As the conflict in Gaza spills into Lebanon, please pray for our work there.

Update from 27th September 2024

Our New Horizons project in the south

• We have had to abandon this project for the time being, as it is based so close to a conflict zone hotspot near the border with Israel.
• Our staff have had to evacuate the region and head north towards Beirut where our other main project, Dar el Awlad, is based.
• We hear stories that it is extremely difficult to evacuate due to road congestion.
• Some people are staying put as they are so concerned about their home being looted or ransacked.

Our work in Beirut at 'Dar el Awlad'

• As you can imagine, it is chaos in Beirut where our Dar el Awlad project is based, with so many people flocking there as they have nowhere else to go. Schools have been closed and turned into shelters for these displaced families.
• We too have had to close our school, although we are not yet being asked to use it as a shelter. 
• However, we are getting more and more families asking us for help, as well as the authorities and other charities.
• The team there are doing all they can to offer food and support where possible. 
• It really is all quite chaotic, so we’re waiting to see how things pan out so the team can best assess what the precise needs are and how we can best help to meet them.
• Bombs are exploding nearby, which in turn brings back traumatic memories for many of the impoverished Syrian refugees we serve.

Update from 18th September 2024

Thank you so much to all of you who have so kindly asked how our work in Lebanon has been impacted by the recent series of explosions. We recently spoke to our Country Director there, who told us:

“The explosions happened yesterday (Tuesday 17th September 2024). It was a very stressful time for everyone because we didn’t know what was happening. Rumours were spreading that a war had started in southern Lebanon.

Schools have been closed and the roads and traffic have been terrible. Everyone is anxious about what will happen next. We just don’t know what it will be, as there are so many wounded, some critically. Praise God, none of our staff, children or their families have been injured or killed.

It is still very tense and we are all still very anxious about what will happen next."

Please pray that God will keep our staff and the children that we serve safe and well, including their families during this volatile and fluid situation. And that it will not escalate any further.

We would also be grateful if you could continue to pray for our work with vulnerable Syrian refugee children and their families in Lebanon. In particular, for the children and our staff at our New Horizons centre further in the south.

Please pray:

• For safety for all of the children we serve, their families and our staff
• For an end to the troubles in Gaza and the Middle East
• For continued blessing on our work in Lebanon, both at New Horizons and at our 'Dar el Awlad' project further north in Beirut.
• In particular, our outreach activity with the mums and more recently, the dads as well.

Even amidst the most challenging circumstances, God's blessings continue to enrich our work in Lebanon, including our outreach activities with mothers.

This was evident in our recent "Couples' Night," which attracted an impressive gathering of 50 couples. They joined us to play games, listen to messages, and enjoy time together. It's often difficult to engage fathers, so their significant presence was very heartening.

It's remarkable that, in a place often overshadowed by despair, God is instilling light, hope, and joy in the lives of many.

We are truly grateful for your role in this through your unwavering prayers and support. Thank you!