Since early October, Manara Youth Center (MYC) has been welcoming displaced families affected by the recent violence in Lebanon. Many are finding a safe space and a sense of normalcy in the center, regardless of their background or faith. And as their curiosity about Jesus grows, we pray for chances to reveal God’s boundless love.
One of the displaced youth MYC is serving is Samar, a 17-year-old who, like many, has endured the chaos and heartbreak of displacement. Here is her story.
Escaping the Violence in Tyre
On September 23, 2024, we left Tyre. Though tensions were high, I hadn’t expected the sudden urgency. My mom had already packed a travel bag, recalling her own memories of fleeing war. so I couldn’t remember that journey, but my mom kept her fears hidden from me. While she stayed up watching the news, I remained oblivious—until we began to see explosions from our balcony.
That morning, my mom woke me with urgency, saying, “Samar, we’re going!” Fifteen minutes later, a nearby explosion shattered our windows, and the neighbors screamed. My younger brother was outside, and I frantically called his name, terrified by the blast. As we packed, I kept looking at my belongings, thinking, “I’ll be back for these.” But we had to leave immediately.
“Fifteen minutes later, a nearby explosion shattered our windows, and the neighbors screamed.”
The Distressing Journey North
We piled into a small car —ten of us, including my aunt’s family—with just enough space for our bags. Traffic was chaotic as everyone else was fleeing too. Near Al Ghazieh, we witnessed a building beside us explode. I looked back. The sight was overwhelming: smoke everywhere, people fleeing on foot, carrying children and bags. My aunt’s husband, who had joined a neighbor’s car, was briefly unreachable when phone reception failed, leaving us panicked. Thankfully, he called when service returned, calming our fears.
Through the help of a Christian organization, we eventually found a secure apartment in Sin El Fil, Beirut, and they introduced us to Manara Youth Center.
“I looked back. The sight was overwhelming: smoke everywhere, people fleeing on foot, carrying children and bags.”
A Place of Healing at MYC
I’m always excited before coming here. Here, I found a community that understood our struggles without judgment. And for a month now, I’ve attended their programs, finding solace in creative expression. Art has always been a love of mine, but at MYC, I finally had the freedom to explore it deeply. Miss Rana encouraged me to join drawing classes at the center, and through exercises like the “black point,” I confronted my memories of trauma. In one session, I couldn’t hold back my tears—facing the reality of displacement felt unbearable, yet sharing my story helped.
“In one session, I couldn’t hold back my tears—facing the reality of displacement felt unbearable, yet sharing my story helped.”
Finding Strength in Faith
Coming to MYC felt like returning to church. I grew up knowing Christ, as my parents are Christ followers from a majority religion, and I’ve missed our community in Tyre since our church stopped meeting due to the bombings. Through MYC, I reconnected with my faith, heard stories similar to ours, and found strength in knowing I wasn’t alone. Whenever I come here, it feels like life is a little normal again.