KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – March 9, 2026 

International Ministries (IM) is releasing $5,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency disaster relief funds to assist IM partners who are responding to the crisis that began last week in the Middle East. Many countries have become engaged in the conflict, placing many innocent lives in the middle of the fighting, including among our partners in Lebanon and Jordan.  Funds will be used to help address the immediate survival needs of the displaced, providing emergency food, shelter, and supplies. 

Urgent Prayer Requests

IM partners in the region have asked us to pray for: 

• Genuine peace and justice in the region 

• The hundreds of thousands of displaced people, many of which are children, from Southern Lebanon and Beirut, many of whom have lost their homes and possessions 

• Our partner Thimar-LSESD and their local partner churches as they stand by the Lebanese people in their hour of need, reflecting the love of Christ in tangible ways, and giving them hope in the process 

• Strength and grace as they persevere together with their local church partners responding to one crisis upon another other 

• The protection and safety of civilians 

• Wisdom and restraint among decision makers and global leaders 

• Comfort for families 

• Reconciliation and healing. 

Area Director for Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, Julie Justus Williams shares: “International Ministries remains committed to walking alongside our global partners who are serving as the hands and feet of Christ in the region. We thank God for their servant witness amid these troubling times and for their courageous faith. We invite our family to join us in praying for peace and sharing this urgent call with others.” 

International Ministries leadership is in touch with IM personnel in the region, who report that they are safe and well as they minister to people displaced and otherwise impacted by the conflict. We thank you for your continued prayers. 

Those who wish to directly support IM’s local partners providing disaster relief can do so through their American Baptist church, through giving online, or by sending checks directly to International Ministries. Please designate your contributions “OGHS–Middle East Relief” on the memo line of your check. 

Checks sent directly to International Ministries should be made payable to “International Ministries” and mailed to: International Ministries. Attn: Gifts Processing 1003 W 9th Avenue, Ste A King of Prussia, PA 19406 

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is administered by the World Relief Committee of the Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA. The Committee facilitatesAmerican Baptist emergency relief, disaster rehabilitation, refugee work, and development assistance by establishing policy guidelines and overseeing the distribution of the annual OGHS offering received by churches. 

International Ministries works cross-culturally to invite people to become disciples of Jesus Christ and to proclaim, through both word and deed, God’s reign of justice, peace, and abundant life for all creation.