Episodes

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

    Who Is Your Enemy? A Christian Testimony of Jesus’ Love and Forgiveness with Bishop Dr. Yasser Eric
    Jan 31 2026
    Episode SummaryIn 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 ExtremismReligion 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 CompassionTwo 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 CommandJesus’ 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 ChristFrom 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/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 #LoveYourEnemies #Faith #Discipleship #Forgiveness #Missions
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    21 mins
  • Christmas Special: Episodes that Moved You the Most in 2025

    Christmas Special: Episodes that Moved You the Most in 2025
    Dec 27 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
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    20 mins
  • Stories of Hope and Transformation and a Time of Prayer

    Stories of Hope and Transformation and a Time of Prayer
    Dec 13 2025
    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 God
    • Salma and Fadia, a mother and daughter walking through illness, responsibility, and faith
    • Hiba, a young woman carrying the weight of her family while finding refuge in Christ
    • Taim, a boy born with a disability whose hope is anchored in education and healing
    • Dalal, a woman experiencing freedom, care, and renewed dignity through Christ
    • Mustafa, a believer who chose to follow Jesus despite persecution and rejection
    After 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

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    32 mins
  • Thanksgiving Devotionals on Giving and Gratitude

    Thanksgiving Devotionals on Giving and Gratitude
    Nov 29 2025
    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:
    1. A bountiful eye and a generous heart (Proverbs 22:9)
    2. The blessing of giving (Act 20:35)
    3. Thanksgiving expressed through faithful stewardship (2 Corinthians 9:7)
    4. Generosity that results in praise to God (2 Corinthians 9:11)
    5. 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
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    20 mins
  • A Thanksgiving Reflection with Camille Melki

    A Thanksgiving Reflection with Camille Melki
    Nov 15 2025
    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:
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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
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    22 mins
  • Introducing Vision Twenty: Our Radical Campaign of Discipleship and Generosity

    Introducing Vision Twenty: Our Radical Campaign of Discipleship and Generosity
    Nov 1 2025
    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:
    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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
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    30 mins
  • God’s Work in Lebanon: Missional Leadership, Church Growth, and Lives Transformed

    God’s Work in Lebanon: Missional Leadership, Church Growth, and Lives Transformed
    Oct 18 2025
    In this inspiring episode of Journey of Hope, we take you inside Heart for Lebanon’s recent Investor Briefing, where leaders share powerful updates on how God is moving across Lebanon. Hosted by John Frick, Senior Director of Development, this special gathering features May-Lee Melki, Managing Director, and Elio Constantine, Managing Director of Church Relations, as they unpack the latest ministry milestones, stories of transformation, and a bold vision for the future.

    From the groundbreaking of the new Hope Ministry Center and Prayer House in Southern Lebanon to the rapid growth of the Missional Leadership Program and a powerful wave of baptisms, this episode paints a vivid picture of faith in action and communities being transformed through prayer and discipleship.

    Key Highlights:
    1. The Power of Prayer and Foundation of Hope: Heart for Lebanon’s newest property in South Lebanon will soon host a 74,000 sq. ft. ministry campus—beginning with the construction of a Prayer House on the highest point of the land, symbolizing that all ministry begins with prayer.
    2. Growing the Church in Lebanon: The Hope Evangelical Church continues to thrive in both Zahle and the South, with over 50 baptisms taking place this October and new ministries, like a women’s fellowship, set to launch in 2026.
    3. Missional Leadership Expansion: The three-year Missional Leadership Program which equips believers to lead home Bible studies and serve their own communities is multiplying. What began with 20 students now includes 50 active leaders, with plans to reach 250 by 2026, sparking small discipleship groups across the country.
    4. Rebuilding and Restoring Communities: Following years of conflict in the South, Heart for Lebanon is helping families rebuild through targeted home rehabilitation; restoring rooms, kitchens, and essential living spaces for hundreds of vulnerable families.
    5. Empowering Vulnerable Girls: A 2025 ministry emphasis focused on protecting and discipling young girls at risk of early marriage and gender-based violence has exceeded expectations, providing Christian counseling, education, and health awareness programs. Plans are underway to expand this initiative to all young women under Heart for Lebanon’s care in 2026.
    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.

    Join us in prayer for: Continued wisdom and protection for the team and the families they serve. God’s provision as the ministry expands its capacity and impact. The growth of new leaders who will carry the Gospel into unreached villages.

    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
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    32 mins
  • Hope in Action: Heart for Lebanon's Ministry Update and Prayer for Lebanon

    Hope in Action: Heart for Lebanon's Ministry Update and Prayer for Lebanon
    Oct 4 2025
    In this special episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine is joined by Milad and Bashir, pastors of Hope Evangelical Church and Field Managers at Heart for Lebanon. Together, they share powerful updates from the ground, detailing how the ministry is responding to Lebanon’s ongoing economic and political crisis, while continuing to serve Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese families.
    From church gatherings uniting people of diverse backgrounds, to education programs shaping the next generation, to stories of transformation and new faith, this conversation shines a light on how God is at work even in the midst of hardship. You’ll hear testimonies of resilience, hope, and the life-changing impact of discipleship through Heart for Lebanon’s ministry.

    Show Notes:
    • Lebanon’s Crisis: Economic collapse, refugee realities, and a fragile political landscape
    • Church Response: Hope Evangelical Church gatherings drawing diverse communities together in worship
    • Education & Relief: Schools, food aid, and medical programs serving both Lebanese and Syrians
    • Stories of Hope: Testimonies of families finding faith and new life in Christ
    • Kingdom Impact: How discipleship and compassion are transforming lives
    Call to Action:

    - Pray for Heart for Lebanon’s work and those they serve.
    - Join the prayer ministry: www.heartforlebanon.org/prayer
    - Sign up for updates: www.heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup

    📧 Email Elio: podcast@heartforlebanon.org

    🌍 Follow Heart for Lebanon: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter#HeartForLebanon #Lebanon #Missions
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    35 mins