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The Word of God is brought to Lebanon and the entire Middle East and North Africa through the Middle
East Lutheran Ministry (MELM).

Started in Beirut in 1950, the MELM office uses an array of media tools to proclaim the glory of the Gospel throughout the region.

Locally produced radio programs utilize a variety of formats: Bible studies, studies of various people in
the Bible, meditations coupled with hymns, Bible readings with short commentaries, and more.
These programs reach many countries in the Arab world: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Sudan, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates, as well as the Middle East countries of Cyprus, Iran, and parts of Europe.

More than 350 letters are received each month from listeners, with approximately 80 percent of these coming from non-Christians who have heard the programs. These letters often contain questions about Christianity like, "How can you say Christ is God or the Son of God? Isn't He only a prophet like Mohammed?"

In 1980, MELM made the broadcast of a series of Christian television programs possible for the first time in the history of the Arab world.

"This is the Life" programs were broadcast in English with Arabic and French subtitles. In 1992, the five-hour "Yeshua" series was dubbed and adapted into Arabic and broadcast, as were "Christmas Is," "Red Boots for Christmas," "The Puzzle Club Christmas Mystery," "Easter Is," and others.

MELM cooperates with local Christian churches wherever possible, referring contacts to those churches. In addition, respondents/contacts are trained in Lutheran leadership training and discipleship whenever and wherever possible, so they can help plant Lutheran churches in their local communities.

Five Bible correspondence courses are also very active, as well as an outreach ministry which uses audio and video cassettes. The print ministry includes a wide variety of materials like doctrinal books, Arch books and the translation of "Luther's Small Catechism" into the Arabic language.

The ministry center also opened a Christian book shop under the name of "Concordia Bookshop," to share Christian Lutheran literature with others.

In addition, MELM also expanded its outreach by reopening the West Beirut office in 2001, and
establishing contacts in Egypt and Jordan.

Occupying a total area roughly half the size of New Jersey, Israel borders Lebanon to the south, Syria to the north and east, and the
Mediterranean Sea to the west.

King Solomon used only the finest materials in the world to build God's temple in Jerusalem--including the "Cedars of Lebanon." This country of cedars has always served as an important East-West bridge, connecting
Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Unfortunately, most of the news, which one used to hear about Lebanon following a violent war in 1975, was quite negative. Now, most international observers remain cautiously optimistic about Lebanon's future. Rebuilding is taking place. Many foreign banks, companies and different businesses are opening in
Lebanon.

The country's climate would remind most Americans of Southern California. The coastal regions are warm
and sunny, ideal for enjoying the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Just a short drive inland, however,
are snow-covered mountains, which are perfect for skiing.

The population of Lebanon is about 3.5 million people. In addition to Arabic, English and French are widely spoken.

Lebanon was the early home of the Phoenicians--the world's first seafarers--whose civilization flourished between 2700 and 450 B.C.

Jesus Christ was well acquainted with the area, for it was in Lebanon that He healed the daughter of the
Canaanite woman.

During the Middle Ages, Christian refugees hid in the mountains of Lebanon. Remains of many of the
fortresses built during the Crusades are still evident.

When the Turkish Empire collapsed after World War I, France took over the rule of Lebanon. This lasted until 1943, when Lebanon became an independent nation.

Today, nearly all Lebanese (93 percent) are Arabs (Christians and Muslims), and the rest are Armenians.
Since 1975, Lebanon has been the site of different wars, few of which have involved the Lebanese
military.

During the Lebanese wars more than 200,000 Lebanese have been killed, with 250,000 seriously wounded and 600,000 displaced from their homes.

The religious life of Lebanon has been deeply affected by ongoing wars.

As late as 1943, a delicate balance of power existed between Christians and Muslims, each representing
about half of Lebanon's people.

Because of wars, many Christians have moved to other countries. Muslims now account for about 60
percent of the total population, and they are a major political force. In addition, Lebanon is affected
by Muslim fundamentalist movements, which, in most cases, are opposed to Christianity.

Pray, praise, and give thanks for God's blessings on the entire MELM staff and their continued success in bringing the saving grace of God's Word to the people of Lebanon and the entire region.

Help seize the opportunity of sharing the joy of bringing the people of this region of the world to Christ with
financial support from you, your church group, or congregation.

For more information, call the International Ministries department at 1-800-944-3450.