Another aspect of persecution that Heba’s family faces is isolation. Heba no longer spends her time out in the community, but rather she spends her time at home, supporting her mother. Isolated Christians suffer more from persecution than those living in Christian community villages. This can include attacks from those ascribing to radical Islam. For Heba, the isolation from the rest of her community does not allow her to benefit from the shared experiences, resources, and support that would help her to grow.

Heba misses “learning from the teachers” and their personalized approach towards each student. She is determined to return to school so that she can “get a certificate like all the well-educated.” Through Hope House and education at the community level, ICC seeks to address persecution and its long-term effects. Underneath Heba’s words is a mindset that her identity is lesser than as a poor Christian, and she only has worth if she is educated. Spiritual lessons at Hope House address this mindset brought on by external persecution pressures. Yet, the drive for education seeks to push Heba and other children like her out of their current situations.

By bolstering each individual child’s education and opportunity for growth, ICC hopes to equip the next generation at the community level to combat their socio-economic persecution. Child sponsorship goes above and beyond just education and provides additional incentives for parents and children to remain in school. Child sponsorship supports Heba through her education, but it also offered doctor visits and eyeglasses, free of charge, for her family. Nutritional food packages, medical care, clothing distribution and more are all routine parts of the program. Would you consider helping a child like Heba with these necessities?

To learn more about ICC’s Hope House or provide a financial gift, visit this page. To inquire about sponsoring a child, contact ICC at [email protected].

For interviews please contact Alison Garcia: [email protected]