We humbly come to beg on behalf of Fr. Henry Ponce SJ, a Jesuit assigned in Beirut, Lebanon. He works with many Filipino migrants who have lost their jobs because of the coronavirus and are hungry and in need of food. We would like to share his appeal letter with you, in hopes that you can come to our kababayan’s (countrymen’s) assistance.
Beirut, Lebanon-May 12, 2020
I am Fr. Henry C. Ponce, SJ, a Filipino Jesuit priest currently serving in the Middle East as director of the Afro-Asian Migrant Center (AAMC). AAMC is the official apostolate of the Society of Jesus for African and Asian migrants, many of whom are Filipinos. Since my arrival here in 2017, the country has already been in economic turmoil due to the mismanagement of government leaders.
Last year, mass protests swept across Lebanon shortly after the government announced new tax measures on 17 October. This has caused many businesses to shut down. Many Filipinos have lost their jobs. All the more aggravated by the Covid-19 Pandemic. To top it all, the local currency has lost its value. From 1,500 Lira to a dollar, it is now 4,000+ Lira. Hence, many are struggling with where to find food to sustain them every day.
Because of this, the FilCoord – leaders of different Filipino Communities, and AAMC have initiated a Relief Operation to provide relief goods to our suffering Kababayans (fellow country persons). One relief bag cost around 50,000 Lira/Lebanese Pound which are estimated to be $16 with the current rate. But we have very limited financial capability. I was relying only on my mass collections which is nonexistent now because of the LockDown.
On this note, I appeal to your compassionate heart for financial assistance for us to continue our Relief Operations for our struggling Kababayans.
Thank you very much in advance for your contribution. God bless you!
Sincerely yours,
Fr. Henry C. Ponce, SJ
Director, Afro-Asian Migrant Center
Beirut, Lebanon
