Spring 2008

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Isaiah 58:11

Dear partners and friends of Bethlehem Bible College,

Springtime

After a long and cold winter, spring is finally here. Beauty is seen in the wild flowers of the Judean hills. New life is springing forth from hills and valleys as prolific flowers, weeds and plants break through the unyielding sod, among them the beautiful red anemones (poppies) so familiar in this land. One cannot but praise the creator for this beautiful world! It is a marvelous reminder of our Lord's resurrection to life. As Palestinians celebrate Easter (April 27th) for the Orthodox churches in this land, we pray that many people will experience new life in Christ.
 

 

Building Project

God’s provision and faithfulness through the friends of BBC have enabled us to make steady progress on the student center building. While writing this, the contractors are pouring cement on the roof of the fourth floor. The first phase—the skeleton of our project-- is now completed. This is a great accomplishment and all praise and glory go to God for helping us this far. We are so thankful to every donor. As the Lord continues to provide, we will start work on the inside and do the classrooms, windows, offices, the elevator, the stairs, the mechanical work, etc.

At the same time that the building is going up, Don White, a volunteer artist from the United States has been working on a ceramic relief mural which will have a prominent place in the first floor entrance of the new building. The theme is the "Angel's Annunciation to the Shepherds" as described in Luke 1: 26-28.
 

Volunteers Needed

At this stage in our student center building development, we can receive and do welcome volunteers to help with the second phase of the building. We can use electricians, carpenters, masons, painters, mechanical workers and plumbers.

Student Retreat

This year we are taking our students on a retreat to Nazareth and all of the Galilee. The 3-day retreat will refresh the students as they visit Biblical sites and renew their walk with the Lord. Most of our students rarely go to Jerusalem, let alone Galilee, so the trip is a wonderful opportunity for them to see what tourists worldwide come to see. How exciting it will be for our students to read the beatitudes in the very place that Jesus taught them by the Sea of Galilee.

A New Book Dean of Students and faculty member, Rev. Alex Awad, has completed a book entitled, Palestinian Memories: the Story of a Palestinian Mother and Her People. Part I tells the dramatic and moving story of President Bishara and Alex’s mother, Huda Awad, and her family from the Ottoman Period until the present. Part II guides the reader step by step through the political history of the Arab/Israeli conflict. The 385- page book is in hardback and full color. It can be ordered for a cost of $25 (includes shipping and handling).

 

Living Lights DVD Praise the Lord, the new Living Lights DVD which introduces the Bethlehem Bible College ministry is ready and will hopefully shine a light as to what God is doing among and through us. Many have already requested a copy, but we would love for you to receive your free copy. With your request, be sure to send us your complete mailing address.

Name Change for the Nazareth Extension

The official name of our extension center in Nazareth is now “Galilee Bible College”. We praise the Lord for this light in Nazareth and are very grateful for the board and staff that are working hard to spread the word of God to over 40 students.

BBC Choir

Bethlehem Bible College Choir and Moody Bible Institute's 50-instrument Symphonic Band under the leadership of David Gauger did a joint Easter Concert in Bethlehem. The College Choir sang a selection of Arabic and English translation songs accompanied by the band that also performed instrumental items. It was a very uplifting event that was well received by the community.

Visitors

We are ever so grateful for the increase in visitors who have been able to come and visit us. They came purposely to see the living stones and have taken the time to veer from the beaten track by meeting with and hearing the voice of the Palestinian Christians. What a great encouragement as they hold our hands and pray for the ministry! What a joy to know we are not left alone!

Graduation 2008

On May 24th, twelve students will graduate with a BA degree in Biblical Studies and Christian Education. It is always a joy to see the fruits of the labor of four years. These future leaders made it against great odds. They do need your prayers as they take on new challenges and as they start on the journey of shining as living lights for the Lord. Four of our graduates are from our extension in Nazareth. A special graduation ceremony will also be held in Nazareth on June 14th.

Thank you so much for your prayers and friendship. Your involvement and partnership with us is vital.
 

Yours in the Name of the Risen Savior,

Bishara Awad
President

P.S. To help us be better stewards of our financial resources, please email us at info@bethbc.org requesting future newsletters and updates via email.

 

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Bethlehem Bible College . PO Box 17166 Jerusalem 91190 ISRAEL . info@bethlehembiblecollege.edu . www.bethlehembiblecollege.edu.