Worship Service
Wafaa is a 27-year-old woman who lives with her husband and two children in a farming area in Lebanon. She fled Syria nine years ago due to the war and has been trying to build a new life for her family. Despite her daily responsibilities, she had a strong desire to know more about God but did not know where to start.
She got to know about the Hope Evangelical Church – Ghazieh through her neighbor, who regularly attended church services. Her neighbor told her about the gatherings and Bible study sessions, which encouraged Wafaa to attend and learn more. From the very first time she visited, she felt welcomed and accepted. She was particularly drawn to the sermons, which helped her gain a deeper understanding of faith.
Over time, Wafaa became a regular attendee at the church, learning how to live a life that pleases God. Her husband and children also joined her occasionally, although her husband’s work in agriculture sometimes made it difficult for them to attend consistently. Their connection with the church grew stronger, and they became close to the community, frequently attending Bible study sessions and church events.
In addition to the spiritual support she received, Wafaa and her family also benefited from food portions provided by the church. These portions helped them greatly, “it helped us ensure we have enough to sustain ourselves during difficult times.” This assistance was a blessing, alleviating some of the burdens they faced.
Their modest home, consisting of three rooms with a tin roof, is located in Najariya, southern Lebanon. The war that started in the region on September 2024 tragically affected the family, Wafaa lost her mother. Her mother, who had heart problems, passed away due to extreme fear and the intensity of bombing near her home. Wafaa received the devastating news while fleeing to Beirut with her family to escape the conflict. This loss was a significant challenge for her, adding to the sorrow of displacement and uncertainty. Upon her return to the south, she found comfort in the church community, who visited her to offer condolences, pray for her strength, and provide reassurance in the name of the Lord. ““this experince led me to realize that true inner peace can only be found in Jesus Christ” said Wafaa.
In May 2024, Wafaa and her family moved from Adloun by the sea to Najariya due to their son’s health condition. Her son, Mohammad, suffers from asthma and severe allergies, and the doctor advised that living near the sea was hazardous to his health. As the war continued, Wafaa and her family had to relocate again, eventually returning to their original home in Adloun. This time, they settled in a single-room home, where the four of them lived together. Mohammad, now over seven years old, was still receiving treatment for his asthma, though his condition had improved somewhat. Despite the instability, Wafaa and her husband remained deeply connected to the church and Bible study sessions, always eager to participate and learn.
In March 2025, the Hope church team visited Wafaa and her family to check on them. During this visit, Wafaa’s husband shared how deeply moved he was by the church’s continuous support. He expressed that they were the only ones who had checked on him and his family during the war, which left a lasting impact on them. The reassurance and care they received during such trying times meant a great deal to them. Meanwhile, their children had returned to school, trying to rebuild a sense of normalcy in their lives.
Despite the hardships she has endured, Wafaa remains steadfast in her faith. She is committed to completing her Bible study and hopes to move on to discipleship and leadership training. She desires to help others just as her neighbor helped her, sharing the love of Christ with those around her. she said “I have desire to help others just as my neighbor helped me.”
Through the support of the church and her growing faith, Wafaa continues to find strength and hope, determined to overcome life's challenges while staying close to God.
