Lebanon (MNN) — Surviving another week is the goal of many in Lebanon. Others try to profit by hoarding handouts from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and selling them on the black market.
“There are [like] ‘sharks’ around us, you know? They know that NGOs are receiving money, so they all try to get as much as possible from NGOs,” Nuna of Triumphant Mercy Lebanon says.
“Some commodities are not available anymore, so people can monopolize it, put it at the price they want.”
Governmental collapse and back-to-back crises have placed incredible pressure on NGOs like Triumphant Mercy in the past two years. See our full Lebanon coverage here.
“It’s so much to deal with every day; so much pain, so much need that you’re not able to meet,” Nuna says.
“We’re not the government. We’re not at the position to be helping everyone, so when you have to refuse people, it’s a hard choice to make.”
Lebanon’s silver lining
Each backpack is worth around 600,000 Lebanese Lira. This is more than some Lebanese families make in a month.
(Photo, caption courtesy of TM Lebanon)
Triumphant Mercy demonstrates the love of Christ by meeting everyday needs. Learn more here. September “was the back-to-school month,” Nuna says.
TM Lebanon partnered with School in a Bag to distribute school supplies and children’s backpacks to needy families. Read the report here.
“That was such a relief; many people cannot afford a backpack with notebooks and pens, and all these [basic supplies] that they need,” Nuna says.
Grateful parents couldn’t stop thanking Triumphant Mercy team members. “We didn’t know how we could do this (get school supplies for our children), and then this specific help came,” parents told Nuna and her team.
Believers gladly shared the reason and source of their generosity.
“We keep on turning people’s eyes towards God, and I’ve never seen Lebanese people so open,” Nuna says.
“There’s so much pride in Lebanon; they did not need Jesus. But now everybody needs Him, and that’s amazing; we’re seeing people open to receiving Christ.”
Ask the Lord to strengthen Nuna and her team at Triumphant Mercy Lebanon. Pray for the fresh renewal of the Holy Spirit’s power.
“Seeing people with gratitude and just knowing that you have made a difference in one life – it keeps us moving,” Nuna says.
In the header image, Triumphant Mercy Lebanon provides food aid at its community center in Beirut. (Photo courtesy of TM Lebanon)
