In the heart of the Middle East, a courageous couple is bringing hope and transformation to their communities through Christlike servant leadership. Haggai Leaders Rita* and her husband have devoted their lives to serving where needs are great and resources are limited. In a region often marked by cultural and religious diversity, they are building bridges between families of different faiths and nominal Christians, demonstrating in tangible ways what it means to love as Jesus loved. Through their faithful ministry, they are planting seeds of peace, compassion, and unity that are transforming lives across their community.

Each week, they reach children, women, and families in meaningful ways. Their elementary school, sewing and crochet classes, computer training programs, Kids Club gatherings, and women’s fellowship meetings are not only places of learning but spaces where God’s love comes alive. Every Saturday, children from Christian and other faith backgrounds gather for Kids Club. They sing, play, and hear Bible stories, laughing together and discovering that God loves them all. In these moments of joy, hearts begin to open, barriers begin to fall, and seeds of faith are planted.

At their computer center, dozens of young people gain valuable skills while encountering the message of Jesus for the first time. Last Christmas, Rita shared with forty-seven students from diverse faith backgrounds the true reason Christ came into the world. She shared that Jesus gave his life once and for all as a sacrifice for everyone, so that all could experience God’s forgiveness and love. For many, it was the first time they heard the Gospel in a personal, life-changing way.

Even the staff have experienced the transforming power of God’s love through the ministry of these Haggai Leaders. A teacher of another faith was moved by the morning worship songs. One day she began humming a Christian hymn that spoke of God’s love. When asked about it, she said the song touched her deeply. Soon after, she asked to read the Bible and now spends time quietly studying it during her breaks.

At the sewing center, change has also taken root. At the start of the program, women from other faiths were hesitant to sit, eat, or spend time together with the Christian women. By serving humbly and leading by example, Rita and her husband showed that following Christ means serving others first. Gradually, fear turned into friendship, and women who once avoided each other now work, eat, and laugh together.

Through their example of faithful service, Rita and her husband reveal how the love of Christ can break down walls, heal divisions, and bring hope where it is needed most.

*Name changed for security purposes.