Ghinwa Akiki
In a world bustling with events that shake our peace, tranquility can still be found. It exists in the simplicity of small gestures. Like quiet architects of peace, their beauty has the power to mend fractures in our hearts, demonstrating a unique form of love — a love that Jesus taught us.
We are happy to share with you four heartwarming stories from the Christmas events organized by Beirut Baptist School, Salt and Light, Beirut Explosion Sight Ministry, and SKILD Center—Thimar – LSESD ministries. These events highlight the power of small acts of kindness, driven by compassion, empathy, and the desire to make a positive impact on others.
Beirut Baptist School
At Beirut Baptist School, the spirit of giving shone brightly among grade 8 students. Rallying to support a classmate battling cancer, they organized a bake sale to uplift her spirit and support her education during her hospitalization. Their goal? To provide her with an electronic tablet, enabling her to keep up with studies and stay connected with classmates, a crucial need as she remained hospitalized with limited visits.
This bake sale, taken seriously by the students, not only raised the necessary funds for the tablet but also contributed to her medical treatment. The gesture deeply moved her family and teachers and gave her peers a profound experience of the joy of giving and compassion.
Despite the tensions from their training for evacuation and emergency response last month, due to conflicts on the Southern border of Lebanon, BBS students embraced the Christmas spirit wholeheartedly this December. Another group from Beirut Baptist School brought Christmas warmth to residents of an elderly home, who often feel lonely during the holidays. Their simple act of kindness and companionship conveyed the true essence of the season, offering not material gifts but the invaluable gift of time and attention.
Beirut Explosion Sight Ministry
Following the Beirut Port explosion on August 4th, 2020, volunteers from two local churches helped rebuild homes. Despite the houses being repaired, hope was still lost among the residents. In response, one church started a weekly Bible study in Beirut, inviting locals to join. Over three years, this initiative has grown significantly, with Thimar – LSESD ministries supporting it by providing food vouchers, humanitarian aid, and organizing events for children.
A Christmas event in early December brought joy to resilient youngsters, showcasing the transformative power of hope in adversity. Their happiness was visible, with some children declaring, “This was the best day of my life!” The joy spread to their families, creating a ripple effect of gratitude and shared experiences.
The Christmas message of Jesus’ sacrificial love resonated deeply with both children and adults. One mother highlighted the clarity of the Christmas story and its message of forgiveness for those who truly repent before God. At the end of the event, the children received gifts with significant personal meaning, especially considering their losses in the explosion.
For many parents, the event provided an opportunity to witness their children laughing and happy. They, too, embraced the joy of the occasion and allowed themselves to feel like children again.
SKILD Center in Collaboration with Salt and Light
In collaboration with Salt and Light, SKILD Center organized a Christmas event for children at Home of Hope, a refuge for abandoned and at-risk children in Lebanon. SKILD’s team prepared various games, creating a lively atmosphere for the children to burst into laughter and embrace the joy of childhood—a right they deserve. The event also included singing worship songs and sharing Bible messages, teaching them about Jesus’ profound love, which triumphs over hatred and provides strength to overcome weaknesses.
Reflecting on these events, we are grateful for the privilege God has given us to model His ministry on earth—to comfort the sad, help those in need, and restore hope to those who had lost all hope.
“The Impact of Small Gestures” serves as a reminder that the most significant impacts often stem from the simple acts of kindness flowing from the heart. As we live our lives, let us strive to be God’s servants, transforming the world one small gesture at a time.
Your Gesture of Kindness Matters
Join us in extending the warmth and hope of Christmas through your support. Every ‘Small Gesture’ makes a significant impact. In this season, help make education for children possible by supporting our appeal.