"The Change We Await Starts with You" A Strong Message to Women on International Women's Day!

“The Change We Await Starts with You”

A Strong Message to Women on International Women’s Day!

My name is Mona Ghareeb Bahnan. I’m 36 years old, a mother of three children, and a first-year student in the Biblical Studies Program at Bethlehem Bible College. Studying the Word of God has been my passion for a long time for not only does the body need nutrition, but also the soul. The richness of the Word within us gives us the ability and strength to face the difficulties and challenges in this life. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Bethlehem Bible College is a second home for every student who belongs to it due to the prevailing family atmosphere dominated by love and friendship, which makes it well-deservedly distinguished from other places. Highly skilled and experienced teachers teach many interesting courses. The remarkable thing about the College is the chapel (an hour of prayer) in which we all unite in one spirit to glorify and praise the Lord.

The College has significantly impacted the lives of each of us. It gives us love and fills our souls with the knowledge of the Word of God. We are like pots that, if not filled to overflowing with Christ, will not be able to give to those we love and care for. We need our hearts to be filled with love so that we can be the sweet scent of Christ wherever we are. And this is what the College is doing; it is helping us to constantly charge ourselves and our minds. There is nothing more wonderful than going to the depths with the Lord to dive into a deep sea full of countless treasures. Through the College, I found how beautiful it is to surrender my life entirely to the Lord to see God’s hand working in the smallest details.

On International Women’s Day, I’m reflecting on how much we need to promote equality between men and women in our Arab societies, mainly Palestinian. Women represent half of the world’s population and half of its capabilities. We need to support them to create an equal community and a more beautiful future for our children. I’m so thankful to be a student in a college that reflects and strongly supports these values. My message to women and mothers is that the future depends on you. Your role begins first with your family. As a mother, you are responsible for raising future generations that make history. Yes, the change we await starts with you. You are the horizon from which the sun of happiness shines on this universe, so rise and illuminate the darkness of this world and strengthen your role in this society.