The Dove
- Springs of Hope
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
“The Dove on Silver Pinions Winged her Peaceful Way” - James Montgomery
Several times a week we send teams, usually led by Bashiq, our English teacher into the camp, just to visit, check up on people and “to be”. The importance of presence and a listening ear can not be underestimated. To show someone that he is not just a section and tent number, but a person who we see.
I share with you a simple story of one such man this week. A sad story, one that Bashiq heard as he walked amongst the tent dwellers.
“We met a man called Hassan Alyas, originally from Siba Shekhidre in Shingal. Hassan is 44 years old, the father of seven. He is a municipal worker earning $7 a day with which he can barely feed his children. He can not take on additional work outside the camp as his children need his support and care. Like many, he has no home in Shingal, and the possibility of employment does not exist.
Behind his tired eyes lies a story of pain, loss, and quiet endurance.
His entire family suffers from allergic laryngitis, a condition that makes every day a struggle. Yet what breaks Hassan’s heart is not the illness itself but the tragedies that it has brought to his doorstep. Two years ago his youngest daughter, Ela died at the age of 4 months from the disease. Then only three months ago his oldest son, Ayham, just nine years old lost his life in a tragic accident.
Ayham was a gentle, lively boy who loved raising doves. His birds were his joy, his small world of peace in a crowded, decaying refugee camp. One day as he was tending to his doves, one flew away. He spent hours searching for it, hoping and praying that he would find it and bring it home. After three long hours, riding his broken bike to aid him in the search, Ayham was struck by a car and killed instantly.
The dove never returned. Neither did Ayham. With tears in her eyes, his mother said, “their souls left together.”
When Springs of Hope Foundation built the kitchen for Hassan and his family, he came to the Hope Centre to speak with us and thank us.
Today as we sat to talk Hassan’s voice trembled. I ( Bashiq ) never forget our conversation. Tears filled his eyes, not only for what he had lost but for what he still hopes to hold onto, namely his dignity.
His prayer is for the strength to go on.
“After seven days more Noah sent the dove out again, but she did not come back to him.” Gen 8:12. We pray that the Dove will come.
Can you help?
With your help, we can show someone that they are not just a tent number in a section of a decaying refugee camp - but a person who we really see.
