Local man's parents helping in Lebanon

By Aldrich M. Tan
aldrich.tan@indystar.com

July 30, 2006

Fouad Masri, Fishers, is worried about his parents, with good reason: They're in war-torn Lebanon.

Adel and Doha Masri are ordained ministers with the Anderson, Ind.-based Church of God in Mount Lebanon, northeast of Beirut.

The Masris went to their church in the mountains for a summer conference. It became their refuge when the bombs started to drop July 12.

"The buildings shake when the bombs explode," Adel Masri, 75, said by telephone from Lebanon. "It's like an earthquake."

The church provides sanctuary for a growing number of refugees. It works with Crescent Project, an Indianapolis-based Christian organization that reaches out to Muslims. Fouad Masri, 44, is the executive director of that organization.

Fouad Masri was watching television when he saw the news that the attacks had begun. He called his parents, but there was no answer. Warplanes had targeted television and phone towers throughout Lebanon, disconnecting phone services.

He reached his parents July 19 and calls them every night, which is morning in Lebanon.

More than 800,000 refugees are fleeing to the mountains on foot and by car, his father said.

Other churches, schools and resorts have become shelters. The Church of God in Mount Lebanon took in 18 families from the bomb-devastated south side suburbs of Beirut. A bus carrying 18 orphans arrived Saturday evening, Adel Masri said.

"There is a spirit of unity in Lebanon with all the different religious backgrounds," he said. "We are united in working towards the safety of the people."

The church makes food packages for displaced families. Adel Masri said he has been lucky to get supplies. Several roads to safe areas remain open, but those to bombed regions are closed.

"The government has started to fill the ditches with dirt to create detours," Adel Masri said.

He said he is starting to draw out of his own pocket to help displaced families buy supplies. Crescent Project is sending money to Lebanon. Fouad Masri plans to lead a team to the country when the war ends.

Call Star reporter Aldrich M. Tan at (317) 444-6309.
Copyright 2006 IndyStar.com. All rights reserved

How to help

Crescent Project, a local Christian organization that reaches out to Muslims, is accepting donations. Please mark gifts "Lebanon relief."
• Online: Visit www. crescentproject.org.
• By phone: (888) 446-5457.
• By mail: Send a check made payable to the Crescent Project, P.O. Box 50986, Indianapolis, IN 46250.
Donations will help to buy bottled water, medicine and other supplies for refugees.