Marlene is the principal at the Nazarene school in Lebanon. Recently, schools in Beirut were closed due to conflict, with children forced to stay home for their safety.
“At home, [kids] lost hope completely. They felt down."
Marlene and the school's staff work hard to find a way to reopen the school in shifts, so that all students could resume learning.
"At school, kids are able to socialize ... at school, they are distracted from the war news. At school, they are able to learn and focus. We praise God for this step despite all the risks!"
In partnership with Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, local churches in the Middle East are serving people impacted by increased conflict in the region.
In recent weeks and months, conflict in the Middle East has led to loss of life, destruction of homes and businesses, and widespread fear. The Church of the Nazarene is present in Lebanon, Israel, and other parts of the Middle East, with each church seeking to be a source of compassion and love for its neighbors.
In Lebanon, an ongoing financial crisis started in 2019 and was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, a devastating port explosion in 2020, and food shortages from the war in Ukraine. Now, increased conflict has caused 1.2 million people to leave their homes in search of safety. Many have sought refuge in Beirut, where four Nazarene churches, a Nazarene school, and a Nazarene clinic are located. Even now, as explosions are felt daily in the city, these churches and ministries are providing care for church members, neighbors, and those seeking refuge.
Laila*, a seventh grader at the school, has seen the school as a safe haven in the midst of the on-going crisis in her country.
The school has been a constant in her life over these difficult years. There, she can find love and stability amid a very uncertain time.
“There’s just so much going on in the school,” she says. “It’s such a friendly environment.”
“I don't know about the others, but for me it feels like home,” she adds.
Supporting the Middle East Crisis Response fund will help churches to ...
- Provide food, water, bedding, and other supplies for people fleeing conflict
- Cover school fees for students at the Nazarene school in Beirut
- Fund the community health care provided by the Nazarene clinic in Beirut
- Build a shelter for a church in Israel that will protect both church and community members
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You can help people facing conflict and war.
Your support will let children and families in the Middle East know they are not alone. Give today to support this project through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.