Humanitarian Crisis Worsens as War Escalates

Friday, July 21, A.D. 2006

As the war between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate in southern Lebanon, the humanitarian crisis there continues to worsen. Now more than 600,000 people have been displaced, and nearly 300 people, most civilians, have been killed. According to Guirgis I. Saleh, General Secretary of the the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), Lebanon is experiencing a "catastrophic humanitarian crisis," especially in regards to food and medicine. The Council is also urging "the international community, churches and ecumenical councils and organizations worldwide to bring their support to ensure the basic requirements of the Lebanese population, and to work on a cease fire."

Yesterday, Action by Churches Together (ACT) released $55,000 from its Rapid Response Fund to support initial relief efforts of the MECC. Those efforts include emergency assistance to 1,500 families (12,000 people) who have been displaced and stranded by the violence. The assistance consists of basic food rations; diapers and supplementary food for infants/children; and cleaning supplies. MECC is also planning a much larger response to the growing crisis, and ACT is now preparing a major appeal to its member communions. Week of Compassion anticipates receiving that appeal on July 24 and will respond accordingly on behalf of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Yesterday, WOC sent an emergency grant through the Middle East/Europe Office of Global Ministries to support the relief efforts of the Foundation for Development, Culture and Dialogue (FDCD), local Disciples partner in Lebanon. FDCD is assisting some 1650 displaced people who are sheltered in schools in Beirut.

WOC will continue to post updates and other information, including stories and reports as we receive them from church partners. Designated contributions to WOC are needed as we respond to this worsening crisis. Gifts can be made online at www.weekofcompassion.org or sent to Week of Compassion, attn: Elaine Cleveland, P.O. Box 1986, Indpls, IN 46206. Gifts can be earmarked "Compassion Response Fund" or "Lebanese crisis."

Camp Helps Children Cope

The needs of children are a major priority within Week of Compassion's response to human and natural disasters. WOC has been working with "Camp Noah," a special ecumenical children's ministry, to support kids in several communities across the Gulf South affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. First Christian Church, Port Arthur, TX, hosted a "Camp Noah" last week.

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