Five years ago, on August 4, 2020, during a typical afternoon bustle, one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history rocked Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, killing more than 220 people, injuring more than 6,000 others, devastating entire neighborhoods and scarring the country.
Since then, while the world has continued to spin, Lebanon and the lives of its people have been stuck like a broken clock hand, stopped at 6:07 by the force of the explosion.
For those of us who weren’t there, a sense of guilt remains for not sharing in the physical loss, but we have the same heartache for the people and the city.
August 4th feels heavy for once for all Lebanese, not just some parts of the country.
On the fifth anniversary of the explosion, hundreds of people gathered in Beirut to commemorate the memory of that tragedy, the loss of loved ones, homes and futures, where justice and accountability remain elusive. Mourning continues and August 4th feels heavy for once for all Lebanese, not just some parts of the country.
People are crying out for justice and for their pain to be recognized. And five years later, justice has still not been served. However, in a statement on August 3, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared: His words offer a glimpse of hope that cases of port explosions are not thrown into the sea and forgotten.
Since 2019, Lebanon has been facing economic collapse.
But the explosion was just part of an unrelenting chain of crises. Since 2019, Lebanon has faced economic collapse, with the local currency losing over 98% of its value and poverty affecting over 44% of the population. Just as it felt like the country was on its feet, the war between Hezbollah and Israel exploded on October 8, 2023, displacing more than 1 million people and plunging the country into crisis.
Looking beyond our borders, the picture remains bleak. In the south, war continues to rage in Gaza. In the north, Syria has undergone dramatic changes since the fall of the Assad regime last December. Bloodshed surrounds us and the entire Middle East remains mired in uncertainty.
Even when darkness approaches, there is light.
Yet, even when darkness looms, there is light. The light of the gospel will never breathe life into a heart that feels barren and dry.
In conflict, we see God at work. Timmer is just one part of His larger mission in this region, but in Lebanon, God has enabled us, along with others, to reach the weary and unreached, both Christians and non-Christians. We are witnessing hearts turning to Jesus Christ, the only true hope in this world.
Many people choose to hold fast to God.
Beyond Lebanon, Syria’s partners are opening the doors of their churches to welcome seeds of tolerance and reconciliation, welcoming the poor and poor in communities long torn apart by sectarian violence. Even though fear is creeping into the hearts of Christians after the horrific attack on Marelias church in Damascus on June 22, many are choosing to hold fast to God when immigration feels like the only way out.
As our ministry efforts continue, we seek to point people to the living Word, the unwavering hope of true justice that will be fulfilled when Jesus returns in glory to set all things right and end evil and injustice.
Originally published by Thimar Lsesd. Republished with permission.
Ghinwa Akiki joined Thimar LSESD in April 2023 as Communications Coordinator. With her deep love for writing, she found a platform to cultivate her literary passion and communication skills. At Thimar LSESD, Ghinwa will be able to engage in different aspects of communication and grow and refine his writing abilities in different domains. Ginwa pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages and Translation at the University of the Holy Spirit (USEK) in Kaslik. Her early career in education began at Beirut Baptist School, where she gained extensive experience working with students. Ghinwa is a member of City Bible Church in Beirut and is actively involved in children’s ministry and singing.
Thimar LSESD is a Lebanese non-profit organization (NGO) that seeks to strengthen the Church’s witness in the Arab world through inclusive education, community development, and church discipleship.
Timmer works with local schools, ministries, and churches throughout the Arab world. Through these relationships, we see God at work, even in times of war and crisis. Share his miraculous and life-giving work transforming communities and changing lives.
