MISSION: Raising Hope for Beirut

Rev. Mike Mekredijian

I’ve lived in 16 different homes.

I’ve lived in 9 different cities.

Each of the different locations have shaped key memories. My time in Lebanon from 1988-1992 etched some scary yet remarkable aspects of my identity. I learned to play on the streets during ceasefire, but I also learned much about my Armenian heritage. I learned to endure through hardship, but it prepared me for harder difficulties. Even though I wanted to just goof off during chapel at the Armenian Evangelical School in Ashrafiyeh, Lebanon, looking back I often wonder if God was preparing me for something.

The recent explosion on August 4 stirred in me such palpable grief and deep reflection. I immediately wanted to get on a plane and help them in any way that I could. As I prayed about what to do, I began connetcing with family and other leaders in Lebanon, and this idea of helping to raise support for Beirut developed.

November 4th was the 3 month anniversary of the Beirut explosion.

By now, Beirut news is very minimal here in the U.S., but they still need financial support as they not only suffer the aftermath of a destructive explosion, but are also is dealing with ongoing financial instability, and of course, the effects of COVID-19.

On November 1st, I ran 13.1 miles (half-marathon) with a goal to raise $13,100 by November 4th. Currently, we have raised $9,133!

A passage that came to mind as I was reflecting more and more about the explosion came from the end of Habakkuk. In summary, the prophet shares that even though there is starvation, even though there was hardship of exile for the people, he was going to still joyfully rejoice in the Lord. I too hope this is a desire for the Lebanese people, but for us all wherever we are. Let us rejoice in the strength He gives us and join together to help in Jesus’ name.

DONATE:

Struck with the curses of political, economic, financial plus COVID-19 ailments, Lebanon now needs all decent, loving and caring hands in the world to come to its rescue. Emergency assistance including, food, provision, medicine, shelter that was urgently needed yesterday are supplemented today with the simplest of needs; cover (glass or other) for the shattered structures of the country.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. Habakkuk 3:19

Thank you for supporting #RACE4BEIRUT! With your help, we raised $9,133.00 to help the Armenian Evangelical Church (Ashrafieh) and Central High School!

Please click on the button below to help raise $4,217 more and complete the goal of $13,100 for the 13.1 miles ran in Rev. Mekredijian’s #RACE4BEIRUT! Thank you!