Weekly devotion: How can we reflect God’s shepherd-like care?
Tahaddi, Lebanon
A street in Hay el Gharbeh, the community where Tahaddi is based.
Hay el Gharbeh in southern Beirut is a deeply marginalised community that is home to families facing extreme economic hardship. Children with complex educational needs there grow up in the shadow of poverty, displacement, trauma and social exclusion.
Through its Education Centre, Embrace’s partner Tahaddi provides special education services to young children who face delays in speech, mobility, learning or cognitive development. Teachers and therapists work together to create personalised educational plans for each child, adapting the curriculum and modifying learning materials so that the children can engage at their level.
The classroom educators are trained in special education methodologies, behaviour management and creative, multisensory activities. They collaborate closely with parents, helping them understand their child better and enabling them to reinforce learning at home. In a setting where many children have lost time in education (due to displacement, economic hardship or crises), the special education services aim to build confidence and help children flourish.
Bible reading
‘He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his bosom and gently lead the mother sheep.’
Isaiah 40:11
Thought
This verse in Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of God’s gentle, attentive care to his children, reflecting the nurturing and compassionate work of Tahaddi’s educators and therapists. Like a shepherd cradling lambs, God holds close those who are vulnerable, including children with special needs and their families.
Ask yourself: Are there any ways in which you might reflect God’s shepherd-like care in your own life?
Prayer
Compassionate God,
We praise you for the reminder that you are a loving and gentle shepherd, that you are near to those who are vulnerable.
We commit Tahaddi to you, and thank you for the quiet, persistent love shown by its teachers and therapists.
We pray for the children with special educational needs. May they find joy as they discover their abilities and flourish as they grow in independence.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blog: Helping Lebanon’s undocumented families be seen, recognised and protected
Many families in Hay El Gharbeh in southern Beirut lack legal documents such as identity documents. This is more than the inconvenience of missing paperwork, it means blocked access to healthcare, education and dignity. Our partner, Tahaddi is walking beside families on their journey to be seen, recognised and protected.
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