Introducing the SISTERS Program and the L.I.F.E. Hub with May-Lee Melki Constantine

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 ProgramA 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 & DignityHelping 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 StoryAn 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 respondin