YFC’s Outreach to Youth Struggling with Grief
“Can you imagine finding out that someone you’ve known your whole life is gone, through a WhatsApp photo of their grave?” Mona, a 17-year-old girl from the South, asked this question through tears in her eyes.
As she spoke, a group of teenage girls sat together, each drawing images of their homes that they had been forced to leave behind. One girl drew Abu Ibrahim’s grocery store; another, the chipped brown gate of their building. As they drew, their memories and longing for home resurfaced.
Amid these reflections, Sandra, a YFC youth worker, gently reminded the girls that even when everything else fades, God is the only constant. In that vulnerable moment, Mona found comfort in Sandra’s embrace and the promise of prayer.
In the wake of escalating violence, families have fled their homes, often with little more than what they can carry. Many have arrived in Beirut, filling schools that have become temporary shelters. In response, Youth For Christ Lebanon (YFC Lebanon) has launched outreach efforts in shelter schools. Through these efforts, we are offering emergency relief, along with emotional and psychological care to help displaced youth process their trauma and begin to heal.
The youth we serve face unimaginable challenges, but their stories remind us that even the smallest moments of care can make a profound difference. Here are a few:
Kamil, 12, opened up to our youth worker, Joseph, during his third visit to one of the schools. Known for his anger, Kamil finally shared the reason behind his feelings: his cousin had been killed. Kamil found himself returning to the site of the bombing, sitting amidst the rubble in a trance. It wasn’t until he fled his home that he started to process his grief. Kamil is still hesitant to talk more, but his trust in Joseph, a youth worker, is growing.
Karima, 17, was forced to flee her village just days before her wedding, while her sister Rana missed the chance to continue her university studies. Both girls were grieving the loss of their uncle in the bombings. During a visit, they found comfort in speaking with Karmen, a YFC youth worker and counselor.
Each story we hear—whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection or an emotional confession—reminds us why we do this work. We pray that our efforts go beyond just providing relief, but we strive to build a foundation for healing and hope. By allowing youth to express their grief, connect with others, and discover faith, we pray we walk with them toward a future where hope can once again take root.