Weekly devotion: Windows of Hope for Young Leaders
A special session in Bethlehem with Revd Dr Munther Isaac
This week, we pray for Shababeek, a youth self-help and mentoring programme giving Bethlehem’s young Christians the skills to become good leaders.
A window symbolises so many positive things: light, fresh air, and a world beyond the walls that surround us. That’s why our partners at Anar for Empowerment chose the name Shababeek – ‘windows’ in Arabic – for their inspiring programme of youth leadership.
Anar, based in Bethlehem, is a non-profit organisation working with children and young adults affected by conflict and oppression. The Shababeek scheme is for young Christians – a population that has dwindled as life in other countries beckons. The realities of surviving under occupation, where unemployment is high and violence could break out at any moment, make it hard for young people to look ahead with confidence. Through Shababeek, however, they have the chance to discover their own gifts.
They learn leadership skills and how to advocate for their own needs and those of others. The training equips them to organise community initiatives to try and make life better for everyone. It helps them discover what’s possible when people work together, and shows the wider community that young people aren’t without hope. This Embrace-supported project opens a window for Bethlehem’s youth, allowing them to breathe freely, approach life from a new perspective and be the ones to lead their community into the future.
Bible reading
Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Thought
The evangelist Timothy was young for a church leader. It must have been a challenge for him to teach people who probably thought they had much more experience and wisdom! But Paul is confident in his protégé’s ability and urges him not to let his age hold him back – his faithfulness can be an example to all generations.
Young people like those at Shababeek often carry the burden of negative stereotypes and the assumption that they haven’t got much to contribute. By recognising their potential and valuing their ideas, the project helps them be heard in their churches and communities, preparing them to lead with confidence when the time is right.
This verse from 1 Timothy has a message for us as well: not to underestimate those who are younger, or to disregard the gifts they bring. Whatever our age, there is always something to learn from the people around us – and as we strive to live faithfully, we might discover that our example encourages others in turn.
Ask yourself: What might you learn from listening to someone younger than you this week?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the gifts that belong to every young person. We pray for those taking part in the Shababeek programme in Bethlehem. Give them wisdom and confidence as they grow in leadership; may their voices be heard as they serve their communities.
Teach us not to overlook the potential of younger people, but to listen and encourage. Help each of us, whatever our age, to live as faithful examples of your love.
Amen.
Hear more from Revd Dr Munther Isaac
In July 2023 we were honoured to host Revd Dr Munther Isaac at Coventry Cathedral.
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