It’s been quite an eventful beginning of the year in our part of the world (the Middle East) — Lebanon included. Most of what is taking place around the region today was not anticipated — at least not this way. Incredible change is taking place, and what is so reassuring is that all is under His control.
In Lebanon, the tension prevails on the political level as the new prime minister attempts to put together a government that represents all factions, an ongoing challenge in our country particularly when political parties are more or less connected to influential regional and international powers.
It is a reality that is also a source of frustration for many educated Lebanese who find themselves driven to seek greener grass elsewhere where political conflicts are not likely to stunt the promising future that they dream of for themselves and their children.
Though there are no reliable data as to the exact number of Lebanese in the diaspora, it is commonly known to be considerable, and a high percentage is Christian.
The Lebanese dream of a free country led by people who have the best interests of Lebanon and the Lebanese at heart.
It is a dream shared by many Christians and Muslims alike. Regardless of how close or far that day is, as a church, we have to move forward.
We have to choose to persevere in our calling as peacemakers, building bridges with our fellow Lebanese and raising a new generation of leaders whose Christian beliefs are reflected in their practical lives that they may influence their communities in everyday life and matters of justice and peace.
As Lebanese Christians, we need to take into account the future of the church in our country.
We cannot, on the one hand call, on God to heal our land and, at the same time, turn our backs on our country and leave.
We have a legacy to pass on to the new generation. And that should not be subject to the political environment.
We are to encourage the young generation to invest its future in Kingdom work.
God has gifted young believers with what it takes to lead the church forward.
We need to work with this new and gifted generation that it may catch the vision, see its role and take steps of faith investing in His Kingdom. We need to pass the torch to it.
In short, if we’re to impact the community, then the starting point is from within the church.
At the Lebanese Baptist Society, we are involved in academic education, as well as in preparing Christian leaders for faithful service, empowering youth and developing Christian resources that build up and complement the work of the church.
And God is using these gifts to make a difference in our society.
Needless to say, oftentimes we do get discouraged and I’m sure that our Muslim friends feel the same way, too. But the choice is more often than not ours to make.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Nabil Costa is the executive director of the Lebanese Baptist Society.
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