Even after 40 days from the blast, there is still rubble to be cleared out. This past weekend marked the 40 day observance of the port blast. It was a somber reminder that not too long ago this city was suddenly and violently traumatized by an unprecedented explosion. It was also a reminder that time…(Read More)
It’s been a little over one month now since the Beirut port blast rocked the capital of Lebanon. Buildings still lie shattered. Rubble is still piled on the side of roads. People injured in the blast still walk around with slings and bandages. But there’s signs of slow recovery. Some floors of buildings…(Read More)
View Post One man we’ve been helping this past week had a harrowing story of the blast. He was in his home when the blast hit. The large antique wood doors in his room blew off the hinges, struck him head on, and propelled him through the air towards his back veranda. His veranda…(Read More)
The big story of the Beirut blast is already well known. 2,750 tons of improperly stored ammonium nitrate caused the one of the strongest non-nuclear explosions ever recorded, leveling the seaport and ripping through major portions of Beirut. But the real story is seen in each individual home. Thousands of buildings that housed…(Read More)
We are on the ground in Beirut, Lebanon seeking to help those affected by the enormous explosion this week that destroyed many parts of the city. Entire walls are blasted off buildings. It is likely these structures will collapse or have to be torn down. Beirut is no stranger to difficult times. But the blast…(Read More)
I apologize we missed a couple months for updates. At the start of May our host country came off of strict COVID lockdown and life got very busy again. However, just because the lockdown was eased, we’ve by no means escaped the coronavirus. Cases are climbing rapidly this month, and we have the first…(Read More)
A lot has developed in only two weeks! While the days seem to all roll together during the COVID-19 lockdown, we’ve tried to keep pursuing what open doors remain for service to the community and witness for Christ. We’ve been able to produce and donate 156 cloth face masks so far to…(Read More)
A few days ago, we were able to provide a donation of PPE to a local hospital to help outfit 50 of their frontline providers getting ready to work in their COVID-19 ward. The PPE included 50 hooded isolation gowns, 50 sets of shoe covers, and 50 face shields. All of the items are…(Read More)
There’s no question life, and refugee relief work, is suddenly very different in the Middle East now being under strict quarantine measures. Like in the West, public gatherings are banned and churches closed. Personal visitations are curtailed as well. A highly social culture is grinding to a halt. The streets aren’t totally deserted…(Read More)
Yes, that’s a picture of flaming tires blocking a road. And yes, it was taken recently in the country we do our Syrian refugee relief work in. There are new storms swirling about us and the refugees now. Not just the typical winter storms – although those have been particularly bad this year with record…(Read More)