Fahed’s life took a tragic turn as he watched his home in Hama, Syria, get hit severely during the relentless war. The family had clung to their house throughout the conflict, drawing sustenance from the small piece of land they cultivated. One fateful night…

Heart for Lebanon’s mission is to make “disciples,” and we have taken this directly from Matthew 28:19 which is referred to as the Great Commission. Depending on who you ask, you will find a wide variety of interpretations regarding what it means to “make disciples.” Many today understand it as…

Rebecca’s journey was one fueled by ambition, a desire to improve herself, and a profound understanding of the potential that learning a new language held for her future. At the age of 20, her role as a chef at a bustling sandwich and snack shop in Saida had already given her a taste of the fast-paced world of culinary arts. She knew that to truly thrive, she needed to break the barriers of language and open herself up to a world of opportunities beyond the kitchen.

Her decision to join the English Literacy program wasn’t merely a passing whim; it was a deliberate choice to challenge herself and push her boundaries. Rebecca’s determination was as strong as the flavors she infused into her culinary creations. She recognized the transformative power of education, understanding that the ability to communicate fluently in English could unlock doors she hadn’t even dared to dream about.

What made Rebecca’s pursuit even more inspiring was her profound self-awareness. She understood that her growth wasn’t just about personal accomplishment; it was about being better equipped to serve her customers, connect with colleagues, and engage with the world around her. Her workplace was a microcosm of diverse faces and stories, and she longed to bridge the gaps that language differences often created.

The spark of Rebecca’s journey was ignited by her mother, a beneficiary of Heart for Lebanon. Through her mother’s connection, Rebecca learned about the English Literacy program. The idea took root in her mind, and she soon found herself standing at the threshold of a new adventure. Little did she know how profoundly this decision would impact her life.

As Rebecca delved into the program, the rewards of her dedication became evident. The once unfamiliar words and phrases began to take shape, forming a bridge between her thoughts and the world. It wasn’t just about learning words; it was about embracing the rhythm and nuances of a new language, about allowing herself to be vulnerable as she stumbled over sounds and intonations.

Perhaps the most remarkable transformation was in her communication abilities. Conversations that had previously been strained or limited by language barriers now flowed more naturally. Her pronunciation, once hesitant, now carried a newfound confidence. The people around her noticed the change―a change that was more than just linguistic; it was a transformation of self-assurance.

Rebecca’s journey was far from over. The end of one season of the program marked the beginning of another, and she looked ahead with eagerness. The upcoming sessions held the promise of deeper knowledge, richer vocabulary, and more immersive experiences.

Her gratitude extended beyond the mere acquisition of skills. “I understood the role of Heart for Lebanon and the English Literacy program in my journey. It was more than an organization; it was a catalyst for transformation. With every word I learned, I was better equipped to understand the diverse stories that surrounded her,” she said. As she connected with people from all walks of life, she became a beacon of inspiration herself―an embodiment of what dedication and resilience could achieve.

Rebecca’s story reminded us all that the pursuit of growth is a journey worth undertaking, and that the decision to challenge oneself can lead to unforeseen rewards. As she continued to craft culinary delights in her shop, her journey also served as a reminder that the most important ingredients we bring to any endeavor are determination, willingness, and teachability.

It was early in the morning on February 6, 2023, that a 7.8-magnitude earthquake rocked southeast Turkey near the Syrian border, with thousands of aftershocks.

Inside Syria, the earthquake and the aftershocks caused wide-spread devastation which intensified the challenges faced by an already vulnerable population.

The world, rightfully so, focused on Turkey. Heart for Lebanon’s Hope Evangelical Church focused on the unimaginable trail of destruction and human suffering in Northwest Syria. Partnering with local churches so they could continue to learn and use our unconditional, holistic ministry.  We helped each of our partner churches in Syria minister to numerous families. Some families left Syria and came to Lebanon where we did our best to minister to them as well. A number are in our programs today.

In 2024, we continue to serve partner churches reaching their communities who are still feeling the effects of the earthquake. Helping the churches grow a compassion ministry and sharing the love of Jesus Christ in this part of Syria has been a tremendous, unexpected blessing for our church family in Zahle, Lebanon.

EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE 2023 ITEMS TOTAL
Food Packages – 2250
Jackets – 1350
Hats – 500
Scarfs – 500
Socks – 500
Blankets – 12500
Hygiene Kits – 3150
Layettes – 1380
Care Packages – 700
School Kits – 500
Adult Diapers – 2200
Baby Diapers – 600
Books – 550
Bibles – 416
CDs – 90

A huge thank you to those who helped by investing in the Earthquake Program. For answers to any questions you may have on the earthquake or how Heart for Lebanon has been helping families, reach out to Tom Atema at Tom.Atema@HeartforLebanon.org.