August 6, 2020

By Aaron Weaver

DECATUR, Ga. — The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has provided $5,000 in emergency assistance to support relief efforts following the August 6 explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, which killed more than 135 people, injured 5,000 and displaced at least 300,000.

CBF field personnel Chaouki and Maha Boulos, who are based in Beirut and were not harmed by the explosion, will lead the relief efforts. The Bouloses reported that immediate needs include food, medicines, toiletries, cleaning supplies, mattresses and bedding. Financial assistance for utilities (electricity and water) as well replacing broken windows are two additional significant needs.

CBF Global Missions Coordinator Steven Porter encouraged Cooperative Baptists to pray for those impacted and to give generously to support these urgent relief efforts.

“As we absorb the news from Beirut, I pray the Holy Spirit stirs us to action,” Porter said. “Unless you have lived in a war zone or endured a severe earthquake, it is hard to fathom the level of destruction that has been layered on top of preexisting political unrest, the pandemic and an economic crisis in Lebanon. In such times, the psalmist reminds us that ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble’ (Ps 46:1).

“As a Fellowship, we have made a longstanding commitment to Beirut and its most vulnerable residents. For the past 18 years, the Fellowship has supported Chaouki and Maha Boulos. Besides their well-known evangelistic efforts, the Bouloses also have concentrated on practical aid to Syrian refugees in the city. From regular food distribution supporting 500 refugee families to arranging medical and dental care, they have a team of 20 experienced volunteers waiting to offer relief to suffering people. But they need funds to purchase food and supplies. We can become part of God’s provision of ‘ever-present help’ to a people in trouble. Please for the Bouloses and make a donation today.”

To support the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s relief efforts in Lebanon led by CBF field personnel Chaouki and Maha Boulos, give online at www.cbf.net/beirut.

You may also give by mailing a check payable to “CBF” to:

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship
PO Box 102972
Atlanta, GA 30368-2972
*Please include “Beirut Response” in the memo line

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CBF is a Christian network that helps people put their faith to practice through ministry eff­orts, global missions and a broad community of support. The Fellowship’s mission is to serve Christians and churches as they discover and fulfill their God-given mission.