As I reach for my pen this evening, I am reminded by the many posts on social media that it is International Women’s day. Of course, for many, it is a day like any other. But in Bethlehem, we have taken the day off to remember the great achievements of women; to thank them for their ambitions and dreams, […]
Bethlehem students: Spreading Christ’s fragrance
Every academic year at Bethlehem Bible College, we look forward to welcoming new hard-working students who carry big dreams in their hearts! Bethlehem is a small town, true, but it has big dreams: dreams that awaken dormant souls and fly higher than any walls. Once I had a big dream to serve God with all I had. In His faithfulness […]
Peace on earth – more than a dream?
This Christmas at church, our Sunday school children are getting ready to act out the nativity scene. Imagine it: retelling the birth of Christ with real, local Bethlehem children – surely it can’t get any better! But for many of the people living in this region, living in peace seems a faraway dream. They don’t know the powerful words Jesus […]
Lean on me
Women in the Middle East and North Africa often face restrictions and negative attitudes, leaving them crying out for worth. Here, our Bethlehem blogger Grace describes the difference following Christ has made in giving her – and other women she knows – a secure identity and sense of purpose… Not far from where I live, beautiful golden sunlight splashes […]
The Pursuit of Freedom – February 2016
After 40 days of celebrating Christmas, the massive Christmas tree in Manger Square was taken down in the middle of January. The festival lingers longer here than in any other place, but the tree’s removal marked the fact that Christmas was now officially over in this little town. Bypassers looked on at the changing scene, no doubt reflecting on the […]
With the Christian exiles from ISIS – October 2015
Grace discovers faith, pain and a shared understanding when she meets Iraqi Christians sheltering in Jordan It is interesting how God often speaks to us, beautifully and inspirationally, when we least expect it. Returning last month from a short visit to the USA, I had to go through Jordan, as Palestinians are not allowed to travel through the Israeli airport. […]
A rising generation – July 2015
Beneath the blue skies of Palestine, in the cheerful, vibrant town of Bethlehem, there lives a rising generation. It’s a generation of new graduates, celebrating with many, the joys of completing their long periods of study. Among them are around 50 students graduating from Bethlehem Bible College (BBC) who finished their educational journey on 13 June. Acting as MC of […]
Wedding bells in Bethlehem – May 2015
My parents just celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary. Thirty-four years – year after year, more beautiful, more enriching and more satisfying. Whilst we were all sharing their delicious anniversary cake, I sat marvelling at the work of God in their lives. I remember very clearly how they brought me and my brothers up to love God and walk in His […]
Bleak mid-winter – January 2015
A snow storm is coming, be cautious! Quick, get all the bread in the stores, purchase all the food you can and store everything for the next few days. It is the 7th of January 2015, and it seems that everyone started panicking having heard the news of the imminent snow storm. With no one coming or going, life all […]
Friend to all – November 2014
In Bethlehem still: same beloved town, same dear place and the same fresh breeze. Autumn foliage is slowly sweeping in as leaves of the trees are turning into shades of yellow, orange and magenta. Scarves, jackets, a drizzle and the chill of a cold evening; the irresistible aroma of coffee, biscuits and freshly baked cakes inside every home; matchless hospitality. […]