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I have news for the American prophecy aficionados: Middle East churches also wait for the Lord's return. However, they are working until he comes—exactly as they were taught by our Lord. I am proud of them. I am embarrassed at the lack of compassion by some Christian leaders. At times, they seem obsessed with their self-serving passion for the second coming of Christ. One person described it as "cheering for devastation."

It is well known that the amount of money from Jewish organizations and certain Christian organizations to the Jewish Relief Fund is very, very, large. Figures of more than $300 million during the first month of the war in Lebanon have been quoted.

If my organization were made aware of any needs in Israel, we would step forward to assist similar groups there as well. But we know that despite the terrible effects of the Katyusha rockets from which Israel has suffered, individual Israeli families are well cared for. People are not going without food.

There are 3.8 million people in Lebanon. Its population is 39 percent Christian. There are far more Christians in Lebanon (over 1.5 million) than in Israel. The churches in Lebanon and in the Holy Land want and need our prayers. Listen to a Lebanese Christian youth worker:

On Monday 15 people from our church gathered in our home to pray, for the leaders, for Lebanon, for ourselves, our feelings, thoughts. Everybody was so blessed that we're getting together again on Thursday. "I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock in whom I take refuge." (Psalm 18: 1,2) So please pray with us:

1. For the leaders, in Lebanon and outside, that they will work for the peace of this country. Sometimes this feels like a wasted prayer, but as people of faith in God we should always have hope;

2. For the many who've lost family members, are wounded, or have lost their jobs. May they turn to God in the distress; may God bring Christian believers in contact with them."

We also need to give practical help as the churches in Lebanon respond to this overwhelming human catastrophe. We can learn from them what we should be doing as we await end times.

The Western church does not have all the answers even if it does have a lot of resources. If we humble ourselves, we can learn from our brothers and sisters in Christ in such difficult places as Lebanon who minister God's word and live out their faith in love.

Leonard Rogers is founder and president of Venture International, a Christian relief and development organization focusing on the Middle East and Central Asia. As with all "Speaking Out" articles, the views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Christianity Today.

Copyright © 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

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August (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50