Lebanon (MNN) — Jesus said to let the little children come to Him, and that is exactly what Heart for Lebanon does with their summer programs for at-risk Lebanese children. 

Camille Melki explains, “ Heart for Lebanon tries every summer to bring a message of hope to vulnerable young girls and young boys, the young generation, through fun activities, educational activities, sports, and drama.”

Image courtesy of Heart for Lebanon

Over 1.5 million Lebanese children are in need of humanitarian aid, and 300,000 have been displaced by war, per the Child Fund Alliance. Israel has attacked numerous targets in Lebanon, including within the capital Beirut, that belong to militant Islamic group Hezbollah. 

“ The vulnerable children are subject to indoctrination by radical Islamic groups,” Melki says. “So if they are free, roving the streets, not involved in any activities, they might also be subject to harm.” 

Image courtesy of Heart for Lebanon

Heart for Lebanon’s Summer of Hope program is similar to VBS in America. They provide structure, informal education, and the hope of Jesus to thousands of children.

One example is a pottery painting workshop, where kids paint Bible verses and use art to express the feelings they have built up from uncertainty and war. Heart for Lebanon is also developing a new program called Life that will expand their summer ministry year-round. 

“Leading people, in this case vulnerable children, from despair to hope is not just a motto at Heart for Lebanon, it is our lifestyle,” Melki says. 

Amid poverty, war, and uncertainty, kids can feel forgotten or never have the space to just be children. Pray that the summer programs would serve them well and fill them with the Gospel. Also pray for the resilience of the team serving the at-risk Lebanese children. 

Header image of Summer of Hope outreach courtesy of Heart for Lebanon