Pastor Stephen Khoury, a VOM partner, successfully completed a summer VBS program in the Bethlehem suburb of Shepherd's Field, despite opposition from neighbours and local authorities. On the first day of the VBS, Stephen was accosted by a neighbourhood woman and her two sons, but the Holy Spirit enabled Stephen to respond wisely and to calm the woman. Over the course of the five-day event, the leaders' car tires were slashed and the building and grounds of the youth centre were vandalized. But Stephen and the other Christian workers were encouraged. "We had more than 78 kids come, and more than 25 kids from different religions received Christ," Stephen said. "Lives were changed forever." As a result of their VBS success, a new outreach meeting will be held each Friday at the centre.
Pray for those conducting outreach through the Shepherd's Field centre. Pray that they will not falter in sharing the message of Christ. Pray that the kids who accepted the gospel will grow in their faith each day. Pray that many more in the West Bank will hear the Good News and turn to Jesus.
Visit the Palestine Country Report for more on the suffering Church in the West Bank.