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Journey of Hope

Journey of Hope

By: Heart for Lebanon
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 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.Copyright Heart for Lebanon Christianity Economics Management Management & Leadership Spirituality
Episodes
  • A Partnership of Hope, A Collaboration Podcast Episode with Pathways Church in Vero Beach FL

    A Partnership of Hope, A Collaboration Podcast Episode with Pathways Church in Vero Beach FL
    Aug 30 2025
    In this special collaborative episode, we hear from Pastor Zoro of Pathway Church in Vero Beach and Elio Constantine from Heart for Lebanon. They discuss the long-standing partnership between their organizations, which began in 2010 but has roots that go back even further through the Church of God denomination. Elio shares a comprehensive overview of Lebanon, from its ancient history and biblical significance to its current challenges, including political turmoil, economic crises, and a large refugee population. The conversation highlights how Heart for Lebanon was founded in 2006 as a response to the Israel-Hezbollah war, and how the ministry continues to provide both physical and spiritual support.






    Key Takeaways:
    • Heart for Lebanon's Six Initiatives: Learn about the six key areas of the ministry's work:
      • Family Care: Providing essential food and non-food items, as well as free medical services, for families in need.

      • Education: The Hope Educational Program serves 1,200 refugee students across two campuses and offers scholarships for Lebanese families struggling with school costs.


      • Spiritual Formation: Introducing families to Christ through Bible studies and gatherings, building on the foundation of relationship.
      • Missional Leadership: An intensive training program that equips local people from diverse backgrounds—including Muslims and nominal Christians—to lead and pastor their own communities.


      • Vulnerable Girls Program: A safe space for girls who are at risk of abuse, trafficking, or early marriage, where they can find their worth in Christ.

      • Church Planting: The ministry has organically birthed two churches, the Hope Evangelical Church in the South and another in the Beqa'a Valley, which together have more than 500 attendees on any given Sunday.

    • The Power of Discipleship: The episode features a powerful story from a Syrian woman who, despite losing family members in a recent bombing, finds her joy and hope anchored in Jesus. This story exemplifies the true impact of the ministry, which is not about material success but about finding hope in Christ regardless of circumstance.




    • A Call to Action: Elio asks for three specific prayers for the Heart for Lebanon team of 80+ staff members in Lebanon:

      • Wisdom to maneuver challenging situations.


      • Protection for the staff and the families they serve.

      • Creativity to adapt to the ever-changing needs on the ground.
      • Listeners are also encouraged to consider a missions trip to Lebanon to see the ministry firsthand and serve alongside the team.
    For more information and resources:
    • Heart for Lebanon: heartforlebanon.org
    • Sign up for Prayer Updates: heartforlebanon.org/prayer to receive bi-weekly prayer points from the field.
    • Submit a Prayer Request: The team meets every Monday to pray for their partners and their personal requests.
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    37 mins
  • Who Are They? The Christians of Syria

    Who Are They? The Christians of Syria
    Aug 16 2025
    In this compelling installment of Journey of Hope’s Who Are They? series, host Elio Constantine is joined by Bashir Sarkis, lead pastor of Hope Evangelical Church in Zahleh and Field Manager at Heart For Lebanon’s Bekaa Ministry Center. Together, they shine a spotlight on one of the region’s most deeply rooted yet often overlooked groups: the Christian communities of Syria.

    Bashir offers a rich, insightful exploration into the diverse Christian sects that have existed in Syria for centuries, tracing their ancient traditions, spiritual legacy, and enduring influence in the region. As the conversation unfolds, the episode confronts the harsh realities these communities have faced in recent years, from the devastation of war to intense persecution and displacement.

    Through powerful personal stories and pastoral reflections, Bashir shares how many Syrian Christians, forced to flee their homeland, have sought refuge in Lebanon—often arriving with nothing but their faith. Amid this hardship, Heart For Lebanon is actively ministering to these families, offering physical relief, spiritual care, and the unwavering hope of Christ.

    Youwill be moved by testimonies of resilience and inspired by how God is working in the lives of these refugees through discipleship, community, and compassion.

    Show Notes:

    Understanding Syrian Christian Communities
    • Historical Roots: One of the oldest Christian populations in the world
    • Diverse Sects: Includes Greek Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox, Maronites, Armenian Apostolic, Evangelicals, and others.
    • Spiritual Legacy: Deep theological traditions, historic churches, and a resilient faith passed down through generations.
    Impact of the Syrian War
    • Persecution & Displacement: Many Christians have faced targeted violence, loss of homes, and religious oppression.
    • Migration to Lebanon: Fleeing for safety, countless families crossed into Lebanon seeking refuge, many living in vulnerable conditions.
    • Emotional & Spiritual Toll: War trauma, fear, and the loss have created long-lasting wounds.
    Heart For Lebanon’s Ministry Response
    • Holistic Outreach: Heart For Lebanon walks with displaced Christian families—offering food aid, education, and spiritual support.
    • Discipleship & Community: Through Bible studies, local churches, and relational ministry, families are rediscovering hope and purpose.
    • Restoring Dignity: Every interaction centers around the love of Christ, treating each individual with honor and care.
    • Call to Action:
      • Pray for Heart For Lebanon's work and the communities they serve.
      • Join the Heart For Lebanon prayer ministry: www.heartforlenaon.org/Prayer
      • Your support helps expand Kingdom work and brings love to those deemed irrelevant by society.
    Join our email list to stay up-to-date on how God is moving in Lebanon:

    Email Elio: podcast@heartforlebanon.org

    https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup/
    Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content!
    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 #HeartForLebanon #Lebanon #Missions
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    41 mins
  • Reaching the Marginalized - The Bedouin and Gypsy Communities in Lebanon

    Reaching the Marginalized - The Bedouin and Gypsy Communities in Lebanon
    Aug 2 2025
    Episode SummaryIn this poignant episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine welcomes Milad, lead pastor at Hope Evangelical Church in Southern Lebanon and field manager for Heaert For Lebanon's Ministry Center. They delve into the lives of two often-overlooked and marginalized groups in Lebanon: the Bedouins and the Gypsies (Dom and Raja).Milad, who has worked with these communities for years, sheds light on their distinct cultures, histories, and the severe challenges they face, including deep-seated societal discrimination, poverty, and lack of access to essential services like education and healthcare. The conversation highlights the heartbreaking realities these communities endure, such as forced temporary housing, children leaving school early, and limited employment opportunities.Despite the immense difficulties, Heart For Lebanon is actively working to bring hope and transformation. Milad shares how the organization offers educational opportunities through their Hope Center, provides mobile learning experiences with the "Hope on Wheels" truck, distributes essential relief packages, and conducts awareness workshops on legal rights, health, and dignity.A powerful testament to their work is the story of Hassan, a Dom community member who, despite lacking official documents and facing severe discrimination, found employment, education, and spiritual transformation through Heart For Lebanon, eventually getting baptized and becoming a beloved staff member. The episode underscores Heart For Lebanon's commitment to making disciples and extending Christ's love to all, regardless of societal standing, and invites listeners to support their mission through prayer and investment.Show NotesUnderstanding the BedouinsIdentity: Nomadic, desert-dwelling Arab groups known for loyalty, welcoming guests, and oral storytelling traditions.Origin & Lifestyle: Historically from the Arabian Peninsula and Syrian Desert, they followed cattle for grazing. Many now live in valleys or city edges in Lebanon while maintaining their way of life.Economic Activities: Traditionally raised animals and traded along routes. Today, many engage in seasonal work like olive picking due to changing circumstances.Challenges: Difficulty accessing official services like healthcare and education. Face significant societal discrimination, making it hard for Bedouin men to marry Lebanese locals. Children often experience discrimination in public schools.Understanding the Gypsies (Dom, Raja, and Ti)Identity: A small group with roots in South Asia, related to the Romani people. Approximately 8,000 live in Lebanon.Language & Religion: Speak Bari and Arabic; most are of Sunni Muslim background.History & Culture: Arrived in Lebanon centuries ago from South Asia via the Middle East and North Africa. Known for rich musical traditions, crafts, and storytelling. Traditionally performed at celebrations, did seasonal jobs, or made metal goods.Economic Activities & Stigma: Often associated with begging, sex trafficking, and illicit trade. Face severe societal distrust and are rarely hired by Lebanese locals. Girls are sometimes sent to work as dancers in other countries.Challenges: Face extreme social exclusion, low school attendance (even in private schools), poverty, and bias in services. Often forced to live in temporary housing on government or municipal land.Heart For Lebanon's Response and ImpactDignity and Love: Heart For Lebanon treats members of both communities with dignity and Christ-like love.Education: Offers education at their Hope Center, teaching reading, writing, math, and science, along with kindness and respect. Operates "Hope on Wheels," a mobile truck bringing fun and learning directly to camps and tent areas.Relief and Support: Regularly distributes food packages, cleaning supplies, and hygiene kits through their family care and relief program.Awareness Workshops: Provides sessions on legal rights, health, hygiene, dignity, and family issues (e.g., harm of early/child marriage).Spiritual Support: Staff regularly visit homes and tents, leading small Bible study groups and encouraging worship. Churches in the Bekka Valley and Southern Lebanon are welcoming places for both communities.Call to Action:Pray for Heart For Lebanon's work and the communities they serve.Join the Heart For Lebanon prayer ministry: Hartford Lebanon | Prayer.Your support helps expand kingdom work and brings love to those deemed irrelevant by society.Join our email list to stay up-to-date on how God is moving in Lebanon:Email Elio: podcast@heartforlebanon.org https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup/ Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content!FOLLOW Heart For Lebanon:Website: https://heartforlebanon.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartforlebanon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartforLebanonTwitter: https://twitter.com/HeartForLebanon #HeartForLebanon #Lebanon #Missions
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    24 mins
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