The first Youth Alive Conference in Lebanon brought together 163 participants for a meaningful experience centered on emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Hosted at Middle East University, the conference gathered young people, university students, alumni, staff, church leaders, facilitators, and guests from different backgrounds. Among the participants were 35 MEU students, 19 MEU alumni, and 20 MEU employees, reflecting the university’s strong involvement in this first Youth Alive experience in Lebanon.
Yet, beyond the numbers, Youth Alive was about creating a space where people could slow down, connect, reflect, and be reminded that they do not have to face life’s challenges alone.
For many participants, this kind of conversation is not always easy. In a culture where opening up about personal struggles can feel uncomfortable, the conference intentionally created an environment where participants could speak honestly, listen to one another, and explore the connection between emotional well-being and spiritual life.
Abraham, a 28-year-old local participant from Lebanon, described Youth Alive as “one of the best experiences of my life.”
At first, he was unsure about the concept. A program that addressed not only spiritual but also mental well-being was unfamiliar to him, and he found the idea of sharing personal feelings with people he did not know challenging.
But the experience soon changed his perspective.
He appreciated the way the facilitators guided the discussions, creating an environment that was engaging without feeling forced. Through the conversations, Abraham connected with people of different ages and backgrounds and witnessed participants opening up about struggles they had carried for years.
Seeing that vulnerability, he says, inspired change — including in his own life.
“Realizing that I’m not alone, that nobody is perfect, and that everyone is going through their own battles gave me a huge sense of relief.”
For Abraham, that reflection became an important part of the experience. It helped him feel less isolated and, most importantly, strengthened his connection with God. He was particularly moved by seeing people from different religious backgrounds participate in prayer and open up spiritually.
His experience reflects something at the heart of Youth Alive: when people are given a safe space to be honest, healing and connection can begin.
The conference also provided opportunities for participants to build relationships beyond their usual circles. Young people and adults met, shared experiences, learned together, and discovered that many of the struggles they carry are more common than they might think.
We praise God for the opportunity to host the first Youth Alive Conference in Lebanon and for every person who contributed to making it possible. From the facilitators and organizers to every participant who chose to show up, listen, share, and take part, each person helped shape the experience.
Abraham’s final words capture the spirit of the conference beautifully: “I loved Youth Alive, and I can’t wait to attend again!”
As we look back on this first Youth Alive experience in Lebanon, our prayer is that the conversations that began during these days will continue — in friendships, families, churches, universities, and communities.
Because sometimes, creating a healthier future begins with something simple: giving people a place where they can be heard, reminded that they are not alone, and encouraged to draw closer to God.
