Helping Lebanon’s Displaced Families Find Hope with May-Lee Melki
Faith & Finance with Rob West
When God’s people respond with generosity, real lives are changed—and doors open for hope that lasts.
That has been the story behind FaithFi’s partnership with Heart for Lebanon, a ministry serving families displaced by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. On today’s show, we welcomed May-Lee Melki, U.S. Managing Director of Heart for Lebanon, to share what God has already made possible through the generosity of FaithFi listeners—and why the need remains urgent.
When God’s people respond with generosity, real lives are changed—and doors open for hope that lasts.
That has been the story behind FaithFi’s partnership with Heart for Lebanon, a ministry serving families displaced by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. On today’s show, we welcomed May-Lee Melki, U.S. Managing Director of Heart for Lebanon, to share what God has already made possible through the generosity of FaithFi listeners—and why the need remains urgent.
Over the past few months, May-Lee and her father, Camille, have helped listeners understand the tremendous challenges facing families in Lebanon. The war has displaced thousands, placed communities under severe strain, and left many families carrying emotional, physical, and spiritual burdens.
While there have been temporary pauses in the fighting, May-Lee explained that a ceasefire has not meant true peace for many families.
“Families are beginning to experience different effects of the ongoing war, instability, and repeated disruption,” she said. “There’s a lot of fear, and there’s a lot of uncertainty.”
Many are still facing food insecurity, damaged infrastructure, interrupted livelihoods, and the constant fear that conditions could worsen without warning.
Generosity That Has Already Made a Difference
FaithFi listeners originally set out to help 275 displaced families in Lebanon. By God’s grace, that goal has now been met.
Those 275 families represent more than 1,000 individuals receiving life-sustaining support through Heart for Lebanon. That support includes food, mattresses, blankets, hygiene kits, diapers for adults and children, and care for newborns entering a world marked by war and uncertainty.
May-Lee shared the story of Ibrahim, a six-year-old boy whose family had to flee in the middle of the night as violence intensified. His parents carried their children and ran into the unknown, unsure where help would come from.
Through the generosity of Faith and Finance listeners and the ministry of Heart for Lebanon, Ibrahim’s family received practical care and ongoing support. His mother later told the team, “Please don’t stop your children’s activities, even throughout the war.”
Ibrahim’s favorite Bible story is Jesus feeding the 5,000. For him, that story has become deeply personal. He told the team, “Jesus loves us, and I know He will not let us go hungry.”
That is more than humanitarian aid. It is a picture of God’s provision working through His people.
Meeting Physical Needs and Building Trust
Heart for Lebanon’s ministry begins by meeting urgent physical needs wherever families are—whether in shelters, makeshift tent settlements, or other temporary spaces. Food, bedding, and hygiene supplies help families survive while preserving their dignity.
But the ministry does not stop there.
May-Lee emphasized that Heart for Lebanon is not simply dropping off supplies and leaving. Their team is present for the long haul, walking with families through an open-ended season of displacement and uncertainty.
That consistent presence creates trust. And trust opens the door to deeper conversations about faith, hope, and the love of Christ.
May-Lee shared the story of Najwa, a woman who first came to Heart for Lebanon looking for food for her family. Over time, through relationships with the team, she found something she had not expected.
She said her heart had been longing for a kind of spiritual nourishment she did not even know existed. Through the ministry’s care and the message of the gospel, Najwa came to understand that she had not been forgotten by God.
That kind of transformation takes time. It does not happen through a single package of supplies. It happens as God’s people listen, serve, build relationships, and bring the hope of Christ into the deepest places of need.
Hope in the Midst of Crisis
In times of crisis, hearts are often more open than before. But May-Lee said that what truly points people to Jesus is not only the immediacy of help but also the authenticity of a long-term relationship.
Heart for Lebanon’s team is made up of local believers serving other locals—many of whom are experiencing the same hardships. Some members of the team in southern Lebanon have been displaced themselves, yet they continue to serve.
That shared experience gives their ministry a unique credibility. Families see that these believers are not there temporarily. They are staying, serving, and carrying the burden.
As a result, families are attending Bible studies in growing numbers, asking questions about faith, and seeking spiritual truth.
May-Lee shared another story of a single mother named Nawal, who said, “Even during the war, someone was still thinking about us.” Through that care, she began to understand Jesus' love in a tangible way.
“He’s with me even in my darkest hour,” she said.
That is the opportunity before Heart for Lebanon—to model the gospel in action during an ongoing crisis.
Caring for the Whole Person
The needs in Lebanon are not only physical. Children have witnessed things no child should have to see. Families have lost homes, routines, stability, and a sense of safety.
Heart for Lebanon is helping turn crowded shelters and temporary spaces into places of care. Their team provides trauma-informed activities, play, art, and listening—simple but meaningful ways to help children process fear and begin to experience safety again.
The ministry’s approach is holistic because people are whole persons, made in the image of God. Food and supplies matter. Dignity matters. Emotional care matters. And above all, eternal hope in Christ matters.
May-Lee put it plainly: tangible aid is important because it restores dignity, but it also becomes a vehicle for building trust and creating relationships that can flourish for God’s Kingdom.
The Need Remains Great
Because of the generosity of Faith and Finance listeners, more than 275 displaced families are already receiving ongoing care. We praise God for that.
But the need remains tremendous.
Heart for Lebanon has committed to continue supporting these families with monthly care, including food, bedding, hygiene supplies, and relational support. They also hope to expand that care to reach even more families who are still facing fear, displacement, and uncertainty.
Every $90 given helps provide a full month of care for a displaced family, while also allowing Heart for Lebanon to continue building relationships and sharing the hope of Christ.
If you would like to help, visit FaithFi.com/Lebanon or text the word FAITH to 98656.
When God’s people respond with generosity, families receive more than temporary relief. They receive care, dignity, relationship, and a glimpse of the lasting hope found only in Christ.
On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:
I received a letter from Social Security about the Social Security Fairness Act and the end of the Windfall Elimination Provision. They also deposited a lump sum into my checking account. I’m confused about why I received it, what it means, and whether I’ll owe taxes on it.
A friend borrowed about $500 from a company called Elastic, but the balance quickly grew to around $3,200. My family and I want to help her pay it off, but I’m concerned it may be predatory or a scam. How can we protect her, and what steps should we take?
My husband and I are 57 and 54. We once had about $200,000 in savings, but after COVID and serious health and life challenges, that money is gone. We earn about $65,000 a year, have only about $500 across our accounts, and are living paycheck to paycheck. We each have about $25,000 in life insurance or retirement, but we’re essentially starting over. How can we rebuild a financial plan at this stage of life?
Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God’s resources.
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