Lebanon Travel Diary - Day 3 & 4

We drove through many ghost towns and villages in south Lebanon which looked like the set of a post-apocalyptic film. During the latest war between the Israeli army and the militant group Hezbollah, Shi’a-majority areas were targeted, while the region’s historic Christian communities were also caught up in the crossfire, suffering terribly.

Entire villages have been wiped out

Even though the airstrikes have mostly stopped, Christian families in South Lebanon continue to face deep economic hardship while reeling from severe emotional trauma. Antonine Sister Gerard Merhej told me that the local population has dwindled as many families have left for Beirut and beyond in search of work after witnessing the devastation of their livelihoods. Sister Gerard explained: “The fields in the area have been destroyed in the war. The families that have stayed have no income because they used to work in agriculture.”

Pupils at the Antonine Sisters’ School in Debel, South Lebanon.

The Antonie Sisters’ School offers much-needed education in Debel. The school remains open as a beacon of hope, sustained by ACN help, including stipends for teachers. Sister Gerard noted that those remaining in the area are “trying to get started with farming as an alternative source of income”. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude for your generous support: “We don’t know what we would do without you. Thank you for helping us survive.”

In another part of south Lebanon where few Christians remain, Moussa and his wife Michelin were not home when the neighbouring house – reportedly used by Hezbollah to store weapons – was hit. “The 10-foot cross on the rooftop and St Charbel’s intercession saved our family,” Moussa said. “We give thanks to God.” Moussa’s every sentence glowed with deep gratitude, often ending with a phrase praising God and thanking ACN benefactors. 

After returning to their burnt-down home, they found only two items intact: pictures of St George and the Virgin Mary.

Moussa – a receipient of ACN emergency aid – with the picture of St George that survived the destruction.

They spent their life savings to rebuild their house. ACN provided emergency food and medical aid to support their family and others like them.

One of those organising the distribution of vital ACN aid in the area is Sister Maya El Beaino of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Sister Maya decided to stay with those relying on her at a time of intense bombardment when pharmacies were closed, continuing to help sustain hope in the diminishing community. Sister Maya told me: “We are so thankful to ACN for not abandoning us and helping us to carry out our mission in this difficult time.”