Yesterday Bethlehem Bible College organized an Open Day for its students.  The theme was “Where are we headed?” and the College’s students, faculty and staff participated.

The day began by honoring BBC graduate Ghaith Shomali, who passed away three days earlier after a long battle with cancer. The College fondly remembered Gaith, a faithful son of Christ who spent his life serving his community, his church and his college.

The loss of Ghaith, the students’ sense of hopelessness and frustration, along with their ongoing questions about the purpose of life, led the staff to plan a very special day for them. The first session was led by Brother Michael Arteen who spoke about the paths of darkness and light and choosing between them. He compared the consequences of choosing the path of darkness and sin as opposed to the blessings that result from choosing to walk with Christ and, in particular, the gift of eternal life. Not surprisingly, the students asked many questions related to death and why God allows death in some cases. Brother Michael’s answers encouraged the students and offered them solace.

The second session, led by Sister Madleine Sara, a Christian Counseling specialist, asked the question, “Where are we heading?” A discussion followed regarding the students’ dreams and goals, how to achieve them, as well as how to overcome obstacles they encounter.Sister Madleine encouraged the students to develop their own dreams and goals, and pursue them in spite of any frustrations they might encounter, and reminded them thatProverbs 29:18 says, “where there is no vision, the people perish”.

Sister Shireen Hilal and Sister Monica Hawash, a current MA and former Theology student, led the third session. Sister Monica shared her personal experience with the influence of evil spirits in her life as she and her family had experimented with witchcraft and sorcery before they believed in Jesus Christ. Sister Monica advised the students that when considering the question “where are we heading?” they choose the path of light and truth instead of sorcery and witchcraft, which leads to darkness.

The third session also included two energetic activities.  The first was a competition between groups of students to build a tower using spaghetti, marshmallows and tape. The highest tower that could stay standing for 10 seconds won. In the second activity, students wrote positive notes about each other and shared them with the group as a whole.  Both of these activities provided students with a light-hearted opportunity to build community with each other.

In conclusion, the Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, President of the College, thanked all those who contributed to the success of Open Day and everyone enjoyed a special lunch and time of fellowship.

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