Journey of Hope

In this episode, we immerse ourselves in the transformative tale of Joseph Sayah, a man who found the true essence of his faith through the Bible study sessions offered by Heart for Lebanon. Join host Elio Constantine as we navigate Joseph's journey from a 'traditional' Christian background in the Bekaa Valley to a profound spiritual awakening that reshaped his life and beliefs. Joseph's story is one of resilience and revelation. He grew up amidst the turmoil of civil war, harboring dreams of monastic life that were displaced by military service. His traditional Christian upbringing left him with unanswered questions about his faith, which were only magnified by the disciplined spirituality he observed in others.The turning point came with his daughter's marriage to a devout young man of Syrian descent, challenging Joseph's preconceptions and leading him to Heart for Lebanon's spiritual community. There, Joseph's eyes were opened to the teachings of Jesus, the structure of the Bible, and the commandments that he had never fully understood before. Discover how Heart for Lebanon's approach to ministry, rooted in unconditional love and trust, fosters spiritual formation and discipleship. Embrace the opportunity to be a beacon of hope and join us in prayer by visiting heartforlebanon.org. Share your thoughts and questions with us at podcast@heartforlebanon.org, and stay tuned for the next episode.

Here we delve into the essence of spiritual formation and the role of Bible studies in fostering a journey towards Christ-like transformation amidst the complexities of Lebanon's cultural mosaic. Host Elio Constantine is joined by Milad Nassar, Heart for Lebanon's South Ministry Center Field Manager and Hope Evangelical Church Ghazieh's Lead Pastor, to discuss the organization's unconditional approach to ministry. They explore how this approach transcends sectarian divides, offering love and dignity to all, irrespective of background or belief.You'll hear the inspiring testimonies of Idris, a Kurdish refugee who discovers the Bible as a source of love and peace, and Eliane, whose journey with Heart for Lebanon leads her to a life of discipleship, even beyond the borders of Lebanon.The episode culminates with the remarkable story of Milad and Claude—once on opposing sides of conflict, now united in Christ, demonstrating that true reconciliation and unity are possible through the transformative power of God's love.Join us as we explore the path from unconditional ministry to discipleship, and how Heart for Lebanon is breaking down barriers to build a family in faith. For those moved by the stories of hope and change, visit heartforlebanon.org to learn how you can contribute through prayer and engagement.Send your questions or comments to podcast@heartforlebanon.org.

In this episode of Journey of Hope, we step into the classrooms of Heart for Lebanon's H.O.P.E. (Helping Overcome Poverty through Education) Program, where transformative stories unfold every day.Our host, Elio Constantine, takes us on a journey to discover the profound impact this initiative has on the lives of over 1,000 at-risk children in Lebanon.Bashir, the field manager and a lead pastor, shares the program's history and its exponential growth from 27 to 400 students in the Bekaa Valley alone. He emphasizes the importance of sharing Christian values and the love of Jesus, which resonate not only with the children but also ripple out to touch entire families.Witness the narrative of change through the eyes of Maram, a 13-year-old girl who learned the value of kindness and equality through the program's Bible sessions. Maram's aspirations to become a psychologist and help those with mental health challenges highlight the program's success in instilling hope and ambition in the hearts of these young learners. Learn how Heart for Lebanon is battling the crisis of education and childhood neglect by providing a sanctuary of learning and love. Hear from Aida, a dedicated teacher, and Bushra, a former student, who both testify to the nurturing environment and personalized care that set the H.O.P.E. Program apart from any other educational experience.As Elio Constantine wraps up the episode, he extends a heartfelt invitation to listeners to engage with Heart for Lebanon's mission. By visiting heartforlebanon.org/prayer, you can join the prayer community, support the program, and help sow seeds of hope in the fertile ground of young hearts and minds.For questions, email podcast@heartforlebanon.org

In this episode, we turn our attention to a beacon of light amidst the challenges faced by Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. With over 470,000 registered young refugees, and many more unaccounted for, Lebanon stands as the largest per capita host of Syrian refugees worldwide.This influx puts a strain on the country’s infrastructure and educational system, leaving countless children without access to schooling and facing a precarious future.Our host, Elio Constantine, guides us through a narrative of transformation, focusing on Heart for Lebanon's H.O.P.E. (Helping Overcome Poverty through Education) Program. This initiative is not just about academics; it's about nurturing life skills, instilling Christian values, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.We hear from Joanna, the program's curriculum overseer, and Nada, a dedicated teacher, who shares the profound impact of the program on both the children and the educators themselves.Through their stories, we learn about the holistic approach Heart for Lebanon takes, addressing the children's needs with love and care beyond the classroom. We witness how the Hope Educational Program equips these young minds not only with knowledge but also with the resilience and faith to navigate life's storms.There is also a moving personal account of Ayman, a 15-year-old Syrian refugee whose life was radically changed by the Hope Center.For those inspired to make a difference, visit heartforlebanon.org/prayer to discover how you can become a prayer partner and support the H.O.P.E. Program. Join us in praying for the teachers, the children and their families, and help foster a future where every child has the opportunity to become a leader of faith in their community. Tune in for an episode that will challenge your heart and inspire you to be part of the Journey of Hope.

In this moving conversation, we rejoin Yasser as he delves into the indispensable connection between prayer and fasting. With a Muslim background and a transformative encounter with Christ in the early '90s, Yasser's insights bridge cultural divides and bring a profound understanding of spiritual disciplines.Part 2 of our series with Yasser, a key contributor to Heart for Lebanon's missional leadership program, focuses on the life-changing impact of prayer. From personal transformation to the power of intercession, Yasser's stories underscore the vitality of an authentic relationship with God through disciplined practice and heartfelt prayer.In this episode, we also hear the poignant testimony of Micheline, whose journey from ritual to relationship illustrates the transformative power of truly knowing Christ. Her story is a testament to the beauty of discovering one's faith not as a series of obligations but as a living, breathing walk with God.As our host, Elio Constantine, reminds us, the turmoil in Lebanon is a backdrop to the powerful testimonies shared. He extends a heartfelt invitation to listeners to pray for the Heart for Lebanon team and the nation itself, as they strive for peace, reconciliation, and biblical justice.This episode isn't just a podcast; it's a call to action—a reminder that the practice of our faith is not just theoretical but a daily commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus. Join us for an episode that challenges, inspires, and calls us to deeper devotion, and if you missed Part 1, be sure to catch up for the full story of hope, transformation, and discipline in faith.For those moved to support or learn more about the work of Heart for Lebanon, visit heartforlebanon.org and consider joining the prayer community. Together, let's embrace the journey of hope.---📋 Episode Chapters(00:00) This podcast is part two of a series we did with Yasser(02:24) All of what you said sounds to me as if it's something that we should live(09:08) Micheline shares her story of finding God for herself(16:19) "Prayer for me is important because of a personal testimony."(21:40) The five disciplines that can help any Believer(22:23) We encourage you to pray for Lebanon after listening to these two episodes

In this thought-provoking episode of Journey of Hope, we delve into the transformative power of faith beyond religious rituals with our guest Yasser who talks about how fasting, when stripped of its true spiritual essence, can become a mere tradition devoid of its intended purpose.As we approach the month of Ramadan, this dialogue takes a timely look at fasting from both Christian and Muslim perspectives, exploring its origins, significance, and the cultural nuances that have shaped its practice. Yasser's journey from observing Ramadan to discovering the biblical context of fasting illuminates the stark differences between performing religious duties for merit and embracing a discipline that deepens one's relationship with God.This episode is not just about abstaining from food; it's an invitation to reflect on the communal aspects of faith, the importance of discipline, and the pitfalls of reducing profound spiritual experiences to mere formalities. Join us as we uncover how fasting can lead to a disciplined life that truly reflects the character of Christ.Listen to Part 1 of this enriching conversation and be sure to catch the upcoming episode, Part 2, where we'll dive deeper into the indispensable role of prayer in fasting and the dangers of disconnecting the two. Subscribe to our podcast to ensure you don't miss the continuation of this inspiring story of hope and transformation on Journey of Hope.

In the week where the world looks at love through a cultural view, we are asking "what is love?" from a Biblical view? Without the love of Christ in our hearts, the ministry of Heart for Lebanon would not exist today. From the beginning love has been the starting point of serving all those we encounter with the goal to show them the love God has for them, and lead them to know Him personally. Hear our guest, Hoda Melki, share about how the ministry began and why we do what we do with the compassionate heart of Jesus Christ at the center.

Our Family Care initiative is designed to show the love of Christ through meeting survival needs with tangible goods while opening the door to deeper relationships with the families we serve. Both refugee and local Lebanese families benefit from humanitarian aid and relational visits that lead to spiritual conversations. Our Team is able to meet with and evaluate families in need, and supply essential food and hygiene items. It takes a lot of work and time but the relational value added to the people we serve far outweighs the cost. To see an example of a family served, and where they are on their faith journey now, visit heartforlebanon.org/family-care-brings-rasha-hope/

On February 6, 2023 a devastating earthquake hit Turkey and northern Syria. Registering 7.8 in magnitude, and affected an estimated 15 million people. Though no damage occured, the earthquake itself was felt all the way into Lebanon. Many of the families we were already serving had family members directly affected. By the grace of God and the compassionate heart of our investors, Heart for Lebanon's warehouse in the Bekaa Valley was fully stocked with blankets, coats, and other survival essentials. Within days we were able to mobilize these items so that they could reach families most in need. Some families moved to Lebanon after their homes were completely destroyed and we have been serving them with Jesus Christ's love. Almost one year after the earthquake we take a look back at those horrifying first days, pray for those who are still struggling because of the loss of family members or homes, and praise God that over and over He has allowed us to be prepared to meet needs of people in desperate need with God's message of hope.

Got any goals for 2024? We do! Our target for this year is to reach 4,500 families in Lebanon with the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ in our unique, relational way. We are also looking to add more value to our investors in the rest of the world through prayer support and helping provide planned/estate giving to your family and church. Because it's not just about how you add value to the ministry but how we can help you reach your God-sized, Kingdom-minded goals in life.If your New Year's resolution is to get more involved in what God is doing around the world, you can start here by...joining our prayer team at heartforlebanon.org/prayersigning up for email updates about the ministry at heartforlebanon.org/emailsignupinvest in the ministry at heartforlebanon.org/donatesubscribing to this podcast!

This special edition episode features both Heart for Lebanon Co-Founders, Camille Melki and Tom Atema, along with Steve Kaloper from our Advancement team. Hear about what is happening in the Middle East between Israel and Gaza and how that is impact ministry in Southern Lebanon, how the Heart for Lebanon team stays motivated during difficult times, and some stories of how God is already working in people's lives from the most recent conflict. We hope you will join us in praying for peace, both inwardly and outwardly, for all those affected by war and conflicts. Where there is a challenge, there is an opportunity to show Christ's compassionate heart to those in need and, with your prayers and support, we are positioned to do just that.

Hear from Joanna, our Children-at-Risk educational coordinator. She shares about the students we teach, the purpose of the H.O.P.E. (Helping Overcome Poverty through Education) Program, and how her life has been changed through this program. Because we see so much life change for children in our H.O.P.E. Program, how they really discover who Jesus is and that God loves them, we are asking that you join us to "change the world for a child." Either visit heartforlebanon.org/prayer and sign up to be a prayer partner. You will receive an email each month with specific prayer requests and some stories of life change that have happened because you prayed. Or you can go to heartforlebanon.org/ye and make a financial investment into the lives of the children we serve, helping them and their families survive physically and thrive spiritually.

Akram was just 6-years-old when he came to Lebanon and started hearing about Jesus. At 16-years-old he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. Now he is 19-years-old and is serving with Heart for Lebanon in our Hope on Wheels children's ministry. Akram has a heart to help children know Christ at an early age so that they can learn how to overcome challenges based on Truth. Because his parents were open to learning about Jesus and let him go to Sunday School classes, he has God's word planted deep in his heart. This is what we want for all of the children we serve. Listen to a little bit of Akram's story and if you want to be involved in changing the world for a child with the Gospel, visit heartforlebanon.org/ye

Our Gratitude episode this year addresses the reality of the moment that the people in Lebanon are in, while also acknowledging all that God has done in us and through us. In this episode Camille Melki, our CEO, reminds us that Lebanon hosts the highest population of refugees per capita in the world, and is ranked with the second worst economy in the world. It would be easy to ask, "is there anything to be grateful for?" But God has, and is, providing His peace in unexpected ways. He has opened doors that no one could have imagined to share His Good News in the country of Lebanon! God has a greater plan and we at Heart for Lebanon are grateful that you are choosing to be a part of that plan with us.

"This region has always been a boiling pot. What really made this region significant is the amount of bad leadership. Actually, the world today is facing the most sensitive moments in history. We have a leadership crisis." Hear a quick update of the situation in the Middle East and how we are responding, as well as the final conversation about Missional Leadership this season with Joseph, our Missional Leadership Program Manager. Joseph shares about God working through his life, through previous conflicts in the country of Lebanon, the call on his life to be a living testimony of God's forgiveness, and how important it is to equip people in Lebanon to serve in their local communities from a Bible-centered worldview.Heart for Lebanon's Missional Leadership Program is just one more way that we fulfill our mission by equipping men and women who want to serve the Lord, wherever they go, by making disciples.

The current conflict in the Middle East has made our ministry even more needed. With all that you hear and see going on in Southern Lebanon, combined with the need of solid Christian leaders, Heart for Lebanon is filling the gap by training men and women to be ready to be deployed by God where He needs them. This is our moment. We are caring for the physical, emotional, and/or spiritual needs of 500 people from Southern Lebanon. All in all, Heart for Lebanon continues to counter hate with love, radical thinking with a message of peace, and despair with hope in Christ alone. This can best be done by raising a new generation of disciples after God’s own heart; servant leaders living the Gospel message and being the hand and feet of Jesus.This is exactly what we are doing through our Missional Leadership Program. This episode's guest is Dr. Yassir who has come for a number of years as a consultant for Heart for Lebanon and a visiting teacher in Heart for Lebanon’s Missional Leadership Development program. Dr. Yassir has a unique view on the importance and impact of teaching people from the Middle East, from non-Christian backgrounds, the truth of the Bible and why it is the truth we should live by today.

This is a special report with Co-Founders Camille Melki and Tom Atema, as well as guest Steve Kaloper, addressing current events in the Middle East, what the expected impact will be for Lebanon and the ministry of Heart for Lebanon, and how you can get involved to help!

We are on Mission because God has a mission, a purpose. Missional Leadership is just one part of that.Our goal is to disciple men and women who are prepared to disciple others. We work diligently on preparing leaders who are after God's own heart; servant missional leaders. For disciples to be reproducible, leadership development is essential. Heart for Lebanon is committed to raise up a new generation of leaders who are equipped and capable to lead in good times and in times of crisis. As far as the future of Lebanon is concerned, when properly trained, these Missional Leaders will fill the leadership void in Lebanon and the Middle East through a worldview of faith in Jesus.

Hear from Ahmad, a man from Syria who was desperate to find help for his son suffering from a serious medical condition. As a refugee, Ahmad tried every available option to get the finances to pay for the surgery needed to help his son. When he came to Heart for Lebanon seeking financial help, he did not find what he was looking for - he found something much greater. Through prayer Ahmad's journey of hope began. Seeing the prayers of the Heart for Lebanon team being answered for his son, Ahmad began praying and believing as well. Today Ahmad is a devout follower of Christ, introducing Him to all who will listen. Ahmad leads a Bible study and is eager to help anyone, any way he can because of the help he has received. Heart for Lebanon exists to make disciples. Ahmad is now a disciple who is making other disciples thanks to your prayers and support. To find out more about Heart for Lebanon and what you can do to help others like Ahmad, visit heartforlebanon.org

On this episode hear our host, Elio Constantine, speak with Heart for Lebanon's CEO and Co-Founder, Camille Melki, about how the ministry started and the philosophy behind it.Throughout years of challenges, the Heart for Lebanon has found incredible opportunities to serve communities unconditionally and holistically, which makes it a unique ministry in the Middle East region.This is the beginning to the Journey of Hope. We pray you will experience hope by listening to stories from the field, expert opinions of why this ministry is different, why now is the time to get involved, and why making disciples matters.