Ceasefires in the Middle East: a beginning, not the end
 

While we give thanks for the cessation of rocket, drone and missile attacks, we continue to pray for longer-term peace solutions that are genuine, just, and leave no one vulnerable to the other in years to come, writes Alan Donaldson

As the first month of 2025 passes, the geo-political shape of the Middle East continues to change and develop. It is in the midst of this change, uncertainty and trauma for many, that we “keep our eyes on the Lord, trusting him all the way.” (Nabil Costa, Lebanon)

As David wrote in Psalm 36, “Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭36‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The majesty and capacity of the Lord must always be our focus and hope. Without the vastness of his love, righteousness, faithfulness, care and justice, we would so easily fall into despair. Yet the testimony of our brothers and sisters in the Middle East is to recognise the opportunities of each new day as they follow each twist and turn in their nations.

As I write, ceasefires are holding between Lebanon and Israel and Israel and Gaza. One by one, hostages are being returned to their families in Israel and aid is arriving in Gaza as people move north to discover the condition of their homes.

However, in both contexts, Baptist leaders recognise that ceasefires must only be the beginning and not the end. Whilst we give thanks for the cessation of rocket, drone and missile attacks, we continue to pray for longer-term peace solutions that are genuine, just, and leave no one vulnerable to the other in years to come.

Reports from Munir Kakish (below, second left) in the West Bank speak of increased road closures and checkpoints, yet he rejoices in the ceasefire for the people of Gaza and is already uniting the Christian church in the region to bring medical assistance to Gaza, planning for the rebuilding of the Baptist church ministry and presence, and asking how to care for the 17,000 new orphans in the Gaza strip. 



In Syria, the new regime has upheld the right of churches to worship and has even re-opened the Baptist church in Latakia which was closed 10 years ago. Charlie Costa, our EBF Vice-President and his team will be engaging with the Baptist leaders on the coast, taking the opportunity to support their leadership development as some churches continue to see growth and fruitfulness.

In Lebanon the ceasefire has allowed people to return to their previous homes. Many villages and towns in the south have been completely levelled and it is now some months since many of our Baptist brothers and sisters were able to work.

The churches of Lebanon supported by the variety of THIMAR ministries are working to rebuild homes and continue to feed so many families who have no way of supporting themselves.

Please pray for the church in Deir Mimas that is yet to be fully repatriated and will need significant repair.

Meanwhile there has been the opportunity to appoint new political leaders in Lebanon. Pray for the new President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam as they form a new government. Pray for peace internally as different groups seek influence and keep praying for our sisters and brothers who seek to bear witness to the fountain of life amidst the turmoil.

Finally, pray for the Baptists in Israel who have a key role to play in future peacemaking initiatives. During the war with Lebanon, our General Secretary Rani Saba lost a nephew in a missile attack on Nazareth and many were displaced, also losing their livelihood.

Throughout the war in Gaza they have stood in unity with the Christians across the Holy Land, calling for a ceasefire and working towards long and lasting peace in the region.


“May all humanity find shelter in the shadow of your wing.” Psalm 36:7 

 

Alan Donaldson is the General Secretary of the European Baptist Federation (EBF). This originally appeared on the EBF website, and is republished with permission