The Hammad family clung to one another as the war in Syria displaced them one time after another. They lived in a small home in a neighborhood torn apart by war, dreaming of a future that seemed further away with each passing day.
When the bombings grew louder and closer, Ahmad, the father, realized that staying was no longer an option. In the shadows of loss and desperation, with no safe path ahead, he and his children made the heart-wrenching decision to flee. Carrying only memories, they took the dangerous smuggler’s route toward Lebanon, leaving behind their home, their land, and everything familiar.
Their journey was filled with fear, hunger, and exhaustion. But for Ahmad, the thought of keeping his children alive, and giving them even a sliver of hope, was worth every hardship.
They eventually arrived in southern Lebanon, settling in a refugee camp filled with tents and weary faces, each one telling a story not unlike their own. Life there was far from easy. The family struggled through poor living conditions, constant relocation, and the absence of basic needs like water, electricity, and stability.
Ahmad did everything he could to create a sense of normalcy. He took on agricultural labor jobs, working long hours under the sun. His greatest determination was to ensure that his children received an education, believing deeply that schooling was the only key to a better future. And despite their difficult circumstances, the children were able to attend a local school.
Then, in the midst of their daily struggle, Heart for Lebanon stepped into their lives.
The relationship with Heart for Lebanon started after the team visited the family, studied their situation, and registered them to help them with monthly food portions and detergents distributions. Soon, the organization introduced programs specifically tailored to the children in the camp, combining education, recreation, and spiritual care. It was in these gatherings that little Hala, Ahmad’s daughter, once shy and withdrawn, began to quietly blossom.
At first, Hala kept to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. She found it hard to engage with others and often isolated herself. But something changed when she attended the children at Risk truck activities. The songs, the stories of Jesus, and the gentle, welcoming environment slowly began to reach her heart.
Day by day, Hala opened up. She started singing along softly, then retelling the Bible stories she heard, infusing them with her own imagination and heart. She repeated messages of love and forgiveness. Eventually, she began sharing more about her life and studies with the team, each word a step forward in self-confidence and healing.
It became clear to the team that Hala was more than just a participant, she was a gifted storyteller and a deeply thoughtful child. She began recording herself narrating stories and sharing them on YouTube, reaching children beyond the camp and spreading the same message of love that had transformed her.
She also had a habit of writing small, heartfelt messages to the team. Each note was filled with childlike wonder, like colorful drawings and innocent words, always ending with the same line in her handwriting: “I love you, Jesus.” This phrase, simple yet profound, captured everything she had come to believe.
Hala eagerly awaited each gathering. She loved the songs, cherished the stories of Jesus, and enjoyed repeating them. Meanwhile, her mother found peace and hope through regular Bible study sessions with the Heart for Lebanon’s Spiritual Formation team.
Touched by Hala’s transformation, the team decided to visit her family. They were welcomed into their humble tent with warm smiles. Hala sat beside them, her shy smile giving way to confidence as she spoke about her faith journey. She talked about how she came to love Jesus and how His stories brought light into her heart.
She shared how she now teaches her younger brother songs and stories, just like the ones she learned. The family joyfully told the team that Hala was excelling at school and had recently received a certificate of excellence.
Her mother told us she’s happy to see the care we provide and said the siblings now look out for one another, just like the team looks out for them.
During the visit, Hala also spoke about her spiritual growth. She said her favorite Bible story is Joseph’s, because it taught her about patience and faith. “I love Joseph because he taught us to be patient and faithful to God no matter the circumstances,” she said.
She added that her older sister helps her understand spiritual stories more deeply. She looks up to her as a guide and role model who encourages her to live out the lessons she’s learning.
Then Hala shared something that touched everyone present:
“Every time I pray, Jesus answers,” she said.
She spoke of how she feels God’s presence, especially when she prays sincerely, and how seeing her prayers answered gives her strength and assurance that she is not alone.
She looked at the team and said, “Jesus loves children. He helps us and stays with us… I love the team so much. I don’t want to be away from you, because you helped me know Jesus.”
The visit ended with deep emotions and heartfelt reflections. Her family expressed their deepest thanks, saying that Heart for Lebanon brought more than assistance, they brought light, healing, and hope for a better tomorrow.
