Prayer thread re: latest violence in the ME

[*katja*]

The pictures of the grieving families and people fleeing their homes and just the general fear are breaking my heart. I can't imagine if this would happen to my family, so I wanted to start a prayer thread for the safety of the people caught up in the current violence in Lebanon, Israel, and wherever else this ends up spreading. I pray that this does not escalate any further, that the conflict can be resolved or at least cooled, and especially that the people who are just trying to live their lives, raise their families and be good people can be kept safe, no matter what their religion or citizenship is.

[DiamondInTheRough]

The pictures of the grieving families and people fleeing their homes and just the general fear are breaking my heart. I can't imagine if this would happen to my family, so I wanted to start a prayer thread for the safety of the people caught up in the current violence in Lebanon, Israel, and wherever else this ends up spreading. I pray that this does not escalate any further, that the conflict can be resolved or at least cooled, and especially that the people who are just trying to live their lives, raise their families and be good people can be kept safe, no matter what their religion or citizenship is.

Amen!

[one-hit_wonder]

Absolutely. Sometimes I get dreams from God. I had a dream about the Middle East a few days before this all started. I thought at first that it meant dh and I were supposed to go there, but now probably not with all the violence. Canada will be airlifting its citizens out of Lebanon shortly. So I've been trying to pray a lot for the situation, even though I'm nobody special in the situation. It's nice to know that others are doing the same.

[DiamondInTheRough]

Absolutely. Sometimes I get dreams from God. I had a dream about the Middle East a few days before this all started. I thought at first that it meant dh and I were supposed to go there, but now probably not with all the violence. Canada will be airlifting its citizens out of Lebanon shortly. So I've been trying to pray a lot for the situation, even though I'm nobody special in the situation. It's nice to know that others are doing the same.

Not all Canadians are getting out unfortunately. Many are situated in areas that make the trip to Beirut impossible. The infrastructure is so utterly demolished, some people can't even get there by foot. My Aunt and her five young children for example. They are there visiting. They can take a car up to a certain point, and would have to walk the rest of the way. Can you imagine walking five young children through such an unstable environment? She's got no choice but to stay put in the village for the time being, and just hope this ends soon.

[one-hit_wonder]

Oh, really?! That's terrible. And I guess the Canadian government can't do much for people in rural areas. I pray for the safety of your aunt and her children, as well as all other people in danger there.

[*katja*]

Still praying. . . also that the Lord may comfort the families of the victims.

[<3CottonCandy<3]

Diamond I pray your relatives are safe and the fighting stops on both sides soon b/c so many innocent people are losing their lives. I read a quote from a government official who just spent time in Beirut and said the destruction was horrific. We are all here for you and praying for you and your family.

[PollySis]

Brits have been getting out via the Royal Navy taking them to Cyprus. Some tourists are trapped, though, in more inaccessible areas. But we've been getting them out a few days, now.

My father was in the army, based in Palestine at the end of the war so instead of coming home in 1945 like everyone else, had to stay on another couple of years and helped with the set up of Israel. He saw more action then than during the whole of the War prior. It's been trouble since day one, unfortunately.

Hope the whole thing can be resolved by diplomatic means but somehow it's unlikely. All we can do is think of the vast majority of ordinary people, on either side, caught up in this awful situation. Let's hope the UN can step in before Bush and Blair get going - two not very bright people who have the potential to make a bad situation far worse. Let's hope it isn't another excuse for yet another crusade against Islam.

[DiamondInTheRough]

Thanks Mariam & Poly.

Like all of you, I am sadly mourning the loss of innocent life. But moreso, I mourn Justice, Truth, and Peace right about now. My prayer is that people hold steadfast to these three things, and pray that they will triumph over the bloodshed.

[*katja*]

Diamond, is there any word on your family? I hope they have found a way out of the country in the meantime.

[Pamela]

Katja--I stand together with you in prayer for this situation.

[DiamondInTheRough]

Diamond, is there any word on your family? I hope they have found a way out of the country in the meantime.

katja, we are going to try and call later tonight. There was word that their village was hit up in the mountains today, but it's just speculation right now. As far as we know, they are all ok. Not all of them will leave, or could even if they wanted to. The roads are destroyed. They are too far from Beirut, their only option is the Syrian border, and that is being hit regularly.

My FIL for example, retired last year, and went back to Lebanon to build a summer home. His parents are there, and aren't Canadian citizens. There is no way he could/would leave them. My grandfather, who has dual citizenship, is the mayor of the town, and him leaving now would be like a captain abandoning his ship. Many others are just sitting it out and hoping for the best. It's dangerous to move around or travel right now, so they are weighing out their odds and making their own decisions.

My only concern for those staying behind (as if they have much of a choice!) besides the obvious, is the food and water supply. But they are resourceful people, and I'm sure the orchards will sustain them for a while.

I just can't believe the magnitude of what is happening.

[*katja*]

Diamond I'm sorry that they're in this situation.

[Tresa]

I am praying it all stops soon as well! I just wish everyone around there could live in peace with each other. From reading prior posts in this thread, I just don't understand why everyone just can't accept each other. They both believe in God, don't they, just have some differences - right.
There's a saying, it takes a two, I really believe it's bigger than these two (Israel and Hezzbolah) but I really believe that the whole world should come together to help. And I don't see that. I see the same thing going on there, taking sides. One blames the other.

I feel for both sides. We are all God's children!!

I must admit, being an American Christian that I didn't understand all this, but I have been trying to be fair, so I try to educate myself. But, I also try and make sure before I eduacte myself I am not reading into someone who is radical thinking on either side. I think that is something to be very cautious of or you will never know the truth.
I remember after 9-11, my old pastor in Hawaii, asked the congregation who has prayed for Bin Laden. Only a few us raised our hands. He told us how important it is to pray for him and his followers, that they are God's children as well!

I have a question, an honest one, not one to offend, please, just for my educational purposes only, so I can understand better.

How does everyone feel towards groups such as Hezbollah and Al Queda (sp?)??

I pray this crisis stops! I pray we can all be better to each other! I am sorry to hear of family members stuck in this crisis. It must be very difficult for you and extremely for them! God be with them all!

[<3CottonCandy<3]

Tresa that is easy to answer... anyone who kills people is a murderer. whether that be someone claiming to be killing in the name of God, a soldier who kills an innocent child, an army that drops a bomb on a wedding, a leader who calls for killings of his people, etc.

As an American Muslim I've tried my hardest to pray for peace everywhere, but living in a country where my religion is such a minority I've come to the conclusion that since 9-11 there have been hundreds of thousands of innocent people who have lost their lives in wars. I feel like people just don't care anymore. We mourn the loss of each soldier who loses his/her life but forget that for each soldier there are also hundreds of our innocent brothers and sisters who have also passed on. It has become gut wrenching and I've started losing my faith in mankind. I feel very very strongly for the innocent people everywhere in every continent who are struggling with war because for the 5% evil, there are 95% innocent who we should be comforting and loving. I pray for the innocents in Israel and Lebanon.

Diamond, did you get through to your family?