Give Hope This Christmas!

This Christmas season, we will remember how Mary and Joseph, in an overcrowded town, sought shelter in a stable, which was where Jesus was born (Luke 2:7). Our minds will turn to how the family fled in the middle of the night as the life of the infant Jesus was threatened, and how they had to live in another country for a time (Matthew 2:13-15).

These events remind us that Jesus is familiar with the plight of a refugee. And he calls on his Church to display his compassion.

Please will you consider giving a gift to our Christmas appeal so we can respond to the plight of mothers like Amina*.

You can support our Christmas appeal here

As Amina fled her home, she ran with only the clothes that she and her baby were wearing. Now they are seeking safety in Lebanon. Amina wonders how long her home will be a flimsy tent, and whether they will ever be able to return home and rebuild their lives.

When Syria’s government changed in spring of 2025, many hoped that this would bring peace and stability. But fierce attacks on different ethnic groups have left hundreds of people dead, and thousands have fled to seek shelter and safety in northern Lebanon.

The people of Lebanon have very little to offer to those coming over the border, but they are doing what they can to respond to the crisis with compassion and care. In one shelter, 290 people are crammed into just 31 small rooms. One man staying in the shelter said, ‘Some people sleep on the ground. There are no toilets. But we are alive.’

Our partners in Lebanon are determined to help this new wave of refugees.

‘We weren’t expecting this. But we are sure that God has a purpose for us being here,’ says Bassim* who pastors a church in northern Lebanon.

He is working with other local churches, schools, and community centres to provide emergency shelter. And thanks to the support of Tearfund Ireland’s partner organisation, Bassim and his church are able to provide mattresses, food, hygiene kits, and clothing.

Says Bassim, ‘We thank God for keeping us here and making the church a lighthouse in this area. We are able to help by showing refugees the love of Christ. This is our role and we are fulfilling it.’

In addition to the large numbers of refugees coming across Lebanon’s northern border, there are still thousands of people displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon. With airstrikes continuing to hit Lebanon’s southern border, people are afraid to return to their homes.

All these people need urgent assistance and our partners are providing emergency shelter, food, and basic supplies. Where possible, they are offering non-formal education and safe places for children.

This Christmas, can you give a one-off donation to help us provide basic support to people in need?

Any amount will be used to provide vital help.

Or, could you consider setting up a regular donation so we can plan ahead and direct our funds in the most effective and efficient way possible:

€18 a month could provide school books and learning materials for one child in Lebanon each month
€45 a month could help provide emergency assistance to a family in need in Lebanon
€100 a month could help provide emergency food and hygiene assistance for up to 12 people in Lebanon

By signing up for direct debit or standing order, you can help us steward resources effectively as we can invest in longer-term project planning.

Thank you for all you do through your prayer and support to walk alongside us as we enable vulnerable individuals to overcome poverty, withstand crises, and transform their communities.

Wishing you a very blessed Christmas season!

*Names changed for anonymity

I heard about the attacks. When I saw

the gunmen entering houses along our road,

I picked up my child and ran.

~Amina, a mother who

has fled to Lebanon from Syria.

‘We thank God for keeping us here and making the church a lighthouse in this area. We are able to help by showing refugees the love of Christ. This is our role and we are fulfilling it.’

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