Lebanon is still hurting

At a glance: Lebanon over the last year

On August 4th, 2020, 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate exploded at the port of Beirut killing more than 200 people and injuring 7,000. Since then, things seem to have gone from bad to worse:

The currency has declined so much that what, two years ago, could buy enough food to feed a family, now can’t even buy half a litre of milk.
According to UNICEF, more than half of Lebanon’s population are now living below the poverty line.
Electricity and fuel are in short supply, with some people only getting 3-4 hours of electricity each day.
A recent explosion in a petrol storing facility in the north of Lebanon killed at least 28 people and injured 70 who were simply queuing to get petrol.
Despite the ongoing conflict, some people are choosing to move to Syria because there is better and more reliable internet and electricity there than in Lebanon.

He says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Psalm 46:10-11

Be still!

It can sometimes feel like situations in our world are standing still. I certainly felt like this when I found out that, since the explosion in Beirut last year, half of Lebanon’s population is now living below the poverty line, and the situation has only deteriorated.

Grace*, one of our workers in Lebanon, recently shared an update with us. Just after the anniversary of the explosion at Beirut’s port she reflected on how things had changed. Her words struck me.

There is still no result from the investigation into the explosion, and economically things are continuing to deteriorate.

Grace’s use of the phrase there is still indicates a stillness in Lebanon. But it’s not a stillness that gives life, it’s a stillness that halts progress.
It’s a stillness without God.

*Name has been changed for security reasons.

Be still and know that I am God

Psalm 46:10-11 have always given me comfort. Despite what is going on in the world we can be still knowing that our God is sovereign. When God is present, being still doesn’t mean that there is no progress. This command to be still literally means to let go. God is inviting us to surrender every situation to Him. This stillness and trusting in God are what enables our workers in Lebanon to see the good even in a difficult situation.

Thanks to the generous support to our Lebanon Appeal over the last year, our teams in Lebanon were resourced to provide help to those affected by the blast. They were able to provide for the medical needs of those affected by the explosion and support local children’s education.

Throughout this time, Jesus was also touching hearts. One of our partner churches in Beirut saw more than 160 families join the church last year!

Keep praying for Lebanon

The funds raised through the Lebanon Appeal are still helping those in need. But there is only so much our teams can do to help. Lebanon needs a miracle.

Please pray for this country:

For those most affected by the economic crisis who are struggling to find food and are now living in poverty
For justice for those affected by the explosion at Beirut’s port, and for comfort for those who lost loved ones
For those deciding to move to Syria, that they would be kept safe
For those whose school and work lives have been disrupted due to the lack of fuel and electricity, that God would hold their futures secure in His hands
For Christians in Lebanon to find peace and stillness as they trust in God’s sovereignty

If you or your church would like to help in a more practical way, please contact me at hannahw@awm-pioneers.org
to see how you can support people in Lebanon through our Lebanon Appeal.