Arab, Lebanese in United Kingdom
Photo Source:
DFID - UK - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Arab, Lebanese |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 102,000 |
| World Population: | 6,274,600 |
| Primary Language: | Arabic, Levantine |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 32.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.50 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Arab, Levant |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
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 the United Kingdom.
There have been small numbers of Lebanese migrating to the UK since the 17th century. However, most came starting in 1975 with the Lebanese Civil War. Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon sent more people fleeing that small country. Other Lebanese fled from Nigeria for the UK because of dictatorial governments.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Lebanese Arabs in the UK have many ways to earn a living. They are noted for their business savvy. One can find Lebanese shops and kiosks in several of Great Britain's metropolitan centers. Many others are university students.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Most Lebanese Arabs are either Sunni or Shia Muslims. They can also be Alawites or Druze, two offshoots of Islam.
There is a large Christian population among them. These Christians have had a traditional church long before the advent of Islam in the 7th century. They have many traditional churches, but some are Protestant.
What Are Their Needs?
Whether they are Muslim or traditional Christian, the Lebanese Arabs in the UK 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.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Holy Spirit to revive the Lebanese church, leading them to make disciples 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.