The Advocate - October 2020

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WA’S BAPTIST NEWSPAPER

theadvocate.tv

IN CONVERSATION Associate Pastor at Lesmurdie Baptist Church, Josh Thomas talks about pastoring through the COVID-19 season. PAGE 12 >>

OCTOBER 2020

“… one biblical teaching could benefit everyone: the secret of contentment, a state that rises above personal circumstances.” BARNEY ZWARTZ PAGE 13 >>

4 Happier campers New facilities installed at Busselton Camping Centre during COVID-19 >>

7 Translation record Photo: Copyright: MERATH

The Bible has been translated into its 700th language >>

Some of the damage from the deadly explosion that rocked Beirut on 4 August 2020, causing extensive injuries to locals.

Response to Beirut crisis On 4 August, a large explosion devastated the Port of Beirut killing more than 200 people, injuring over 6,000 and displacing around 300,000 people including 80,000 children. Baptist World Aid Australia is responding through its Christian partner on the ground, Middle East Revive and Thrive (MERATH), which despite reporting some property damage and distress, remains safe in the wake of the explosion. “Until this, we thought we had been through it all,” said Nabil Costa, Executive Director of the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development, of which MERATH is a part. “Since September [we have had] forest fires, a financial crisis, bankruptcies, unemployment, refugee crisis, revolution in Lebanon, COVID-19,” Mr Costa said.

“But again, over all this, we were surprised by this explosion.” Baptist World Aid’s response so far has included the provision of relief in the immediate wake of the disaster, including emergency food, water and shelter for families who are now facing homelessness, along with health care and COVID-19 support when hospitals in Beirut are either destroyed or already overwhelmed by casualties. Once these urgent needs have been met, Baptist World Aid will continue providing assistance through ongoing livelihood support for vulnerable families and refugees. However, with winter fast approaching and hundreds of

thousands left homeless by the blast, Baptist World Aid CEO, John Hickey said needs will remain urgent for some time. “We are very conscious that this huge disaster will have a massive knock-on effect on the people of Lebanon … particularly the most vulnerable, including refugee groups,” Mr Hickey said. “The health system is now in a critical state, food supplies are badly impacted, essential infrastructure is destroyed or badly damaged – meaning supply chains for important recovery items will be completely disrupted.” Baptist World Aid has committed to sending a minimum of $150,000 to support MERATH’s immediate and long-term response to this disaster. “There will be significant and growing needs to address in the coming weeks, and we are thankful we have such strong

local partners to collaborate with to bring direct assistance to people suffering in Lebanon,” Mr Hickey said. Despite the unprecedented challenges facing Lebanon and his team, Mr Costa shared these faith-filled words: “I feel now, we are as if on a ship, caught by a storm. I don’t know how, I don’t know when, but I trust that the Lord will lead us to land on a safe shore.” “Meanwhile, during this difficult trip, we are burdened. We promised Him to take care of the people who are with us on this ship.” “Our eyes are on Him. Our hands are on the plough. Our team is doing great and creative work.” To donate or learn more about Baptist World Aid’s response to the ongoing crisis in Lebanon, visit baptistworldaid.org.au/ beirut-explosion

14 Singer’s big gig Perth local, Chelsea Cullen voices the songs in Helen Reddy movie >>

Committed to being honest, transparent and above reproach. BAPTIST CHURCHES WESTERN AUSTRALIA


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