Light Force

The Bethlehem Bible College is a beacon of light in the town of Jesus. Of course, two other kings are remembered in this city, King David and King Herod.

Today, our visit was not to sites associated with the three kings of Israel. Two friends and I called on the President of the college, Bishara Awad, and his brother, Alex. Bishara Awad founded the Bible College on a donation of twenty dollars from a single pastor. Bishara's vision and faith have been realized. We smiled and rejoiced as we heard his remarkable story.

While visiting, we picked up a book by Brother Andrew entitled Light Force. This account abounds with stories of peacemaking in the Middle East. One of those stories is that of the Bethelehem Bible College. The BBC is a light force in this land and daily issues a clarion call to people of faith to work and pray.

Even the smallest seed sown can become a great tree. The light that shone on shepherds in a field near here continues to shine. It shines through people like the Awads, the faculty and students of the BBC, and people like you and me.

The Jerusalem University College

The highlight of our day was a visit to the Jerusalem University College, formerly the Institute of the Holy Land. JUC has its main campus on Mount Zion between the Joppa and Zion Gates.

I had an appointment with Dr. Paul Wright, the dean of the college. I guess you might say that "we were comparing notes."

I learned that the first dean of the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies, Dr. Jim Fleming, is a graduate of the college. Dr. Fleming's impact on JCBS certainly reflects well on Jerusalem University College.

The campus provides an entrance to the Protestant Cemetery and the Essene Gate. Briefly, the cemetery is the final resting place of many of God's saints. One that you probably know is Horatio Spafford, the composer of the gospel hymn, "It is Well with My Soul."

As for the Essene Gate, Bargil Pixner surmises that the Essenes had a monastery on Mount Zion. He goes further to speculate that Jesus and the disciples utilized the monastery for the Last Supper. Interesting!

A walk back through the Old City made for a nice morning despite the cold and the overcast skies.

Beit Jala and the Valley of Elah

Beit Jala is one of several villages located in the Bethlehem triangle. The town is predominantly Arab Christian. St. Nicholas Church and Hope Secondary School contribute greatly to the life of this community.

My visit was to Hope Secondary School, whose headmaster is Solomon Nour. He is one of my heroes. Solomon is gentle, kind, and passionate about educating Muslim and Christian children in the ways of peace. The odds against him are great, but Solomon is undeterred.

I almost always walk the grounds of the school. Atop a high hill, the school provides one with a great view of the Valley of Elah. Young David would have traveled this valley to reach his brothers who were serving in Saul's army. David did more than resupply his brothers that day. He defeated the Philistines and their hero Goliath singlehandedly.

Therefore, I will never doubt my friend Solomon and that he is succeeding with the children. While David slew Goliath and defeated the Philistines, Solomon Nour is winning over his foes with the gospel of peace. Pray for the work of Hope Secondary School and peacemakers like this headmaster.