SYRIAN REFUGEES AND THE

CHALLENGES OF DISTANCE LEARNING

The Syria crisis has had a profound impact on the whole of the Middle East but, as a host nation for about 1.5 million Syrian refugees, Lebanon has felt it keenly. Yet, the overcoming faith of the Lebanese church is one of the brightest sparks of hope in the midst of the ongoing crisis. Tearfund’s partner in Lebanon, MERATH, has many inspiring stories of how thousands of Syrian refugees are turning to the church for help.

All people are created in the image of God.  This is not a mere, wistful nicety nor is it solely a doctrinal position. This is a statement of truth.  A fundamental, axiomatic, biblical truth.  God created all people.  The act of creation entails intent, which implies purpose which, in turn, indicates God had a reason for creating different people groups.  His command to ‘be fruitful, multiply and have dominion’ was an instruction to guide our role as stewards of Creation – not to be used against our fellow human beings.    

Psalm 84:5-8