M. KAY DeMOSS
Senior Editor-Writer, Michigan Area

In 1979 the Rev. Alex and Brenda Awad responded to the call to go to Bethlehem to be in ministry through the Bethlehem Bible College. And for the better part of these last 35 years they have served as United Methodist missionaries to the region. For the next two weeks they are in Michigan telling the story of their life among Palestinians, Jews and Muslims.

Born and raised in Jerusalem, Alex is now finishing service as a professor and Dean of Students at Bethlehem Bible College in Jerusalem. He also pastors an international congregation in East Jerusalem. Brenda, a Kentucky native, has performed a variety of roles for both the school and the church.

The Awads have experienced first-hand the tensions that exist between Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the Middle East. After visiting Syrian refugees two years ago, Alex said, “In every home we visited, the refugees were moved by the fact that we are from Palestine. Frequently we heard the comment, ‘We used to cry when we heard of your conditions and now you have come to stand in solidarity with us!’” At that time he noted, “We left Jordan overwhelmed by the magnitude of this human tragedy. Could this be the time for the church to hear the call of God and respond to the needs of the Syrian refugees who are stranded not too far from the Jericho Road?” And conditions have only worsened since that time.

Jackie Euper, Detroit Conference Secretary of Global Ministries for the General Board of Global Ministries, has made the arrangements for Alex and Brenda to share their perspectives and hopes. The public is welcome to attend.

Last Updated on November 7, 2022