"I am living in Bethlehem, I am living in Bethlehem"...I keep repeating that over and over because it hardly seems real. I am living in the town where our Lord was born, the home of many Palestinian Christian friends I've met on previous visits, serving at Bethlehem Bible College (BBC), one of Peachtree's ministry partners. What could be more perfect? I will be here until December, helping with fundraising and special projects. BBC is the only evangelical college in the West Bank and is training the next generation of leaders for the church in Palestine and Israel.
Many of you no doubt think now might not be the best time to travel to this part of the world, and there is certainly some truth to that. However, God does not call us to serve him only when it is convenient or safe or easy. The Christians of Palestine live in difficult circumstances all the time...struggling under occupation as more and more members of their community chose to leave for an easier life elsewhere. However, there is joy to be found here in the many opportunities to show God's love and make His name known. I can't imagine being anywhere else at the moment.
I am already treasuring my time here as the pace is slower. Time spent building relationships and savoring friendships is an important part of this culture which translates into many cups of delicious Arabic coffee! Please pray for the Christian community in Palestine, as well as throughout the Middle East. While the persecution we see in Syria and Iraq is not present here, life is difficult for Christians in other ways. Please pray for my time here to be spent in a way that honors and glorifies God as well as hopefully contributes to this community. God has blessed me so with this opportunity - I am to savoring every minute of it!
