A glimpse into how youth and staff at YFC Lebanon are navigating fear, faith, and resilience
Outside our windows, the sounds are relentless. Drones hum overhead, aircraft roar past, warning shots crackle, and explosions echo through the night. Fear pulses in our chests. Will we be safe tonight? And what about tomorrow? Once again, mass evacuations are underway, and social media is flooded with images of people fleeing in search of safety.
Ministry Amid Uncertainty
Here at YFC Lebanon, life has been turned upside down. The Manara Youth Center (MYC) and our Vocational Training Program (VTP) have been temporarily closed (and are now opening for limited hours) while the AXIS Youth Center in Zahle remains open. Since the war first erupted, we have been finding ways to reach young people through social media, calls, messages, online check-ins, or any means to remind them that they’re not alone.
Many of the youth tell us that they long for a sense of normalcy. It’s hard for them, but it’s also a reminder of the strong bonds that we’ve built over the years. Even amid uncertainty, these relationships are a source of comfort and hope.
For us on staff, the emotional weight is heavy, too. One VTP youth worker, shared how she wakes up at 3 a.m., trying to stay spiritually refreshed and grounded “even when ministry feels confusing.” And Nour, one of our psychosocial support counselors, reflected on how her faith keeps her steady: “My faith in God is the only thing encouraging me. I know all things are in His hands. Being part of a community group also helps. War has a strange way of bringing people together.”
One VTP youth worker, shared how she wakes up at 3 a.m., trying to stay spiritually refreshed and grounded “even when ministry feels confusing.”
Despite everything, we trust a Sovereign God who allows us to serve youth daily, even when everything around us feels upside down.
The youth themselves are navigating this new reality in so many ways. Some have become numb to the sounds of explosions; others find small ways to distract themselves like puzzles or drawing. Teens worry about school and safety, while families host displaced relatives in already crowded homes. And yet, even in these stressful circumstances, we see a desire to hold on to hope.
Prepared to Respond
We’re also taking practical steps to be ready for whatever comes. Staff recently went through Psychological First Aid and First Responder Trainings. These sessions included realistic simulations using the MARCH first-aid protocol, which focused on hemorrhage, airway, respiration, circulation, and head injury management.
One youth worker said: “I found out that I can stay calm in high-stress situations, whether providing first aid during shelling or shooting. The training also taught me to use equipment effectively and assess the situation around me…” Another reflected: “I am called to save lives spiritually — as a youth worker — But the training gave me the skills to save lives physically. People can bleed and die in two minutes. So we can at least stop the bleeding and give them the chance to reach the hospital.”
I am called to save lives spiritually — as a youth worker — But the training gave me the skills to save lives physically. People can bleed and die in two minutes. So we can at least stop the bleeding and give them the chance to reach the hospital.
Even in the midst of all this, our commitment to the youth remains unwavering. We continue to provide safe spaces, online engagement, and practical support, ready to meet each challenge as war strikes again. And through it all, we are reminded that Christ’s light shines even brighter in the darkest times.
*With this fast-changing situation, some things may have shifted since this was written. If you would like to stay updated and join our weekly prayer email, please contact us at office@yfclebanon.org.