LILY’S STORY
The Christian communities of Syria have been shrinking dramatically since 2011. As economic paralysis and sectarian violence continue to blight the country, more Christians are looking to leave. Those who choose to stay are often motivated by their faith – like Lily, Programme Manager at Embrace partner the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) in Syria, an ecumenical alliance of local churches, providing a range of humanitarian support for their neighbours.
Lily has worked in the development sector providing humanitarian aid for many years. She considers her work to be the greatest expression of her Christian faith and though the needs and challenging conditions change, her commitment to helping others impartially and with respect remains steadfast.
I believe there is a huge need for people in this field who really feel for others. You must be able to put yourself in their shoes; to be a good listener; to care.
We asked Lily what the greatest challenges are in Syria at present and with a big sigh she highlighted the economic and security situations:
Before the war, we had a large middle class in Syria. Now, the poverty is dire. Thousands of people have lost their jobs. People face food insecurity, difficulty providing shelter, education, meeting their medical needs. People have been living under such stress for so long it affects their wellbeing – there are huge numbers of people with mental health issues and depression… Violence at home is also very common here.
This is why the psychosocial support group sessions that Lily and the team provide for local communities are so vital – they offer a safe space for people to share the struggles they are facing, find like-minded people who understand their situation, and implement strategies to move forward knowing they are not alone.
Though the needs in Syria remain many and great, Lily and the team at MECC persevere with hope because they know that their work is making a tangible difference in their local communities every single day:
I love my job so much because for me it’s the only way that I can do something for the people who are vulnerable here. When people thank us for our help, we tell them that we are just the intermediaries; we are giving them what they deserve. This is why I do my job, because we are giving hope to people.