Children need special care and attention in the best of circumstances, but amid tragedy and devastation, their needs are much greater. Children are resilient, but they require our help to ensure true and lasting healing from the traumas of war, disaster and loss.

Jesus has a special heart for children. He did not want us to hinder the children from coming to Him. You have helped our partners remove some of the barriers in this world that would hinder a child from receiving the Lord’s blessings.

Lebanon is home to over a million refugees, particularly from Syria – a country gripped in civil war and steeped in crisis from the recent Türkiye/Syria earthquake. Lebanon itself has endured great hardships with the 2020 port explosion in Beirut, rampant inflation and collapse of health care. More than 80% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Sareena* is 13 years old and attended one of several BCYM (Baptist Children & Youth Ministry) camps offered to refugee children or those who have suffered neglect or abuse. The camp provided spiritual and recreational activities that inspired Sareena. Even though she comes from a Muslim background she was especially affected by the prayer time saying, “Something inside me changed, even though I knew Christ.” Along with the other participants, Sareena found more hope for tomorrow by attending the camp.

Another program in Lebanon is the True Vine Education Project which helps refugee children access education. The project provides a safe environment, psychosocial support, basic literacy and numeracy, training on health and hygiene, interpersonal skills and self-discipline.

Before the Syrian war, Alma* and her family were financially secure. After the war broke out, the family witnessed unimaginable destruction and death and lived in constant fear. When their home was destroyed, Alma’s family fled to safety leaving everything behind. They faced an uncertain future. They found refuge in Lebanon and for a while, their basic needs were met until Lebanon fell on hard times. Alma found her family having to choose between food, shelter or medicine with the little resources they had. They were grateful for the church that assisted them through these difficult times.

The True Vine centre became a second home for Alma’s daughters. She says, “If it wasn’t for this centre, my children might not be able to read and write today. There are a lot of people benefitting from this place. I have deep respect, love, and gratitude for everyone who works there.”

Alma hopes that she and her family will be able to live peacefully in their future. She is glad her children can dream again of what they want to be when they grow up.

There are many more children around the world that need your help. In the upcoming Spring Appeal letter, you can learn more about how to support these Kids at Risk and make a lasting difference in word and deed.

*Names changed for security and privacy purposes