Christmas 2023
They are Christians in the lands of the Bible. Help them survive. Help them stay.
Living Among the Dead, Then Finding Hope Again
In Aleppo, Syria, the war took a lot from John Susany: his business, his prosperity, his home. While not ideal, he now lives in Damascus in a cemetery with his small family to avoid having his children sleep out in the streets. Today, he has hope, thanks to a program supported by Aid to the Church in Need that has given him work again. Here are some of his words:
“When someone dies, I do the burial ritual. Deep inside, I feel bad that my kids live in a graveyard. No one visits me, only the people who are crying and grieving. But I can’t let my kids sleep in the street. I’ve had my weak moments, but I pray a lot. The Micro Project program was a turning point in my life.“
Thanks to the equipment he was able to buy for his workshop, Mr. Susany has started working again.
‘I no longer worry about what we’re going to eat tomorrow. Jesus is always with me, always protecting me.’ I am not worried anymore about what we are going to eat tomorrow. Jesus, Jesus is always with me.
Jesus always protects me.”
They are Christians in the lands of the Bible.
Help them survive. Help them stay.
Mission: To Be a Loving Heart
Since 2023, Lebanon has been experiencing a severe economic crisis. For young seminarian Mario Freiha, however, hope is ever-present, considering that Christians, in the midst of darkness, can be bearers of light.
“Whatever the situation, as seminarians we make our mission to go out and serve people, to listen to all the problems and questions they have. So, the solution to this crisis in Lebanon is love. We work with people so that they are not afraid, to help them overcome the crisis. We support them mentally and spiritually. The Christians of Lebanon must therefore be the light. Even if only one person has faith, we will overcome all obstacles. It’s very important for Christians to stay here.“
They are Christians in the lands of the Bible.
Help them survive. Help them stay.
Without You, Lebanon Disappears
The country is small, but rich in different climates and landscapes. Its people are a reflection of this abundance: welcoming, curious, and enterprising. Sister Houda Tannoury reminds us that, despite the suffering brought on by the terrible economic crisis, children—all children—have a right to a low-cost, high-quality education that is open to the world. Something the Catholic Church is giving. Without it, the inhabitants will move elsewhere.
“All these regions are agricultural, and the children don’t go to schools. And schools were only for the rich people. Many of our parents can’t afford to buy bread for their children. This is so humiliating. By our service to them we try to bring peace, joy, dignity, because everybody is looking for these values and they will leave if they don’t find them.”
They are Christians in the lands of the Bible.
Help them survive. Help them stay.
Thank you to help Sister Houda and her community!
