Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Executive Director: Chadi Melki
Founded: 1960
How it all started
The plight of needy children
in Beirut encouraged a group of local Christians to open the Cedar Home
in 1960. From the beginning, they believed that God would provide
for all the
needs of the Home and, time and again, God has graciously answered
prayers through gifts from local groups in Lebanon and from abroad.
The Home was founded to care for children who have lost at least one parent, due to divorce, separation, or death, and where the other parent is unable to provide for them. The children at the Home come from different backgrounds and religions. The Home provides a family life for them and meets their spiritual, physical, emotional and mental needs, enabling them to grow in a normal environment full of love and compassion, preparing each child to become an important and productive member of society. In short, to give them a better chance for their future.
Current activities
About 30 girls, aged between 3-18 years, are cared for in the Home as one
big family. House mothers help to care for them, guiding them through
their daily life, providing a homely atmosphere and giving lots of love to
the girls. Those who are old enough, go out to local schools daily,
returning in the early afternoon to do their homework.
The Home also helps about another 30 children, who live with their families in the local area. These children are from very poor families, who cannot afford their children’s school fees. The Home helps to pay the school fees and also offers additional tutoring in the afternoon, as well as providing nutritious meals for the children, before they return to their families in the late afternoon.
After school, and in the evenings, the girls are encouraged to participate in various activities, such as youth groups, scouts and camps, which help them to gain confidence and help personal growth. Some clubs and groups also visit the Home regularly, providing fun and games.
The Home is very much a Christian one, with regular prayers and Bible study. The children all take a share in the chores according to their age and ability – cleaning, washing up, doing laundry and caring for the little ones.
During the Lebanese civil war, which lasted from 1975 to 1990, the Home moved its location several times, due to the outbreak of fighting in various parts of the city. One building was right on the 'green line' dividing Beirut, a most dangerous area. Once everyone had to move out of the Home at midnight and seek a safer place. In 2002, the Home moved to a purpose-built house in a village outside Beirut. The girls were delighted when they were able to move into this new Home, in its more rural setting with plenty of space for play.
Throughout the past 45 years, the Cedar Home has cared for more than 500 orphans. BibleLands' sponsors are helping the boys and girls in this troubled land to have the chance of growing up happily in the Cedar Home. Thank you for sharing in this work.
