Aside from all of the external struggles that come with being a refugee in a foreign land (such as not being allowed to work, not having suitable housing, children not being able to attend school) there are an equal number of internal struggles each family and person must deal with as well.
With nothing better in sight, hope for the future is running dangerously low for refugees living in Lebanon – especially for the children. They are not only struggling with how to live but also why to live?
Our Hope on Wheels (HOW) Team, after visiting and serving in refugee tent communities for years, has noticed that the children in these camps are affected by a sense of lost identity. The view that have of themselves, coming from the horrible conditions they have to live in and the often-harsh words of the adults in their lives, is very distorted. To combat the growing identity crisis in “the lost generation” (the nickname for this group of stateless children) the HOW Team has come up with a new and powerful curriculum – “YOU ARE”.
YOU ARE is a series of topics that help children to understand their importance and value in Jesus Christ.
This curriculum began October 2019 with the statement “You are loved”, something every human being needs to hear. The first story to illustrate this statement was from Mark 10:13-16. The refugee children in the tent settlements learned about how Jesus loves them and always has time for them. Through songs and interactive skits, the children learned they have value and God loves them deeply – something they had never heard before.
The HOW Team is continuously pouring into the refugee children living in tent settlements, watching their attitudes and behaviors begin to change. Continue to pray with us that each child would see the value of their life and the plan God has for them.
The Little Children and Jesus
13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16 (NIV)
