Pictured right (centre) is Mazen, who works at the distribution centre of his church in the Bekaa Valley, he says:

“The people we serve are in desperate need of help. They suffer from the terrible economic situation and the lack of work, and they can’t even provide food for their children to eat. Many families cannot buy milk for their young children, they tell us they mix water with corn flour or bread instead. These families are not used to being taken care of with unconditional love. It makes a huge difference when we are able to help them in a way that reflects the unconditional love Jesus showed us. It is amazing to them – and to us – that people who don’t even know them and are living very far away, as far as Canada, are thinking about them and have on their heart to help them without asking anything in return. This thought alone fills their hearts with joy and hope. Through our help, you are reminding them that they are not alone, but that we are one family in which we are all brothers and sisters in humanity.”

Heifa* is a beneficiary of the food packages Mazen helps distribute. She shares her story of how you have helped women and families like her own by giving and doubling your impact.

“We were in a difficult situation in Syria. Our house was damaged after being hit by a bomb. Thankfully, we had fled to my brother-in-law’s house at the time. Life was not safe there.

I came to Lebanon with my husband, two kids, my parents and two brothers, and rented a house near the church. I was told that my children can join the school and that the church offers some assistance. We have seen a big difference in our children’s education…they were able to catch up with the rest of the class due to the help and extra effort of their teachers…they get along very well and that makes me happy. They learn hymns and Bible stories.

The church doors are open to all. This is the humanitarian message, to help each other, even though we come from different religions and backgrounds. Once a month, my parents and I get a box of food aid which makes a big difference in our situation. The church also provided us with mattresses and blankets upon our arrival. Our God is a good God. We were all welcomed in the church, although we had no relatives or acquaintances here, we feel a part of this community.

I never expected this kind of help. At Christmas, the church gave us a gift of 20 litres of diesel (for heating), biscuits, chips, chocolate, walnuts, and milk for the children. They were enough for two months. It is costly to provide diesel for heating.

The church is home to us, we attend the meetings and feel comfortable here. My biggest dream was running away from Syria, and now my husband and my children are safe, this is what counts.”

*Name changed for privacy and security purposes.