Home of Hope Beirut — November 2022 Update
Beirut, Lebanon
By Lois Andrews, Trustee-elect, who was in Lebanon this summer and spent two days at Home of Hope
“Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ “
It was my privilege and great honor to spend extra days at the Home of Hope in Beirut, Lebanon during a visit of women from The Outreach Foundation attending the Women’s Conference at Dhour Chouier. This compassionate abode is the home of twenty-four children who reside full-time under the vision and direction of Rev. Linda Maktaby, run by the Lebanese Evangelical Society, and joyfully supported by The Outreach Foundation.
Each child from ages seven to seventeen has been placed there by court order, coming from emotionally destructive home environments filled with abuse, neglect, brokenness, and sometimes abandonment. Linda receives them with open arms, many without identity papers or documents for enrolling in school. Her goal for each of them is to provide academic learning and life skills that have been sorely missed in their childhood. They are equipped over many years to leave Home of Hope prepared to earn an honest income and an opportunity for a successful adult life. Most importantly of all, Linda and her staff show them the love of Christ and open their hearts to Jesus. The trauma that each of these kids has endured and continues to wrestle with in their dark hours is an ever-present challenge for social workers and staff counselors.
I was able to observe and participate in a typical day, filled with meaningful learning activities, free time to relax with their housemates, and meals together which some boys helped prepare and serve. The children have art and music lessons and sports time. Boys experience Legos for the first time, puzzles that challenge their ability to work as a team, and creative jewelry for the girls. I witnessed shy knocks on Linda’s door for help with a problem, big and small, but mostly to be reassured of her care for them.
I was privileged to accompany some of the older students to distribute bags of rice they had filled earlier for destitute people on the streets of Beirut, a welcome act of service outside of themselves. I witnessed a tearful reunion of mother and son, facilitated by Linda’s detective skills and perseverance. I heard from the older boys being “mad” at Linda for what they thought was an undeserved punishment, but all out of tough love and reluctant acceptance. Just like a healthy home elsewhere! What a testimony of God’s mercy and love poured out in abundant measure.
The facility is an old hospital with multiple floors, which is being made into a “homey” place for kids — they are selecting the paint! The government, in its own economic crisis, has stopped giving them the promised funding. Linda is in desperate need of funds to pay her staff, clothe her students, provide nutritious meals, and gather furniture and supplies.
Moving these children from their trauma displayed in behaviors ranging from anger and withdrawn obstinacy to healthy relationships and self-love and family attachment, takes a lot of love and a lot of prayer. But hope there is at the Home of Hope.
Note: I wish I could name these precious children for you and show you pictures of their beautiful faces, but the preservation of their safety and security does not allow us to print pictures and names.
Read more about Home of Hope Beirut HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of Home of Hope Beirut. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help set up new workshops for skills development, provide food relief in the midst of Lebanon’s unstable economy, and allow for small improvements to the old building currently occupied by Home of Hope. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.
A hard surfaced yet spacious playground gives the children space for sports and games