Weekly devotion: Beacons of light in Bethlehem

Anar, Palestine

The group of young people who are participating in Anar’s new leadership project.

This week we’re praying for our partner, Anar, in Bethlehem. ‘Anar’ means ‘to light up’ in Arabic, which aligns with their commitment to improve the lives of children and young people.

We’re supporting Anar with a new project that is helping young Palestinian Christians develop leadership skills and find hope in a context of occupation, military presence and restriction of movement. The project is providing 14 young adults (aged 18-28) in the Bethlehem governorate with leadership, spiritual and psychosocial support. Through coaching and mentoring, the young adults are learning about a range of topics – from relationships and contextual biblical leadership to resilience, wellbeing and career coaching.

In a context of increased violence and restrictions in the West Bank since 7th October 2023, the project has been a lifeline for the young people. Anar told us: “Witnessing widespread displacement and the killing of children in Gaza has had a significant mental health and psychosocial impact on the youth in Bethlehem. This has led them to seek outlets for psychosocial release and debriefing.”

Bible reading

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’

Matthew 5:14-16

Thought

These beautiful but challenging verses set out our calling as Christians to be a beacon of hope in a fractured world. Just as a city on a hill can be seen from afar, so should our lives reflect Christ’s love, reaching those in darkness. Just as Anar is committed to helping children and young people to shine, we must also let our light shine – not for our glory, but to reveal God’s transformative grace.

Ask yourself: Can you think of any situations where you have clearly seen other Christians ‘letting their light shine before others’?

Prayer

Lord God,

We thank you for Anar and we ask for your blessing to be upon them. Thank you for their vision and for their commitment to stand as a beacon of hope, resilience and healing.

In a context of violence and oppression, where many children and young people are living with fear and trauma, may you use Anar to promote healing and wellbeing.

We lift up to you the 14 young people that Anar is working with through this new project. As they grow and develop as individuals, may you help them to realise their full, God-given potential. Help them to be beacons of light in their wider community and forces for good.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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