalating conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza.

 

The Charity, which works with disadvantaged and vulnerable people throughout the region, has received urgent prayer requests from its Project Partners on the ground. They have given first-hand accounts of the constant danger from air strikes and rocket attacks, and the blockades that threaten to sever vital supplies.

 

“Every hour, the situation worsens,” reports The Rev. Dr Riad Kassis, Principal of the Schneller School in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. “So far we are safe, but trapped due to the bombing of roads and bridges to Beirut. It is not safe to travel by car as civilian vehicles are also targeted. Please join with us in prayer at this difficult time.”

 

In Beirut itself, staff at one of BibleLands’ Partner Projects - a Home for disadvantaged and orphaned girls, have reported that they are trying to carry on as normal, but the young residents are terrified that there could be an attack on the power station close by.

 

The Charity also supports two medical facilities in Gaza, which are facing a huge burden of power and water shortages as well as dwindling supplies of essential drugs. All communication has broken down and BibleLands’ staff are increasingly concerned for their welfare.

 

BibleLands’ Director, Nigel Edward-Few, has urged churches and individuals to join in prayer for those of all faiths in the Middle East who are suffering.

 

“This situation of destruction and terror calls for immediate prayer to back up BibleLands’ practical aid,” he says. “I appeal to Christians to pray for those in danger in Gaza, Lebanon and the surrounding areas, and for wisdom that will recognise the futility of continuing this devastating conflict and that will bring it to a speedy end.”

 

For updates, you can phone BibleLands’ automated Prayer Line on 01494 897939, call their offices on 01494 897950 or visit the website at www.biblelands.org.uk.

 

-ENDS-

 

Media Enquiries:

 

Nigel Edward-Few – Director of BibleLands

Tel: 01494 897959 (available both during and outside office hours)

 

or

 

Caroline Rance

Tel: 01494 897950

info@biblelands.org.uk

 

NOTES TO EDITORS:

BibleLands

Founded by the Rev Cuthbert Young in 1854 to support the work of American missionaries serving a distressed and vulnerable Armenian population, BibleLands is a non-denominational Christian charity that now works in partnership with some 50 local Christian-led projects in the lands of the Bible – primarily Israel and the Occupied Territories, Egypt and Lebanon, in the fields of Education; Social Care; Special Needs; Medical Care; Vocational and Adult Training; Support and Care of Refugees.