As conflict escalates across southern Beirut and surrounding areas, schools and homes have become temporary shelters, and the daily sounds of explosions and airstrikes weigh heavily on everyone.
Throughout this article, you will hear from staff who live near areas targeted by the Israeli Defense Forces because they are Hezbollah target zones, and others who can hear the sounds from a distance, as explosions travel far beyond their immediate surroundings.
YFC Lebanon staff continue to serve amidst these challenges, supporting youth and providing stability. Here are their firsthand accounts from March 2026.
Danielle: VTP center
When the war started, I contacted several youth. They said that they didn’t want the war and that they didn’t wish to be stuck again. They wished for the center’s reopening and that they would see us.
The most distressing part is you don’t know what’s next. We are not resuming our usual activity fully at my church, either. My fiancé and I cannot meet as frequently, and our home in Chyah is very close to Dahye [an area of Beirut, which is currently targeted]. So we are tense, and our “go bag” is ready.
We are waking up to the explosions. I am sleeping earlier than usual because I know I will be waking up at 3 am. I sleep for only two hours before being woken by a loud boom. As believers, our hope is in heaven and that the Lord is near. This is our hope always, but especially now.
As believers, our hope is in heaven and that the Lord is near. This is our hope always, but especially now.
Joseph: MYC center
Youth in Burj Hammoud are facing multiple challenges such as hosting extended family members and, for many refugees, the uncertainty of whether to stay or return to Syria. Meanwhile, school shaweeshes [community-appointed supervisors in shelter schools] we worked with during the 2024 war are asking if we will return, as many of the same families have taken refuge there once again.
As for my family and me, Dahye [targeted area in Beirut] is facing us, and my three-year-old son is disturbed by the bombing. He’s had to go through two wars, and he’s only three. It’s stressful; we can’t sleep, and the sound of military drones is there all the time.
We are trying to avoid too much news exposure and keep our son away from things. I am trying to stay distracted with my theological education, ministry… I am trying to pray, but I am wrestling with feelings of discouragement. We pray for peace over this country and over our lives.
As for my family and me, Dahye [targeted area in Beirut] is facing us, and my three-year-old son is disturbed by the bombing. He’s had to go through two wars, and he’s only three.
Maya: School Ministry
Some of the youth have resorted to the mountainside where things are quieter. Some are still in Beirut. A girl said she is trying to solve a puzzle to try and distract herself. The main challenge for those in Beirut is the loud explosion sounds.
This morning [March 9] at 6 am, there was a very strong explosion that woke us all up, but then I went back to bed because, sadly, we got used to it. It was quite close, but thankfully, not close enough to destroy our home.
Pray for safety and that the war ends soon, so life can return to normal. Pray also for security because the times are hard. And we also pray for those in dire need.
This morning [March 9] at 6 am, there was a very strong explosion that woke us all up, but then I went back to bed because, sadly, we got used to it. It was quite close, but thankfully, not close enough to destroy our home.
Rina: AXIS Youth Center
There was a difficult night in Zahle with bombings and aircrafts in its surrounding area. The next day, after I opened the center, two girls came in. One wasn’t feeling anything. But the other was afraid. She said she was afraid at night. She stayed up till 6 am due to the sound of aircraft.
I told her that whenever I feel afraid, I try to turn my negative feelings and fear into a prayer. And I encouraged her to do the same. She admitted that she used to journal her prayer requests a while back, so I encouraged her to get back into that habit.
As an Egyptian missionary in Lebanon, I feel called to stay, despite everything that is going on. Whenever I stand before the Lord, He tells me I still have time here.
She said she was afraid at night. She stayed up till 6 am due to the sound of aircraft.
Pray with us that the hearts of YFC staff are steady as they serve with courage and compassion. Whether the war ends abruptly or lingers on, we must be present where the need is greatest. As more families arrive in these temporary shelters, there is a growing opportunity, and responsibility, to share the love of Christ.