Pray for Lebanon!
The women of Women’s Federation for World Peace USA invite you to join us in praying for our fellow men, women, and families in Lebanon. We are all in shock after a devastating explosion in Lebanon’s capital city of Beirut yesterday evening, which left at least 135 people dead and 5,000 wounded so far and a crater the size of Cyprus (CNN). Hundreds are also still missing as their families search for them. Every hour aid workers are searching for survivors and rushing to provide support to all those impacted. Besides the loss of life and injury, many buildings were destroyed including half of the city’s homes, which were made unlivable due to damage.
This disaster, so far determined due to improper storage of fertilizer in the city’s port, comes at an already difficult time for the country. The city’s hospitals have already been overwhelmed due to the covid-19 pandemic. The finances necessary to repair the damage can also seem impossible with recent financial and economic challenges. Despite these challenges, the spirit to serve and care for each other can be found. One doctor reported, “When this happened, part of my staff were finishing their shift and going home. And they just came back. They were filled with empathy toward the patients and kindness. And I think the only hope I see with all of this is the ability of the human spirit to endure these hardships.”
For WFWP USA, this situation is especially close to our hearts, as several of our long time leaders and contributors have family in Lebanon who have been injured, and their living situation impacted. This includes the family members of Aimmee Kodachian and Natascha Phillips. Aimmee Kodachian has formerly served as WFWP USA’s Special Liaison Officer, and her show Empowering Humanity TV Show is currently a Global Friend of WFWP USA. Natascha Phillips is our WFWP USA Newsletter Editor, and has contributed to WFWP around the world. Her friends and parents in Lebanon have been affected, including her mother who currently serves as WFWP Lebanon President.
Let us pray for healing, for families to be reunited, and for those who have lost their beloved friends and family to find peace and solace. We also pray that those who are helping on the ground will find strength to continue their important work. We send our love, support, and concern in this time of Lebanon’s crisis.
For those who are able to, we encourage you to consider donating at this needed time. Here are two causes which are providing direct relief to those most in need.
WFWP International - Beirut Disaster Relief
WFWP International and WFWP Europe are working together to help raise funds for the reconstruction of houses and much needed distribution of food. When you donate, please make sure to write in the comments section that you would like the funds to go to the “Beirut Disaster Relief Fund.”
Emergency Shelter for Children and the Elderly
WFWP Global Friend, Aimmee Kodachian, has initiated a fundraiser to provide emergency care and shelter particularly for children and the elderly. As a survivor of the 1975 Lebanese Civil War, Aimmee knows first hand the challenges children and families must be facing at this time. Read more about the fundraiser and donate by going here.
