A Critical Need in Lebanon with May-Lee Melki

This episode of the Faith and Finance podcast is brought to you in part by Heart for Lebanon. True financial freedom begins with putting God first, and generosity is one way we live that out. Our partner, Heart for Lebanon, serves vulnerable young women at risk of exploitation, early marriage, and violence, offering them safety, education, and the hope of the gospel. To give or learn more, text the word FAITH to 98656. That's Faith to 98656.

Or visit faithfi.com/slash Lebanon. Um And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send and who will go for us? Then I said, Here I am, send me. Isaiah 6:8. I am Rob West.

The news from the Middle East can feel overwhelming, but our hope in Christ calls us to act. Today, Meile Melke from Hartford, Lebanon joins us to share how you can help protect young women and girls facing crisis. Then it's on to your calls at 800-525-7,000. That's 800-525-7,000. This is Faith and Finance, biblical wisdom for your financial journey.

Well, you've probably heard us say it before. We love shining a light on the incredible work of our trusted ministry partners. It's one of the great joys of this program, celebrating how God is moving around the world and inviting you to join in kingdom work that's changing lives.

Well, one partner we're especially honored to support is Heart for Lebanon. This year, their mission is focused on rescuing some of the most vulnerable, young girls and women, facing the harsh realities of early marriage, trafficking, child labor, and even violence. Melee Melke, Strategic Engagement Manager with Heart for Lebanon, is joining us now after just returning from Lebanon to share more. And what a privilege to have you back with us today, Melee. Thanks so much for having me, Rob.

It's always a joy to share about the work that God is doing in Lebanon.

Well, I can't wait to talk about it today. And Mei Lee, having grown up in Lebanon, I know this ministry is deeply personal for you. I'd love for you to begin by sharing why reaching our goal to support these young women through Heart for Lebanon is so vital and what kind of real on-the-ground impact it can make in their lives. Absolutely, Rob. Right now, the urgency is at its highest that it's ever been.

The Lebanon today is different than the Lebanon that I grew up in, and that's because of the immense tragedies and compounded crises that the country has gone through. And the people group that has suffered the most Are girls ages 13 to 21 with no legal recourse or anyone to protect them unless they have some male figure in their family to vouch for them?

So many bad decisions are being made on their behalf, and that's why we're here today, Rob, because I truly believe that these girls will change the country, the Middle East, but most importantly, the church and its kingdom impact in that part of the world. May Lee, very specifically, I know you've identified 500 at-risk young women who need our help so far through the partnership of listeners to this program. We've been able to get about half of that number into your ministry there at Heart for Lebanon. But time is running short. We have just till the end of the month as we try to close out this opportunity.

We're looking for support for these other 250 girls and young women. That's just under $10,000.

Now, these are some pretty concrete numbers, so it's clear. This has been thoughtfully planned. I'd love for you, though, to just break this down a bit more for us. I'd be more than happy to. You know, every gift of $114 helps introduce three young women to Jesus.

As they begin to understand what their value is in Him, you will be preventing things like early child marriage, child labor, gender-based violence, and exploitation. And every investment provides safe spaces, mentorship, Christian-based counseling, educational, and empowering tools that are all based on biblical character traits and life skills, advocacy, and social awareness. We also offer vocational and skill training, but most importantly, we offer spiritual guidance and Christ-filled communities, which are much needed in Lebanon today. We share the gospel and the love of Christ with these vulnerable young souls. And many have accepted Christ in their land today where they are.

But that also has consequences to their own personal lives, Rob. But today, you can open the door to Heart for Lebanon's ministry for three girls who are at risk for early marriage, labor, and exploitation. But knowing we still have a few hundred more to go, just as you mentioned, but we hope you will be as generous as you can today by investing now at faithfi.com/slash Lebanon, or you can simply text the word faith, that's the word faith, to the number 98656, and we will immediately return a link to your mobile device where you can give securely online.

Well, I'm so excited about this opportunity. You know, on this program, our heart's desire is that we use money as a tool to accomplish God's purposes. And one of those purposes is to give generously in the name of Jesus to solve some of the world's greatest problems. And I can't think of one more on the heart of God than this. Partner with us to reach these additional 250 young girls in the name of Jesus to give them the confidence to stand boldly.

Around their identity in Christ. Faithfi.com slash Lebanon is the website. Back with Mei Lee Melke after this. Stay with us. If you love what you hear on this program, there's even more waiting for you at FaithFi.com.

Explore podcasts, videos, articles, Bible studies, and devotionals, all designed to help you see God as your ultimate treasure and money as a tool to advance his kingdom. Pursue wisdom, practice generosity, and steward God's resources in a community with others who share your faith. Visit FaithFi.com to take the next step in your faith and financial journey today. That's faithfi.com. Jesus said, Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Today, put your heart into something that makes an eternal impact. Heart for Lebanon is sharing the gospel and protecting girls from early marriage, child labor, and violence. Your gift of $114 helps reach three at-risk girls with hope and a brighter future. Give generously. Text Faith to 98656.

That's Faith to 98656. Or visit faithfi.com forward slash Lebanon. Thanks for joining us today on Faith and Finance. I'm Rob West. With me today, Meilie Melke from Heart for Lebanon.

She's joining us today to talk about an incredible opportunity we have for you, and that is to partner with us to reach. We're looking for 250 more young women to be reached in the name of Jesus. These are some of the most vulnerable young girls and women facing the harsh realities of early marriage, trafficking, child labor, and violence in the Middle East. And Heart for Lebanon is reaching them with the hope that only Jesus can provide with a safe place, with counseling, with community to support these young girls so they can then stand boldly with their identity in Christ. Our goal: 500 young women reached by June 30th.

We're halfway there.

So we're looking for you to come alongside us and Heart for Lebanon. Lebanon, between now and the end of the month, to reach these additional 250 young women. $114 helps to introduce three women to Jesus as they understand their value to him. And in doing so, in giving, you'll be helping to prevent things like early marriage and labor and exploitation. It's just under $10,000 that we're looking for to reach these additional 250 girls.

You can help us at faithfy.com/slash Lebanon. That's faithfi.com/slash Lebanon.

Now, I'd love to talk, May Lee, a bit more about this. And I know you've just returned from Lebanon, but tell our listeners what role the support plays in helping you and the team at Heart for Lebanon reach these vulnerable girls. You know, simply put, Rob, we just cannot do this without the faithful prayers and financial support of God's people all around the world. We realize it takes an invisible army for us to be able to witness that one life changed on the field. But practically speaking, if we don't have the funds to reach these girls, they are at an increased risk every day of not being a part of our ministry and therefore remaining in real danger of things like sex trafficking, gender-based violence, and early childhood marriage.

Yeah, there's no question about it. And that's why we're so delighted to partner with you. And from a practical sense, we want you to know that this is a ministry that we have high confidence in, not only because we know the leaders of this organization personally, but they have incredible financial integrity from places like Charity Navigator and Ministry Watch and ECFUN. We praise God for that. But mainly, it's hard for us to imagine here in America that young girls in Lebanon are not just.

Valued like they should be. And I know Hoda Melke, the wife of Camille Melke and one of Hartford Lebanon's co-founders, has spent her entire life in Lebanon. And I'd love for you, our listeners, to listen as she talks about how important it is that these girls realize how precious they are to Jesus. The mentality in general in the Middle East, more so in the Islamic communities, is they look down at the girls. They're not important.

They are confident that there's nothing good comes out of them. They are nothing. They are good only for making babies. And I have so many women and girls that I met and I get to know personally at Heart for Lebanon that tells you how important for us at Heart for Lebanon to educate and train and love and show the girls how precious they are. Wow, that's incredible.

Mei Lee, I'd love for you to walk our listeners through how Heart for Lebanon is meeting these girls' needs and specifically the transformation you're seeing as a result of the support being given. You know, Rob, just simply put, we're offering education. Counseling and two church communities that Hartford Lebanon has planted to plug them in and to grow in their walk with Christ. And that's what you're doing today: helping them be exposed to education and Christian counseling and church communities. But really, it is at its core introducing them to their Lord and their Savior.

You know, I was in Lebanon two weeks ago, Rob, and one of our teachers came up to me and she said, Iman accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. And we sat down and I wanted to know more. I said, How did this happen? And I know Iman, she's 12 years old. She comes from a Muslim background in a very, very difficult refugee community.

And she shared how Iman was forced to work at the age of 12 before and after she's in our center and school, and only to make $20 the entire month. And all that $20 goes to fund her dad's cigarettes and her brother's candy and stuff like that. Very abusive family situation that she lives in, but that yet Iman, after one of The chapel sessions decided to ask more about who this Jesus person is. And with tears, she said, I want to accept him as my Lord and Savior. I know he's going to change my heart from within.

I know maybe immediately my mom and dad won't change my circumstances, but he will change who I am. And I know that he will be with me despite the difficult circumstances. And that's what you're doing today. You're giving Iman the opportunity to keep going to school, to receive this ongoing Christian counseling, to help her be plugged into this church community that eventually we pray and we hope her entire family will be a part of. There's nothing greater than eternal hope and restoring girls' image and who they are and their dignity in Jesus Christ.

Wow. And that hope that only comes in Jesus changes everything. We certainly know that. Melee, Heart for Lebanon is carrying out this vital kingdom work in a deeply challenging place. And here at Faith and Finance, we want to make sure.

That all of these young girls are able to be a part of this ministry that God is using to transform lives. And it's the generosity of our faithful listeners and supporters that makes it all possible.

So, I'd love for you just to take a moment. And with this goal before us, we're on our way to reaching 500 young women and girls. Half of those have already been funded. We're looking for an additional 250 girls to be reached. It's less than $10,000, folks.

But specifically, how can our listeners take part in this mission? First and foremost, prayer, Rob. Prayer is the most important thing. You know, we prayed for Nezha for years. She is a mom who was forced into early child marriage at an early age, thought about taking her own life, and we prayed for her.

And now she has accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She attends one of our vulnerable women Bible studies, and her daughter is actually one of those young girls that we are wanting to target today with your help.

So, yes, prayer is the most important thing, but also, yes, financial support is needed as we still have about 250 of those 500 girls that we want to help that are standing at the doors of Heart for Lebanon's ministry. Only $114 opens the door, Rob, to Heart for Lebanon's Ministry of Education, Counseling, and Spiritual Development for three girls who are at an increased risk of early marriage, child labor, gender-based violence, and exploitation. Perhaps you're listening to us today and you say, I can do more. Perhaps you can do $950. That would reach 25 of the girls that God has put on our heart, of these vulnerable girls who the Lord is calling us, leading us to help.

But whatever God calls you to do today, we are so grateful. I want you to know that our entire team is so grateful for you. We're so grateful for you even considering partnering and praying with us. And this partnership with Faith and Finance means a lot to the girls in Lebanon today.

Well, it's a true privilege, Melee, to partner with Heart for Lebanon in such meaningful kingdom work. I'm so thankful for your time today. You clearly have a passion and a heart for this ministry. God is using you, Melee, and it's an honor to walk alongside you in that work. Thank you so much, Rob.

It's always a blessing. All right. That's Melee Melke, Strategic Engagement Manager with Heart for Lebanon. Remember, folks, $114 brings Heart for Lebanon's Ministry of Education. Counseling and spiritual development to three more at-risk girls in Lebanon.

250 still to reach. Go to faithfi.com slash Lebanon. That's faithfi.com/slash Lebanon or text the word faith to 98656. That's faith to 98656. Back with your calls after this.

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I'm Rob West. We're taking your calls and questions today. Lines are open, 800-525-7,000. Again, that's 800-525-7000. You can call right now.

Let's go to Nebraska. Hi, Sherry. How can I help? Hi, thank you for taking my call. I'm interested in determining how to.

Between financial advisors, we want to make sure we're good stewards of what we have. There are two advisors, one we've had for 30 years. He's a friend of the family. We've been with him a lot, but his fees are $4,000 a year higher. Which is a significant amount.

And the approach of the two advisors is different. One is bonds and one's accumulated annuities. And I just don't know. Do I just need to do the hard work and dive down into all the data and see what the returns are versus each one? Or how do you choose?

You know, it's a great question, Sherry. And, you know, at the end of the day, I mean, I think there's the financial side of it, kind of how have they performed for you versus what you've asked them to do in terms of the investment strategy you agreed on, given your age and risk tolerance. And with that investment strategy, how have they performed against the respective benchmarks that would go along with that investment strategy?

So that's a factor, but it's not the only factor. You know, if I were interviewing an advisor, I'd talk about things like what role does faith play in your financial advice? Do they really bring in biblical wisdom? Second, what is their definition of financial success? I would also want to know what their fees are.

I mean, clearly, I think it's very appropriate for you to evaluate what are you being charged and is it normal and customary? And then I think their experience and how they performed for you is another factor. You know, is it wrong to have a couple of advisors working on your behalf? Certainly not. I mean, I would say unless you have significant wealth.

And even then, having one advisor might make more sense just because you've got that trusted relationship. You don't have duplication of investments where they're not kind of looking at each other's portfolios. And so that. could create a situation where you have more in one particular strategy than you should just because they're not coordinating with one another. And so having one advisor looking over all of it, I think can make some sense.

You want somebody you have a good rapport with and is easy to communicate and works on your communication rhythm.

So it communicates in the way and in the frequency that you want.

So some of that you'll just know intuitively after working with both of these advisors for some time. And so I would factor that into the decision. But to your Your point, it may require some investigation to determine specifically how do their fees stack up against what's normal and customary, and then, second, how have they performed over time based on the type of portfolio they've been managing for you and what the corresponding benchmarks have done? Does that make sense, though? I know I've thrown a lot at you there.

No, that really doesn't make sense because the emotional side is the side that I'm having the most difficulty with. And so that's really, really helpful. Meaning you have the advisor is a friend and you don't want to have to kind of fire that person from their job. Is that the issue? Yeah, he's a friend of the family.

He's managed my dad's portfolio, my mom's, my sister's, you know, everybody in my family. His fees are a bit higher, but we are really comfortable with him too. But this new one. seems to have, you know, a different approach and it's hard to change. It's kind of like a marriage after thirty years, you know?

You're really used to how that person thinks. Yes. And what is it you're liking about the the advisor who's that's newer on the team here. He's got some well, his his fees are less. And his approach is a a team-oriented approach, which we like, which the other one is as well.

That's probably the main difference is the fees.

Okay. And has the advisor that's been with you for some time, do you feel like you have a good handle on the returns, or would that take a little bit of work to determine how he's actually performed? I think it's performed adequately, maybe not stellar. This has been a rough market the past couple of years, so that needs to be taken into account as well. Sure.

Well, I think it's perfectly appropriate to have this conversation. I don't think it's something you need to feel bad about. I mean, advisors are used to this conversation.

So I would just be transparent. I'd say, listen, I appreciate what you've done. We're considering who the right advisor is to serve us for this next season. And I'd love to know: can you give me a deeper dive into your fees? And secondly, can you give me a report on just how we've done versus the market?

But I would say that there's more to it than just the expense. And if this is somebody you have a good rapport with and he's served you well and he's performed well, you may decide to stick with him. But I don't think you should shrink away from the conversation. Let's go to Rock Island, Illinois. Hi, Kristen.

How can I help you? Hi, yes. Thanks for taking my call. I have a thirteen year old son, and he has been making money doing yard work and lawns and things like that. He currently has a little over $2,000.

And he keeps asking, mom, where can I invest this money? And so I just wanted your recommendation to know where the best place to start out a young teen would be in if he's trying to save and invest. Yeah, well, I love this that he's thinking about this. And there are some great options out there for him to look at. One would be called Stash would be a great platform.

He could look at Acorns or Betterment. Another option would be, you know, if he wants to put it into one of the faith-based investing mutual funds, he could just open an account at Schwab or Fidelity and then invest there. I mean, the nice thing with kids, though, I will say, is being able to invest in companies that they know and are interested in and maybe, you know, like to buy things from. And so, you know, although he would be more highly concentrated than we'd like for him to be once he's doing some serious investing a few years down the road, and you'd have to let him know that, you know, when he gets more money, he's going to need to, quote, diversify. And you'll need to define that for him.

I think just from an interest level and a learning standpoint, there's something to be said about. Him opening an account at let's say stash where they allow you to do fractional shares.

So, even with a small amount of money, he could buy, you know, even a percentage of one share of a company he knows, and then you could challenge him to kind of keep up with the company and watch it and do his research on it, that type of thing.

So, I would say if you want to just kind of drop it into a mutual fund and let it go, maybe choose a Fidelity or Schwab and buy one of the faith-based investing funds. If he wants to be more hands-on and would like to buy companies he knows, I think that's where Stash could work well, and he could use something called fractional shares to buy individual companies that he's particularly interested in. Does that make sense?

Okay, yep, it sure does.

Well, I appreciate it. Thank you. You're welcome. You'll find Stash at stash.com, so you could check that out and it'll go through all the details. It really is designed for beginners, and so I think it could be a great option.

If he has a smartphone, he could, you know, track. Everything right there on his phone, and he'd probably have a lot of fun doing it. Thanks for your call today. God bless you. That's going to do it for us.

Big thanks to my team today. Man, just so thankful for Devin Patrick, my producer, for Autumn, our call screener today. Really thankful for Taylor as well and his research and all the things he does and being our production manager here at Faith5. We're so grateful you were here as well. Hope you have a great day and come back and join us tomorrow.

Bye-bye. Faith in Finance is provided by Faith By and listeners like you.