Lebanon (MNN) — Despite a ceasefire, the buzz of Israeli drones still echoes over southern Lebanon. Yet ministries answer the call to bring comfort and unfailing hope.
Nearly a year has passed since the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, yet residents in the south continue to hear drones overhead. The situation draws attention as the world watches the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Camille Melki from Heart for Lebanon says, “What has stopped are the major military campaigns, but Israel keeps watching and observing the traffic, the behavior, the movement of Hezbollah.”
When Israel detects activity, it strikes, destroying Hezbollah posts. Civilians are often caught in the crossfire. Some villages remain in ruins while the rest of the country rebuilds.
“Every day, the drones — Israeli drones — fly over Lebanon,” Melki says. “On a daily basis, there have been strikes against Hezbollah military posts or against Israel.”
Bint Jbeil Road, Lebanon (Photo courtesy of Ahmad Bader via Unsplash)
Yet in areas untouched by conflict, peace is slowly returning. Most Lebanese are back to their daily lives. Schools are open, and businesses are running. Except in the villages along the Israeli-Lebanese border, life is back to normal.
“People are hoping and really looking forward to the day when Hezbollah will be completely disarmed,” he adds.
Heart for Lebanon is building its new center just south of Sidon — a biblical, coastal city largely spared from recent fighting. It’s an area that was predominantly used to welcome and host internally displaced families and people in great need.
The new center reflects a long-term commitment. Melki explains, “This is our opportunity to demonstrate the Gospel at its best in front of the people who need the most.”
Food aid distribution
(Photo courtesy of Heart for Lebanon)
As construction begins on the Hope Ministry Center, the message to the people of southern Lebanon is clear — Heart for Lebanon isn’t going anywhere. They’re planting roots, choosing to walk alongside communities for the long haul, bringing consistent love, care, and the hope of Christ.
“We are here as a community of faith that wants to both proclaim the Gospel and demonstrate the Gospel to people — addressing fundamental issues of faith and reaching those from very authentic backgrounds,” Melki says.
Pray for Lebanese communities affected by ongoing tensions. Visit Heart for Lebanon to see how Christ’s love continues to transform lives and bring hope to the region.
Header photo: Lebanese crowd (Photo courtesy of Mohamad Mekawi via Pexels).
