“You Have Planted Hope in Our Souls”
“You Have Planted Hope in Our Souls”
As of May 2024, 16.7 million people in Syria required humanitarian assistance, according to the United Nations. The February 2023 earthquakes, which devastated northern Syria and southern Türkiye, compounded the hardships of families like Maryam’s*. Over 50,000 people were killed, 100,000 injured, and infrastructure destroyed.
Maryam and her family live in an abandoned church in Aleppo in Syria, a city hit hard by both the war and the earthquakes and where World Renew supports the work of Christian partners as they distribute food, blankets, and other necessities to families experiencing need.
Maryam’s family fled to Aleppo years ago to escape civil war, only to endure ongoing struggles. “The bishop offered us this place to protect us from being on the streets,” Maryam shares. “For eight years, we have been living in this abandoned church. Adapting to this place has not been easy at all; the building is old and dilapidated and lacks many basic necessities.”
The family’s economic challenges worsened when Maryam’s husband, who had been running a small business, was forced into reserve military service in October 2023. “Prices have increased a lot, making life even more difficult. And like many other families, we [face] the lack of work and poor income,” Maryam explains. “My husband was able to buy an espresso machine with a loan and used it to run a small business for four months. Unfortunately, he was called up for the reserve military service in October 2023 and we were left without a breadwinner.”
“With three very young children,” Maryam continues, “I tried to work as a house cleaner for a while but having three very young children made it almost impossible. They need me to take care of them as there is no one they can stay with while I’m working. Now, we rely on a modest income from my father-in-law, who lives with us, and works as a custodian at the church.”
The earthquakes deepened the family’s struggles, leaving psychological scars and increasing their financial insecurity. “As if the war and economic crisis were not enough, the earthquakes added to our suffering . . . leaving behind fear and panic that disrupted our lives for a long time,” Maryam says.
Relief came through World Renew’s church partner, which provides food, hygiene supplies, and winter assistance. “We have been receiving regular food and hygiene boxes for the past nine months in addition to winter assistance,” she says. “This assistance has been a lifeline for us; we feel safe and comfortable at least having food on the table no matter what. Even the cleaning supplies basket brings me great joy.”
In late 2024, intensified fighting in northwest Syria displaced over a million more people, further straining the region’s fragile economy. Despite the challenges, Maryam holds onto hope. “Despite all the poverty and unhappiness, you have planted hope in our souls, and thanks to you we can continue,” she says, her voice quivering with emotion. “I tell my children that Jesus will not abandon us. Every time I come back carrying the basket, I see happiness and reassurance in my children’s eyes. . . I always feel that God places good people in our path to help us unconditionally. . . I pray for you, your families, and for everyone who extended a helping hand.”
Thank you for giving generously to families in Syria who have struggled in the aftermath of war, hunger, and disaster. Your gifts help renew hope for families like Maryam’s.
*Name changed for security
As of May 2024, 16.7 million people in Syria required humanitarian assistance, according to the United Nations. The February 2023 earthquakes, which devastated northern Syria and southern Türkiye, compounded the hardships of families like Maryam’s*. Over 50,000 people were killed, 100,000 injured, and infrastructure destroyed.
Maryam and her family live in an abandoned church in Aleppo in Syria, a city hit hard by both the war and the earthquakes and where World Renew supports the work of Christian partners as they distribute food, blankets, and other necessities to families experiencing need.
Maryam’s family fled to Aleppo years ago to escape civil war, only to endure ongoing struggles. “The bishop offered us this place to protect us from being on the streets,” Maryam shares. “For eight years, we have been living in this abandoned church. Adapting to this place has not been easy at all; the building is old and dilapidated and lacks many basic necessities.”
The family’s economic challenges worsened when Maryam’s husband, who had been running a small business, was forced into reserve military service in October 2023. “Prices have increased a lot, making life even more difficult. And like many other families, we [face] the lack of work and poor income,” Maryam explains. “My husband was able to buy an espresso machine with a loan and used it to run a small business for four months. Unfortunately, he was called up for the reserve military service in October 2023 and we were left without a breadwinner.”
“With three very young children,” Maryam continues, “I tried to work as a house cleaner for a while but having three very young children made it almost impossible. They need me to take care of them as there is no one they can stay with while I’m working. Now, we rely on a modest income from my father-in-law, who lives with us, and works as a custodian at the church.”
The earthquakes deepened the family’s struggles, leaving psychological scars and increasing their financial insecurity. “As if the war and economic crisis were not enough, the earthquakes added to our suffering . . . leaving behind fear and panic that disrupted our lives for a long time,” Maryam says.
Relief came through World Renew’s church partner, which provides food, hygiene supplies, and winter assistance. “We have been receiving regular food and hygiene boxes for the past nine months in addition to winter assistance,” she says. “This assistance has been a lifeline for us; we feel safe and comfortable at least having food on the table no matter what. Even the cleaning supplies basket brings me great joy.”
In late 2024, intensified fighting in northwest Syria displaced over a million more people, further straining the region’s fragile economy. Despite the challenges, Maryam holds onto hope. “Despite all the poverty and unhappiness, you have planted hope in our souls, and thanks to you we can continue,” she says, her voice quivering with emotion. “I tell my children that Jesus will not abandon us. Every time I come back carrying the basket, I see happiness and reassurance in my children’s eyes. . . I always feel that God places good people in our path to help us unconditionally. . . I pray for you, your families, and for everyone who extended a helping hand.”
Thank you for giving generously to families in Syria who have struggled in the aftermath of war, hunger, and disaster. Your gifts help renew hope for families like Maryam’s.
*Name changed for security
