By Rebecca Massouh
As we are nearing the end of 2022, Lebanon’s economy continues declining steadily with no hope of stability in sight for many Lebanese households. Many families with different challenges have been struggling to survive and make ends meet in their country for the third year in a row. Hundreds of Lebanese families, including members of churches, have been going through a rough and deteriorated financial situation. Yet amid these hard times, the Lord remains faithful to His people, the Church.
Having a child with autism in a community that often rejects and looks down on families with special needs is an additional load no parent wants to carry along with the burden of living with little income and food insecurity.
Such is the story of Joseph, a faithful husband to Amanda and father to 12-year-old Sara and nine-year-old Hannah. His youngest daughter Hannah has autism and needs one of her parents to take care of her. Joseph, being unemployed, has taken this role of staying at home with her. His wife on the other hand is the house provider. Yet with a salary of 5.4 million Lebanese pounds, the equivalent of $138 US dollars, her income barely covers their basic needs such as food, the private generator for electricity, and their home loan. On top of this, their doctor visits now cost a minimum of 700,000 Lebanese pounds. Food vouchers are a relief for the financial burden this family has and gives food security to them and many other families in similar situations.