As Integral embraces greater diversity and becomes more locally relevant, we are so pleased to welcome MERATH from Lebanon as our newest Member of Integral. Here Lucas Shindeldecker, MERATH’S Director, introduces us to his organisation and shares why they have become a Member of Integral …
Who is MERATH? Please tell us a little about your organisation
MERATH is a Christian NGO in Lebanon. We come alongside local churches and faith-based organisations in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq to help them implement relief and development projects for vulnerable individuals and families in their communities. We meet people’s basic needs and provide education, child protection, livelihoods and recovery support.
We believe that it is through caring for the whole person that we best incarnate the ministry of Christ. It is in the context of relationship and community that our Church Partners can be authentic witnesses to our vulnerable neighbours, unconditionally serving each according to their needs.
Why do you want to be part of Integral?
MERATH has worked with multiple Integral Members in various capacities for more than ten years. We have appreciated their approaches to their work and to partnership. We believe MERATH will continue to grow as an organisation as a result of membership, as well as contribute to Integral with our own experience.
How do you see your core values align with Integral’s values?
MERATH and Integral both value faithful stewardship of resources and accountability to Partners and participants. We also align as we provide relief assistance based on need alone, prioritising operating through God’s unconditional love for people, through the outworking of the Spirit in unity in partnership with others.
What capacity, experience or value do you believe your agency brings to Integral in Disaster Responses?
The majority of MERATH’s work is in disaster response, whether in rapid response or protracted crises. Our work in education focuses on displaced children, for example, and our work in recovery (home rehabilitation, agriculture, etc.) is also in response to crises.
MERATH exists to respond to needs and crises and has long experience in supporting its local Partners to do this. In leveraging local partnerships and experience in on-going and protracted responses, MERATH can quickly respond to emergent crises. In working in the context of relationships, our Partners are able to serve people in need with dignity and in appropriate ways.