Dear Dan & Gina,
Ibrahim, a 9-year-old boy, once found himself in the grip of displacement, fear, and isolation. His family had been forced to flee their homeland in Syria, escaping the violence of war in search of safety and a new beginning. The journey was not a choice but a desperate escape that had ravaged their lives. Faced with no other option but to seek refuge in Lebanon in alternative ways, they arrived with little more than hope—hope for a future free from the shadows of conflict.
The challenges were immense. Ibrahim’s family struggled to survive, working tirelessly to make ends meet. Yet, amid this uncertainty, they found Heart for Lebanon, a lifeline offering not just monthly food portions and material support but spiritual guidance that would transform their lives.
For Ibrahim, the transformation began with the Hope on Wheels program, the truck that goes to the most vulnerable areas in Lebanon and introduces children to Bible stories, kids’ clubs, and spiritual worship, creating an environment where faith and community could heal their broken hearts. Over time, Ibrahim began to open up. He shared Bible stories with his peers, joined in group activities, and sang worship songs with a newfound enthusiasm. His natural kindness and respectful nature became apparent to all.
A turning point came when the team conducted a home visit to check in on Ibrahim’s spiritual journey. “I used to struggle with my shyness. Before I met you, I felt alone and uninspired. But the team encouraged me to be brave and find my voice,” Ibrahim shared. Through this encouragement, Ibrahim discovered the joy of friendship and confidently embraced social interactions. His transformation was more than just behavioral, it was spiritual. He had learned to find strength in his faith and a deep sense of purpose in his daily life.
“I pray to Jesus every day,” Ibrahim said, his voice filled with sincerity. “I ask Him to help me keep coming to the Kids Club and to stay close to Him. When the war started [in Lebanon], I felt sad, but I prayed, and He gave me peace. I pray for the poor and for those who need help. Whenever I’m troubled, I turn to prayer, and listening to hymns makes me feel calm. My favorite hymn is ‘Jesus Is Like Sugar.’ It brings me comfort.”
Ibrahim’s love for the Bible grew, and he eagerly asked the team for one of his own. His joy was palpable when they presented him with a Bible, a gift he treasured deeply. “My favorite story is Joseph’s story,” he said. “It shows me that God has a purpose for each of us, even when things seem hard.”
Through Heart for Lebanon’s Hope on Wheels program, Ibrahim found not just the strength to overcome his struggles, but the love of a community that helped him discover his true worth, set him on his journey of faith, and a future filled with hope.
