Advent Giving 2025
When the shepherds found baby Jesus lying in the manger, could they imagine …?
…that more than 2,000 years later, Bethlehem would still hold the light of “peace on earth”?
…that young adults in Palestine would be training to bring “good will” to neighbours traumatized by genocide, military occupation, economic hardship, and political uncertainty?
This Christmas, you can make a difference in the church’s witness for peace in the Holy Land by supporting the scholarship program of Bethlehem Bible College, a partner of Mennonite Church Canada.
Like any institution, BBC relies on donations to make tuition affordable for the students.
- This year, 157 credit students are enrolled at the college, plus 30 audit students
- Programs include biblical studies ((44 students)); professional diploma in counselling (23); peace and justice certificate (15; )tour guide training (13); Masters level in leadership (2);—and language and other programs
- A third study online —in Gaza, in Israel, and in other Arabic-speaking countries
The annual cost for a full-time student averages $9,000 US. For students living on campus, costs are an additional $400 per month. These funds are a huge challenge in an economy severely devastated by the recent war in Gaza.
Our Advent fundraising goal is to raise $15,000 toward scholarships. Any surplus will help BBC further develop critical training programs of healing and hope in Palestine.
“My studies at Bethlehem Bible College marked a turning point in my life. I not only gained profound theological knowledge, but I also grew spiritually and discovered my calling with greater clarity. At the college, I felt part of a family that embraced me with love and continually encouraged me to pursue God’s purpose for my life—within the church and in society at large.” ~ Lourdes Sayeh, 3rd year biblical study student
“I learned that faith is not an escape from the world, but an active presence within it. Issues of justice, dignity, and peace are theological responsibilities, no less important than prayer and worship. Through my studies, I discovered that Christ did not come to build a closed religious institution, but to launch a project of salvation for humanity in all its dimensions.” Elyas Anastas, MA student in leadership program.
