Walking With the Prince of Peace, in Present-Day Bethlehem
World Vision Magazine, Winter 2006
Following Jesus means living as peacemakers — intentionally working in the center of the world's most difficult places. To that end, World Vision works in many such places around the globe, including present-day Bethlehem — a place surrounded by conflict, just as it was following Jesus’ birth. Today, in fact, a 26-foot-high wall borders the city and there are Israeli military checkpoints at its entrances.
“Christmas carols will soon be sung around the world about Bethlehem, but it seems that no one cares about the people here,” says Dr. Musa Manuel Abu Ali, chairman of the Evangelical Council of Churches in the Holy Land.
Christians remain in Bethlehem at great cost. The incentive to flee is strong. George Saadeh, the Christian deputy mayor of Bethlehem, was driving with his family on a shopping excursion in 2003 when the Israeli Defense Force riddled his car with bullets — his family had been mistaken for wanted militants. His daughter Christine was killed, and he, his wife, and daughter Marianne were injured.
In deep grief and after much soul-searching, George and his wife refused to allow anger to rule their lives. Instead, they joined the “Parents Circle” — a World Vision supported group of bereaved Israeli and Palestinian parents. The group’s shared grief is used to build a bridge for healing and understanding. Together they call for peaceful and lasting ways to resolve conflict so that other parents will not suffer the grief they know too well. They see that as the best way to honor their lost children. “If we, as bereaved parents, can sit together in love and peace, why can’t our nations?” George asks.
George could choose to leave Bethlehem, but in faith, he remains, as does World Vision. The organization works to provide hope through schools, medical clinics, small business loans, water projects, and agricultural assistance — and by establishing initiatives that further the cause of peace and protect both Israeli and Palestinian children. Every Christmas, World Vision helps host a children’s party in Bethlehem — complete with carols andpresents—to encourage the children of Bethlehem in the faith of the Prince of Peace who brings joy to the world.
“Regardless of how hard life is here, we will still celebrate Christmas,” says Dr. Alex Awad, Dean of Students at Bethlehem Bible College. “We will sing carols in the midst of our suffering. We are called to feed people with the good news of our ultimate hope. One day, we will gather around the feast of the kingdom rather than be left out in the cold.”
—Tim Dearborn
As in all conflicts, it is children who experience the greatest suffering. World Vision is gravely concerned about the well-being of all children in the area, and as a non-political humanitarian organization, its first priority is for the care of children, no matter their religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. In a region filled with political and social tension, World Vision’s goal is to create an environment where children can thrive, reach their full potential, and a “generation transformed” can build lasting peace
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photo by David Ward/World Vision |  | Christians, once representing 18 percent of the population of the Holy Land, are now less than 2 percent. The tiny remnant in Bethlehem — who considers their city to be the capital of the Christian world — pray constantly for peace. Caught in the midst of conflict, many feel ignored by the world community. |
“Christmas carols will soon be sung around the world about Bethlehem, but it seems that no one cares about the people here,” says Dr. Musa Manuel Abu Ali, chairman of the Evangelical Council of Churches in the Holy Land.
Christians remain in Bethlehem at great cost. The incentive to flee is strong. George Saadeh, the Christian deputy mayor of Bethlehem, was driving with his family on a shopping excursion in 2003 when the Israeli Defense Force riddled his car with bullets — his family had been mistaken for wanted militants. His daughter Christine was killed, and he, his wife, and daughter Marianne were injured.
In deep grief and after much soul-searching, George and his wife refused to allow anger to rule their lives. Instead, they joined the “Parents Circle” — a World Vision supported group of bereaved Israeli and Palestinian parents. The group’s shared grief is used to build a bridge for healing and understanding. Together they call for peaceful and lasting ways to resolve conflict so that other parents will not suffer the grief they know too well. They see that as the best way to honor their lost children. “If we, as bereaved parents, can sit together in love and peace, why can’t our nations?” George asks.
George could choose to leave Bethlehem, but in faith, he remains, as does World Vision. The organization works to provide hope through schools, medical clinics, small business loans, water projects, and agricultural assistance — and by establishing initiatives that further the cause of peace and protect both Israeli and Palestinian children. Every Christmas, World Vision helps host a children’s party in Bethlehem — complete with carols andpresents—to encourage the children of Bethlehem in the faith of the Prince of Peace who brings joy to the world.
“Regardless of how hard life is here, we will still celebrate Christmas,” says Dr. Alex Awad, Dean of Students at Bethlehem Bible College. “We will sing carols in the midst of our suffering. We are called to feed people with the good news of our ultimate hope. One day, we will gather around the feast of the kingdom rather than be left out in the cold.”
—Tim Dearborn
A Word About World Vision's Work in the Middle East
World Vision has worked in the Middle East for 30 years, including turbulent areas such as the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon. The organization has long provided, and continues to provide, humanitarian and development assistance to children and families on the basis of their need, irrespective of their political or religious affiliations. Programs include medical services, education, job training, agricultural production and improvements, psycho-social counseling, and advocating for peace.As in all conflicts, it is children who experience the greatest suffering. World Vision is gravely concerned about the well-being of all children in the area, and as a non-political humanitarian organization, its first priority is for the care of children, no matter their religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. In a region filled with political and social tension, World Vision’s goal is to create an environment where children can thrive, reach their full potential, and a “generation transformed” can build lasting peace
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[PDF] | | The editorial above was featured in World Vision Magazine—Winter 2006 [PDF]. Other features from this issue include:
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