By Rev John Carrick

Retired Minister and former Director of Middle East Christian Outreach

As predicted, the terrible troubles in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas have over-spilled into Lebanon: a country I visited often.

On one of my trips, a Lebanese woman sitting next to me on the plane asked why I was visiting her country.

I explained that the charity I represented had established several schools, where children of all faiths and none were educated to university level.

She was impressed that western people would learn Arabic and spend their lives serving her people.

But when I said I would be travelling to Tyre - a lovely city in South Lebanon - she expressed concern.

When I asked why, she said it would be dangerous.

On leaving the plane she turned directly to me and said, “Don’t go.”

I did go and had a productive time with school staff and locals.

A couple of days after my return to UK, there was a big spat between Hezbollah (based in the south) and Israel that affected many.

As often happened then, there was little international press coverage in contrast to the present.

On reflection, I wonder if my travelling companion had known what was going to happen.

Was she trying to protect me, or was there something else? Could she have had mixed feelings about our work?

One area leader told a colleague that while valuing the education we brought, we were seen by many as the really dangerous people in the region. Why on earth?

Because we were also trying to show communities that love is always better than hate.

As events worsen and divides deepen, I dare to believe that the powerful seeds of love sown across the entire region will one day bear fruit on all sides.

Could tolerance, forgiveness, hope and peace really break out?

I hear Bible words: “Your labour (of love) in the Lord is never in vain.”

It has worked through history and many around the world are praying in faith that it will happen again.

So let us pray.