Water and Shade in the Desert
“Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land” (Isaiah 32:2).
While temperatures soar in Bethlehem and students take a break from their studies, things remain just as busy at Bethlehem Bible College. We are hosting several large projects this month, which we would appreciate prayer for.
First, we are excited to launch a new summer ESL program, made possible through a group of volunteer ESL teachers from the USA. The group is here for three weeks, providing intensive language courses for those who want to study at an accelerated pace. The 8 volunteers are teaching at 4 levels, from early beginners to those who already have a great command of the language but want to continue to improve. Students are coming from around the Bethlehem region, including Jerusalem. Please pray that these classes will be a blessing for all involved and that many new friendships will be established.
Starting July 19th, Dr. Jack Sara, along with other local and international leaders, is hosting a leadership training intensive for young adults around the region. Sessions will include such topics as the Birth of a Vision, Intimacy with God, Spiritual Gifts, Multiplication by Mentoring, Passion for the Harvest, and many others. (Dr. Jack and his family just returned from Germany where he and his wife, Madleine, held a similar leadership training session for Arabic speakers living in Europe).
And finally, at the end of month, from July 25th to August 2nd will be our English summer camp for children. A ministry team from London is joining us, as well as some Americans and Palestinians. We have a great group of leaders and are expecting 100 children, both Christian and Muslim, to attend the camp, many from the two refugee camps on either side of BBC: Aida and Azza. The theme for this camp will be “Around the World in Seven Days” and we will focus on teaching English through a variety of fun activities, including crafts, singing, dancing and sports. Our desire is to strengthen our Christian children, build bridges with our Muslim community and provide a fun time for children who have lived under a lot of stress in their short lives.
Please keep the college and our many volunteers in your prayers, that this will be a very fruitful month for us all and that these projects will be as water and shade in the desert to many weary souls. Pray most of all that our Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified in all that is said and done here.
