Praying for Lebanon
Earlier this fall, FAIR received an update from Clementia Life Centre (CLC) in Lebanon and the situation in the country has continued to develop since then. Over a million people — Lebanese and refugees alike — have been displaced. This update serves as a snapshot of how life is being affected by the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in early October. Please read it; pray for the staff, children, and families connected to CLC; and praise God for what He is doing in their lives.
September 2024 Update
In June, Clementia Life Centre celebrated a poignant graduation, where families gathered to witness their children’s heartfelt recital and a moving portrayal of Judas and Peter that underscored the vital lesson of repentance. Yet, as we look to the new academic year, our hearts are heavy.
The rising conflict in our country has cast a shadow over our hopes, leaving our dedicated staff grappling with sleepless nights and the relentless stress of nearby explosions. Safety feels like a distant dream; each day brings uncertainty that weighs heavily on us all. Schools remain closed under governmental lockdowns, and while we long to connect through online programs, our children are already burdened by the chaos around them. It is heartbreaking to see those who escaped the horrors of the Syrian war now caught in the turbulence of Lebanon. These children, whom we have grown to love and support, are yearning for stability and peace. We turn to our community for support, asking for your prayers—prayers for peace, for safety, and for the strength to navigate this storm. Your compassion fuels our mission, and together we can stand firm in the hope of a brighter tomorrow for these resilient young lives.
Ahmad Jassem’s CLC Journey:
Ahmad has been a cherished member of the Clementia Life Centre family since 2019, arriving heartbroken and lost amid the turmoil of an abusive household. He struggled to read and write, but with time, patience, and the nurturing environment we provide, he began to blossom. Brother Kamil took a personal interest in Ahmad, visiting him and his siblings, creating a bond that fueled Ahmad’s determination to learn and grow. His journey from our informal kids’ program to the vocational program has been nothing short of transformative.
This year, we’ve witnessed a remarkable change in Ahmad: he has matured into a young man who understands responsibility and is dedicated to his work. He actively participates in Sunday services and morning devotions with our staff, a testament to the safety and trust he has found in our community. He now asks meaningful questions about Jesus and our beliefs, signaling a deepening faith that we believe is a direct result of God’s work in his life. Ahmad often reflects, “I don’t know what my life would have been without CLC. I’d either be homebound, unable to read and write, or stuck in a job with a cold-hearted boss.” Amid the chaos of Lebanon, which he likens to a PUBG [an online game where players battle each other under war-like conditions] reality, his heart still holds hope. “Though my heart breaks for Lebanon as it did for Syria,” he shares, “I’m grateful to be part of the CLC family. This joy fills my heart, and I love serving in church; it feels like home—much better than my own.” Ahmad’s story exemplifies the profound impact of your support, reminding us all that hope can flourish even in the darkest times.