Meet One of Our Freshmen: Ghada Bannoura

Students choose BethBC not because it is an ordinary institution, but they choose it out of a calling from God. They come to learn and to dig deep into the Word of God to better know Him. That is certainly what happened to our freshman student Ghada Bannoura. Seeking her bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies, she is a mother of four who chose BethBC after years of quitting studies because she heard God’s voice and followed it.

Knowing Jesus Christ

We asked Ghada to tell us her testimony about how all of this started, and how she came to know Jesus Christ.

“When I was a child, I was always interested in learning more about the Lord, so I kept watching Christian movies and videos, eager to know Him more. I grew up loving Jesus, but I had lots of questions that no one could provide answers to, no matter how many people I asked.

Around 2006, I went to the monastery to become a nun because I thought that was my calling, but I didn’t find my calling there! So, I left the monastery feeling disappointed that I had either been abandoned by God or that I had failed Him! I was driven away from spiritual intimacy, and after a while, I went away from faith altogether. I lost hope in searching for my calling.

Years later, on August 15, 2010, I was interested to see my mother’s spiritual transformation. She suddenly started going to church and became a very spiritual woman. I became interested, and went to her church to see the motive and reason she had changed. This was how I was introduced to the church I go to now, the local Baptist church in Bethlehem, and I realized that is my calling. God was waiting for the right time and place.

I remember the preaching on that day was about the Samaritan woman. I deeply needed to hear the message of the Lord. I believe this is the work of the Holy Spirit. The fact that I was there that time, and connecting with the message of Christ from the mouth of the preacher that day was the work of the Spirit. ‘Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ That describes where I was that day.”

As Ghada mentioned, she goes to the local Baptist church in Bethlehem, which is a small church. She has been teaching Sunday school classes on and off for over a year now, for 13 kids between the ages of 6-9 years old.

About how her ministry impacts others for God’s Kingdom, and how it has made a difference in her church and community, she said: “Through my ministry, I am always reminded of Matthew 18:3, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This humbles me. So, I guess the first impact of my ministry was one that I experienced myself: I am blessed by the children.

Children always remind me of the power of prayer and faith. When a child from Sunday school faces a problem, the first thing they do is come to me and ask for prayer. Their first response to a problem is their faith in the Lord. I see God’s work through them when they come in the week after sharing with the class how the prayer was answered and how the Lord has led them through it.”  

As in every ministry, Ghada faces some challenges in her church and community such as the shortage of resources that are available for children’s education. She relies heavily on her own resources and the College’s materials.

Future Plans and Prayers

When asked about her future plans, Ghada said that she wants to get a Master’s degree after she finishes her undergraduate studies at the College. She added, “I would like to focus more on challenging the older generations, especially when it comes to practicing faith traditionally. I would like to see better methods of faith bringing people closer to God and not pushing them away.  I don’t see myself specifically teaching at a school, but I’d like to lead Bible studies and women’s ministries. I want to learn so it becomes my specialty.”

At the end, she asked for prayer specifically for her ministry with the children and for her son who has a mechanical heart valve.  We trust the Lord in taking good care of him while he’s in this condition. She added, “I praise the Lord for my husband’s support, especially considering we have four young children, with the oldest being just ten years old!”

The Kingdom of God is built with believers like Ghada, who are committed to Christ, and are enthusiastic to create change in other people’s lives. At BethBC, we are so blessed to be part of this journey.