Weekly devotion: Knowing God’s presence in dark times

Al-Kafaat Notre Dame School, Lebanon

Al-Kafaat Notre Dame School

Al-Kafaat’s Notre Dame School is a rare example of a fully inclusive school in Lebanon. It gives students with disabilities the opportunity to thrive in a mainstream environment, often after other schools have rejected them.

Since the collapse of the Lebanese economy in 2019, it has been very difficult for Al-Kafaat. Previously they depended on government subsidies - but huge cuts and delays in funding have meant they have had to reduce their services. They are no longer able to offer overnight accommodation, meaning children from further away can no longer attend the school. They have also reduced from five days per week to three shorter days per week, allowing staff to find work elsewhere to make ends meet.

Yet despite the enormously challenging environment, the school is continuing to operate and serve the needs of many children and young people. Its nurturing approach and strong focus on individual learning plans ensures that every young person in its care can flourish.

Bible reading

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
    and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
    and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry
    and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe them,
    and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
    and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
    and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
    you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”

Isaiah 58: 6-9

Thought

These verses remind us about the true nature of fasting - rather than being an empty religious act, it is something that should lead us to bear fruit in our lives and bless other people. Consider Jesus’ period of fasting in the wilderness: it was a time of hardship and trial, as he experienced hunger and temptation. Yet it was also a time to set his heart on God and draw on the Father’s strength as he prepared to begin his earthly ministry.

For many of our partners in the Middle East - including Al-Kafaat - the current context feels like a wilderness period. Yet it is often in the darkest of times that God draws near and sustains us in remarkable ways.

Ask yourself: During difficult times, how can we actively invite God’s presence into our lives?

Prayer

Gracious God,

We thank you for the incredible work that Al-Kafaat has done over the decades: for the lives it has touched, for the children it has nurtured, for the families it has supported. We pray that in this difficult economic time, you would continue to provide for the needs of the Notre Dame School and that you would be near to the staff and students alike.

We pray for the children who are no longer able to attend the school - may the virtual contact they have with Al-Kafaat be an immeasurable blessing and may you enable their families to help them thrive.

Thank you that your Word speaks into both the good times and the hard times in our lives. May we continue to seek your presence and be faithful in praying for our sisters and brothers in the Middle East.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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