81. Lebanon: The Gateway of the Gospel in the Middle East

What does hope look like for Lebanese teenagers growing up through economic collapse, displacement, and war?   In this episode of God on the Move, Maher El Hajj shares how Youth for Christ Lebanon creates safe, welcoming youth centers where traumatized 12–18-year-olds find community, counseling, tutoring, and the gospel shared through relational discipleship. Hear how YFC partners with local churches and navigates ministry in a majority-Muslim context. Maher recounts the story of a displaced 15-year-old whose grief and depression gave way to healing and joy as the center became his “second home,” and explains why many Muslim families still send their children because they see real transformation. He closes with a plea not to forget Middle Eastern Christians and specific prayer requests for perseverance, wisdom, peace, and support.   📚 Links from the Interview Youth for Christ Lebanon Donate to Youth for Christ Lebanon   🧑‍💻 About Maher Maher El Hajj is married and has two kids. He became a follower of Jesus through a Youth for Christ Lebanon program in 1995. He was invited to join YFCL as a full-time staff member in 2003. In January 2012, he accepted the role of National Director. YFCL actively reaches out to youth from all faith backgrounds to reach the marginalized and often overlooked young people in his country. Maher is passionate about engaging youth and seeing them saved and disciplined through YFCL’s various ministries. Maher also plays the role of Regional Director for YFC MENA, through which he raises funds, trains and oversees work in different YFC chapters in the region. 🔗 Join the God on the Move Community on the Lausanne Action Hub and be part of the conversation, see exclusive content and share your own testimony.