Deep concern for Lebanon on brink of economic collapse
Image: via the ABC (Reuters: Mohamed Azakir/File Photo)
The UCA Assembly has been deeply concerned by recent media reports from Lebanon which have been confirmed to us by UCA members who maintain strong church and family connections in Lebanon.
“We have watched and heard reports of an economy on the brink of collapse and a currency in freefall, exacerbated by the Syrian refugee crisis and the enormous explosion that rocked Beirut last year among other challenges,” said UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis.
People in Lebanon are now experiencing high and growing unemployment, chronic food and fuel shortages. Violent demonstrations in Beirut, including by armed protestors, has left people fearful. Read more about the economic crisis or watch this report on recent violence.
“We encourage all UCA members to hold the people of Lebanon and members of the Lebanese community in Australia, including members of the UCA, in their prayers.”
Assembly National Consultant Rev Dr Apwee Ting has written the following prayer in Indonesian and English for you to use and share.
Doa ku buat Lebanon
Lebanon
Ribuan tahun
engkau berdiri tegak
bak pohon Aras
diatas pegunungan
tak tergoyahkan
oleh badai dan panas terik
berkepanjangan
Lebanon
Engkau merangkul
para pengungsi yang kehilangan tempat berpijak
Engkau memberi minum
mereka yang haus
Engkau memberi roti
mereka yang lapar
Lebanon
saat ini
engkau tercabik oleh keterpurukan ekonomi
engkau terkapar oleh kepincangan sosial
engkau terluka oleh ketidakpastian masa depan
Lebanon
kusebut nama mu
di depan sang khalik
memohon
belas kasihan dan pemulihan
semoga engkau bangkit kembali
Lebanon
engkau akan bangkit kembali
iman mu
keteguhan mu
kemurahan hati mu
akan bersinar kembali
bak pohon Aras
di atas pegunungan
Amin
My Prayer for Lebanon
Lebanon
For thousands of years
you have been standing tall
like the cedar of Lebanon
over the mountains
immovable
by storms, snow and scorching heat prolonged
Lebanon
you have embraced refugees
who have lost their homes
you have given drink for those who are thirsty
you have given bread for those who are hungry
Lebanon
For months
you are torn apart by the economic downturn
you are broken by social problems
you are hurt by the uncertainty of the future
Lebanon
I pray for you in the front of the Creator,
may God who had sustained you for thousands of years
heal and restore you
may you rise again from these situations
Lebanon
you will rise again
your faith
your determination
your generosity
will shine again
like the cedar of Lebanon
over the mountains
Amen