Bethlehem Bible College Newsletter

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him” (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Dear friends,

I have to start this letter by offering my thanks to each of you who have stood and continue to stand with us. We appreciate you all so much. There is no way that we can fulfill our calling without the support and friendship of others in the body of Christ; indeed, we need each other!

As I think about the various opportunities that our staff and graduates have had to minister and connect with the family of God around the world, my heart overflows with joy. I am amazed at what the Lord continues to do through us as we stand together!

I have had a very busy travel schedule the past few months, and it will continue through the summer. You can read more about the travels and adventures of the BBC folk in this newsletter, as well as hear from our graduating Biblical Studies class and some of our Peace Studies students. Though we are small, God continues to multiply our impact, and for this we humbly thank Him. We are also sharing an article about one of BBC’s most beloved graduates, Katherin Shahwan, and her current health challenges. Please keep this precious sister in your prayers.

We’d love to see you in Bethlehem sometime—please know you are always welcome. Ahlan wa Sahlan!

In Christ,

Jack Sara

Rawan, John, Patricia, Mariam, Baseel, Dalia, and Firas have completed their training in Biblical Studies at Bethlehem Bible College. They are now preparing for their graduation and for the good work that God has prepared in advance for them to do. Every day more than 360 alumni are using what they learned at Bethlehem Bible College to fully be the presence of Jesus in the Holy Land and beyond. This summer Bethlehem Bible College will celebrate its 29th Commencement Ceremony.

Anton and Nisreen Nassar at their family farm in the Bethlehem municipality

Most of those who are familiar with the struggles of Palestinians in the West Bank have heard of Nassar Farm and the family’s ongoing legal battle to retain hold of their land, for which they hold a 100 year-old property title—but what many may not know is the farm’s connection to Bethlehem Bible College.

“But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

What can a small Christian college on the West Bank accomplish? Surrounded by majority groups, we, as Evangelicals, are a minority even amongst the tiny Christian minority of 1.5 % of the population. We hold virtually no political power. Most of our brothers and sisters have departed these lands, due to the tumultuous political situation and depressed economy on the West Bank. Despite these challenges, Palestinian Christians are making an impact around the world; an impact that is proportionally very high, when compared to our numbers.

“We live in an area where intractable conflict has been going on a long time. We need more leaders who are equipped with peacemaking skills, who in their turn can spread a culture of peace and reconciliation.”– BBC Peace Studies student, Arlette Flefel

BBC’s inaugural year for its Master of Peace Studies program has been a fascinating journey for the participants. With a host of some of the most experienced professors in their field (who come from Palestine, Israel and around the world), students have spent the past 9 months immersed in subjects such as reconciliation, conflict transformation, human rights and international law, peacemaking in Christianity, and non-violent activism.

“The strength and joy I have are really supernatural. God is giving me grace to handle my pain, because He promised that He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear!”

Kathrin Shahwan is a graduate of Bethlehem Bible College’s Biblical Studies program. Two years ago she was diagnosed with cancer in her leg. After receiving chemotherapy, the cancer remained. To prevent further spread of the cancer, the doctors amputated her leg at the knee. Despite this loss, she didn’t lose trust and hope in her Savior. “God took away all fear from my hear. I trust Him when He says that we have eternal life. If I spend my time worrying and in fear, what should I gain? So I made a decision to be happy and positive—and it has positively affected my health!”

At Bethlehem Bible College we are committed to give each of our tour guide students in-depth knowledge about destinations frequented by tourists in the Holy Land. This semester our students visited many sights and learned experientially how to relay information to visitors in an entertaining and informative way.