In this episode of the Journey of Hope Podcast, host Elio Constantine welcomes Heart for Lebanon Managing Director May-Lee Melki Constantine to introduce two new initiatives designed to walk alongside vulnerable young women and teenagers in Lebanon: the SISTERS Program and the LIFE Hub.

May-Lee shares how the SISTERS Program has grown naturally out of Heart for Lebanon’s 20 years of ministry among vulnerable young women. Designed for girls and young women facing challenges such as sexual harassment, abuse, early child marriage, child labor, and societal neglect, SISTERS creates a confidential, Christ-centered environment where participants can experience emotional restoration, trauma-informed support, spiritual discipleship, and genuine community.
The program seeks to restore the dignity and hope that many young women have lost, reminding them that their circumstances and trauma do not define their worth. Through biblical psychosocial sessions, peer connection, discipleship, and practical support, the SISTERS Program helps young women process their wounds, break cycles of despair, and anchor their identity in Christ.

May-Lee also explains the importance of keeping young women connected to Heart for Lebanon even when circumstances prevent them from continuing in traditional education. The SISTERS Program provides a continuum of care, including for girls who may be forced into early marriage, while seeking to walk alongside them and their families with compassion, wisdom, and the hope of the Gospel.

Listeners will hear the powerful story of Rahma, an 11-year-old girl who entered Heart for Lebanon’s Hope Educational Program after being removed from school because her family could no longer afford it. Unable to read or write and struggling with significant behavioral and emotional challenges, Rahma initially found it difficult to adjust. Through patient teachers, clear boundaries, unconditional grace, home visits, and discipleship, she began experiencing transformation—not only academically, but emotionally and spiritually. Her mother, initially hesitant about Christian influence, began to recognize the peace and stability Jesus was bringing into her daughter’s life and their home.

The conversation then turns to the Life Hub, a new initiative being developed in Southern Lebanon for teenagers who have grown up amid repeated cycles of war, instability, and loss. May-Lee explains that for many teenagers, especially those ages 15–18, traditional education alone is no longer enough. They need belonging, purpose, practical skills, and an identity rooted in Christ.The Life Hub will provide a comprehensive pathway that brings together emotional and psychosocial support, practical skills development, Gospel-centered education, and opportunities for empowerment. Rather than simply remaining beneficiaries of ministry, teenagers will be equipped to become contributors in their families, communities, and society.

May-Lee emphasizes that the goal is to interrupt cycles of despair and violence by helping teenagers discover their God-given talents, understand their purpose, and choose a different path—the path of hope and Christ. The initiative is still in its early development stages, with a fuller launch expected in 2027, and will include different programs and spaces tailored to the needs of teenage boys, girls, and young mothers.The episode closes with an invitation to pray for these new initiatives, the young people they will serve, and Heart for Lebanon’s ministry across the country.Show NotesIntroducing the SISTERS Program

• A new initiative growing out of Heart for Lebanon’s long-term ministry to vulnerable young women.
• Creating safe, confidential spaces where girls can be seen, heard, and valued.
• Addressing the effects of abuse, early child marriage, child labor, trauma, and societal neglect.
• Providing Christ-centered emotional restoration, psychosocial support, peer connection, and discipleship.
• Helping young women understand that their trauma does not define their worth or their future.
• Building a continuum of care that keeps vulnerable girls connected to ministry.

Restoring Hope & Dignity

• Helping young women process their wounds and break cycles of despair.
• Creating environments built on trust, grace, and unconditional love.
• Walking alongside girls and their families without creating division.
• Equipping young women to grow emotionally and spiritually and eventually disciple others.
• Praying for divine healing, peace, and hope in the lives of participants.

Rahma’s Story

• An 11-year-old girl who entered the Hope Educational Program after leaving traditional school.
• Arriving unable to read or write and struggling with significant behavioral challenges.
• Teachers recognizing the trauma behind her behavior and responding with grace and clear boundaries.
• Growing academically while learning to receive grace and express what she was experiencing.
• Beginning to anticipate worship, share Bible stories, and bring the message of Jesus into her home.
• Her mother witnessing the positive transformation Christ was bringing to her daughter and family.

The Life Hub

• A new initiative being developed in Southern Lebanon for teenagers.
• Addressing the loss of purpose, belonging, and hope among young people affected by repeated conflict.
• Moving beyond events toward a consistent community and pathway of care.
• Combining emotional and psychosocial support, practical skills, and Gospel education.
• Helping teenagers discover their identity and purpose in Christ.
• Equipping young people to become contributors rather than simply beneficiaries.
• Creating different spaces and programs for teenage boys, girls, and young mothers.
• Preparing for a fuller launch and development of the Life Hub in 2027.

Breaking the Cycle

• Helping teenagers respond to conflict without reproducing cycles of violence.
• Giving young people a sense of belonging, value, and integrity.
• Helping them recognize and develop the talents God has given them.
• Providing a path toward adulthood grounded in hope, purpose, skills, and Christ.

How You Can Pray

• Pray for every young woman participating in the SISTERS Program.
• Pray for healing, safety, wisdom, and hope for girls facing abuse, early marriage, and other forms of vulnerability.
• Pray for the Heart for Lebanon team serving these young women.
• Pray for the development and launch of the Life Hub in Southern Lebanon.
• Pray that teenagers would discover their God-given purpose and identity in Christ.
• Pray that these initiatives would break cycles of despair and violence and raise up young people who will influence their families and communities for Christ.
• Pray for Heart for Lebanon’s ministry and the vulnerable communities being served across Lebanon.

Connect with us
📧 Podcast: podcast@heartforlebanon.org
🙏 Prayer Ministry: prayer@heartforlebanon.org
🔗 Prayer: heartforlebanon.org/prayer
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