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 those 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 Venezuela.
The 1880s was when the first Lebanese began to settle in Venezuela. There were many more who arrived after 1918, when the Ottoman Empire imploded, allowing the Lebanese to leave their Middle Eastern homeland.
Though there are many Lebanese in Venezuela today, they are likely to leave the country because of the economic and political turmoil of that South American country. Still the Lebanese have left their mark on Venezuela with politicians, actors, athletes and businesspeople.
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 Venezuela 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 general in Venezuela.
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/viva-los-arabes-underreported-stories-of-the-arabs-of-the-americas/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_New_Zealanders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_diaspora
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_Venezuelans
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
