Imagine if a quarter of our country suddenly had to flee their homes—unsure where they would sleep, how they would eat, or what tomorrow might bring.
That is the kind of crisis many families in Lebanon are facing today. Innocent men, women, and children are caught in the middle of another humanitarian disaster, and the needs are urgent. But even in the pain and uncertainty, God is opening doors for His people to bring practical help and the hope of Christ.
This quarter, FaithFi is partnering with Heart for Lebanon, a trusted ministry serving families on the ground with food, shelter, trauma care, and gospel-centered support. Camille Melki, co-founder and CEO of Heart for Lebanon, joined us today to share what families are experiencing—and how believers can respond.
A Ministry Born in Crisis
Camille knows the pain of war personally. He was just nine years old when Lebanon’s brutal 15-year civil war began in 1975. His wife, Hoda, was eight. Decades later, in 2006, another conflict led them to launch Heart for Lebanon.
The mission was clear from the beginning: to move people from despair to hope in Christ.
Today, Lebanon’s situation remains complicated and heartbreaking. Families from different religious and ethnic backgrounds are being displaced and forced into unfamiliar communities. Many have lost homes, loved ones, and any sense of security.
Yet Camille sees something else as well: a bold opportunity to share the gospel with people who may never have had access to it before. As he put it, while innocent civilians continue to pay the highest price, “the mission of the church is still the same.”
Families Facing Fear, Loss, and Trauma
Many families in Lebanon have been displaced more than once. They are living with broken infrastructure, overwhelmed systems, and the emotional weight of war. Children, especially, are carrying deep trauma from what they have seen and heard.
Camille shared the story of Gaia, a woman from Syria who had fled war with her husband and daughter and settled in southern Lebanon. She and her family came to faith through Heart for Lebanon’s Hope Evangelical Church.
Then the violence reached their neighborhood. Gaia had just spoken with her neighbors before lunch. Minutes later, those neighbors were killed in attacks. Her home was badly damaged, and she and her husband—who is terminally ill with cancer—were injured.
When Heart for Lebanon’s team finally reconnected with Gaia, and she was able to return to church, she said that hearing the Word of God made the heavy burden on her heart feel lighter. The fear had not disappeared completely, but she no longer felt alone. Through Heart for Lebanon, she experienced the tangible love of Christ.
Caring for Children in the Shadows of War
Heart for Lebanon also works with children through its Children at Risk programs. One of the ministry’s leaders, Freddy, described how thousands of children are living in the shadows of war. Hallways once meant for learning have become shelters. Children have seen things no child should ever have to witness.
The ministry responds with trauma-informed care through play, art, listening, and prayer. The goal is not merely to provide temporary relief, but to help children process fear and experience the peace of Christ.
Camille shared the story of Ahmad, a 10-year-old Kurdish boy living in Lebanon with his parents, who recently came to know the love and hope found in Jesus. The sounds of rockets and explosions filled Ahmad with fear, especially for his 10-month-old brother. Whenever he heard missile
