Displaced again as bombs draw closer

Story originally published by Thimar.

Throughout the past 50 years, Pastor Maroun has been forced to leave his home in southern Lebanon seven times. Born in the small village of Deir Mimas, located just one kilometre from Lebanon’s border with Israel, he has lived there with his family and served as the pastor of a local church since 1988.

He has dealt with many challenges, particularly due to the recurring conflicts that have plagued the region for decades.

The current war between Hezbollah and Israel began on October 8, 2023, causing yet another troubled chapter for Pastor Maroun and his community. Initially, the sound of bombs and explosions were distant, but within three days, they drew closer. It was then that the pastor and his family decided to seek refuge with his sister in a town near the coastal city of Sidon.

“We had been through a similar experience during the 2006 war, when we had to leave our village and stay at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) for 35 days. Because of that past experience, we were not prepared to go through the emotional, mental, and physical stress again,” Pastor Maroun shared, reflecting on the painful reality of leaving the place he has known his entire life.

Known internationally for its long-lasting olive trees – some of which have stood for over 2,000 years – and olive oil, the residents rely heavily on olive cultivation. For some, this is their only source of income. The seasons once flourished, and the vegetation provided plenty of resources, but the war has ruined this source of livelihood and the community spirit. When the bombings began on the outskirt of Deir Mimas, many residents abandoned their homes, leaving only about 100 people behind.

As the conflict escalated, Pastor Maroun and his family rented a place near the southern city of Nabatiyeh. They remained committed to their church in Deir Mimas.

“It was risky because the roads were dangerous, and we never knew when the bombings might start, but we relied on God and would go every Sunday to check on the believers, gather for worship, and then leave.”

But unfortunately, two weeks ago, the war intensified, and the bombings came closer to Deir Mimas, preventing them from being able to continue to travel to the village. The gatherings stopped, and Pastor Maroun, along with nine families from the church and the village, fled once more, eventually arriving at ABTS in Beirut, leaving only 12 people in Deir Mimas. On Friday, those remaining dozen residents also fled after the Israeli military issued a warning for them and citizens in other villages to evacuate as Israel mounts a ground incursion into southern Lebanon.

At ABTS, Pastor Maroun is grateful for the kindness and hospitality shown to him and the families that accompanied him. Each family was given a room and is being provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner. ABTS is currently hosting 175 people displaced by the conflict. As part of Thimar’s crisis response efforts, ABTS is seeking not only to meet physical needs, but spiritual ones too. Every morning, it invites Thimar staff and guests for a worship service and sermon.

“We feel safe, not only physically but also spiritually. ABTS staff provided us with food, drinks, accommodation, and everything we needed, but most importantly, they showed us brotherly love,” he expressed, emphasizing the comfort of being among believers during such hard times.

Expressing the pain of leaving his home, church, and the places he knows, Pastor Maroun shared, “For a person who is used to their home, their culture, the place where they were raised, it is incredibly difficult to leave.” Like in every departure, Pastor Maroun wonders if they will ever go back.

But still, Pastor Maroun remains hopeful. He recalls the end of the 2006 war when he returned to his home in Deir Mimas and found it heavily damaged by two bombs. He was interviewed by a French journalist about his decision to stay in Lebanon, specifically in his village, despite the danger. He responded: “The place where God calls us to be is the place where we should remain.”

As the situation in Lebanon gets worse, Pastor Maroun prays for peace and offers a word of encouragement for those who are going through the same trial: “I encourage all those who are suffering, who have left their homes and lands without knowing what the future holds, to rely on God and lift their eyes to where Jesus is. He is our hope and the one who has the solution to all our problems, whether they are related to family, country, or church. Hold on to Him and place your trust and hope in this great God and Savior.”

ABTS’ support for Pastor Maroun and other displaced guests is just one part of Thimar’s crisis response mission. In the past couple of weeks, Thimar has provided thousands of meals, mattresses, and other essential aid through its ministries and local church partners. It remains committed to doing so and to providing even more support, both physically and spiritually, as needs continue to grow.