Zvartnotz Centre, Lebanon

Against a backdrop of economic and financial collapse in Lebanon, life has become increasingly difficult for everyone. But for people with special needs and their families, the challenges are even greater. Special educational centres have been a lifeline for many people in this category, providing a space for rehabilitation and inclusion, and a vital support system for families.

Sadly, due to rising costs and high inflation, many special educators and therapists have left the country due to being unable to make ends meet and support their families with their Lebanese wage. Conversely, unpredictably increasing fuel prices, along with a lack of public transport for people with special needs, mean that many people are unable to access the centres that provide vital education and therapy services. Many centres have been forced to close, while others have had to reduce their hours.

Embrace partner, the Zvartnotz Centre in Beirut, provides full-time education and rehabilitation services to people with disabilities. We have supported them in two vital areas that have allowed them to keep their doors open: i) help with paying the wages of the skilled and committed staff team; and ii) contributing towards the transportation costs of the students.

Thanks to this help with its core costs, the Zvartnotz Centre is able to continue empowering children and adults with disabilities, and supporting their families. Its holistic, interdisciplinary approach responds to the diverse needs of those it serves, while promoting and enabling social inclusion.

Bible reading

‘Praise be to the Lord,
    for he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.

The Lord is the strength of his people,
    a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
Save your people and bless your inheritance;
    be their shepherd and carry them forever.’

Psalm 28: 6-9

Thought

This Psalm reminds us that God hears us and listens to us, even in difficult times. We can trust him to help us through hardship and turmoil; he is our shepherd and our guide. This week, let us bring before our God the Zvartnotz Centre in Lebanon, and ask that he would richly supply their every need and enable them to continue blessing the lives of the children and adults they serve.

Prayer

Father God,

Thank you that you are our strength, our shield and our shepherd. Thank you that we can come before you in the knowledge and confidence that you love us and listen to us.

We bring before you the Zvartnotz Centre, as it operates in a context of deep economic and financial crisis. Draw near to the staff; renew them in the power of your Holy Spirit and inspire them with your love. Draw near to the students; may they continue to attend the centre unimpeded and grow to meet their full, God-given potential.  

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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