BEIRUT, LEBANON – August 5, 2020 – A massive explosion in the Lebanese capital Beirut early Tuesday evening (August 4) has left thousands wounded and caused extensive damage according to early reports.
“Everyone is in shock and devastated by what has happened. Our staff are all accounted for, but the SAT-7 studios have suffered minor damage. Please pray for calm for everyone in Lebanon,” shared SAT-7’s Executive Director in Lebanon, Maroun Bou Rached.
Lebanon has been struggling with economic collapse since the local currency plummeted and families across the country are already living in dire circumstances and the current struggles between Israel and Hezbollah have added to tension in the country.
The SAT-7 ARABIC channel immediately put up a crawl asking for prayers for the wounded and for families that have lost their beloved ones. They also asked for prayers for politicians in their decision making and to pray for Lebanon to continue as a hub for coexistence and freedom in the Middle East.
On Wednesday (August 5), the team from Lebanon is going live at 7:00 pm (Beirut Time), with a special broadcast on SAT-7 ARABIC: Lebanon, the Pain and Hope. The program aims to cover the event and pray with viewers. Church leaders and guest speakers are invited to give insight and pray for the country’s people and future.
The cause of the blast is still unknown.
The explosion was so loud that it was heard across the Mediterranean Sea in the SAT-7 International Office in Nicosia, Cyprus.
“We did not know what was happening,” shared SAT-7 CEO, Rita El-Mounayer, who was in the office in Cyprus at the time of the explosion. “We are extremely thankful to know all our staff in Lebanon are safe, but our hearts go out to everyone in the country who have lived through such dark days before. Please pray for calm and for peace.”
To help provide hope-filled programming to people in Lebanon that touches lives in the midst of crisis, please consider a special gift to the Lebanese Crisis Fund. Thank you for remembering your brothers and sisters in the Middle East!
SAT-7 Lebanon produces nonpartisan, nonpolitical Arabic language Christian programming, which is broadcast across the Middle East and North Africa. Its ACADEMY brand of programming specializes in education and development aiming to inspire and educate millions of children across the region, as well as equip and encourage parents and teachers. The ministry’s vision is to see a growing Church in the Middle East and North Africa, confident in Christian faith and witness, serving the community and contributing to the good of society and culture.
