Palestine (MNN) — Amidst war, turmoil, and high rates of unemployment, Bethlehem Bible College continues to raise up Christian teachers in an area where there’s a great need. It is the only institution of its kind in Palestine or Israel, training Palestinians in the Arabic language for a BA in Biblical Studies and Christian Education as well as an MA degree in Theology in the Public Square.
“A while ago, we decided that part of our education would be empowering Christian educators for the schools and for the churches,” explains Reverend Dr. Jack Sara, “and we were able to get, thankfully, by the Palestinian Authority, accreditation, which is not easy to get… for offering a certificate in Christian education.”
Photo courtesy of Bethlehem Bible College.
The college’s Palestinian curriculum includes a Christian education that empowers students with biblical knowledge, at a time when people are looking for answers.
“Generations are changing and the young people are asking now more about issues of faith,” says Dr. Sara.
“So students come and take this and will be able to teach in schools—both public schools and Christian schools in Palestine.”
Bethlehem Bible College was able to get over 25 teachers to take two courses related to the certificate in Christian education, with some of them indicating they want to do more.
“Some of them are hoping to do a master’s degree as well with us,” says Dr. Sara, “and this will open up a new horizon for us.”
Between all of their programs, the college has about 200 students and has seen a recent increase, especially at the Bethlehem campus.
“Some of them are part-time students, but still to see them walking around and studying and coming in and out of classes, this just brings joy to our hearts and tells us how important the work that God is doing through Bethlehem Bible college (is).”
Despite the needs Bethlehem Bible College is able to meet and their growing student body, they still face challenges. Their greatest challenge is the number of students leaving the country.
According to Dr. Sara, the aspiration of the younger generations is currently “to finish high school and just get out of that country—to go somewhere else, do their studies, and just stay there and never come back to Palestine. It is our hope and vision that (our college) will be able to instill a call as they teach these younger generations of Christians to be considerate that God wants to use them in their own country….”
Several teachers have had to leave the country as well. Many of them are still able to teach with Bethlehem Bible College online from abroad, but Dr. Sara acknowledges it’s not the same.
So how can we as the body of Christ be praying?
“Pray for our wisdom. Pray for our teachers… Pray for the Lord to provide more teachers… to be empowered to come and serve with the faculty of Bethlehem Bible College.”
In the meantime, Bethlehem Bible College will continue the work God’s called them to. “We will continue to do this process, and just trust that God will continue to provide such faculty—empowered faculty, well-educated faculty, but faculty with love for Jesus and His word, and the people, and the church.”
Header photo courtesy of Bethlehem Bible College.
