In May, Manara Youth Center (MYC) held a special retreat for its Core Group, a discipleship group that has been meeting consistently over the past year. Together, they have been praying, studying God’s Word, asking difficult questions, and growing deeper in their relationship with Christ.
While YFC Lebanon organizes many retreats throughout the year, this one carried special significance. For these young people, it was not just another camp or event. It was the first-ever discipleship retreat dedicated specifically to this group, and for many, their first Christian spiritual retreat.
Most of the youth in the Core Group come from non-Christian backgrounds and first encountered Christ through the ministry of MYC. Many are first-generation believers navigating faith in difficult circumstances, while also carrying economic hardship and instability at home.
They come from Bourj Hammoud, an area heavily affected in recent months by tensions and insecurity in Lebanon, including nearby explosions, drones, and ongoing stress in daily life.
In the midst of these circumstances, the retreat became a space to pause, rest, reflect, and seek God together.
Reflecting on the Characteristics of a Believer
The retreat focused on “The Characteristics of a Believer,” with sessions centered on reflecting Jesus from the inside out. Through worship, discussions, games, devotionals, and quiet reflection, the youth were challenged to examine their hearts and draw closer to God.
The main speaker shared how surprised she was by the spiritual hunger of the youth.
“Usually, it is difficult to keep young people focused during long Bible teaching sessions,” she said. “But these youth were fully engaged. They participated, took notes, asked questions, and genuinely wanted to learn more about Jesus.”
Many discussions centered on the truth that Jesus is not simply an addition to our lives, but the One who transforms us completely.
The youth reflected honestly on questions like: Does my life reflect Christ? What comes out of me in difficult moments? Am I allowing God to shape me?
Personal Testimonies from the Retreat
One teenage girl, Sulaf, shared how the retreat challenged her personally:
“This retreat made me want to put God first. I learned not to leave God until the end of the day with just a rushed prayer. I also learned that we should be ready to give up things for God because He has much better things in store for us.”
Another girl reflected on the lasting impact the retreat had on her daily walk with God:
“I have been spending more time with God since then, and I can see the difference in my behavior,” she shared. “Usually, I get busy with daily responsibilities, but now I am trying to dedicate time for prayer.”
A Time of Renewal and Connection
What made the retreat especially encouraging was the openness and sincerity of the youth toward one another and toward God.
One participant described it as “one of the best retreats” she had attended:
“We disconnected, went somewhere far from distractions, spent time together, grew closer to God, and learned a lot,” she said. “I think we all needed this time.”
Despite the pressures many of these youth face because of their faith and circumstances, they came eager to seek God sincerely and encourage one another in their walk with Him.
By the end of the retreat, many made personal decisions to grow closer to God, spend more time in Scripture, and boldly share the Gospel with others.
We thank God for the work He is doing in the hearts of these young people.
Thank you for partnering with us through your prayers and support as we continue walking alongside youth and pointing them to Christ.
