Lebanon (MNN) — John 13:35 says, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” God’s love in the Church attracts people to Him and His Church, especially in the hard places to live.

The daily needs for survival in a war zone make Lebanon a challenging place for anyone to live, especially for a young girl named Rita. Rita had many fears and worries about her country’s situation, but did not feel she could share them. Then, she heard about the ministry of Heart for Lebanon through friends and neighbors in the area.

Heart for Lebanon is a ministry driven by the compassionate heart of Jesus. They provide humanitarian aid and education to the people of Lebanon and refugees, as well as build relationships through discipleship, Bible studies, sports, and other programs.

(Photo courtesy of Heart for Lebanon)

Camille Melki with Heart for Lebanon says, “[Rita was] just in need of fellowship, in need to know that she’s loved and cared for, [in need of] a place where she feels safe to share fears and worries.”

One Saturday afternoon, when Melki and other leaders were preparing for a baptism, Rita asked to be baptized. Usually, those who wanted to be baptized would have gone through the church’s discipleship programs.

“But this young girl felt so led to be baptized that we had to delay a baptism service. My team leader and I met with her to know how serious she is,” says Melki.

“We could see the flicker in her eyes, the excitement in her life, and her desire to really be faithful and obedient to what she feels God is leading her to.”

Seven months after her baptism, Rita became a teacher at Heart for Lebanon’s H.O.P.E programs during the winter months and a staff volunteer for the Summer of Hope campaign.

“She’s a growing, maturing young Christian leader serving others through this same message of hope that she had experienced,” Melki says.

Pray for Rita as she grows in her faith and shares the gospel to those around her. Pray for Heart for Lebanon as they share the love of Christ with the people who are suffering in Lebanon today. Support them by joining their monthly Prayer Points email.

Header photo of Summer of Hope outreach courtesy of Heart for Lebanon via Facebook.