As students close to home return to classrooms this fall, they may be mostly concerned with adjusting to new teachers, classes or catching up after summer vacation.
In contrast, students of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) face far more challenging circumstances as they head back to school amid ongoing conflict and instability.
A recent newsletter from the ELCJHL shares how teachers have been preparing for several weeks, participating in training courses and workshops, to support the educational needs of children returning for the new school year during a difficult time.
The ELCJHL Diaconal Ministry has also been hosting a monthly psycho-social session for local school social workers. Each social worker in Bethlehem can be responsible for up to 400+ students at a school. With the new school year beginning, it is more important than ever for school social workers to have the tools to care for students and themselves.
During the first week of September, ELCJHL Bishop Ibrahim Azar visited several of the Lutheran schools including the Evangelical Lutheran School of Hope in Ramallah, Dar Al-Kalima Lutheran School, and ELS Beit Sahour to offer blessings and encouragement at the start of the new school year.
“We hope for a safe and peaceful school year where all students can receive unrestricted access to education,” Bishop Azar shared. “As we begin this term, our hearts are with the students of Gaza. We pray they too will return to their schools soon, and we remember those who will never return.”
ELCIC members support ELCJHL siblings
In November, the ELCIC launched an appeal to support our partners in the ELCJHL. The goal was to fundraise $263,000 to send to the schools of the ELCJHL as a way of covering one month of teacher salaries and half of the salaries of the ELCJHL pastors.
“These are our sibling Lutherans,” ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson said. “I spoke to Bishop Azar and he told me what a difference this is going to make in people’s lives at a time when the local church is needed more than ever.”
To assist with the ELCJHL emergency appeal, the ELCIC’s National Church Council approved a one-time contribution to the appeal for $100,000. The appeal also received significant contributions from the Eastern Synod and British Columbia Synod.
October 7, 2024 will mark the one-year anniversary of the war between Israel and Hamas. ELCIC members are invited to continue to pray for our siblings in the ELCJHL, and all who have impacted in this conflict.
