Beirut blast: stories of courage and unity one month on

Young people in Lebanon are showing inspiring resilience as they deal with the explosion’s aftermath.

It’s been just over a month since Beirut was rocked by a devastating explosion.

Baqil*, 13, was at home on his balcony when he saw smoke coming out of the port, just two miles away.

When the explosion happened, Baqil ran inside and grabbed his two-year-old baby sister on the way, saving her life, but seriously injuring himself in the process.

He broke six bones in his skull, and was in a coma for several days. Baqil’s family was by his bedside the whole time.

Baqil had been attending a youth centre run by Tearfund’s local partner. After hearing of his situation, other youth and staff members from the centre (themselves affected by the blast) went straight to his house to help clear it up, so the family wouldn’t be returning to broken glass and other debris in their home.

Responding to need
This was not the first or last time the youth from our partner’s projects took the initiative to respond in their communities.

Hearing of the need in other affected areas, 35 young people, both Syrian refugees and Lebanese locals, gathered together to clear up the streets and support people in whatever ways they could.

Dasia* is one of the young people who has been helping her community. ‘Thank you for the opportunity to help and be part of an effort to support my neighbours,’ she says. ‘I want to know how and what I can do more to help. I am ready.’

Despite the destruction, stories of hope continue, as does the need for ongoing prayer and support. As media attention is drawn elsewhere, our partners continue to work around the clock to help people in need – including repairing homes, providing food assistance and offering emotional and wellbeing support. Please keep them in your prayers.

PLEASE PRAY

• Lift up Baqil and his family. Pray that he makes a full recovery from his injuries. Ask God to be with all those who were hurt in the blast.
• Thank God for young people like Dasia, who have dropped everything to support their communities. Pray for God’s blessing upon them.
• Pray for refugees and other people living in poverty in Lebanon. Pray that our partners will continue to be able to reach people in need, offering practical help and spiritual hope.

*Names changed to protect identities