Jerusalem
and the Middle East
Church Association

Book Reviews

Financial News

Young People in the Province

As you read this Christmas edition of Bible Lands, be cheered by all the mention of young people. There was a baptism and confirmations in Iran. Young theologians from Europe, the United States, South Africa and Palestine met in troubled Jerusalem, and youth joined in a prayer vigil in Amman. In Egypt, 150 young people gathered in the Cathedral for a day of fellowship, and a co-ordinator of youth ministry has been appointed. The Exeter Youth Synod met in Cyprus.

Lives of service

Thousands of local Christians give lifelong service to the church in the Middle East, joined by thousands of ex-patriates for longer or shorter periods. Together they serve as treasurers or secretaries of committees, they give financial help, make cakes, teach in Sunday School, sing in the choir, clean the buildings, provide flowers and a welcome. They maintain the fabric, work and worship of the Church in the Middle East. They are joined by the many friends who live outside the Middle East and provide support through JMECA.

Most of them live quiet lives, important to their families and friends, but not making headline news. Not even getting their photographs into Bible Lands!

One of these friends was Ken Farwig, a master printer from the days before computers. When a former editor of Bible Lands was in need of help, Ken stepped in and freely offered his knowledge.

He continued to of fer 'tremendous help' to Colin Williamson, the next editor, 'without Ken, editing Bible Lands would have been a real struggle'. Colin quoted to me from Chapter 38 of Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) in the Apocrypha, which describes the work of craftsmen, like the smith and potter, people who are vital to the life of any city, but get little glory. The chapter ends "But they maintain the fabric of the world, and their concern is for the exercise of their trade".

We thank God for Ken Farwig, who died in May, and offer sympathy to his daughter, JMECA Secretary Vanessa Wells.

With good wishes to all our readers, in the Middle East and around the world, for a blessed and peaceful Christmas, and happiness and opportunities for God's service in the New Year.