WEA Mourns Tragic Loss of Life and Destruction after Beirut Explosion

Deerfield, IL – August 6, 2020
The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is deeply saddened by the news of the massive explosion that rocked the heart of Beirut, Lebanon, on August 4th. The blast, reportedly caused by unsafely stored chemicals in a port, destroyed numerous buildings in the surrounding and resulted in more than one hundred deaths and thousands of injuries. Hospitals that earlier struggled with responding to COVID-19 are overwhelmed and some 300,000 people are left homeless in a country that has already been going through a severe economic crisis.
“We mourn this tragic loss of life and the additional trauma this disaster causes to an already suffering people. We stand in solidarity with the residents of Beirut and the nation of Lebanon and call on Christians and churches around the world to join us in prayer,” said Bp Efraim Tendero, Secretary General of the WEA, and added: “Pray for healing and restoration, pray for comfort and peace for those who have lost loved ones, and pray that the cause of the accident can be fully investigated and justice served, so that people can find closure.”
Rev. Dr Jack Sara, WEA’s Middle East Coordinator, commented: “In the midst of this calamity, we are heartened by the self-less response of churches and believers who are actively reaching out to those in need: helping restore damaged homes and offering space to live for those who have lost everything. We pray that God would give wisdom to the leaders of Lebanon to handle the situation wisely and for the churches to be a beacon of light during these dark days. We are reminded of the Psalmist that prayed to God saying: ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)”
The WEA has launched a donation page for those who wish to support local ministries that respond to the many needs on the ground. You can find more information and make a gift at worldea.org/beirut.
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Timothy K. Goropevsek
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Over two billion Christians in the world today are represented by three world church bodies. The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is one of those, serving more than 600 million evangelicals. Launched in 1846 to unite evangelicals worldwide, the WEA continues to be a dynamic movement with 9 regional and 134 national Evangelical Alliances, and over 150 member organizations. WEA’s mission is to establish and strengthen regional and national Evangelical Alliances, who in turn enable their national Church to advance the Good News of Jesus Christ and effect personal and community transformation for the glory of God. For more information, visit Worldea.org.]]>