Story
Nader and Souad, fearing for the safety of their lives, took the hard decision to leave Syria to Lebanon after the war devastated their area of Homs where they belonged and used to live. Like millions of Syrian families that were displaced, Riham’s family faced many challenges, especially the inability to access basic necessities.
In a camp in Southern Lebanon, despite the harsh conditions and daily struggles, Riham and her siblings were born to a family she describes as loving. Riham’s parents had four children. The family’s daily income was insufficient, making them struggle to meet their basic needs. They worked day and night in various jobs, no matter what the conditions were.
Heart for Lebanon reached out to the inhabitants of the Kherbe Camp, where many families were living in hard conditions. Heart for Lebanon regularly provided food portions and nonfood aid, which eased much of the burden on the couple. Additionally, the association launched various programs for children, aimed at educating and developing their skills, offering them an opportunity to enjoy their childhood despite the harsh conditions.
The family began to feel that a hand was extending to help them build a new life for their children and provide a healthy, safe environment for them. Heart for Lebanon’s programs also became a source of joy for the children, giving them a chance to play, learn, and explore Bible stories.
With the children’s programs offered by Heart for Lebanon’s children at Risk team, the Bible was an integral part of the educational and recreational activities designed to build the children’s character and enhance values of love and faith. These programs included spiritual lessons inspired by Bible stories, helping the children understand the importance of mercy and patience in their daily lives.
This combination of physical aid and spiritual activities was an opportunity to develop both the spiritual and mental aspects of the children in the camp, allowing them to feel part of a larger community and surrounded by care and support. Thanks to these programs, the children were taught about the values of faith and love, despite the difficult circumstances they faced.
The children’s team at Heart for Lebanon worked hard to provide an educational environment filled with recreational and educational activities for the children in the camp. The programs included stories about Jesus Christ, inspiring hymns, educational games, and enjoyable times aimed at developing the children’s spiritual and social aspects.
Riham was one of the exceptional children who participated in the mentioned activities. The team noticed a significant spiritual change in her behavior. It seemed that her heart had been filled with the love of Jesus Christ, and this showed in her actions and enthusiasm to participate in the activities. Riham expressed her faith in a mature way for her age.
The team visited the family to talk about the spiritual transformation they had noticed in Riham. She explained with a smile on her face, saying, “My life was normal; there was nothing special. But since the first time I met you, there was a play in which most of the children participated. I tried the spirit, and I tried to be part of it. From there, something in my heart changed, and I felt a great happiness I had never felt before. I decided to participate in the activities you offer for children. I felt that participating in these activities would give me a chance to express myself.”
Riham added with a warm smile, “After getting to know you more, and after spending a long time with you, you became part of my life…… You taught me a lot about love and faith, and how I can be better, not just for myself, but for those around me as well.”
Riham said, “My love for Jesus was like His love for children and His presence with me in times of fear. I always felt that Jesus loved children and wanted to save them in every situation. Many times, I felt God’s presence with me clearly. Especially during the war, when I used to pray to the Lord and hear the planes flying overhead, for the first time in my life, I didn’t feel afraid. I knew that God was with me, protecting me, and giving me strength, I didn’t know existed inside me.”
Riham said with a smile full of faith, “Jesus to me is my big brother. I always want to tell all the children about Him so they can know about Him and His great miracles. Humans cannot perform miracles, only the Lord Jesus can do that. My favorite story is the one about Jesus walking on water. I often think about it, because I know that we, as humans, cannot walk on water, but only the Lord can do that. And this story always reminds me that with Jesus, everything is possible, and He is with us in every step we take.“
Riham said excitedly, “I love worship songs very much, and my favorite ones are ‘My Lord Jesus Taught Me’ and ‘God is the Creator of Everything.’ I always listen to them after the activity and then go home and play them on YouTube. These songs make me feel happy.” Heart for Lebanon’s children at Risk team continued to encourage her.
Riham’s mother said, “When I see Riham’s enthusiasm and joy when she hears about the time for the activity, and how she waits for it all the time, I feel that something big has changed in her. Riham is young, but her thinking is bigger than her age. I haven’t seen ambition like hers. She draws her dreams and strives to achieve them seriously. She loves to excel, loves studying, and cares about elegance and cleanliness. Not only that, but she also loves the team a lot and considers them part of her life.”
The mother continued, “Thank you for this love and support. Riham’s life has changed for the better……. we are very grateful for what you have given her…. Thank you for everything…. You were a second family to us.”
