Lebanon, a small country on the shores of the eastern Mediterranean, is going through one of the worst crises in its history. A massive explosion in the capital Beirut’s harbor has devastated the Christian district of the city, killing more than 200 people, injuring more than 6,000 and displacing more than 300,000.
Damages are expected to exceed 15 billion dollars in a country that witnessed the collapse of its economy a few months earlier, with businesses failing, prices for basic goods increasing dramatically, and the threat of hunger looming. The massive influx of Syrian refugees (25% of the country’s population) several years earlier has also added pressure to the weakened infrastructure and supply of public services.
Lebanon is mentioned in the Holy Bible 71 times and is home to one of the most ancient Christian communities in the world. The Christians of Lebanon constitute about 40% of the country’s total population and are known for spreading Western culture and values throughout the Middle East. With its once thriving banks, freedom of press, universities and culture, Beirut was known as the Paris of the Middle East.
Against all odds, the Christians of Lebanon fought and survived a fifteen-year civil war from 1975 to 1990 that was meant to destroy Lebanon’s pro-West identity and democracy. Today, they need our help to keep surviving and to remain a beacon of freedom and openness in a region plagued by religious fundamentalism and intolerance.
The Nazarene Fund’s Mission remains: “To rescue, restore and rebuild the lives of persecuted people around the world.” That mission continues, but we need your help.
$120 will help sustain a family of five for one month.
Visit www.thenazarenefund.org to donate now.