August marks a year since 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in Beirut’s port, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. The blast displaced 300,000 people and caused widespread destruction and devastation, damaging buildings up to 20km away. In the aftermath, our partners in Lebanon worked tirelessly to care for and provide for their communities. This video, produced by LSESD, looks back at their vital work over the past year.

The Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development (LSESD) is a faith-based organization that is fully engaged in Strengthening the Witness of the Church  in Lebanon and the region, restoring hope to the vulnerable and the marginalized, building bridges with local communities, and nurturing servant leaders and responsible citizens. 

Since its founding in 1998, LSESD’s journey has been a series of steps of faith prompted by God’s calling to:

Empower the Church - “equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up… attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12-13); and

Serve local communities – loving one’s neighbor as a practical reflection of the love of God. The focus is primarily on:

·        Emergency relief and development, addressing issues of poverty and vulnerability.

·        Inclusive education and the right to education for all. 

LSESD’s approach is a holistic integrated one that reflects the full meaning of the Gospel as word and deed.  An approach that is made possible through LSESD’s family of ministries each within its own distinctive sectoral focus; be it leadership or resource development, emergency relief, community development, inclusive education, psychosocial support with the Good News of the Gospel integrated in every aspect of who we are and what we do.  

LSESD works in partnership with local churches and community-based organizations, as well as with global partners such as Embrace the Middle East and others that enable it to fulfill its mission. Through trusted relationships, LSESD’s different ministry arms works towards a vision of wholeness and human flourishing that is free of poverty and oppression.