Elio is an 11-year-old Christian boy who lives with his family in Zahle, Bekaa. He’s smart, respectful, kind and full of energy.
Elio also has a younger brother. The team often notices how much he loves him, takes care of him, and always looks out for him. His favorite hobby is playing football.
Elio also has a younger brother. The team often notices how much he loves him, takes care of him, and always looks out for him. His favorite hobby is playing football.
“I really enjoy coming to the ‘Children at Risk’ program every week,” Elio said. I meet my friends, we listen to stories from the Bible, we play football, practice together and have fun. I’ve improved my skills, understood the game better, and learned how to control the ball more.” Elio said
Through these weekly gatherings, Elio made new friends and became more confident. He also built a strong relationship with Jesus and gained important values.
Once, the team explained to the children how important and powerful prayer is. Lately, they have been impressed by how much this lesson has impacted Elio. He shared, “I encouraged my friend to pray because I believe that God gives us rest, joy, and peace. My friend was really sad and upset. He was even crying. I went to him and said, ‘I want to pray with you so you can feel better.’ He was surprised because no one had done that for him before, but then he felt calm and happy. He thanked me, and our friendship became even stronger.”
Elio has a Bible and reads it almost every day. He now knows most of the stories and many verses. One of his favorite verses is from Ephesians 2:8 ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.’
Once, the team explained to the children how important and powerful prayer is. Lately, they have been impressed by how much this lesson has impacted Elio. He shared, “I encouraged my friend to pray because I believe that God gives us rest, joy, and peace. My friend was really sad and upset. He was even crying. I went to him and said, ‘I want to pray with you so you can feel better.’ He was surprised because no one had done that for him before, but then he felt calm and happy. He thanked me, and our friendship became even stronger.”
Elio has a Bible and reads it almost every day. He now knows most of the stories and many verses. One of his favorite verses is from Ephesians 2:8 ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.’
“I feel calm, peaceful, and happy when I’m at the club. I can really feel God’s presence there. The team helped me get to know Jesus better. Jesus is loving, kind, patient, forgiving, and humble. He is my only Savior, Redeemer, and friend. I always talk to him and ask for wisdom, guidance, forgiveness, and encouragement.” Elio expressed happily
This verse reminds him that salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith, not something we can earn by doing good deeds.
God’s Word has helped Elio change how he thinks, acts, and lives.
God’s Word has helped Elio change how he thinks, acts, and lives.
“Sometimes I used to be naughty, but when I learned God’s commandment to honor my parents, I changed and I started to listen, obey and respect them.”
He learned valuable lessons from biblical figures. From the story of Abraham and Sarah, he understood the importance of telling the truth and that lying is a sin. From the story of David and Mephibosheth, he learned that God gives us everything at the right time, just as He gave David the kingdom. And from the story of Jonah, he realized that we must listen to God, obey Him and share His Word to others.
