Lebanon, the smallest yet one of the most strikingly beautiful countries in the Middle East, has been the center of political turmoil throughout human history; and our guest today  would live through one of those harrowing times that spanned fifteen years as Lebanon became the playground of international and homespun warlords. You will discover how she survived when everything around her was crumbling. This is an engaging true story of discovery. The name of the book we will be discussing is called “In the Hands of the Refiner: A Story from Lebanon”  it takes the reader through the author’s moving and thrilling wartime journey, as well as her battle with numbing personal loss and pain, years before the war began. Surrounded by death and uncertainty, Ellias refused to give up until she recovered her peace and freedom.  We are honored to have as our guest today, the author Noor Ellias.

Noor Ellias was born and raised in America; however, she was destined to live a major part of her life in Lebanon. In her book, she shares with the reader her spiritual journey through incredible trials and long years of civil strife in the light of the more recent Israeli invasion in 2006. Readers will gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Lebanese culture and its people as well as the pain and suffering they have endured both in modern times and throughout history. Her insight comes from first hand experiences and personal testimonies as she witnessed the tragedies caused by a senseless war. It is the author’s hope that her story will inspire many to take a step of faith toward fulfilling their dreams regardless of circumstances.