The new generations are the future of any nation. A country that fails to protect its new generations is definitely heading towards an abyss.
This situation is regrettably applicable to Lebanon with UNICEF warning that more than 30 percent of the Lebanese children go to bed hungry. This piece of news strikes deep in the hearts of peace-loving nations, whether Arab or non-Arab, who see a country falling apart and failing to feed its children as well as being incapable to give a helping hand to the people who are facing multi-faceted problems that touch on every walk of life.
On August 4, 2020 at 6:07pm was the tragic moment for all Lebanese. It was the mammoth explosion that ripped through the Port of Beirut killing over 200 people, among them six children, and injuring more than 6,500, including 1,000 children. It was the moment that compounded the insolvable daily life problems with Lebanon hitting rock bottom as what is left of this country is awaiting certain doom.
Many children who survived the explosion are still suffering from constant despair. Means to protect them and ensure them a safe and fright bright has been dissipated while revealing a glaring failure to look for alternative solutions that restore hope for a better future.
It is an appalling figure. Over 30 per cent of children go to bed hungry because families lack the financial means to buy the food they need. It is time to set off the alarm bell as the situation surrounding the Lebanese children seems to have drifted out of control. What adds insult to injury is that the water resources are also decreasing which fuels continued economic crisis.
It is important to ensure that the Lebanese children are a top priority whereby their basic rights should be respected which includes nutrition and healthcare. These rights should not be violated in any way.
Further reports indicate that 160 schools in Beirut were damaged by the explosion, which affects 85,000 children, adolescent, and youth registered in private and public schools for vocational or technical education.
What further instills panic is that in the wake of the worsening life conditions, families stand before an uncertain future and further burdening problems affecting their children’s lives and comfort. They do not feel safe anymore and their children seem to encounter an imminent bleak future if the situation continues as such.
Catholic organizations including Aid to the Church in Need, Caritas Lebanon, Caritas Jordan and the Orient Action Organization have extended a helping hand in an effort to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese. Caritas Jordan has sent a shipment of medicines to Caritas Lebanon in the hope of alleviating the suffering of the ill. Though the shipment will not solve Lebanon's chronic problem, represented in Lebanon's failure to meet the people's urgent need for medicine, yet it serves as a sign of support, mercy, and compassion.
Amid the deteriorating situation in Lebanon, it is important to revert to the Holy Bible and review the words of Lord Jesus Christ. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) No one can alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese except the prince of the Peace Who promised to fulfill the needs of all those who trust Him.
For those having food shortages in Lebanon should realize that Lord Jesus will meet their needs for as He multiplied foods and fed over 5,000, He will feed the Lebanese children and meet their needs.
It is time to say, O Lord Jesus have mercy on the people of Lebanon including their children, on the poor, on the needy, on the hungry and on the sick.
