Over the last few years, the people of Lebanon have been pushed to crisis point. The Beirut port explosion in 2020 devastated the city, and the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns pushed people further into poverty. Accusations of state corruption have led to regular protests. A new government was formed last year, but it’s too early to see if this has changed anything. This week, lift up struggling families who have experienced a huge reduction in income and prospects over the last four years.
Sunday 7 May
The combined effects of corruption, Covid-19 and the Beirut explosion have pushed more than 82 per cent of the country’s population into poverty. People have been left struggling to afford food and basic essentials. Pray for a change in the country and for leaders to be raised up who will take care of the millions of people suffering extreme hardship.
Monday 8 May
Hania, her husband and their three children, Tarek, Rami and Layla, have lived in a makeshift shack on the roof of an unfinished building in Beirut for more than five years: ‘The economic crisis and the pandemic have affected our lives a lot. My husband lost his job as a security guard and so no longer earns a steady income.’ Pray for more job opportunities for people in Lebanon.
Tuesday 9 May
Tearfund’s partner in central Beirut supports families facing extreme economic hardship through education, health and psychosocial services. As well as enrolling Tarek in the partner’s kindergarten, Hania’s family were given cash support. ‘The money helped us buy food, clothes and basic home necessities,’ says Hania. Praise God!
Wednesday 10 May
Lebanon bears by far the biggest proportional burden of the Syrian refugee crisis: one in four people currently living in Lebanon is a Syrian refugee. In response, Tearfund’s local partners are providing refugees and host families with food and hygiene supplies. Pray for unity as communities host Syrian refugees while struggling with their own economic issues.
Thursday 11 May
Ahmad lives with his wife and four children in an informal settlement in Beirut. These settlements don’t have planning permission, are overcrowded and the buildings often collapse. Until the pandemic, Ahmad groomed horses at the Beirut Hippodrome. But now he has no regular income. Join Ahmad in prayer: ‘We pray for better days, for this crisis to be over. I want my children to continue studying so that they do not have to go through what I went through.’
Friday 12 May
Lebanon can experience very cold winters. This poses a serious challenge and health risk to refugees living in tents and to families, like Hania’s, living in makeshift shelters. In response to this, Tearfund supported the distribution of winter kits to help people survive the coldest months of the year. Pray that our partners are able to support those most vulnerable.
Saturday 13 May
Lord God, we lift the people of Lebanon to you as they face this season of great hardship. We pray for the amazing work of our partners in Lebanon, who are reaching out with the love and compassion of Christ to families in greatest need. Amen.
