Background

The ministry of Al Tahaddi was opened in 2000, in one of the poorest areas of Beirut that houses thousands of undocumented refugees, who do not receive any assistance from the government. The two-room concrete clinic is in the midst of an area dominated by poverty and helplessness. The clinic is the only hope for many needy people who cannot get any medical attention elsewhere.

The clinic is appropriately named “Al Tahaddi”, which means “the challenge” in Arabic. Providing even basic healthcare services to the needy people in this slum is a challenge. The ministry faces many difficulties due to its location in this extremely destitute area.

Staff and Activities

One full-time missionary doctor, as well as two part-time doctors and one assistant work at the dispensary. The clinic opens its doors at 8:00 am weekdays, and offers free access to primary healthcare for needy patients. Besides offering free family medical consultations, medications, and lab work, Al Tahaddi is also committed to offering practical and financial assistance for patients requiring hospitalization. Because of the abhorrent living conditions of the area, the clinic is committed to providing hygiene and pregnancy prevention classes to young mothers.

Al Tahaddi is also sponsoring a school, located within walking distance, which offers classes and basic vocational training. These include literacy, carpentry and sewing classes, and are designed for children 10 to 13 years of age who have no access to regular schooling. Literacy classes are also offered for adults, some of whom lack any formal education. Al Tahaddi also holds summer camps and hosts Bible clubs so that children of all ages can learn about Jesus Christ.

Besides healthcare and education, the ministry is dedicated to promoting moral and spiritual values in a climate of tolerance, and has therefore initiated a prison ministry. In addition to visiting imprisoned women every week for support and encouragement, Al Tahaddi provides them with basic necessities such as clothing and medications. Bible studies and prayer times are scheduled into these visits, and many inmates come to know Jesus for the first time as a result. As part of a new project funded by Al Tahaddi, the women have begun knitting sweaters for the impoverished inhabitants of the town.

Future Plans and Current Needs

The Al Tahaddi clinic is located in a very destitute area where construction is illegal. Nevertheless, the clinic hopes to be granted permission to build a larger dispensary in the same area, and is actively pursuing this.

As more and more undocumented refugees continue to pour into the clinic every day, Al Tahaddi would like to provide more equipment, medications and support for these needy patients. From basic essentials like food and water, to proper medical attention, Al Tahaddi is in constant need of funding and contributions to carry on its mission of sharing the Light of the World with people who might otherwise never hear of Him.