Lebanon (MNN) — Lebanon faces continued rapid inflation without any signs of change. As described here, inflation measures the pace of rising prices. Hyperinflation is out-of-control inflation, typically rising more than 50 percent each month.
The International Monetary Fund issued grim warnings after meeting with Lebanese leaders for nine days, and protestors filled the streets. The Lebanese lira fluctuated wildly in value throughout the month, ranging from 76,000 lira per $1 USD on March 6 to as high as 140,000 lira per dollar.
Believers are in the streets too, but for different reasons. “Our staff [members] are blitzing homes with visits to bring medicine, food portions,” Pierre Houssney with Horizons International says.
“We’re spread thin trying to care for refugees and poor Lebanese people in desperate situations.”
With each visit, believers give help and hope at the same time. “The Gospel is the central driving force” of Horizons’ efforts, Houssney says.
“We share God’s love for people freely while giving freely of whatever resources we have, whether it’s medicine or food.”
Horizons International staff deliver aid to a needy family.
(Photo courtesy of Horizons International)
The silver lining is Galatians 6:9 in action. “‘Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up,’” Houssney says, quoting the verse.
“Even though there are hard things around, there’s so much joy among the believers,” he continues.
“They’re weary and tired, but as they’re doing all this good, they’re encouraged to press forward.”
Support Horizons’ efforts here through the Lebanon Crisis Fund. Or, consider going to Lebanon with Horizons and serving alongside indigenous Gospel workers.
“The global Church would be blessed and is blessed whenever it’s involved in these crises,” Houssney says.
“When they (believers) come to difficult places, they see God do amazing things.”
Header image depicts street protests in October 2019. (Photo credit: Walid Houweyek via Triumphant Mercy Lebanon)
