Latest News #195
April 23, 2002

The following news concerns the West Bank.

UBS appeals on behalf of Palestinian children and families

READING, England — The rise in violence in the Palestinian Territories, following Israel’s re-occupation of much of the West Bank, has prompted Neil Crosbie, General Secretary of UBS, to launch an appeal to the Fellowship for US$96,000. The response will help the Palestinian Bible Society to meet the costs of three programs, mainly aimed at children caught up in the conflict.

In a development of its program called Let the Children Come To Me, the Palestinian Bible Society will run a series of Bible-based, day-long programs for children in refugees camps and villages across the West Bank. The budget for this is US$25,000 which includes the costs of staffing the program for eight months and the purchase of a video projector. (For a report on the Palestinian Bible Society’s ministry to children, see Special Report 29).

Ten thousand families will receive a Scripture Portion entitled God Is Our Shelter and Strength, together with a cassette of songs presenting the meaning of Easter and Bible verses on stickers. The cost of this is estimated at US$27,000.

At a cost of US$35,000, a further 10,000 colouring books and video tapes telling the Easter story for children will also be distributed.

The total cost of the three programs, together with the administrative budget, is US$95,700. The UBS Rapid Response Reserve will advance US$50,000 in order that the work may begin as soon as possible but the appeal to national Bible Societies is aimed at meeting the costs in full.

In a recent comment on the current crisis, Labib Madanat, General Secretary of the Palestinian Bible Society, said the Society’s position as a community-based organisation with a presence among the people had given it the need to act.

“We are in touch with the people,” he said. “We are faced every day with the bitter situation but we refuse to succumb to despair. Jesus is our living hope and through his Word we want to serve this hope to the Palestinian people.”

In announcing the appeal, Mr Crosbie spoke of the “courage, faithfulness and dedication of Bible Society staff and volunteers” in the Palestinian Territories who, “despite all the difficulties continue to bring God’s Word to those in special need at this time… I do hope you will be able to respond not only with your prayers but also with your financial support,” he added.