Palestine (MNN) — Nearly five months after Hamas’ attack on Israel, peace and security are still elusive. And the small number of Christians in Israel and Palestine has plummeted.
In Gaza, several churches were destroyed and around 20 percent of Christians left. Those who remain were trapped by the conflict, living as refugees. But even the Christian community outside Gaza has been affected.
Photo courtesy of Bethlehem Bible College.
Rev. Jack Sara, president of Bethlehem Bible Collegesays the devastating ripple effects have extended to the West Bank.
“It’s hard. People are frustrated,” says Reverend Sara. “Every day we hear people leaving the country.”
Tourism in the West Bank has fallen significantly. Military checkpoints, road closures and violence are the new normal. Businesses are struggling to stay open and simply moving between cities is an ordeal.
Reverend Sara says: “In Bethlehem it has had an impact on us because, as I said, over 60% of the revenue depends on tourism here in the city. »
Those who can afford it, including local Christians, choose to go elsewhere. But Bethlehem Bible College remains a ministry in the Middle East and a support to the local church.
“We want Christians to stay here. Just imagine this country without Christians,” Rev. Sara said.
A new opportunity
Bethlehem Bible College is giving some Christians a new reason to stay. The college has partnered with other institutions in the Middle East and North Africa to offer a doctoral program in theology. It is the first of its kind in the history of the region.
Previously, Christian scholars in the MENA region had to study abroad if they wanted to pursue a doctorate. Other doctoral programs also tend to represent a Western worldview. Bethlehem Bible College, Lebanon Arab Baptist Theological Seminary and Cairo Evangelical Theological Seminary have formed the Middle East Graduate Theological Consortium to offer students another option unique to their region.
“These scholars will study a doctorate in their context,” says Reverend Sara.
“They don’t have to go somewhere to get it. And it will focus on what we call contextual theology, understanding the Bible in our context.
The PhD program will also allow students to apply from anywhere in the world and study remotely. Learn more about the new program.
Bethlehem Bible College continues to offer several online courses and degrees, such as Peace Studies and Arabic, to anyone interested in ministry and the Middle East. Learn more here.
Pray that God will bring true peace and support his people in Palestine. Ask Him to provide for the ongoing ministry of Bethlehem Bible College and to consider support a student.
Rev. Sara says, “We depend on donations and people who want to support the work of the Kingdom through Bethlehem Bible College. »
Photos courtesy of Bethlehem Bible College.
