A fresh start: Pamela's story

A nine-year-old girl leaves fear and anxiety behind with the help of teachers at a new school.

BY DAWLAT HIJAZEEN

Dawlat Hijazeen is the school principal at Marka Education Center in Amman, Jordan. “I used to cry when sharing kids’ stories, but now I smile,” she said. “I feel so good about what God is doing through the school.”

Pamela is nine years old, the second of three daughters in a family of five. Her family experienced difficult circumstances that forced them to leave their home and move from Iraq to Jordan in search of safety and stability.

At a sensitive young age, Pamela was exposed to experiences that left her carrying feelings of fear, anxiety, and insecurity at a level far beyond what any child should have to bear. This affected her emotional well-being and overall sense of safety in the world.

After Pamela’s family arrived in Jordan, they became connected with Marka Church and Education Center. When Pamela first came to the school, she carried a lot of her past anxiety with her.

Teachers are heroes

Through the patience and encouragement of her teachers, like Ms. Randa, we have seen a beautiful change in Pamela. She has become more confident and engaged. Her academic development has improved noticeably, and she has begun to discover her abilities and now has a greater love for learning. Over time, school became a safe place where she feels loved and secure.

Today, Pamela and her family are active parts of the church and school community. She regularly attends Sunday School, receives spiritual encouragement, and participates in church activities. The home visits and ongoing care provided by both the church and school have made a difference in Pamela’s life and in the lives of her family members. Knowing that people care about them and walk alongside them has helped the whole family feel they are not alone.

Holistic approaches to healing

Supporting a refugee child is not only about providing education. A wide range of support is needed for children and their families in the form of safe spaces, selfless Christian love, and spiritual care. These all equate to hope for the future. Pamela’s story is a reminder of the difference compassion can make. A child who once carried fear and uncertainty can begin to grow in confidence, learn, and dream again.

Thank you to everyone who supports this ministry. Your generosity helps create a safe place where children like Pamela can discover they are loved, and that their lives have value and a God-given purpose.

Planting seeds

We pray the Lord will continue to protect Pamela and her family, strengthen their faith, and guide Pamela as she grows. May the seeds that are planted in her life become a source of blessing wherever God leads her! •

Year-end 2026’s Begin Again campaign will help deliver safe schools to refugee children in Jordan. Our goal is to raise $105,000 for refugee schools, including Marka. Together, we can show children God cares for them.