
81. Lebanon: The Gateway of the Gospel in the Middle East
From God on the Move Podcast by Lausanne Movement
May 18, 2026 · 36 min · Episode 96
About this episode
Maher El Hajj discusses the impact of Youth for Christ Lebanon on youth facing trauma in a challenging socio-economic context.
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…
People in this episode
Guest: Maher El Hajj
Topics covered
- youth ministry
- economic collapse
- displacement
- trauma recovery
- Christian outreach
- interfaith relations
Keywords
- Lebanon
- Youth for Christ
- youth centers
- trauma
- Christianity
- Muslim families
- community support
- discipleship
- hope
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Youth for Christ Lebanon
Places: Lebanon, Middle East, majority-Muslim context
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