Home of Hope and BLESSED School Update December 2024

A 16-year-old boy arrived at Home of Hope with no support system, no future, and no faith in God’s goodness. Abandoned by his parents and society, his scars—emotional and physical—ran deep. With five siblings scattered, his youngest sibling was even traded for a mobile phone, he questioned God’s goodness, power, and presence with the powerless. But at Home of Hope, his story began to change. Through the power of God’s Word and genuine love, his journey toward healing, restoration, and purpose commenced. He, like many others, has discovered hope, resilience, and a brighter future—a witness to the miracles God is working at Home of Hope every day.

Home of Hope has been a home for over 3,000 vulnerable children in Lebanon for 25 years. Many of these precious children were forced by ruthless circumstances to search the streets for food or to steal or beg for money. Once victims of horrific experiences and unimaginable trauma—homelessness, sexual abuse, exploitation, and even organ trafficking—now these children find home, education, and healing in a safe, nurturing Christian environment. Home of Hope’s mission is to provide children with perspective and internal healing. It provides education in Arabic and English, vocational skills to equip children for their future, and emotional and psychological support through specialized trauma care from psychologists and social workers.

BLESSED School: A Beacon for the Vulnerable

Another impactful ministry partner close to our hearts is BLESSED School in Beirut. For over 150 years, BLESSED School has been transforming lives as the Middle East and Northern Africa region’s first school for the visually impaired. Today, it serves 65 students with autism, Down syndrome, and developmental challenges, ranging from ages 5 to 75. Children and adults from diverse communities—Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian—are educated, nurtured, and empowered to live full, meaningful lives. BLESSED strives to care for the whole person—educationally, vocationally, psychologically, and spiritually—trusting that God will use this work for His glory.

Believing that students have the full right to be active members of Lebanese society, BLESSED has launched the project “I Deserve, and I Can,” insisting on their right to work, earn money, and secure their future. Many students are now employed as caregivers, office assistants, and in catering services.

Urgent Challenges, Promising Opportunities

Lebanon’s current crises—the economic collapse and recent war—have deeply affected Home of Hope and BLESSED School. Lebanon is enduring one of the worst economic crises in its history. This situation has made Home of Hope’s work more urgent and more challenging than ever. Home of Hope’s facilities need critical improvements, and they face increasing operational needs to continue providing shelter, education, and healing to the 60+ children who call Home of Hope their home.

BLESSED School is facing funding shortage. Because of the devaluation of the local currency, the yearly support funds from the Lebanese Ministry of Social Affairs are barely covering one month of expenses. Yet, even in these struggles, our partners see God’s hand at work, and they dream about expanding vocational programs. A future project of BLESSED is to grow the catering and carpentry workshops to create jobs and sustainable income for our students.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Your faithful support has already transformed so many lives, and we humbly ask for your continued partnership. Together, we can build a future of hope and blessedness for these precious students. The Outreach Foundation seeks gifts to support the mission and ministry of Home of Hope and BLESSED School in Lebanon. All gifts of any size are welcome. You may make a gift by sending a check to The Outreach Foundation or you can make an online gift via the link below.

Thank you for being part of this movement of grace, compassion, and unwavering faith.