Projects - Lebanon

Following the civil war, the gap between rich and poor in Lebanon has become more marked. Many families who would have been regarded as “middle class” now find themselves unable to make ends meet.

Beirut from above

Marina comes from one such family. As a small child, she suffered the traumas of war, escaping with her family from the bombing in Beirut to the relative safety of her grandfather's home in the inland town of Anjar . She wept as she went because she had forgotten her umbrella. She thought that this could save her from the bombs.

Marina (far left) with some of her family and
Rev. Christopher Gillham of Christian Rebuild

She is the eldest of four children. In spite of losing their home, her parents have managed to see that all their children have received good educations in the Armenian Evangelical Schools. (These are supported by the charity “Bible Lands”.) Father works as an air-conditioning engineer and has recently opened his own little shop. Mother supplements the family income by making and bottling tomato and red pepper paste, popular ingredients in Armenian cooking. There is sufficient income to feed and clothe the family, but not enough to pay for higher education.

Marina's mother bottling tomato and red pepper paste		Marina and her sister during a visit by Rev. Christopher Gillham

Mother says that her dream is to give her children the opportunities that were denied to her by the war. Through aid from Christian Rebuild, that dream is becoming a reality.

Marina graduated in 2004. She now works as secretary to one of Lebanon's leading psychiatrists.

Marina on her graduation in 2004

Graduation party: Marina with her family and Rev. Christopher Gillham

Marina (centre) with her mother and
sister under a Cedar of Lebanon

In order to be able to continue our work and support more projects, we need donations. Details of how you can donate can be found on our donations page.

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