Heart for Lebanon: New Vans
Sham was nine years old when her family fled their home in Syria, seeking safety during a time of growing unrest and instability. It was a traumatic journey, and they left behind not only their home but also their sense of safety and normalcy. The trip to Lebanon was long and uncertain, marked by fear, loss, and violence. But their story wasn’t over yet.
After arriving in southern Lebanon, Sham’s family was connected with Heart for Lebanon. Through their Children at Risk initiative, her family began receiving more than just basic necessities. They received compassion, support, and the space to heal.
The program provides children like Sham with access to clubs, activities, and Bible studies designed specifically for those who have been through trauma. And thanks to your generosity through the Be Rich Campaign, Heart for Lebanon recently purchased two vans that they use to transport Sham and other children to and from these gatherings.
When Sham first arrived at Heart for Lebanon, she was quiet and withdrawn. She missed her school, her friends, and the home she’d always known. But over time, something began to shift. With each trip in the van to the outreach center, she found herself immersed in a world of stories, games, drawing, and music. There, she first encountered the story of Jesus.
Sham found comfort in Jesus’s kindness, in his love for others, and in learning how he calmed the storm. “Every time I hear about him, I feel something special inside me,” she shared. She began to sing hymns at home, memorize Bible stories, and pray. She found comfort in the other children and leaders at Heart for Lebanon.
Her transformation was remarkable. What began as silent grief became a growing confidence and peace. Her smile returned. Her laughter filled the room. “At first, I felt alone. I had no friends, no games. I just sat at home all the time,” she said. “But when I started attending the activities, I became very happy. I met new friends, played, drew, and heard beautiful stories.”
Because of your support through the Be Rich campaign, children like Sham are not just surviving—they are healing, growing, and discovering what it means to have a relationship with their heavenly Father. Thank you!
