Nes Ammim Christian Conference Centre was the location of this year’s BBC Student Retreat. Nes Ammim means “Miracle of the Nations”, an apt location for our students who had just finished with their various Easter celebrations, especially meaningful in the Holy Land where churches commemorate the holiday with rich traditions that vividly bring to mind what God has done for us, and not just us, but for the whole world. Located close to the border with Lebanon, Nes Ammim is surrounded by greenery, and close to many interesting sites as well as to the Mediterranean coast, making it possible to visit several larger cities during our time there. We thank God that so many of the students and staff were given Easter permits that allowed them to travel outside of the West Bank to Nes Ammim for the Retreat.  Normally, Palestinians are not allowed to travel inside Israel as they are restricted by Israeli checkpoints and the Separation Wall.

Coming at the end of the BBC Easter Break, the retreat provided a welcome time of refreshment, both physical and spiritual, and also a time of encouragement as we head into the last lap of this academic year. Attended by 40 students, staff and faculty members, our morning and evening times of praise and worship were also enriched by “The Lord is My Banner”, a worship team from the northern region, and guest speakers Khaled Delle and Farid Shehada as well as BBC’s VP Dr. Jack Sara, and Dr. Yohanna Katanacho, the Academic Dean. Faculty members included Munther Isaac, the Vice Academic Dean, Pastor Dani, and Alaa Quassasa. Pastor Hani, an alumnus of the College, was our guide on trips to Akko, Haifa, Ras Nakura and the Acre Citadel. We also visited the site where filming of the Campus Crusade “Jesus Movie” took place, and many recognized the location where the filming of Jesus’ scourging and scenes of interchange with Pilate were shot.

Our time there was a good time of bonding between staff and students, and between students themselves, as we shared daily devotion times and discussion groups. Our spiritual themes focused on “Trust in God”, Spiritual Warfare” and “The Power of the Cross and the Resurrection”. And what trip with young people can ignore the food angle? The food was great, as staff at the Centre made us comfortable and ensured we were well fed.

We thank God for this opportunity to be together as a Bible College Family, to strengthen ties, encourage the disheartened, to fellowship and bond together, and to remember God’s graciousness to us in praise and worship.