A Testimony
My name is Albert Choueiry, born in 1967. From the age of 9, I was deeply involved in our traditional, liturgical church, serving in the choir until I turned 40. Despite my belief in Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I felt a persistent spiritual emptiness and lack of nourishment in that church.
It was during this time that I met Sister Wadiha at work, who introduced me to her son Rony, suggesting he could help me with my spiritual struggles. This encounter sparked my curiosity about Evangelicals and their relationships with believers, prompting me to seek answers.
My journey took a significant turn when I met Pastor Bashir and others at Heart for Lebanon. Invited to attend Hope Evangelical Church, I soon realized I had been in the wrong place for many years, lacking a true understanding of the Bible and the person of Jesus Christ.
Finding my spiritual home, I eagerly participated in Bible study and later in leadership lessons. I developed a deep affection for my fellow brothers and sisters in the organization and began changing my life from one marked by a harsh, vulgar demeanor due to my work as a personal guard to one aligned with godliness.
I now understand that life without Christ is meaningless and that being Christ-like involves a fundamental change in attitudes and actions, such as generosity, walking closely with Jesus, and embracing discipleship. Through leadership lessons, I am learning discipline, attentiveness, and humility as I share my faith with others.
I am deeply thankful for the brothers who imparted these invaluable lessons and guided me on this life-changing journey.
Double the investment
A very special friend who believes deeply in the ministry of Heart for Lebanon and who is very excited about the capital project of building a ministry center in Southern Lebanon is challenging and willing to match all investments made between now and December 31, 2024 up to $1.3 Million. Here is what he is asking you to pray about: (1) Make a financial investment of $25,000.00 or more; (2) make the investment by donating stocks.
It’s been 5 years since God provided Heart for Lebanon with a facility in the Bekaa that has enhanced the ministry way beyond our wildest dreams. Today, Heart for Lebanon is launching another Capital Campaign with great anticipation to see what the Lord is preparing for the ministry in southern Lebanon.
Heart for Lebanon is strategically located in Ghazieh (Southern Lebanon), a coastal town between two major cities with great Biblical importance: Sidon and Tyre. Our team has already built an amazing relational network among the Lebanese and refugee communities in Southern Lebanon. They have earned the respect of the local authorities, and all ministry programs are growing exponentially. Once fully completed, this Ministry Center will offer new Christ-centered ministry opportunities where the Gospel is boldly preached, and new disciples are equipped to serve in ethnically diverse communities.
When you pray and invest in our new Hope Ministry Center South, you will be helping us with operational cost savings and the ability to at least double the impact that Heart for Lebanon has to “Make Disciples” in the coming years.
Non-cash investments include giving appreciated assets such as business interests, real estate, and low-cost basis stocks directly to Heart for Lebanon. Investments of this type may come with significant tax advantages for you, as compared to selling the asset and then giving the proceeds.
Why is non-cash giving so important?
Many people make charitable gifts from cash, even though most of their wealth is held in non-cash assets. This might help you see how to tap into the power of all your resources – not just cash – possibly saving on taxes to invest more than you ever dreamed possible.
For more information on our South Hope Ministry Center and where we stand in real time with our financial investments please contact Tom.Atema@HeartforLebanon.org
From Farm to Table
By May-Lee Melki Constantine
Every other day, at sunrise a group of women go to pick the crop at Heart for Lebanon’s agricultural land. I had the opportunity to join the team at one of our early harvests last month. The sound of stillness at sunrise and the peaceful setting in the Bekaa Valley with only the smell of the land and its vegetation felt like a whisper from God that everything He touches bears fruit.
When Heart for Lebanon purchased land in the Bekaa Valley adjacent to its Hope Ministry Center, we could only dream about the benefits that it would one day yield to the ministry. We prayed about how God wanted us to steward this valuable resource. Little did we know that a talented farmer who was attending one of Heart for Lebanon’s Bible studies would take up this project and tend to the land so well. He set off and planted different kinds of seasonal fruits and vegetables such as zucchini, cucumber, eggplant, peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe…etc.
Over the last 3 weeks alone, we have distributed more than 4,500 pounds of cucumbers and the same amount of Zucchini to all the families that receive monthly care packages from Heart for Lebanon. We also distributed bags of fresh produce from the land to those who attended discipleship classes and youth programs. At a time when basic needs are becoming more difficult to secure in an economy like Lebanon’s that is operating without a government and in the shadows of looming war, Heart for Lebanon is able to bless the families it serves this way.
In the fall, we will be adding fruit trees and a large number of olive trees to the land to expand the quantity and quality of what we are able to offer.
This project is not unique because of the value of the produce but rather because its execution is a testimony to Heart for Lebanon’s holistic ministry by witnessing a physical harvest in addition to the spiritual harvest that we talk about often.
From the farmer who tends to the land, to the women who pick the crop, to the families who are nourished, all these individuals are from the Heart for Lebanon family. We can tangibly experience what it means to have a healthy self-sustaining project that is creating job opportunities and fully owned and operated locally.
I hope you enjoy this short video that holds so much meaning to me as it was created by one of Heart for Lebanon’s staff members with very little resources and is being narrated by one of our Sunday School children!
At Heart for Lebanon, we often refer to our team and those we serve as family and because of your prayers and investments this Heart for Lebanon family is experiencing a new blessing today.
Thank you!
May-Lee Meki Constantine
Despair is not unique to Lebanon
by Elio Constantine
Lebanon, once a beacon of diversity and prosperity in the Middle East, now teeters on the brink of collapse, battered by a relentless onslaught of crises. Years of political instability, economic mismanagement, and the Syrian refugee crisis have converged, leaving the nation and its people grappling with unprecedented levels of suffering and uncertainty.
Political Paralysis and Sectarian Strife
Since 2005, Lebanon has been mired in a protracted political crisis, characterized by chronic instability, sectarian tensions, and pervasive corruption. The assassination of Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri triggered a wave of protests and political upheaval, leading to the withdrawal of Syrian troops after a 29-year occupation. However, this power vacuum was quickly filled by Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite militia and political party, further exacerbating sectarian divisions and fueling regional proxy conflicts. The subsequent 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel devastated Lebanon’s infrastructure and economy, deepening the political crisis and leaving the nation vulnerable to external manipulation.
Economic Collapse: A Nation in Freefall
Lebanon’s once-thriving economy has imploded under the weight of decades of mismanagement, corruption, and external shocks. The Lebanese pound has lost over 90% of its value, plunging millions into poverty and wiping out savings. Hyperinflation has ravaged the economy, making basic necessities unaffordable for many. Businesses have shuttered, unemployment has soared, and essential services like electricity and healthcare have deteriorated. The financial sector has collapsed, trapping people’s savings and further fueling economic hardship.
The Syrian Refugee Crisis: A Humanitarian Catastrophe
The Syrian refugee crisis has added another layer of complexity to Lebanon’s already dire situation. Since 2011, an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees have sought refuge in Lebanon, straining its limited resources and infrastructure to the breaking point. This influx has exacerbated existing socio-economic issues, intensified competition for jobs and resources, and fueled social tensions. Refugees, often living in precarious conditions, face challenges accessing basic necessities like healthcare, education, and employment.
The Global Nature of the Crisis
Anyone observing the intricate and daunting nature of Lebanon’s crises may understandably feel overwhelmed, even exasperated or angered. A walk through Lebanon’s streets reveals a complex tapestry of emotions: resentment towards Syrian refugees, fury at political leaders, frustration stemming from economic hardship, and an overarching sense of despair. Syrian refugees, already burdened by displacement, face escalating hostility and discrimination, with national media campaigns advocating for their expulsion.
That being said, it’s only fair to say that Lebanon is not the only place in the world that is witnessing crises and challenges. The world is grappling with a series of crises, from escalating geopolitical tensions to the relentless impacts of climate change. Economic instability and social unrest further compound these challenges, creating a perfect storm of global uncertainty. In the United States, internal divisions and political polarization have reached alarming levels, fueling a crisis of governance and eroding public trust in institutions. The nation also faces pressing issues such as violence, racial inequality, and the opioid epidemic, which all demand God’s intervention to resolve.
God’s Intervention
Despite the grim reality, a glimmer of hope remains. Beneath the surface of anger, frustration, and despair lies a deep yearning for peace, justice, and healing. Lebanon and the world’s complex problems are not only political or economic in nature; they are also rooted in a spiritual void, a fractured relationship with God.
Beneath this tangled web of injustice lies a deeper truth: a fractured relationship with God, the ultimate source of justice and reconciliation. The path to healing may seem elusive, yet the answer is profoundly simple. The world, now more than ever, yearn for the transformative power of mercy, grace, and love. This cycle of violence, hatred, polarization, and despair can only be shattered by the redemptive blood of Christ.
This is where holistic and relational ministry emerges as a beacon of hope. By addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of individuals and communities, this approach embodies Christ’s love in tangible ways. It offers a refuge from despair, a source of strength in the face of adversity, and a pathway towards healing and reconciliation.
Relational ministry, rooted in genuine connection and empathy, opens hearts and minds to the message of the Gospel. By building trust and demonstrating Christ’s love through acts of service and compassion, we create opportunities for individuals to encounter the transformative power of God’s grace.
Holistic ministry, on the other hand, addresses the multifaceted needs of individuals and communities, recognizing that true well-being encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. By providing practical support alongside spiritual formation, we demonstrate the holistic nature of Christ’s love and invite individuals to experience the fullness of life He offers.
In a world yearning for hope and healing, holistic and relational ministry serves as a powerful tool for leading people to Christ. By embodying His love and addressing the root causes of injustice, we are called to create environments where individuals can encounter the transformative power of the Gospel and find true hope in the midst of despair. In the face of overwhelming challenges, the message remains clear: The world needs Jesus. So look around you, see the despair in the world and at home, and lead people to seek justice in Christ.
Your work isn’t just a job It is a calling
by Tom Atema
Quite often, Camille & I are asked what can Heart for Lebanon do to make the ministry self-sustaining. We have both wrestled with this question for several years because we would love to have the ministry be self-sustaining. To be honest we have tried over the years several projects that we were hoping would go a long way into self-sustaining the ministry. We tried a hand-made oil soap making business, we had chickens, we did all kinds of different projects however at the end of the day those did not achieve the goal of self-sustainability.
Because of the situation in the country of Lebanon neither Camille nor myself feel that the ministry of Heart for Lebanon will ever be totally self-sustaining. We have worked hard so that the families that Heart for Lebanon cares for through its Family Care program would become self-sufficient. However, even in that area, as the country keeps falling further and further behind, many of those families need some supplemental items to help them sustain life.
In working to answer this question, “how can Heart for Lebanon become self-sustained?”, Camille and I presented to the Board of Directors, a few years back, the idea of starting an Endowment Fund. A fund that will help us be self-supported in the area of our ministry that is “Making Disciples”; training men and women to be disciple makers to their own ethnic group wherever God sends them. You have probably heard of this program as our Missional Leadership Development program. After much conversation and prayer, the Board of Directors agreed and we launched our Missional Leadership Endowment Fund.
Even though we suspended raising funds towards the Missional Leadership Endowment Fund for a couple of years due to the pandemic, we are now reengaging those who have a desire to help Heart for Lebanon have one area of its ministry be self-sustained. The Board of Directors has placed a number of restrictions on this Endowment Fund and I would count it a privilege to have a discussion with you on those restrictions that operate as guardrails.
While we know this fund is not for everyone, it is for a few people. As we enter the last six months of 2024, this might be the perfect time for you to prayerfully consider investing stocks, securities or cash into this Missional Leadership Endowment Fund.
We are prayerfully asking God if he would allow us in these last six months of 2024 to add to our Missional Leadership Endowment Fund at least $700,000.
Very special friends who believe deeply in the ministry of Heart for Lebanon and who are very excited about helping Heart for Lebanon grow its endowment which helps fund our mission to “make disciples” are wanting to challenge other Heart for Lebanon friends and partners in a new way. They are willing to match all STOCK investments made between now and December 31, 2024. Here is what they are asking you to pray about: (1) Make an investment of $25,000.00 or more; (2) make the investment by donating stocks; and, (3) make that investment towards Heart for Lebanon’s Endowment fund to “make disciples.”
For more information on our South Hope Ministry Center and where we stand in real time with our financial investments, or to give stock please contact Tom Atema at tom.atema@heartforlebanon.org and cc admin@heartforlebanon.org
What Our Prayer Team is Accomplishing
by John Crump
In early May of this year, 15 pastors, prayer partners and friends of Heart for Lebanon met on a Zoom meeting to pray specifically for the current conflict that has been ongoing in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and the region. During that hour of prayer, we prayed that those who had the power to end the conflict would do so. We prayed for all who have been affected by the conflict. We prayed for our team and leaders in Lebanon, that their work and ministry would not be hindered and that they would be protected as they serve in Jesus’ Name. The Holy Spirit’s guidance and presence was clear and powerful as we prayed together. I can report that while the conflict has continued, many of our other prayers have thus far been answered! We praise God for responding to those and many other prayers lifted for Heart for Lebanon in these recent months. All of this answered prayer is due to our incredibly dedicated team of prayer partners around the world!
A powerful example of one of these God-sized answered prayers is happening through our Missional Leadership initiative. This initiative is a “next step” for people in our programs and churches who have shown spiritual leadership qualities, abilities, and initiative. When the conflict in Israel began, our team in Lebanon identified several Missional Leadership participants to lead small groups in various areas in the south of Lebanon, not far from the Israel border. We didn’t know what kind of response they would get as they tried to form these groups. Of course, God came through in a big way! Just a few months later, we now have approximately 210 people participating in these small groups, all being led by people who have come to faith in Christ and grown in their faith through the ministry of Heart for Lebanon! We are humbled, grateful, and excited to see the impact these groups will have in the coming days! All of this is due to our faithful prayer partners who have prayed for the Great Commission to be accomplished in Lebanon!
We currently have more than 60 churches and more than 400 individuals who have committed to pray regularly for Heart for Lebanon! Thank you to each church and person! We thank God for each of you! We communicate monthly with our Prayer Points email, sharing prayer requests and needs. In return, we encourage our partners to let us know how we can be praying for them. Our team at the international office meets weekly to lift these prayer needs to God. I have the opportunity to talk and pray with pastors and congregation members around the United States. We have some church partners who have dedicated teams of people in their congregation who specifically pray for Heart for Lebanon, the people we serve, our staff and leaders. We are so grateful for everyone who consistently prays with and for us! Our next Zoom Prayer Gathering is scheduled for September 24, 2024 at Noon EST. More information about that event will be coming soon!
In the book of Acts, we see the early church consistently spending time together in prayer. After being told to stop preaching in Jesus’ Name, we see them praying bold prayers like this in Acts 4:29-31, “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Then we are told that God immediately answered their prayer, “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” Please join us as we pray bold prayers and ask God to continue to reach many in Lebanon and the region with the Good News of Jesus Christ!
Register for our Prayer Gathering
September 24, 2024 at 12noon EST
Youmnas Spiritual Growth
After coming to Lebanon, Youmna’s life has undergone significant changes. In a world filled with challenges and hardships, her journey embodies resilience, hope, and growth. Youmna, a kind-hearted 13-year-old girl filled with love and affection, endured difficult days in Syria, amidst the sounds of suffering and fear due to ongoing wars and conflicts. She is currently living in Lebanon with her family, who are facing difficult circumstances. Youmna’s parents are considering returning to Syria, but she is sad and worried about it.
“I came to Lebanon when I was 8 years old. I still remember the horrific days in Syria which were filled with bombing and violence. I still can’t let go of my memories. Loud noises, like fireworks, still make me feel fearful and anxious. I don’t want to go back to Syria. I don’t want to leave behind my friends, school, and the activities I love. I’m also sad because there won’t be any activities or Bible clubs like the ones I attend here at the “Heart for Lebanon” center.” As Youmna spoke, tears filled her eyes.
Youmna always stands out for her love of learning and personal growth and always seeks to develop herself, especially spiritually. She enjoys activities that help her connect with Jesus and deepen her spiritual relationship. Youmna has been participating in the “Summer of Hope” programs where Jesus had profoundly changed her.
“I love to attend the club program where I eagerly learn about God and listen to His teachings and I try not to miss it every Wednesday. I have learned to read the Bible and pray constantly. The last thing I read was about Matthew, who had committed many sins, but when he met Jesus, he changed and followed him. Sometimes when I read the Gospel, I don’t understand the message, so I ask my mother to help me. As I engaged with the “Children at Risk” programs, I discovered the profound significance of Jesus as our Savior. Through lessons, discussions, and conversations, I came to believe deeply that his sacrifice on the cross was an expression of boundless love, offering forgiveness for our sins. Inspired by stories of his miraculous deeds, like healing the blind and the paralyzed, I found solace in prayer, experiencing firsthand his transformative power. One particular moment stands out vividly: a heartfelt prayer was answered, and I felt a surge of joy, reaffirming my belief that Jesus listens and responds to our deepest desires.
I’ve learned a lot about what pleases God and have become more mindful of my actions and choices. Besides, I enjoy attending the theater program and listening to stories from the Bible. It helps me feel connected and closer to God and gives me joy. I love Abraham’s story as I found comfort and inspiration in his journey of faith. Even though Abraham made mistakes, God still kept his promises to him, showing forgiveness and love.” Youmna expressed
One day, Youmna shared with the team a heartfelt revelation: her dream of becoming a doctor. With a clear sense of purpose, she expressed her desire to make a positive impact by serving others. Yumna’s aspiration isn’t about earning a title, it’s about embodying compassion and lending a hand to those facing hardships.
On the other hand, Yumna’s path towards this dream was influenced by personal experience. “My uncle passed away because he was sick and couldn’t afford the medications he needed or hospital treatment due to insufficient funds. My dream is to be a doctor, help and treat patients, especially the poor who cannot afford medication or hospitalization.” Youmna shared
The “Summer of Hope” team is praying that Youmna’s life shines brightly with love and compassion and that God guides her steps and grants her wisdom, perseverance, and opportunities to fulfill her calling to serve others.
Please pray for Youmna as she has asked for requests concerning the conflicts and wars, especially in Syria, pleading for peace to descend upon the afflicted countries. Additionally, she seeks prayers for her brother’s health, who is suffering from asthma, and her family’s well-being, as well as for her future. Your prayers are deeply appreciated during this time.
Christ in the Classroom
By Camille Melki
Going back to school should be an exciting time for most children! But not the case in Lebanon – a nation facing huge challenges from ongoing cross-border shelling, political violence, and economic collapse. In acute crises, innocent children are the ones who suffer the most. They suffer silently as they lack a sense of security and are deprived of a safe environment to learn and grow into the person God created them to be. At Heart for Lebanon we serve with the intention to turn the tide around. We work hard on changing the forced outcome on young children, from despair to hope in Christ.
This upcoming school year, more than 350 students will participate in our morning cycle. Students in Southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley will have the opportunity to learn Arabic, English, Math, Sciences, Arts, and Music. Chapel and Bible classes are the highlight of every week. Students will learn Biblical character traits such as forgiveness, generosity, kindness, servanthood… Our highly skilled teachers will incorporate Christian values and character formation in every lesson.
Children-at-risk, refugee kids who were deprived of an education due to displacement and economic struggles will finally find a safe place at our Zahleh and Ghazieh Hope Centers to learn and grow both intellectually and personality wise. Marginalized children, rejected and despised by society at large will experience the joy of being loved and cared for by our teachers.
Heart for Lebanon’s non-formal educational program offered during the morning cycle is highly valued by many. The academic curriculum is well rounded. It is meant to take a student who has never had the opportunity to be in a classroom before into an intellectual journey that is enhanced by hands-on learning experiences that widen the mind and enhance the child’s confidence and self-worth.
In addition, another 200 students will benefit from our afternoon program. This program focuses on school dropouts and young girls ages 13-17. The objective is to offer our students tools to help them navigate life after school. Character formation and life-skills development are the two main components. Understanding the cultural complexities of being a refugee child and the many economic and political challenges our region is experiencing are keys for the success of this program. Heart for Lebanon’s desire is to help lead young people from the despair wars and conflicts create to hope in Christ alone. This can only be achieved when children feel valued, loved and cared for.
Our educational journey continues once students graduate from our two programs. Heart for Lebanon offers 650 scholarships to help support students in their continued education. These are extremely bright students who have a promising future but are severely limited in their educational opportunities due to lack of financial resources. Every scholarship is a chance to further invest in the academic and spiritual development of our students. Every scholarship is an opportunity to further impact a child’s life and another opportunity to point them to Jesus.
School is starting again! I invite you to pray for and invest in the lives of the more than 1,200 students Heart for Lebanon is called to serve. By helping us and praying for these children you are leaving a legacy of hope!
For $39.00 per month, you can help provide a Biblical education to a child in our H.O.P.E (Helping Overcome Poverty through Education) Educational Program. For $1.30 a day, (or $39.00 a month or $468.00 for the year) you will help us sustain a yearlong Biblical/Value based education for a student, which includes a full academic curriculum, Bible classes and Chapel. We are praying to maintain 1,200 students (the maximum we can hold) in our 2024/25 academic year.
Wills and Trusts
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven….
When we speak of the will of God to become manifest in our lives we normally only think of His will during our lifetime. Many dear friends and partners of Heart for Lebanon have chosen to allow the will of God to become manifest in the life of Heart for Lebanon far beyond their time here on earth. For those of you who have chosen to include Heart for Lebanon in your Will or Trust we are eternally grateful for how you are stewarding your earthly resources for greater Kingdom impact into the future.
As a friend, investor, or prayer partner of Heart for Lebanon you have an opportunity to work with Financial Planning Ministry (FPM) to set up your Will or Trust at no cost to you. Heart for Lebanon partners with FPM to provide this turn-key operation of estate planning to all its friends, investors, and prayer partners. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please attend our next Wills & Trusts webinar on September 24 at 7PM EST. Our Strategic Engagement Manager, May-Lee Melki Constantine, will give a quick legal educational session on Wills & Trusts during that time. If you chose to follow through, we will put you in touch with Financial Planning Ministry and they will help you set up your estate plan at no cost to you.
For more questions about Heart for Lebanon’s Legacy Planning program please email May-Lee Melki Constantine at may-lee.melki@heartforlebanon.org
