“The center is so good and we learn well at classes. I love answering the questions and exercises in the book,” Mahraiel wrote. Another student named Mariam wrote, “I have learned reading, writing, and many things such as how to treat my friends and love all kinds of people. I love the characters of the widow and Elijah. I love telling stories.”

Currently, 250 children are actively enrolled in Hope House. Children that would otherwise be helping at home or working as manual laborers receive a quality education enabling them to pursue opportunities their parents never could. Everything from the fundamentals of reading, writing, grammar, and mathematics to Bible lessons are covered to empower and ground them in their Christian heritage. The response from both the community and children has been exuberant.

“I have learned reading, writing and alphabets. I love the story of Jacoub, he did not betray anyone,” Madonna wrote.

“I have learned a lot at the center. I like the character of Widow of Zarephat in the Bible. The verses I love in Bible are ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ And ‘Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee,’” Martha Fouad commented, writing out several long Bible verses.

With a valuable year of education largely lost due to Covid-19 shutdowns, families are eager to have their children return to classes where they know they will learn. Despite this and the challenges, these children will surely continue to face in pursuing their education, eventual careers, and lives, they possess an eternal sustaining hope that does not fail, even in the harshest of nights.

For interviews please contact Addison Parker: [email protected]