The GO MENA team is no stranger to instability. When war with Israel pressed into Lebanon’s borders and cities, they shifted their strategy to make space for emergency response. Two of their existing partners stepped up to care for IDPs, one site in Sidon and one in Beirut. These partners have committed to supporting 13 displaced families (58 people total). This support looks like providing hygiene kits, mattresses, food, etc. The churches are also providing shelter. As the conflict continues to rage, GO MENA is committed to working with church partners to develop sustainable solutions that support families reintegrating into their villages. The Lebanese government, supported by the UN, will not be allowing IDPs to integrate into the communities they are sheltering in. The hope is that efforts will instead go toward rebuilding the communities that have been affected and allowing families to move back. Even the most optimistic timelines cannot fathom this rebuilding happening for another year. Due to this prolonged period of relief needed, GO MENA is committed to supporting their existing partners in their short term relief efforts (likely the next 6 months). Once families are able to work toward returning home, GO MENA will partner with their churches to build transition plans and wrap around families to get them back home. Though the situation is evolving day by day, our team has settled into a “new normal”. They know what parts of the city/country are “safe”, what you can and can’t do, as so on. This past week, our team celebrated the one-year anniversary of GO MENA’s legal incorporation, and I am prayerful that the Spirit guides us in our next steps as the situation escalates and adapts. Please keep our team in your prayers as they navigate their own trauma while also caring for churches and families. Amanda Gibson Global Ministry Implementor for GO MENA