The car rumbled down the gravel road, drawing closer to the schoolyard. As it approached the gate, the team was greeted by an unexpected sight—a group of youth perched on the railing, their faces alight with anticipation. The moment the car came into view, applause erupted, as youth welcomed the YFC Lebanon relief team with warmth and joy. This moment was a testament to the impact YFC Lebanon staff had on the people they served, sewing seeds of hope and healing.
What follows are the stories of resilience, courage, and love, as seen through the eyes of those who answered the call to serve.
A Shared Journey
For Joseph, a youth worker, the relief work began with uncertainty. It was a step outside his comfort zone—ministering in unfamiliar settings, with people he had never met, amid a crisis that had upended countless lives. Yet, as the days unfolded, what began as a daunting challenge turned into a reminder of God’s unifying grace.
In one interaction, a man from the community, hesitant at first, admitted, “They used to make us fear you Christians. But when we got in contact with you, we saw that you helped us and stood by us.” Joseph later reflected on this encounter. “We thought they were scary too,” he shared. “Although this war is ugly, God has used it to show us that our fears are not real.”
Stories of Pain and Perseverance
Rana, another youth worker, vividly recalls the stories of the displaced who came to Manara Youth Center. For many, the war had taken everything—homes, belongings, and loved ones. And yet, they revealed the human capacity to endure.
One young man shared a distressing tale. While fishing with friends, a missile struck nearby, shaking the river and sending him racing home. His family barely escaped their house before it was destroyed. Another youth, Samir, devoted himself to caring for his elderly neighbor, only to learn of her passing after they both fled to Beirut. Tragedy struck again when he received news that two of his best friends had died in an airstrike. Overwhelmed by grief, Samir’s cries echoed the collective pain of so many displaced by the war: “I can’t lose any more loved ones.”
Amid such heartache, the team sought to bring comfort. Through shared meals, heartfelt conversations, and therapeutic activities, the team worked to show these youth that they were not alone.
Healing Though Creativity
Drama therapy became an unexpected outlet for healing. One participant, who is in his 60s, captured everyone’s attention during a session on sadness. Using a simple bindle to symbolize his loss, he reenacted the moment he had to flee his home, infusing the scene with raw emotion that resonated deeply with everyone present.
Beyond the therapeutic sessions, the team held spiritual discussions that delved into God’s justice and the endurance of figures like Job. These conversations offered both solace and hope, even to those unfamiliar with the gospel. For some, like Samir, it became a chance to open up, pray, and begin to process their grief through faith.
“It was a bittersweet experience,” Rana concluded. “We were able to reach people amid their pain, and we learned to seize the opportunity rather than hide in fear. God’s love carried us through, and we carried it to others.”
A Hopeful Presence
In reflecting on their relief work, both Joseph and Rana were reminded of the deeper purpose they discovered in serving during such challenging times. Joseph shared, “I felt effective through helping in this war. I wasn’t a spectator; I was on the front lines.” As they look back, they see the undeniable faithfulness of God, revealing glimpses of His kingdom amidst the chaos—moments of connection, healing, and hope.
While some families have returned to their homes in the South with the ceasefire, many remain in Beirut, still trapped by ongoing restrictions. For these families, the road to stability and peace is far from over. At Youth for Christ Lebanon, we are steadfast in walking with them, continuing to provide critical support throughout December and January, including food, hygiene kits, and emotional care.