Philemon Project Preschool - December 2020 Update
Beirut, Lebanon
On behalf of the entire Philemon Project team – thank you! Thank you for your partnership and support. And a special thank you to all who helped us with the August 4th explosion's aftermath. Without your faithful support, we could not carry out our ministry to the least of these in Lebanon.
The Explosion
On August 4th, 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored at warehouse 12 at the port in Beirut exploded, causing at least 204 deaths, 6,500 injuries, and an estimated 15 billion dollars in property damage. The explosion also left an estimated 300,000 people homeless. Experts consider this to be one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosions in history. The Philemon Project's GROW Center is 1.4 miles away from the blast site and suffered significant damage. Windows and doors were blown out, walls cracked, AC damaged, electrical, and even plumbing lines were affected. Glass and debris ruined many children's toys and furnishings.
Jesus tells his follows, "Peace I leave with you, My Peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). It seems absurd for us to take comfort and draw courage when the ground we stand on is trembling. COVID-19, the economic crisis, and then this massive blast. We find ourselves anxious and afraid of all that's happening around us. But something in our hearts compels us to carry on even though we are experiencing strange and terrifying times; God calls us to carry on.
Overcoming Obstacles
Since the beginning, the Philemon Project's GROW Center has faced obstacles and trials but overcame them with God's help. Here in Lebanon, the difficulties feel daunting. Political deadlocks, crony capitalism, corruption, a devaluing currency, COVID, and the recent blast are great reminders that "He will be the sure foundation for your times" (Is 33:6a). Isaiah's reminder is accurate. Only Christ is our sure foundation to trust.
All of us are facing the COVID-19 pandemic. In Lebanon, COVID came while the country was experiencing an extreme economic crisis. The devaluation of the currency combined with people either losing their jobs or receiving less than half of their salary has affected our community's most vulnerable more than most. For example, a typical salary before the currency devaluation was roughly $1,500 per month. Now that salary is equivalent to about $300 a month and many people can't buy basic necessities because of a worsening economic crisis and a 55% poverty rate. The amount of suffering is bewildering; food shortages, economic crisis, inflation, COVID, and the devastating port blast. Many are left without hope.
Rebuilding
Despite the obstacles, we press on knowing that our work transforms children, reshapes families, and impacts the community. Neuroscientists, economists, and early childhood development experts advise that investing in a child's early years is the most powerful way to affect society's change. According to UNICEF, every $1 spent on early development produces a $13 return into society. Reaching children in their earliest years is emerging as a top focus around the world.
Some Good News!
There is good news amidst all the gloom coming out of Lebanon. Reconstruction of our damaged facility is nearing completion. Carpentry, AC, plumbing, and electrical work are nearly done, and our team is busy preparing for our reopening. Meanwhile, while we wait for reconstruction to finish, we've been busy shifting our focus to home visits after the explosion. Because we are a trusted ministry project, we have unprecedented access to the community. We pray, listen, and cry with those who are suffering. We are also caring for them by giving out food voucher cards to the community we love and serve. We thank God that the Philemon Project's GROW Center is deeply valued and respected among the community.
Call to Prayer
· Our damaged facility's reconstruction is nearing completion. Pray all jobs get completed.
· Pray for our team. They've worked with a trauma specialist over the last two months. Pray for their well-being.
· Pray also for our re-opening.
· Pray for our adult mentoring and home visit team working one-on-one with families. They shared that God has allowed them to grieve with those who are suffering, listen, and pray with the community.
· Pray also for our team giving out food voucher cards to the community.
· Please pray God would raise up partners to invest in early childhood development and adult mentoring as mission.
· Pray for Robert and Joyce, for Robert’s demanding responsibilities leading the project. Pray for our young adult children, as they make decisions about their lives, careers, and partners.
Grateful for your partnership,
Robert Hamd
Executive Director
Read more about Philemon Project Preschool HERE.
THE NEED
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts totaling $30,000 to assist with scholarships and general operations. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.