Strengthening the witness of the Church in the Arab World is the very reason we exist as LSESD. We made a decision to stand by the Church in Syria since the beginning of the war in 2011, and to date we continue to partner with around 25 churches that are deeply involved in responding to the needs of their people.
The Syrian crisis has dragged hundreds of thousands of children away from their homes and communities, forcing them to live in places where they face harsh living conditions, are deprived of educational opportunities, and do not feel welcomed. In this challenging context, our partner churches are answering their calling to welcome vulnerable children and their families and care for them, giving them a chance at a more hopeful future.
Jesus once told His disciples that the Kingdom of God is like a small seed, that grows into a mighty tree that brings life to its surroundings. Each year BCYM meets over 1000 children at their events at which they aim to plant and nurture the seeds of the Kingdom in their lives.
In 2018-2019, Lebanon and Syria went through one of the harshest winters in many years as they were hit by intense storms, heavy rain, and snowfall leading to floods and freezing temperatures that severely affected numerous families living in makeshift settlements and poorly insulated dwellings.
When asked “What would your dream gift be this Christmas?” Hashem*, a seven year old Syrian boy relied “To eat chicken!”
