NAPC Community

A group of ten from North Avenue recently returned from a trip to Israel and Egypt. We saw incredible sights and met some amazing people. When you think of the Middle East, what do you think of?

Perhaps oil, maybe terrorism? Often when we think of the Middle East, conflict between Israel and the Arab states is the first thing that comes to mind, but how about vital churches and ministries? Forgotten in this volatile mix are the Christians, and they are doing some amazing things!

We met with the president of Bethlehem Bible College. The college trains pastors, teachers, and evangelists for the church in Israel. This is a difficult and important task, because Bethlehem is now encircled by a twenty-foot-high concrete wall erected by the Israelis. No Arab Muslim or Christian can enter or leave Bethlehem without special permission, and it is almost impossible to receive permission. Training young leaders for the church there is important, because since 1948, the percentage of Christians in Palestine and Israel has shrunk from 30% to 2%.

Elsewhere, in Alexandria, Egypt, the Saray Church is reaching out to the Muslim community in powerful ways. This small church of 300 ministers to children with mental disabilities and their families. They provide housing, therapy, healthcare, education, and job training for 25 Muslim and Christian boys and girls. The church also runs a medical clinic with a state-of-the-art operating room. Such ministries provide the church an opportunity to share Christ’s love in difficult circumstances.

Our brothers and sisters need our prayers. The next time you see news from the Middle East, remember that there are faithful Christians living and ministering in the midst of the conflict.