Trust you are following the news about the horrific blast caused by over 2000 tons of ammonium nitrate that exploded in Beirut, Lebanon on August 4th. So far 158 have been killed, over 6000 injured and 300,000 made homeless. Deep trauma and loss of hope has affected the whole nation that was already in an economic crisis and needing to deal with the Covid-19 situation. Officials estimate the explosion caused up to $15 billion worth of damage. The ammonium nitrate had been left at the port warehouse for six years despite repeated warnings it was dangerous, so there is huge anger and many have been rioting calling for even the execution of their government’s leaders.
Massive relief is needed and thankfully several governments of major nations have pledged to help. Above all, we need to appeal to the Lord of the Universe, the One with all power and resources to bring about His comfort, peace, hope, healing, deliverance and restoration to the many that are so despondent, crushed by what has happened to their beautiful country. Would you please, therefore, keep the nation of Lebanon in your prayers over the coming weeks as it seeks to recover from this disaster during these crucial days?
Please have a look at this video from one of our friends who is both a prayer leader and humanitarian about how they are trying to help on site. If you want to contribute some financial assistance to help their efforts, you can do so to these two Lebanese-run NGOs that I know will use your funds well.
One Lebanese humanitarian worker friend told me that they are focusing now on the following efforts
- Food/Hot meals targeting vulnerable internally displaced people for next 30 days
- Medicine/ gap coverage for those who lost their homes and are in need of medicine and minor medical expenses
- Rehab of destroyed homes/ Boarding up busted windows and doors
- Street and home cleanups
Triumphant Mercy Lebanon
Witness as Ministry
Here are some prayer concerns that people close to the situation there in Beirut have shared.
Let’s pray specifically for:
- For a well-coordinated relief response and that both the local and international NGOs will cooperate and work together in a synergistic manner to provide rapid and effective assistance.
- The healing of the nation as it is deeply wounded and that the church will rise and fulfill its purpose and be a light in the midst of darkness.
- For the rioting and violence to stop and for God’s peace and order to prevail.
- That the Islamic agenda will not be able to be implemented.
- For an independent judicial system that is not under political power so that corruption could be judged.
- For the economic situation in Lebanon to be resolved and Lebanon to become prosperous again.
- That the promises of God for Lebanon (being transformed in a moment into a fertile field) will be fulfilled.
- That the many Syrian refugees who are in Lebanon will be able to go back home.
Thanks for your prayers of faith that will bring about His answer to all these requests.
Yours in Christ,
John Robb - Chairman
International Prayer Connect