Journey of Hope

Heart for Lebanon
  • 5.0 (11)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Journey of Hope is a podcast giving you insights into the ministry of Heart for Lebanon. Through conversations with field and regional experts, you will gain a new perspective on what is taking place and what’s possible as we “Make Disciples”. The stories you hear will move beyond theoretical and make the ministry practical as we show you the impact God is making in Lebanon and the Middle East.

  1. 4D AGO

    What is Political Islam? Lessons from the Persecuted Church with Bishop Dr. Yasser Eric

    In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine continues the mini-series with Bishop Dr. Yasser Eric in a powerful and thought-provoking conversation on “Understanding Political Islam and the Fear Narrative.” Together, they unpack one of the most complex and often misunderstood topics shaping global conversations today. Drawing from his personal journey—from being raised as a radical Sunni Muslim in Sudan to becoming a follower of Christ and now a bishop serving a global movement—Dr. Eric offers deep insight into the distinction between Islam as a faith and political Islam as an ideology. He addresses the roots of fear often associated with Islam and challenges listeners to move beyond generalizations toward informed, Christ-centered understanding. Throughout the episode, the conversation explores how fear can distort perception, hinder action, and prevent meaningful engagement. Dr. Eric explains how political Islam merges religion and state, the implications of Sharia law, and how extremist ideologies impact both Muslims and non-Muslims—highlighting that many of the primary victims are Muslims themselves. The discussion also sheds light on the reality of the persecuted Church in regions governed by strict religious laws, where believers often worship in secrecy and face immense cost for their faith. Yet, in the midst of suffering, there is resilience, growth, and a powerful testimony of unwavering faith. This episode is both eye-opening and deeply convicting, calling believers—especially in the West—to move from fear to faith, from comfort to conviction, and from passivity to prayerful action. It reminds us that following Christ has always come with a cost, and that there is much to learn from those who faithfully endure persecution.  Show Notes:Understanding Political Islam Distinguishing between Islam as a religion and political Islam as an ideologyPolitical Islam merges religion with governance and lawLack of separation between state and faith creates societal and religious challengesThe Fear Narrative Fear often comes from misunderstanding and lack of definitionMedia and global events have shaped a generalized fear of IslamChristians are called to respond with truth, not fearImpact on Society and Muslims Political Islam affects both non-Muslims and MuslimsMany victims of extremist ideologies are Muslims themselvesExamples include regions impacted by groups like ISIS, Boko Haram, and Al-ShabaabThe Persecuted Church Believers in many regions face legal, social, and physical persecutionUnderground and house churches are often the only way to gatherConversion from Islam to Christianity can carry severe consequencesA Call to the Western Church Faith in Christ is not meant to be comfortable or cost-freeThere is much to learn from persecuted believersStanding firm in truth requires courage, conviction, and faithfulnessHow We Can Respond Pray for the persecuted Church to endure and growLearn from global believers who live out costly faithSpeak truth with love and stand firm in biblical convictionsEngage actively rather than passively in matters of faith and justice 📧 Email us: podcast@heartforlebanon.org 🙏 Submit prayer requests: prayer@heartforlebanon.org🔗 Join our prayer list: https://heartforlebanon.org/prayer 📬 Join our email list: https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup  Follow Heart For Lebanon 🌍 Website: https://heartforlebanon.org 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartforlebanon 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartforLebanon 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/HeartForLebanon

    18 min

  2. FEB 14

    Your Muslim Neighbor: Faith, Understanding and Sharing Christ with Bishop Dr. Yasser Eric

    In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine continues the mini-series with a meaningful conversation titled “Your Muslim Neighbor.” Joined by Bishop Dr. Yasser Eric, the discussion explores how Christians are called to understand, love, and engage with Muslims in a Christ-centered way. Dr. Yasser Eric draws from his own journey—from growing up as a radical Sunni Muslim in Sudan to becoming a follower of Christ—to challenge common misconceptions. He emphasizes the critical distinction between Islam as a religion and Muslims as people, reminding listeners that every individual is created in the image of God and worthy of dignity, respect, and love. Throughout the episode, he offers practical and biblical wisdom on building genuine relationships rather than approaching Muslims as projects or debates to win. He highlights the importance of knowing our own faith first, engaging with humility, and creating space for real conversations rooted in shared human experiences. Using examples from Scripture, including Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman and Paul in Athens, Dr. Eric illustrates how meeting people where they are opens the door for meaningful dialogue and Gospel witness. This episode is a powerful reminder that transformation begins with love, that God is already at work in people’s lives, and that our role is to faithfully join Him through relationship, prayer, and compassion. Show Notes:Understanding the Difference Islam is a religion; Muslims are people made in God’s imageConfusing the two leads to fear, misunderstanding, and divisionNot all Muslims are the same—diversity exists across cultures and beliefsStart with Your Own Faith Understanding Islam begins with understanding what you believe as a ChristianThe Gospel—not opinion—grounds meaningful conversationsBuilding Real Relationships Muslims are not projects; they are people to love and knowTrue engagement requires time, presence, and shared lifeHospitality and listening are key to trustA Biblical Approach to Engagement Jesus modeled meeting people in their everyday needs (John 4)Paul modeled starting where people are (Acts 17)Ask questions before giving answersFrom Fear to Friendship Replace assumptions with real conversationsMove beyond fear of the unknown through relationshipLove must come before proclamationGod Is Already at Work Every person has a story God is writingOur role is to join the “pre-existing work” of Jesus in their livesPrayer opens our hearts to love others genuinely📧 Email us: podcast@heartforlebanon.org 🙏 Submit prayer requests: prayer@heartforlebanon.org 🔗 Join our prayer list: https://heartforlebanon.org/prayer 📬 Join our email list: https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignupFollow Heart For Lebanon 🌍 Website: https://heartforlebanon.org 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartforlebanon 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartforLebanon 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/HeartForLebanon #JourneyOfHope #HeartForLebanon #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Discipleship #Missions #LoveYourNeighbor

    23 min

  3. JAN 31

    Who Is Your Enemy? A Christian Testimony of Jesus’ Love and Forgiveness with Bishop Dr. Yasser Eric

    Episode Summary In this deeply moving episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine launches a new mini-series with a powerful conversation titled “Who Is Your Enemy?” Joined by Dr. Yasser Eric, a bishop within the Global Anglican Church and a former radical Sunni Muslim, the episode explores the biblical meaning of enemies and Christ’s radical call to love them. Dr. Yasser Eric shares his extraordinary testimony of growing up in Sudan within a fanatical Muslim environment marked by generational hatred toward Christians and others deemed “different.” As a teenager, he was immersed in extremist ideology that glorified violence and dehumanized perceived enemies. This indoctrination culminated in a brutal attack on a Christian classmate named Zakaria, whom Dr. Yasser Eric nearly killed—believing at the time he was serving God. Everything changed when Dr. Yasser Eric encountered Jesus through the compassion and prayers of Christians he once hated. While visiting a hospital, he witnessed two believers praying with love and authority over a dying child—an experience that revealed to him a God of mercy, intimacy, and grace. That moment marked the beginning of his transformation, leading him to faith in Christ at the age of 19, estrangement from his family, imprisonment, and eventually a calling to ministry. The episode reaches a profound climax when Dr. Yasser Eric recounts a later encounter with Zakaria—the very man he had attacked—who reveals that he had been praying for him all those years. This moment powerfully illustrates Jesus’ command to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” showing that transformation is only possible through Christ’s love, not human strength.This episode challenges listeners to confront cycles of hatred, reject violence, and embrace the reconciling power of prayer and forgiveness. It sets the tone for the mini-series by reminding us that the true enemy is not flesh and blood—and that loving our enemies is one of the clearest reflections of Jesus in us. Show Notes:  Biblically, enemies are not merely people who annoy or oppose usScripture teaches that our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6)Hatred is often inherited, taught, and normalized across generationsThe Danger of Religious Extremism Religion without Christ can fuel violence and dehumanizationFaith can become dangerous when it is disconnected from love and truthViolence always produces more violence—never peaceThe Power of Prayer and Compassion Two Christians praying for a dying child changed Dr. Yasser Eric’s life foreverCompassion revealed a God who is personal, loving, and nearPrayer became the instrument God used to transform an enemy into a discipleLoving Your Enemy: A Gospel Command Jesus’ command to love enemies is impossible without HimForgiveness and love are not human achievements but divine workZakaria’s prayers broke a generational cycle of hatredA Life Transformed by Christ From persecutor to pastorFrom hatred to reconciliationFrom enemy to brother in ChristDr. Yasser Eric now leads a global movement of Muslim-background believers spanning over 80 countries, bearing witness to the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. 📧 Email us: podcast@heartforlebanon.org 🙏 Submit prayer requests: prayer@heartforlebanon.org 🔗 Join our prayer list: https://heartforlebanon.org/prayer 📬 Join our email list: https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup Follow Heart For Lebanon 🌍 Website: https://heartforlebanon.org 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartforlebanon 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartforLebanon 🐦 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/HeartForLebanon #JourneyOfHope #HeartForLebanon #ChristianPodcast #LoveYourEnemies #Faith #Discipleship #Forgiveness #Missions

    21 min

  4. 12/27/2025

    Christmas Special: Episodes that Moved You the Most in 2025

    In this special Christmas edition of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine invites listeners to pause, reflect, and celebrate the faithfulness of God throughout the year. As we close out 2025 and celebrate the birth of Christ, this episode looks back on the most impactful moments from the Journey of Hope podcast—stories that resonated deeply with listeners and reminded us that true hope is found in Christ alone. Together, we revisit highlights from the most-listened-to episodes of the year, featuring voices and testimonies from the field that reveal God’s work through Heart for Lebanon. These are not just moments from a podcast—they are glimpses of lives transformed, dignity restored, and faith strengthened through the gospel. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear reflections and conversations including: ·       A powerful discussion with May-Lee on Heart for Lebanon’s vulnerable girls and young women initiatuve—restoring dignity, honor, and identity in Christ ·       A conversation with Pastor Jeff on how experiencing Lebanon firsthand reshapes our understanding of missions through mission trips to Lebanon ·       A moving segment with Pastor Bashir, exploring the biblical significance of Mount Hermon. As the episode draws to a close, Elio offers a heartfelt word of gratitude to listeners, prayer partners, and supporters who walk this journey alongside Heart for Lebanon. This year-end reflection is a reminder that the work of ministry is never done alone—and that prayer is not secondary to the mission; it is the mission. As you listen this Christmas season, may you be reminded that you are loved, not alone, and part of a greater Kingdom—one marked by hope, redemption, and the light of Christ. From all of us at Heart for Lebanon and the Hope Evangelical Church, we wish you a Merry Christmas. May your homes be filled with warmth, your hearts with peace, and your lives with the ultimate hope—hope in Christ. Join our email list to stay up-to-date on how God is moving in Lebanon: https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup/ FOLLOW Heart For Lebanon: Website: https://heartforlebanon.org  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartforlebanon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartforLebanon Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeartForLebanon

    20 min

  5. 12/13/2025

    Stories of Hope and Transformation and a Time of Prayer

    In this special year-end episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine invites listeners into a recent Heart for Lebanon Prayer Call—a time of reflection, intercession, and bearing witness to God’s work on the ground in Lebanon. As the year comes to a close and we celebrate the birth of Christ, this episode centers on the power of prayer and the real lives behind the ministry. With Heart for Lebanon’s team, we share firsthand stories of struggle, resilience, healing, and hope—each one representing a life being touched by the gospel. Throughout the episode, you will hear stories from the field, including: Bayan, a young girl discovering her worth in GodSalma and Fadia, a mother and daughter walking through illness, responsibility, and faithHiba, a young woman carrying the weight of her family while finding refuge in ChristTaim, a boy born with a disability whose hope is anchored in education and healingDalal, a woman experiencing freedom, care, and renewed dignity through ChristMustafa, a believer who chose to follow Jesus despite persecution and rejectionAfter each story, members of our team and prayer partners lift these individuals before the Lord, creating space for communal prayer, reflection, and dependence on God. This episode also offers a glimpse into the broader impact of Heart for Lebanon’s ministry—reminding us that behind every statistic is a name, and behind every name is a soul deeply loved by God. As you listen, we invite you to pause, pray, and remember that prayer is not secondary to the work—it is the work. May this episode encourage you to intercede boldly, give thanks faithfully, and continue walking alongside those moving from despair to hope in Christ. A Word from Elio: Thank you to our listeners, prayer partners, and supporters. Your prayers and faithfulness make these stories possible. We invite you to share this episode with your church, friends, or anyone who desires to see how God is moving through prayer and discipleship in Lebanon. Merry Christmas, and thank you for being part of the Journey of Hope. Join our email list to stay up-to-date on how God is moving in Lebanon: https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup/ FOLLOW Heart For Lebanon: Website: https://heartforlebanon.org  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartforlebanon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartforLebanon Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeartForLebanon

    32 min

  6. 11/29/2025

    Thanksgiving Devotionals on Giving and Gratitude

    In this special Thanksgiving-themed episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine reflects on a season filled with gratitude, discipleship, and the undeniable faithfulness of God. Following last week’s conversation with Camille Melki, Heart for Lebanon’s Co-Founder and CEO, this episode brings you a collection of Thanksgiving devotionals shared over the past five weeks by our leadership team serving on the ground in Lebanon. I n this episode, you’ll hear devotionals from: Milad, Joseph, Daoud, Camille, and Bashir. Together, they offer a powerful picture of where Heart for Lebanon stands spiritually as a team and as a ministry. Their reflections explore themes of: A bountiful eye and a generous heart (Proverbs 22:9)The blessing of giving (Act 20:35)Thanksgiving expressed through faithful stewardship (2 Corinthians 9:7)Generosity that results in praise to God (2 Corinthians 9:11)The power of giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Through Scripture, stories from the field, and moments of personal testimony, they remind us that gratitude is more than a holiday sentiment, but it’s a daily posture of faith. Stories of Radical Generosity: You will hear how churches and communities in Lebanon, even those facing loss, displacement, and hardship continue to embody generosity. From Syrian refugees giving back after the Beirut port explosion, to congregations supporting families during earthquakes, conflicts, and crises, each story points back to God’s sustaining grace.  Camille reflects on Heart for Lebanon’s 20-year journey, celebrating the generosity that has enabled the ministry to serve families affected by disasters, war, displacement, and poverty. He highlights how your investments, your prayers, your giving, your presence have resulted in real transformation, including recent baptisms and growing discipleship communities across the country.  A Word from Elio: Thank you our listeners, partners, and friends. Your prayers, encouragement, and support make every story possible. He invites you to share this episode with someone who needs hope and to join Heart for Lebanon’s prayer community.  Join our email list to stay up-to-date on how God is moving in Lebanon: https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup/  FOLLOW Heart For Lebanon: Website: https://heartforlebanon.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartforlebanon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartforLebanon X: https://x.com/HeartForLebanon

    20 min

  7. 11/15/2025

    A Thanksgiving Reflection with Camille Melki

    In this special Thanksgiving-themed episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine sits down with Camille Melki, Heart for Lebanon’s CEO and Co-Founder, for a heartfelt conversation about gratitude, discipleship, and the faithfulness of God in the midst of Lebanon’s ongoing challenges. Together, Elio and Camille reflect on the importance of gratitude—not only as a holiday tradition in the United States, but as a spiritual discipline for believers everywhere. Camille shares how he first encountered Thanksgiving as a young university student in the U.S. and how the practice of pausing, reflecting, and expressing thanks shaped his life and leadership. Their conversation unfolds into a rich exploration of gratitude on multiple levels: gratitude to God, to Heart for Lebanon’s faithful investors, and to the dedicated team in Lebanon serving in some of the most difficult circumstances in the region. Camille emphasizes how vital it is to stop, acknowledge God’s protection and provision, and recognize the blessing of being chosen to serve others through the ministry. Three Areas of Gratitude Camille outlines the ministry’s posture of thankfulness in three key areas:  Gratitude to God: for protection, resilience, wisdom, and the privilege of participating in the transformation He is bringing to Lebanon and the Middle East—despite instability, conflict, and fear. Camille speaks powerfully about God’s peace in the storms and His continued favor on the ministry since its founding in 2006.Gratitude for Heart for Lebanon’s Investors: Elio and Camille highlight the profound impact of those who pray, give, and even visit Lebanon to serve. Camille refers to them as “investors” because their generosity is an investment in eternity—impacting lives they may never meet until heaven. Their encouragement, prayers, and involvement often arrive at the exact moment the team needs strength.Gratitude for the Team: With more than 80 staff members living and serving across Lebanon’s crisis-stricken regions, Camille expresses deep appreciation for their resilience, compassion, and commitment to sharing the Gospel. Their work is not transactional—it is relational, innovative, and rooted in a calling to make disciples in hard-to-reach places and among diverse communities.  A Story of Transformation Elio shares the story of Maysa, a Syrian woman from a deeply conservative and radical Muslim background who found value, dignity, and new identity in Christ through Heart for Lebanon’s discipleship programs. Today, she is helping lead Bible studies in communities where the Gospel has historically been inaccessible. Her transformation is a testament to God’s work—through the ministry team and through the generosity of investors. Practical Gratitude Camille closes with simple, tangible practices of daily gratitude: • Beginning each day with, “Thank you, God, for life and freedom.” • Expressing thanks to neighbors, friends, children, and parents. • Recognizing the everyday blessings we often overlook. • Taking time to reach out to someone with a message of appreciation. A Word to Our Listeners We invite you to reach out with questions at podcast@heartforlebanon.org For your prayer requests email us at prayer@heartforlebanon.org. Every Monday, the team gathers to pray for friends and supporters around the world. 👉 Stay connected and be part of the story of transformation in Lebanon: https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup FOLLOW Heart for Lebanon: 🌍 Website: https://heartforlebanon.org 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartforlebanon 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartforLebanon X: https://twitter.com/HeartForLebanon #HeartForLebanon #JourneyOfHope #Lebanon #Missions #Discipleship #FaithInAction #PrayerHouse #MissionalLeadership

    22 min

  8. 11/01/2025

    Introducing Vision Twenty: Our Radical Campaign of Discipleship and Generosity

    In this special episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine is joined by May-Lee Melki, his wife and Heart for Lebanon’s Managing Director, to discuss Vision Twenty: Heart for Lebanon’s newest generosity campaign and bold step toward the future. Together, they reflect on nearly 20 years of ministry, transformation, and God’s faithfulness across Lebanon.The conversation dives deep into the heart behind Vision Twenty: a 15-month journey of radical generosity leading up to Heart for Lebanon’s 20th anniversary in 2026. Elio and May-Lee share powerful stories of life transformation, community revival, and the next chapter of ministry growth rooted in faith and discipleship. Key Takeaways: Transformation Heart for Lebanon continues to witness an incredible movement of revival across the nation, with hundreds coming to know Christ and 42 recent baptisms at Hope Evangelical Churches in Zahle and South Lebanon. Transformation isn’t just spiritual. It’s reshaping communities long divided by conflict through relationships built on the love of Christ. Expansion The new Hope Ministry Center in Ghazieh, South Lebanon, marks a significant milestone. Spanning more than 73,000 square feet, the $8.5 million project will include a medical clinic, church building, agricultural initiatives, and distribution center- expanding ministry capacity by 30%. The episode also highlights the dedication of the on-site prayer house and the upcoming groundbreaking event in April 2026. Innovation From the Missional Leadership program—training 250 local leaders to launch home Bible studies—to the integration of digital ministry and an audio Bible in Lebanese Arabic, Heart for Lebanon is preparing the next generation of leaders to reach the region with creativity and faith. The conversation also touches on the ministry’s endowment fund, securing long-term investment in spiritual formation and future leadership. Check out the Youtube Channel of the Bible in Lebanese Arabic: https://www.youtube.com/@audioholybible A Call to Action: Heart for Lebanon’s mission is clear: to make disciples of Jesus Christ and see lives transformed through faith and relationship. You are invited to be part of this movement through prayer, giving, or even visiting Lebanon on a missions trip to see the work firsthand. 👉 Stay connected and be part of the story of transformation in Lebanon: https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup FOLLOW Heart for Lebanon: 🌍 Website: https://heartforlebanon.org 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartforlebanon 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartforLebanon X: https://twitter.com/HeartForLebanon #HeartForLebanon #JourneyOfHope #Lebanon #Missions #Discipleship #FaithInAction #PrayerHouse #MissionalLeadership

    30 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Journey of Hope is a podcast giving you insights into the ministry of Heart for Lebanon. Through conversations with field and regional experts, you will gain a new perspective on what is taking place and what’s possible as we “Make Disciples”. The stories you hear will move beyond theoretical and make the ministry practical as we show you the impact God is making in Lebanon and the Middle East.

Information

  • Creator
    Heart for Lebanon
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Heart for Lebanon
  • Show Website
    Journey of Hope

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