Beirut, Lebanon Catastrophic Explosion

Thank you to everyone who has supported the people of Beirut in response to the catastrophic explosion last year. HOPE worldwide received an encouraging letter from HOPEww Lebanon and wanted to share their thanks:

UPDATE 8.31.20
Over the past month, the people of Beirut have been hard at work rebuilding and serving. HOPEww volunteers assisted with home repairs, distributing months’ worth of food parcels and providing lunch to those in need near the explosion site. With your help, this was made possible!

UPDATE 8.18.20
Paul Vartanian is a faithful brother and HOPE worldwide volunteer who lives in Beirut, Lebanon where he was born and raised. He discovered a relationship with God after a terrible car accident landed him in the hospital with nearly all of his bones broken. Since then, Paul has volunteered with HOPE worldwide and has been on the front lines distributing COVID-19 aid since the global pandemic hit. As a result of the recent explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, Paul suffered injuries that led him to be hospitalized once again, but his faith wasn’t shaken. He is already back on his feet and distributing food and supplies to those in need during this difficult time.

Additional Media Coverage:
After Beirut blast, Christians urged to ‘rise up and build.’ - The Christian Chronicle
Read full story

UPDATE 8.8.20
HOPEww Lebanon and the community are grateful for the outpouring of support. “HOPE worldwide is one of those organizations that has been providing assistance to the country since last October. In addition to providing and distributing food, HOPE worldwide 's Lebanon branch is working to renovate and rebuild homes that suffered damage from the explosion. This is as much as we can (do) as an NGO," said Moufid Tohme, the president of HOPE worldwide ’s Lebanese branch. - from USA TODAY Read full article here

8.6.20

HOPE worldwide is actively working with HOPEww Lebanon and the Beirut church to provide immediate aid for food, water and other relief needs for brothers and sisters, their families and the greater Beirut community.

On August 4, 2020, a catastrophic explosion occurred in Beirut, Lebanon. At least 100 people were killed, with hundreds still missing, and over 4,000 have been reported injured. News outlets and the Lebanese government are reporting that ammonium nitrate stored at the port exploded, causing the devastation.

The building where the Beirut International Church of Christ meets, which is located 5 kilometers away from the blast site, was damaged by the explosion. Among the many people who were impacted by the explosion, and as far as we know, one brother from the Beirut church was injured. Additionally, there are multiple families in the church whose homes have been damaged. Due to the current political turmoil in Lebanon and challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic, food and many supplies are scarce.

HOPE worldwide ’s Global Disaster Response team is working with leaders in Beirut to assess short- and long-term needs in Beirut. Please continue to pray for the families affected by this tragic event in Lebanon.

For information about the HOPE worldwide Global Disaster Response Team or questions, contact:

Dave Tomlinson, Sr. Director, Global Disaster Response dave.tomlinson@hopeww.org

Charles Ham, Global Disaster Advisor charles.ham@hopeww.org

Paul Fruge ́ II, Sr. Director, Marketing & Communications paul.fruge@hopeww.org