As reports about the severity of the crisis in Lebanon have been growing we wanted to put out an appeal for prayer and financial donations to this beleaguered nation. We have been reading multiple reports in the news but wanted to pass both an article for you to read and then an economic analysis with some practical prayer points to follow.
The article by Deutche Welt can be viewed at:
https://www.dw.com/en/lebanon-insecurity-and-desperation-as-crisis-worsens/a-56826500
An Experienced Colleague and ATC leadership Team Member Reports
On March 2, the Lebanese lira hit 10,000 to the dollar and the country erupted. We are back to intermittent demonstrations, tire burnings, and flying road closures. If your monthly salary was $500 you are now paid the equivalent of $75 in Lebanese lira a currency that is losing its value daily.
The lira has lost 85% of its value in a country that imports more than 80% of its daily needs. But imports must be paid for, in dollars, the world’s reserve currency, and dollars are scarce. The dollar is interchangeable with the Lebanese lira, that is, you can legally use both in Lebanon; this has been the case for decades. But now no dollars are circulating.
COVID-19 & Lockdown
While Lebanon is heading for a Venezuela-type economic collapse it is having to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, as well. Lebanon went on lockdown as a nation on January 17th and we were not allowed out of the house without permission until March 1st (!). Many shops and businesses, forced to close during the lockdown, have gone out of business. We resumed in-person meetings at church on Sunday, March 14th preserving social distancing and wearing masks (except for the preacher – who has already had COVID-19!).
Food Bank Distribution
The dearth of dollars means severe shortages in supermarkets. Hyperinflation makes what still is available out of reach of many. Lebanese have resorted to a barter system to deal with the economic crises, especially on Facebook groups. Gym equipment is being exchanged for canned food; car spare parts for baby milk formula. How thankful we are to the Lord that he led our church to start a food bank in November of 2019. In addition to helping the members of our congregation, we can help sister churches that have not been able to open up food banks.
Prayer Points:
We give thanks for:
- New workers coming to the field.
- The lifting of the fifty-day long lockdown.
We pray for:
- The Lord to bring many to Himself.
- Protection from sickness and emotional resilience as we minister among so much pain.
If you would like to donate to the Foodbank distribution program please do so through the donate link in the menu bar above and adding a note for ‘Lebanon food distribution.’