We spoke with Heart For Lebanon’s Elio Constantine: “I would say that the biggest driving force for youth and anyone to leave Lebanon right now is the limited economic opportunities for them to make a decent living without being in debt, for them to be able to find a better future, better education for their kids, [and] better opportunities to prosper.”

(Photo courtesy of Heart For Lebanon)

Lebanon’s poverty rate has nearly doubled since 2019. Four years ago, 42% of the Lebanese population lived below the poverty line. Today, the national poverty rate is over 80%.

This also means most Lebanese families and young people can’t afford to leave the country, even if they wanted to. For those who stay, Heart For Lebanon connects with kids and teens through various educational and Gospel programs.

“Most of these children that we work with and help, their families do not have the opportunity to leave Lebanon,” says Constantine. “Most of them do not have the opportunity to take a vacation inside Lebanon. So getting a plane ticket or visa to leave the country is almost impossible for them.”

Pray for young people in Lebanon to find joy and hope in Christ that goes beyond their circumstances. Please also pray encouragement for the Church in Lebanon serving as the hands and feet of Jesus, even amidst their own struggles. Ask the Lord to be their comfort and strength.

(Photo courtesy of Heart For Lebanon)

Constantine says, “We give them a message of hope in a place where they think they have no hope at all, and if you grow up — wherever you go, if you stay in Lebanon or leave — have that message of hope stay with you forever.”

Learn more about Heart For Lebanon here.

Header photo courtesy of Heart For Lebanon.

World Vision is responding to the 35,000 people in the Bay and Bakool regions, half of them children suffering from trauma and poor health. This comes after being forced to leave Somalia in December when a transitional government came to power. 

"The new arrivals from Mogadishu are living in overcrowded shanties or huts; many didn't have time to pack any belongings," said Ibrahim Dima, a regional coordinator for World Vision Somalia. To make matters worse, dozens of patients are suffering from acute watery diarrhea which has already claimed the lives of several children. Reports of rape and abuse are also coming in. 

Sadly, the families and clans they were traveling to find relief from were already experiencing their own disaster. "The communities here have barely recovered from the recent flooding and drought crises, and aren't in a position to help," said Dima. 

World Vision has already begun treating dozens of the ill in their health center in Waajid. They plan to send food, water, medicine, cooking equipment, shelter, blankets, mosquito nets, and psychosocial support. Their assessment team has noted severe trauma among women and children from their experience of war, rape, and harassment, as well as loss of family and property, along the route from Mogadishu.

Fatuma Hassan was forced to leave her four oldest children and husband when she and her two youngest children fled for Waajid. "I tried to find them, but the fighting was so intense that we fled without them," said Hassan. Weeks after arriving in Waajid, she still does not know the fate of her family.   

World Vision is requesting $750,000 in donations in order to support their response to the displaced in Somalia. With the rainy season threatening more severe health risks to children, humanitarian need may escalate in the following weeks.

Click here to donate to this aid effort.