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 Mexico.
Commonly the Lebanese, be they Muslim or Christian, inter-marry with the Mexican population. Some continue to speak Arabic at home, but Spanish is an essential language for them. The Lebanese have influenced Mexican cuisine. Now there are fusion versions of Lebanese and Mexican dishes. The traditional Lebanese Maronite (eastern) form of Catholicism is merging with the western form favored in Mexico.
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 Mexico 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 Mexico.
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/menasource/viva-los-arabes-underreported-stories-of-the-arabs-of-the-americas/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lebanese_Mexicans
https://theeyehuatulco.com/2022/04/28/the-lebanese-in-mexicohow-and-why-they-got-here/
https://www.westword.com/news/theres-more-lebanese-sangre-in-mexico-than-you-might-think-5103496
http://www.revistascisan.unam.mx/voices/pdfs/4014.pdf
https://www.gob.mx/epn/en/articulos/meeting-with-the-lebanese-community-in-mexico
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
