Syrian Family Flees War, Death and Destruction

Marha often sits alone outside her tent in Southern Lebanon. She thinks about her family's home in Syria in a time before the war devastated their lives.

"Our house was completely destroyed by a bomb. My family was outside when it happened," Mahra recalls. "But, my cousin was killed by another bomb while getting groceries. My cousin and my older brother were really close. So my brother got really depressed and took his own life."

Marha's parents invited CBN Producer Dan Reany into their makeshift tent and told him about their life before the war.

"We had a beautiful home in Syria and I farmed my own land with many goats," says Marha's father. "Now I work in our landlord's field, just making enough to pay the rent."

"It's been very difficult here. And my husband works very hard. He can't get a better job because the government won't allow the refugees to find legitimate work. But, we still need money to feed ourselves," says Mahra's mom.

When Heart for Lebanon, which is supported by CBN's Orphan's Promise, found out about the family's problem, first we invited the family to our food distribution.

"Each one of these bundles has enough rice, canned meat, beans, and household goods to last a family of up to eight for about a month," says Reany.

Now Marha and her twin brother are going to the Hope Center, which is also supported by Orphan's Promise. There, they and other Syrian refugee children are learning English, Arabic, and math.

"I love going to school so much. The teachers are amazing and really care for us," says Marha. "We weren't able to go to school when we first came to Lebanon and I really missed it. But now we go to the Hope Center and it's a lot of fun."

"I'm so happy that they are getting a good education. They come home after school and I make them a meal from the food we're given," says Marha's mom. "I can see their smiles and how happy they are. That means everything to me."

At the Hope Center, we openly teach children about Jesus Christ and show them Superbook in Arabic.

"I love Superbook and the stories about Jesus. I know that if we pray to Jesus, He will take our burdens," says Marha. "I prayed for my grandmother who was very sick in the hospital and now she is completely healed."

Heart for Lebanon and Orphan's Promise also installed a fresh water system for Marha's family, so they never have to worry about finding clean drinking water.

"We are so grateful that you are supporting us with the food and water and I'm excited about what my children are learning at your school," says Marha's father.

"I want to thank the Christians a lot for their prayers and for providing for our needs," says Marha's mother. "May God bless you and protect your families."

"I want to tell all the people who are helping us that I love you,' says Marha. "I love Heart for Lebanon and Orphan's Promise so much and I want to thank them for doing their best to take care of us."