“Some of your best recruits are teenagers,” shared a speaker during a Leaders in Training session on discipleship. Jesus’ disciples were likely younger than He was. Yet, He trusted them with real responsibility. He let them see His humanness. He modeled an honest, everyday walk with God. This kind of leadership is what youth leaders experienced firsthand during this year’s LIT Beirut program.
Trainees spent weeks practicing youth ministry in a safe, supportive space. But their real test came with the final projects: two full-on youth camps. Then on June 7, we celebrated their graduation. Each young leader showed a deep desire to grow in character and in ministry. Their LIT journey may be over, but their calling to reach youth continues on.
Here are a few of their reflections.
Fadi
I first connected with YFC when they visited my school and invited us to their camps, some of the best I’ve ever attended. Through a YFC program at my current church called Rock Solid, I began to learn more about Jesus, even though I come from a majority background. Four years ago, while volunteering in the kitchen at a YFC camp, I heard a powerful testimony from a youth worker with a similar background. That night, I prayed to Jesus for the first time.
My journey in youth ministry began as I gathered classmates after school and later joined my church’s youth team. LIT helped me deepen my understanding of how to connect with youth. During the final project, I led a youth camp at the same site where I once attended as a teen. It was a full-circle moment where I rediscovered memories and learned patience and teamwork as I led and served others.
Riana
LIT taught me that youth ministry isn’t about control; it’s about community, fellowship, and knowing how to have fun ourselves if we want the youth to enjoy it too. I stepped out of my comfort zone in new ways, like speaking in front of an audience. Relying on the Holy Spirit gave me unexpected confidence. Normally, I wait to be led, but this time I took initiative, especially during group discussions where I helped youth open up. I realized I’m no longer one of them; it’s now my turn to help others grow.
A key moment for me was when the youth in my room wouldn’t sleep, and we responded firmly. The next day, a leader encouraged us to handle it more gently. That feedback stuck with me. Even when I was tired, I learned to pause, pray, and reset. LIT helped me grow in leadership, compassion, and my role in helping youth thrive.
Alav
LIT helped me recognize the uniqueness in each youth and reach out to them in a way that truly connects. It helped me grow as a follower of Christ and as a youth worker. During the final project, a youth camp, I loved every moment. Though I was anxious at first, God was with me, helping me overcome my fears. It was my first time speaking in front of an audience, and I worried the youth wouldn’t take me seriously. But they listened and engaged. I felt as though God was holding my hand as I spoke.
Coming from a Syrian Kurdish majority religion background, I share the same roots as many of the teens, which helped me connect more deeply. Some even knew me from my time as a youth at Manara Youth Center. After my talk, one girl opened up about the struggle of following Jesus under pressure from family and society. It was a powerful moment of connection.
Ghadir
During the LIT program, I came to see that youth are my favorite age group to work with. As a social worker at Manara Youth Center’s Psychosocial Support program, I was able to apply what I learned in LIT directly to my work. I realized that working with youth requires a unique approach, one centered on understanding, connection, and authenticity.
During the final project, a youth camp for MYC youth, I shared my testimony. Coming from a majority religion background, I spoke about the challenge of living a double life while searching for truth. I encouraged the teens not to take their time at MYC for granted, but to keep seeking.
A moment that made it real for them was when a photo of my family appeared behind me, and they saw I was the only one not veiled. Suddenly, they saw someone just like them, who had chosen Christ. That opened the door to meaningful conversations afterward. It was all God’s work.
