An Iraq Partnership Network update from Elmarie
Easter Season greetings to you all! In the midst of the current COVID-19 Pandemic and its many domino effects, Scott and I remain so very grateful for your steadfast partnership with us and with your sisters and brothers in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. This pandemic is severely impacting the entire global community. Every time I speak with our partners in the Middle East, in addition to sharing about their situation, they are always asking about all of you—knowing that communities across the United States are also suffering in a multitude of ways. Truly this is a time where Christ’s universal body is weeping together and seeking to support one another (and our respective local communities around us) through prayer, virtual and physical presence and tangible assistance.
In this letter, I’d like to share a brief update about each of our partners in the countries we are privileged to be serving alongside, as well as share a bit about Scott and my situation. I say ‘brief,’ but we work with many partners. So, do settle down with a good cup of coffee or tea as you read the below J. As well, if you think parts of this would be helpful to share via FaceBook or other Network communications, let me know and we can determine how best to edit it for that purpose.
Scott and I are also very interested to know how you all are doing? How is the situation in your area? What ways of being Christ’s presence are you discovering? Scott and I continue to remember you all and your local community in our daily prayers. May you find sufficient for the day our Lord’s provisions of faith, hope, love, creativity, and persevering energy as you seek to serve and care for your families, congregation, and local community. And we thank you for your continuing interest in and holistic support for your sisters and brothers in Christ who are geographically distant and yet one with you through the power of the Holy Spirit.
First, a quick update about Scott and my situation and the context in Lebanon. As you may know, I am marooned in the USA. I had come end of February for several different meetings over three weeks. As the situation with COVID-19 rapidly developed during that time, my flight back to Beirut was canceled plus, PCUSA’s Stated Clerk halted all travel for staff and volunteers. So, thankfully, I was near to my parents’ home in Oregon when my ‘return to Lebanon’ options started shutting-down. This is definitely one upside in all of this…the unexpected gift of extended time with my parents. I’m glad I can be here to assist them through this challenging coronavirus situation. And, thus far, we are all healthy, thanks be to God.
Of course, that means I am not able to be with Scott, who is yet in Lebanon. He is following the Lebanese government’s guidelines for navigating this pandemic (which includes sheltering in place—since the beginning of March, wearing a mask when in public, a nightly curfew, and limiting local vehicle travel to every other day depending on whether one’s license plate is even or odd and none on Sunday). For the most part, only grocery stores and pharmacies are open (banks continue their services in limited ways). The businesses temperature-check every customer before they are allowed to enter, wash customer’s hands and give them gloves to wear, sanitize shopping carts and limit the number of customers allowed to enter in order to maintain physical distancing. Until now, thanks be to God, Scott is healthy.
Schools and universities were closed-down in Lebanon starting at the end of February. Businesses that are social gathering areas (like restaurants) began closing at the beginning of March to help contain the virus. Public and private hospitals are cooperating in order to make the best use of limited supplies and to provide the best care for those who have the worst COVID-19 symptoms. Testing is expanding. The land borders with Syria and the Beirut airport were both closed March 18. For the airport, closure was for all in-coming flights, with only limited flights since April 9 to assist Lebanese ex-patriots who would prefer to ride out this pandemic in Lebanon versus whatever country they currently call home. There have been a few out-going flights since April 5 for citizens of other countries wishing to return to their home country.
For right now, we are not sure when I will be able to return to Lebanon. At first, I had hoped by end of April. That is now looking to be more like May sometime. But, Scott and I remain in touch with each other daily through WhatsApp, and we are seeking to continue our work with partners the best that we can in a situation where we are all limited in what we can do. It is certainly a time for creativity!
For Lebanon, the COVID-19 Pandemic comes on the heels of what had already been a very challenging economic and political time in Lebanon since October 2019. This means that families of all economic levels who were already feeling pressured, and a society that has already dealt with months of school, business, and bank closures, is now pressed even more. None of us knows what this will mean for Lebanon on the other side of the COVID-19 Pandemic, but we do know that even now there are families facing hunger that less than a year ago were comfortably middle-class. As well, while thankfully the cases of COVID-19 among the various refugee communities in Lebanon have remained very low (as of 4-20-20 there are a total of 677 registered COVID-19 cases in Lebanon (with 102 recoveries so far and 21 deaths). Ninety-four percent of active cases are among Lebanese nationals). At the same time, refugee communities have less access to the hygiene items needed to protect their health and the migrant worker community has also been negatively impacted by the virus. The Lebanese government posts a very helpful update every day at: http://drm.pcm.gov.lb. You click on the graphic for the day and then scroll down for the English version of the report. I did hear that on April 21, Lebanon had its first day with no new COVID-19 cases! A great step! Let’s pray this trend continues.
So, while all of our partners are working from home, following the social restrictions implemented by the Lebanese government (and all among the leadership are yet healthy as of now, thanks be to God; I don’t know details about every congregation member), here are the ways they are seeking to continue in their ministries of worship and service—to their own communities and beyond.
Church Partners:
Ecumenical Partners
Academic Partners
Partners working with Specific Constituent Groups
As you can see, our sisters and brothers in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon are also adapting to yet another set of challenging circumstances, COVID-19, and finding creative ways to continue with their ministries and service. Please continue to pray for their daily energy, hope, faith, love and perseverance, even as they also pray for yours! Again, we remain so very grateful for your continuing partnership and you and your families and community remain in our prayers as well. We look forward to hearing from you.
In the meantime, please join us in praying:
In Christ’s Peace,
Elmarie
In this letter, I’d like to share a brief update about each of our partners in the countries we are privileged to be serving alongside, as well as share a bit about Scott and my situation. I say ‘brief,’ but we work with many partners. So, do settle down with a good cup of coffee or tea as you read the below J. As well, if you think parts of this would be helpful to share via FaceBook or other Network communications, let me know and we can determine how best to edit it for that purpose.
Scott and I are also very interested to know how you all are doing? How is the situation in your area? What ways of being Christ’s presence are you discovering? Scott and I continue to remember you all and your local community in our daily prayers. May you find sufficient for the day our Lord’s provisions of faith, hope, love, creativity, and persevering energy as you seek to serve and care for your families, congregation, and local community. And we thank you for your continuing interest in and holistic support for your sisters and brothers in Christ who are geographically distant and yet one with you through the power of the Holy Spirit.
First, a quick update about Scott and my situation and the context in Lebanon. As you may know, I am marooned in the USA. I had come end of February for several different meetings over three weeks. As the situation with COVID-19 rapidly developed during that time, my flight back to Beirut was canceled plus, PCUSA’s Stated Clerk halted all travel for staff and volunteers. So, thankfully, I was near to my parents’ home in Oregon when my ‘return to Lebanon’ options started shutting-down. This is definitely one upside in all of this…the unexpected gift of extended time with my parents. I’m glad I can be here to assist them through this challenging coronavirus situation. And, thus far, we are all healthy, thanks be to God.
Of course, that means I am not able to be with Scott, who is yet in Lebanon. He is following the Lebanese government’s guidelines for navigating this pandemic (which includes sheltering in place—since the beginning of March, wearing a mask when in public, a nightly curfew, and limiting local vehicle travel to every other day depending on whether one’s license plate is even or odd and none on Sunday). For the most part, only grocery stores and pharmacies are open (banks continue their services in limited ways). The businesses temperature-check every customer before they are allowed to enter, wash customer’s hands and give them gloves to wear, sanitize shopping carts and limit the number of customers allowed to enter in order to maintain physical distancing. Until now, thanks be to God, Scott is healthy.
Schools and universities were closed-down in Lebanon starting at the end of February. Businesses that are social gathering areas (like restaurants) began closing at the beginning of March to help contain the virus. Public and private hospitals are cooperating in order to make the best use of limited supplies and to provide the best care for those who have the worst COVID-19 symptoms. Testing is expanding. The land borders with Syria and the Beirut airport were both closed March 18. For the airport, closure was for all in-coming flights, with only limited flights since April 9 to assist Lebanese ex-patriots who would prefer to ride out this pandemic in Lebanon versus whatever country they currently call home. There have been a few out-going flights since April 5 for citizens of other countries wishing to return to their home country.
For right now, we are not sure when I will be able to return to Lebanon. At first, I had hoped by end of April. That is now looking to be more like May sometime. But, Scott and I remain in touch with each other daily through WhatsApp, and we are seeking to continue our work with partners the best that we can in a situation where we are all limited in what we can do. It is certainly a time for creativity!
For Lebanon, the COVID-19 Pandemic comes on the heels of what had already been a very challenging economic and political time in Lebanon since October 2019. This means that families of all economic levels who were already feeling pressured, and a society that has already dealt with months of school, business, and bank closures, is now pressed even more. None of us knows what this will mean for Lebanon on the other side of the COVID-19 Pandemic, but we do know that even now there are families facing hunger that less than a year ago were comfortably middle-class. As well, while thankfully the cases of COVID-19 among the various refugee communities in Lebanon have remained very low (as of 4-20-20 there are a total of 677 registered COVID-19 cases in Lebanon (with 102 recoveries so far and 21 deaths). Ninety-four percent of active cases are among Lebanese nationals). At the same time, refugee communities have less access to the hygiene items needed to protect their health and the migrant worker community has also been negatively impacted by the virus. The Lebanese government posts a very helpful update every day at: http://drm.pcm.gov.lb. You click on the graphic for the day and then scroll down for the English version of the report. I did hear that on April 21, Lebanon had its first day with no new COVID-19 cases! A great step! Let’s pray this trend continues.
So, while all of our partners are working from home, following the social restrictions implemented by the Lebanese government (and all among the leadership are yet healthy as of now, thanks be to God; I don’t know details about every congregation member), here are the ways they are seeking to continue in their ministries of worship and service—to their own communities and beyond.
Church Partners:
- The National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL) is working on several fronts. Like churches in the USA, they are finding creative ways to continue with weekly worship via streaming platforms. In addition, the pastors of the Synod are rotating everyday with sending out a message of encouragement to members of all the churches in both countries.
- In Lebanon, the NESSL has initiated two responses (I had sent these to the SLPN earlier in April). One focuses on COVID-19 education and hygiene provisions for the families of the Syrian students who had been attending the 4 learning centers started by the Synod to educate Syrian children refugeed in Lebanon (up to 1,000 families will be aided). The second project focuses on food provisions for the most vulnerable Lebanese families in each congregation’s circle of influence (up to 1,000 families will be aided). Both projects have been initially developed to function for two months. Both PDA and Presbyterian World Mission have committed to send initial funds for these projects. The food security concern is likely to extend beyond this time period. If your congregation or others you know would like to partner with these projects, please let me know and I can get you the current information of where best to send your funds.
- In Syria, the government instituted a country-wide lockdown starting in March that remains in force. Local markets and bakeries take orders for fresh foods, dry goods and bread and deliver it to people’s homes so that fewer people are out on the streets. While it is difficult to know numbers of COVID-19 cases in Syria because of the fragile health care system, so far it appears that there are few cases (38 identified as of 4-19-20; 2 deaths). Like Lebanon, having the virus come on-top of the other severe challenges the country has faced since 2011 means that economically people are suffering even more. Inflation continues to rise and purchasing power continues to fall. As a result, food security is also falling even further. The NESSL is continuing with their relief work in Syria through a previously designed relief aid program. The emphases described in that proposal remain key needs (food, water, fuel and rent assistance). Again, if your congregation or others you know would like to partner with this program, please let me know and I can get you the current information of where best to send your funds.
- Iraq (again, actual case count is difficult to know, but as of 04-20-20, officially there were 1,574 reported cases; 1,043 recoveries and 82 deaths): The Assembly of National Evangelical Churches in Iraq (ANECI), in the midst of a 24hour/day country-wide lockdown that has been in place since early March (which comes on top of the society disrupting protests that have been happening since October 2019), has also found creative ways to continue with weekly worship via streaming platforms. Each church also sends out a nearly daily encouraging message to its members and hosts bible studies via streaming platforms.
- The Assembly has also developed two COVID-19 intervention proposals (I have sent these earlier to the IPN). The first is focused on immediate emergency responses to assure that at least 200 vulnerable families are able to have access to clean water and sufficient and nutritious food. As you might imagine, the 24hour/day lockdown especially impacts families that were already surviving on the meager daily wages earned by members working in menial jobs. The concern of starvation is immense. All Iraqis are doing what they can to help each other—even to the point of some of the small corner markets leaving their stores open and unattended so that those who have need and come and take what they need for that day. The second proposal is focused on helping 555 families with tuition scholarships once schools are able to resume—this will help children continue to have access to a quality education that has already been severely disrupted this academic year due to the protests, and will help support the families of the 94 teachers employed by the Assemblies three schools. Both PDA and Presbyterian World Mission hoping to send funds for these projects. If your congregation or others you know would like to partner with these projects, please let me know and I can get you the current information of where best to send your funds.
Ecumenical Partners
- Middle East Council of Churches (MECC): MECC has just issued (4-20-20) two very detailed analyses of the situation facing both Lebanon and Syria, along with 6-month proposal for offering hygiene and food support for 8,000 of the most vulnerable households across both countries, health-care support for 800 individuals suffering from cancer and other chronic conditions, and training support for 65 front-line church workers as they continue to respond to the needs of their local communities during the active Pandemic time and during its aftermath. MECC is well positioned in both countries to make an effective and sustained response to this crisis and their reach includes all parts of the Christian family in collaboration with Muslim colleagues. I am attaching the analyses, as I thought that would be of interest to you. If you’d also like to see the proposal, please let me know and I’ll send that to you. PDA will be reviewing their proposal request. Again, if your congregation or others you know would like to partner with these projects, please let me know and I can get you the current information of where best to send your funds.
- Fellowship of Middle East Evangelical Churches (FMEEC): Focused on the vast needs in Syria, the FMEEC has proposed a one-time project aiming to support 3000 vulnerable families in Syria (about 15,000 individuals) through the provision of critically needed hygiene items to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The items are available in Lebanon for purchase (they have not had the hoarding challenges we have faced here in the USA). Through contacts, they are able to move the desperately needed hygiene supplies into Syria for distribution through an already well-established local network that serves both vulnerable Christian and Muslim families. PDA will be reviewing their proposal request. Again, if your congregation or others you know would like to partner with these projects, please let me know and I can get you the current information of where best to send your funds.
Academic Partners
- Near East School of Theology (NEST): Though Lebanon is under a stay-at-home order, because many of the full-time NEST students live in NEST’s building, along with faculty and key staff, both education and community support and shared worship has remained possible—either in person or on-line (for students not living at NEST). Though NEST is continuing online, it is a new venture and not one for which NEST felt particularly well prepared. But, according to President Dr. George Sabra, instructors and students are managing. They will be able to salvage the semester. Until further notice, no outside visitors are allowed. A company was brought in to disinfect the entire building and all who live in the building are under strict hand washing and use of disinfectants measures. No doubt that NEST will have financial needs as they assess the impact from COVID-19. As I hear specifics, I’ll share them with you.
- Lebanese American University (LAU): LAU has also been closed since late February, with faculty continuing classes on-line and staff and administrators continuing their work from home. The focus has been making sure that students and their families are receiving good emotional support and that students can continue with their education; in addition, the University has increased its financial aid to an even higher level than it already was due to the very challenging economic situation that has been facing Lebanon this entire academic year. LAU’s Medical Center has been working in close collaboration with the Lebanese Government (as has other private and public hospitals) in order to provide effective and timely care to anyone suffering from COVID-19. The Medical Center also just recently established a teleservice for people to call in order to assess their symptoms. The Board of Trustees and its committees has continued with its oversight work in collaboration with the President and President’s Council, making the needed financial decisions to help the institution weather the additional crisis presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic. In addition, the Board has been able to move forward with the election of a new President for LAU so that even during these challenging times, an effective leadership transition process can be implemented.
Partners working with Specific Constituent Groups
- Blessed School: Like other academic institutions, Blessed School has also been closed since late February. Thus far, all students and faculty remain healthy. One of hallmarks of Blessed School is its students’, staff and faculty’s commitment to serve other vulnerable populations. Right now, that population is hungry families. So, every day, a few key staff put together food and hygiene baskets and then call vulnerable families in the community surrounding the school and beyond to let them know that a package is available for them to pick-up at the gate. All of this is being funded through private donations from the staff’s circle of friends and family. So far, they are learning that $1000 can feed 30 families for up to two weeks and they have served over 120 families so far from all religious and ethnic backgrounds: Christian and Muslim of all types; Lebanese, Syrian, Iraqi, Indian, Ethiopian and more.
- Joint Christian Committee (JCC): JCC works with the Palestinian refugee community in Lebanon. This community has especially felt the burden of the stay-at-home order where so many depend on a daily wage (which is no longer possible to earn) and live in very overcrowded conditions. Fortunately, due to the quick actions by the Lebanese Government and the United Nations agencies working with Palestinians (disinfecting homes and implementing COVID-19 awareness education and hygiene protocols) no infections, as of April 10, have been reported in Palestinian Camps in Lebanon. All of JCC’s Centers have been disinfected, and so they are now moving forward with a proposal to supply the on-going hygiene items needed by families to keep them safe, along with food. This proposal has been submitted to PDA with hopes that there will be funding enough to support it. JCC plans to reach 150 families (between 900-1,200 people) for one month. Again, if your congregation or others you know would like to partner with this project that is assisting a very vulnerable population, please let me know and I can get you the current information of where best to send your funds.
- Jinishian Memorial Program (JMP): With special focus on vulnerable Armenian senior adults, the staff of JCC have rotated days being at the clinic. As a social/medical care site, their focus right now is on providing the medications needed by those with chronic diseases. They are checking on clients by phone and then preparing the needed medications for pick-up so that clients don’t need to wait in the hall for them. They are following physical distancing guidelines and keeping the office sterilized. Because of the tremendous need for food, they are hoping to begin food distributions this month.
- Forum for Development, Culture, and Dialogue (FDCD): Continuing with their focus on Syria, FDCD has been securing funds to distribute much needed food and hygiene items and other assistance to vulnerable communities across Syria—especially to those areas that are harder for other organizations to gain access.
- Lebanon InterVarsity Fellowship (LIVF): A newer partner, LIVF works with both undergraduate and graduate students on campuses across Lebanon—providing support of all kinds and a space for spiritual conversation and reflection. Because universities have been shut down since late February and everything has been moved to on-line, LIVF’s work also continues on-line. Every week the leadership sends out a reflection question and elicits responses that are shared within the community to support and encourage each other. Questions like: How do we show love and compassion while maintaining physical distance from one another? How are you maintaining a strong faith in the midst of the COVID19 Pandemic? Many are saying they are thankful that God has spared them and their family from the virus; so, would you still be thankful if you had a family die from the virus? Students also pray for and support one another through on-line communities.
- World Student Christian Federation (WSCF): A renewed partnership with WSCF has been unfolding over the course of this past year. They also work with undergraduate and graduate students across the Middle East, and also have had to adjust their work to on-line only. They are gathering prayer requests from students and then writing pastoral prayers to share on-line based on requests received. They are also considering the launch of an e-learning program.
As you can see, our sisters and brothers in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon are also adapting to yet another set of challenging circumstances, COVID-19, and finding creative ways to continue with their ministries and service. Please continue to pray for their daily energy, hope, faith, love and perseverance, even as they also pray for yours! Again, we remain so very grateful for your continuing partnership and you and your families and community remain in our prayers as well. We look forward to hearing from you.
In the meantime, please join us in praying:
- For the development of effective treatments and vaccines for COVID-19 and for an end to its active presence in the global community.
- For the many families across the globe who are grieving the death of a loved one during this COVID-19 time, especially when they may not be able to gather as they would prior to the pandemic to support each other in their time of grief—may Christ’s Spirit provide comfort when so many other ways of providing comfort are not available.
- For the leaders of countries, states/provinces/regions, and local communities around the globe—for wisdom, humility, discernment, and capacity to cooperate with others for the best outcomes for all who are impacted by their decisions regarding COVID-19 and its many domino effects.
- For front-line workers both visible and hidden in every country who are helping the rest of us survive this experience in big and small ways, for their daily strength, perseverance, and health.
- For the daily graces of hope, faith, love, perseverance, humility, patience and creative adaptation for each of our partners, for Scott and Elmarie, for Presbyterian World Mission (all of our colleagues both US-based and globally-based), and for all national PCUSA staff and local congregations (members and friends, staff and pastors) and the families of those congregations.
- For Scott as he perseveres with his Arabic tutor via WhatsApp—this is a challenging way to try and learn Arabic!
- For Elmarie as she works with partners and World Mission colleagues on a variety of projects and issues via WhatsApp and Email.
- For Scott and Elmarie as they navigate being physically separated by COVID19—for creative ways to nourish their relationship even while they are apart.
In Christ’s Peace,
Elmarie