Journey of Hope
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.
Biblical Fatherhood: A Father's Day Conversation on Faith and Family with Camille Melki
In this special Father's Day episode of the Journey of Hope Podcast, host Elio Constantine sits down with Heart for Lebanon President Camille Melki for an encouraging conversation about the challenges fathers face in today's rapidly changing world and the hope that can only be found in Christ.
From war and economic uncertainty to cultural pressures and the growing influence of technology, fathers everywhere are navigating difficult circumstances while striving to protect, provide for, and lead their families. Camille shares biblical insights on the role of fathers, pointing listeners to the example of our Heavenly Father and the...
20 Years of Ministry: Vision Twenty and our War Response in Lebanon
In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine sits down with May-Lee Melki Constantine to discuss Heart for Lebanon’s Vision 20 campaign, the ministry’s 20th anniversary initiative, and how God is using this season of conflict and uncertainty to open new doors for Gospel-centered ministry across Lebanon.
The conversation begins with an overview of Vision 20, a campaign designed to celebrate two decades of God’s faithfulness while looking ahead to the future of ministry. May-Lee shares how the initiative focuses on three key areas—transformation, expansion, and innovation—as Heart for Lebanon seeks to reach more peopl...
Hope in the Midst of War: Ministry Update, Our Response, and Prayers
In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine shares a recent prayer gathering with Heart for Lebanon’s ministry partners, offering a sobering update on the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the ministry’s response amid continued war, displacement, and uncertainty.
The episode begins with an overview of the current situation in Lebanon, including the fragile ceasefire, the ongoing violence affecting civilians, and the growing humanitarian crisis impacting millions across the country. Listeners hear firsthand how families continue to face displacement, fear, economic collapse, and instability while searching for safety and hope.
Throughout the conv...
What is Stewardship? With John Frick.
In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine sits down with Heart for Lebanon’s newest team member, John Frick, Senior Director of Development, for a thoughtful conversation on stewardship through the lens of Scripture and mission.
What begins as a discussion about giving quickly expands into a deeper exploration of what it truly means to live as stewards of everything God has entrusted to us—time, resources, influence, and life itself. Drawing from Jesus’ teaching on loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength, John unpacks how stewardship is not limited to finances, but is ins...
What is Missional Leadership? With Camille Melki
In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine sits down with Heart for Lebanon’s founder and CEO, Camille Melki, for an inspiring and insightful conversation on the ministry’s Mission and Leadership program—an initiative focused on raising up grassroots leaders to make disciples in their own communities.
What began as a natural outgrowth of Heart for Lebanon’s ministry has become a powerful movement of equipping men and women who, after encountering the Gospel, are eager to share it with others. Rather than creating a traditional leadership track, the program was born from real question...
Our War Response in Lebanon with Camille Melki
In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine sits down with Heart for Lebanon’s founder and CEO, Camille Melki, for a sobering and urgent conversation on the current war unfolding in Lebanon and the wider Middle East. As conflict escalates, Camille provides a firsthand update on the devastating reality on the ground. Since early March, tens of thousands of airstrikes have struck Lebanon, displacing over 1.2 million people and claiming the lives of more than 1,400 individuals. With the potential for hundreds of thousands more to be displaced, nearly a quarter of the country’s population is now on the r...
Do Muslims and Christians believe in the same God? A conversation with Bishop Dr. Yasser Eric
In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine concludes the mini-series with a powerful and thought-provoking conversation titled, “Do We Believe in the Same God?” Joined by Bishop Dr. Yasser Eric, the discussion explores one of the most important and often misunderstood questions between Christianity and Islam.
Drawing from his personal journey—from growing up as a radical Sunni Muslim in Sudan to becoming a follower of Christ—Bishop Dr. Yasser Eric unpacks the theological differences between the God of the Bible and the understanding of God in Islam. He explains that while both faiths profess belief i...
Why Be Missional? A Conversation with Bishop Dr. Yasser Eric
In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine continues the mini-series with a meaningful conversation titled “Why Be Missional?” Joined by Bishop Dr. Yasser Eric, the discussion explores how every follower of Christ is called to live missionally bringing discipleship, love, and transformation into their communities wherever God places them.
Bishop 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 emphasize that mission and discipleship begin with a heart for Jesus. He highlights that being missional is not about attending church o...
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...
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...
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 t...
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 mo...
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...
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 a...
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...
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 cha...
God’s Work in Lebanon: Missional Leadership, Church Growth, and Lives Transformed
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 po...
Hope in Action: Heart for Lebanon's Ministry Update and Prayer for Lebanon
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 har...
A Partnership of Hope, A Collaboration Podcast Episode with Pathways Church in Vero Beach FL
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...
Who Are They? The Christians of Syria
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...
Reaching the Marginalized - The Bedouin and Gypsy Communities in Lebanon
Episode Summary
In 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...
Hope for Lebanon: Summer Programs at Hope Evangelical Church
Hope for Lebanon: Summer Programs at Hope Evangelical Church
Introduction:Join Elio Constantine as he speaks with Bashir from the Hope Evangelical Church in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. They discuss the current situation in Lebanon and the exciting summer plans at the church, focusing on how people are finding hope in Christ amidst ongoing challenges.
Key Discussion Points:
Current Situation in Lebanon: Despite a tough season marked by conflict and despair since September 2024, a ceasefire has led to a somewhat improved situation...
Where Is It? A Special Series: The Cedars of Lebanon
In this latest episode of the Journey Of Hope Podcast from Heart For Lebanon, host Elio Constantine talks with Heart For Lebanon co-founder camille Melki about one of the national treasures of Lebanon, the Cedars of Lebanon... They'll discuss the biblical signifance and references to the Cedars in God's Word, and the significant role that the Cedars play in the history of Lebanon and the tourism of Lebanon today.
Don't miss this latest installment of Where Is It? A Special Series: The Cedars of Lebanon
Heart For Lebanon Website: Home - Heart for Lebanon
Email p...
Special Edition: A Heart For Lebanon Ministry Prayer Call
In this special episode of Heart For Lebanon's podcast Journey Of Hope, we're sharing the audio from a very special virtual prayer gathering that Heart For Lebanon team members and supporters united for... you'll hear from Heart For Lebanon leaders John Crump, Elio Constantine, and May-Lee Melki, as well as other Heart For Lebanon supporters and partners, with updates from the field and times of prayer for the ministry and impact of Heart For Lebanon.
Heart For Lebanon's website: Home - Heart for Lebanon
Email your prayer request: prayer@heartforlebanon.org
Email the podcast: p...
Who Are They? A Special Series: The Kurds
Who Are They? A Special Series: The Kurds
Join Journey Of Hope Podcast Host Elio Constantine as he launches the first episode in a special series on the podcast, "Who Are They?". Elio, and pastor Bashir take a deep dive into the culture, history, language, and spirituality of the Kurdish people, and they talk in depth about all of the different ways that Heart For Lebanon is ministering to this unique people group!
website: Home - Heart for Lebanon
Email Elio: podcast@heartforlebanon.org
Where Is It? A Special Series: Mount Hermon - A Significant Biblical Site
In this episode of Journey of Hope, we are starting the first of 2 new special series, entitled Where Is It? In this series, we'll explore the Biblically and historically significant sites throughout the country of Lebanon.
In this episode, Journey Of Hope Host Elio Constantine speaks with Pastor Bashir, Field Director of Heart For Lebanon's operations in the Bekaa Valley, which sits in the shadow of Mount Hermon.
Pastor Bashir and Elio discuss the numerous bibleical references and significance to the Scripture that Mount Hermon holds, and they will explain why many scholars believe that Mount H...
Church To Church Partnerships, an Interview with Heart For Lebanon's CEO, Camille Melki
Heart For Lebanon's Journey Of Hope Podcast
Episode Title: Church To Church Partnerships, an Interview with Heart For Lebanon's CEO, Camille Melki
In this episode of Journey Of Hope, Heart For Lebanon's Podcast, host Elio Constantine talks with Heart For Lebanon's CEO and Co-Founder, Camille Melki, about the unique role that the ministry of Heart For Lebanon and the Hope Evangilical Church in Lebanon play in partnering with 18 other churches throughout Lebanon to increse the ministry and missional focus of all churches throughout the country.
In addition, you'll hear from Milad, t...
Restoring Homes and Hope in South Lebanon with Milad Nassar
In this episode of Journey Of Hope, a podcast produced by Heart For Lebanon, host Elio Constantine speaks with Field Director of the Heart For Lebanon Ministry Center in Southern Lebanon, and pastor of the Hope Evangelical Church, Milad Nassar.
Elio and Milad are in South Lebanon with an update from the field on the latest developments in the aftermath of the most recent conflict in Lebanon, as well as a new way that Heart For Lebanon is sharing the hope of Jesus with the community, while meeting some very practical restoration needs.
Heart For Le...
Heart For Lebanon's May Lee Melki Update on Vulnerable Girls Programs
In this episode, we have the honor of speaking with May-Lee Melki from Heart for Lebanon’s international office. May-Lee provides an important update on the incredible work Heart for Lebanon is doing with vulnerable girls in Lebanon.
Discover how Heart for Lebanon's relational, holistic, and God-centered approach is making a tangible difference in the lives of young girls, paving the way for breaking generational cycles of despair.
This episode also shares the moving story of Aleema, a young girl whose parents attempted to arrange her marriage at th...
Mission Trips with Heart For Lebanon
In this episode of Journey of Hope, we speak with Pastor Jeff Henry of Lake Hills Church about their impactful mission trips to Lebanon. He shares how firsthand experience reshaped his understanding of global missions, the unexpected lessons learned, and the profound impact on his team. We also explore the driving force behind their international service and, of course, debate the superiority of Lebanese cuisine. Join us for a conversation about faith, service, and the transformative power of stepping beyond our borders.
Lebanon Update: Conflict, Challenges, and The Hope of Christ
Get the latest update from Lebanon with Camille Melke, co-founder and CEO of Heart for Lebanon. This episode delves into the impact of the recent conflict, the economic crisis, and the challenges facing vulnerable communities. We also highlight the inspiring work of Heart for Lebanon, including a powerful story of survival, and how they are sharing the hope of Christ.
Contact us! podcast@heartforlebanon.org
Join our prayer ministry: Prayer Ministry - Heart for Lebanon
The Power of Prayer Across The Globe
In this episode of Journey of Hope, we dive into the power of prayer and its role in transforming lives in Lebanon. Host Elio Constantine is joined by Darren Adwalpalker, Go Pastor at Highland Park Community Church (Casper, Wy) and a close partner of Heart for Lebanon.
Together, they share personal experiences of prayer in times of crisis, and how prayer connects us to the work God is doing around the world.You'll also hear Jana’s moving story—a student in Heart for Lebanon’s HOPE Educational Program—who found worth and forgiveness through the power of prayer.<...
Answered Prayers in the Bekaa Valley
In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine sits down with Bashir, a lead pastor Hope Evangelical Church and the Field Manager at Heart for Lebanon in the Bekaa Valley. They reflect on the recent trials and triumphs faced by the Lebanese people during a tumultuous period from September 2024 to January 2025. As conflict escalated between Hezbollah and Israel, over a million people in Lebanon were displaced, and the nation faced unprecedented economic challenges. Yet, amidst the despair, Bashir shares powerful testimonies of how God was at work, answering prayers and providing hope.
Listeners will hear about...
Answered Prayers in Southern Lebanon
In this powerful episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine reconnects with Milad, Heart for Lebanon's field manager and a lead pastor, to discuss the recent challenges and triumphs faced by communities in southern Lebanon. As the region emerges from a period of intense conflict, they reflect on the impact of the September aggression between Israel and Hezbollah, which displaced hundreds of thousands of people and forced Heart for Lebanon to temporarily halt operations. However, with the recent ceasefire and the formation of a new government, hope is beginning to flourish once again.
Milad shares heartwarming stories...
Peace Beyond Ceasefire
In this compelling episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine delves into the profound concept of peace in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, amidst recent political and military developments. Joined by Camille Melki, co-founder of Heart for Lebanon, they explore the ministry's response to the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the region.
Listeners are offered a detailed account of the recent ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, the regime change in Syria, and Lebanon's new presidential leadership. Despite these changes, the road to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges. Camille emphasizes that true peace transcends the...
New Beginnings: A Year of Hope and Faith in 2025
In this New Year episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine is joined by Heart for Lebanon's co-founder, Tom Atema, to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in 2025 for Lebanon and the surrounding region. As Lebanon continues to grapple with economic, political, and refugee crises, Heart for Lebanon remains steadfast in its mission to bring hope and transformation through Christ.
Reflecting on the tumultuous events of 2024, Tom shares how the ministry has navigated these hardships by keeping Christ at the center of their efforts. The episode delves into the significant changes in the Middle East...
The Pyramid of Hope
In this special Christmas episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine invites listeners to reflect on the transformative power of Christ's love as embodied by Heart for Lebanon's mission. As Lebanon faces a challenging year marked by economic and political turmoil, this episode celebrates the stories of hope and change made possible through the support and prayers of Heart for Lebanon's community.
Listeners will hear about the unique pyramid approach to the ministry's philosophy, which emphasizes building relationships and meeting both physical and spiritual needs. Camille Melki, the CEO, shares the organization's two-handed approach to healing and...
Celebrating Christmas in Crisis
In this heartwarming episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine invites listeners to embrace the spirit of Christmas amidst Lebanon's ongoing challenges. As Lebanon faces one of the worst economic crises in recent history and the aftermath of conflict, the episode highlights the resilience and hope found in the message of Christ's birth. Elio is joined by Bashir, field manager for Heart for Lebanon, who shares the organization's efforts to spread the joy of Christmas through various programs and events at the Hope Evangelical Church and beyond.
Listeners will hear about the struggles faced by Lebanese families...
Ceasefire And New Beginnings: A Path To Lasting Peace
In this impactful episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine navigates the complexities of the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, unraveling the historical and political threads that led to this pivotal moment. Joined by Heart for Lebanon's Co-Founders, Tom Atema and Camille Melki, the discussion dives deep into the implications of the ceasefire for Lebanon and the Ministry's ongoing efforts in the region.
Listeners gain insight into the intricate dynamics at play, including the role of Hezbollah as an Iranian proxy, and the challenges faced by the Lebanese government in negotiating and maintaining peace. Camille...
Holistic Ministry for Lebanon's Women
In this episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine invites listeners to explore the critical issue of gender inequality in Lebanon, focusing on the plight of women and girls. Against the backdrop of Lebanon's compounded crises—from economic collapse to political instability—Elio sheds light on the structural gender inequalities that persist, despite Lebanon's early advancements in women's rights.
Joining Elio is May-Lee Melki, a passionate advocate for women's empowerment and holistic Ministry. Together, they discuss Heart for Lebanon's comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of women in a society where gender disparities are stark. May-Lee shares her...
