Weekly devotion: Flourishing - against the odds

Al Kafaàt Foundation’s Notre Dame School, Lebanon

A young student at the school

In Lebanon, it is difficult for children with disabilities to attend school and succeed in the education system. Although all state schools are obligated to accept students with disabilities, the majority of schools do not have the resources or specialist staff needed to run specialised programmes. The few private schools in Lebanon that do offer specialist education are prohibitively expensive for many families.

Al-Kafaàt’s Notre Dame School in Beirut is uniquely inclusive. It receives students (aged 3 to 19) with learning difficulties and physical disabilities, as well as those from challenging family backgrounds – all for minimal fees. The school delivers the Lebanese national curriculum, preparing students for a successful future. The highly trained staff give the children the personal, individualised support that they need in order to succeed.

In the context of Lebanon’s severe economic crisis, the children at the Notre Dame School face growing challenges. Yet with the support and care of their teachers, they are flourishing against the odds.

Bible reading

‘For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.’

Psalm 62: 5-8

Thought

For the 141 children who attend the Notre Dame School in Beirut, it is a place of refuge and a beacon of hope in the midst of deeply challenging circumstances. It is a beautiful picture of the refuge that we can find in God. These verses remind us that whatever ‘storms’ we are going through, there is always rest and safety in God’s presence.

Ask yourself: When was the last time you poured out your heart before God? Why do you think this psalm instructs us to do this?

Prayer

Loving God,

We commit the Notre Dame School to you and ask that your hand may be upon the staff and students. May it continue to be a place of love, joy and hope. Help the staff to approach their lessons with diligence and creativity, and help the students to thrive. We pray for your blessing to rest on them in the future, and that you might help them to carve out joyful and successful lives beyond school.

Thank you that we can all find refuge in your presence – no matter what we are going through. Help us to trust you and pour out our hearts before you, in love, praise and supplication.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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