Some Lebanese consider themselves Arabs while others associate themselves with the ancient Phoenicians. Both groups have made their mark on world history through trade and power. Others consider the Lebanese to be Levantine Arabs, referring to those who originated in Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine or Syria. Some also include Arabs from Egypt, Iraq and Turkey. Like their ancient ancestors, today's Lebanese Arabs live all over the world. One can find them in most parts of the world including Jamaica.
They were among the last immigrants to go to Jamaica. The Lebanese often came to Cuba before they moved on to Jamaica. Most started out in the banana industry in the 1890s, which had economic problems in the early 20th century. Edward Seaga, an ethnic Lebanese man, was Jamaica's prime minister in the 1980s.
The Lebanese are among the most economically prominent people in Caribbean nations like Jamaica. They are prosperous and well-known in the business world.
Like in Lebanon, about two-thirds of the Lebanese population is Muslim and one-third is part of a traditional church. They are usually more focused on their traditions than on the person of Jesus Christ and following him.
Whether they are Muslim or traditional Christian, the Lebanese Arabs in Jamaica need to put their hope and trust in Jesus Christ. They need the infilling of the Holy Spirit and the willingness to obey Christ so they can experience abundant life.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to revive the Lebanese church, leading them to make disciples of Christ who make more disciples.
Pray for their fellowships to be Christ centered rather than tradition centered.
Pray there will soon come a day when the Lebanese people will send loving workers to unreached people groups in the Middle East and Europe.
Pray for spiritual hunger and a discernment that will keep them away from spiritual counterfeits.
Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Lebanese in Jamaica.
https://exceptionalcaribbean.com/2021/09/16/arabs-in-the-caribbean-small-in-number-but-tremendous-in-economic-power/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_Jamaicans
https://www.facebook.com/lebaneseliberian/
Profile Source: Joshua Project |