March 23, 2009 issue
Professor teaches conflict resolution, pastoral care in Palestine
By Mennonite Church Canada staffWINNIPEG, Man. — Palmer and Ardys Becker, formerly of Hesston, Kan., are under special assignment by Mennonite Church Canada to teach and serve at Bethlehem Bible College in Palestine-Israel.
Palmer Becker, left, with David, a student from Gaza. — Photo provided by MC Canada
Palmer, a former professor and pastor, left for a five-month term of service Jan. 10. Ardys was scheduled to follow March 15.
Bethlehem is 50 miles from Gaza, the site of recent fighting between Israel Defense Forces and Hamas militants. Five of the 70 students at Bethlehem Bible College are from that area of Palestine.
“It was heart-wrenching to watch television with those students or to see them receive cell phone reports from family members or friends saying they are without food, water and medical supplies,” Palmer Becker said. “Although the mood is terrible here in Bethlehem, I feel safe. There is a major difference between the politics of Gaza and the rest of Palestine.”
The school and its service arm, the Shepherd Society, want to move to action as soon as possible and provide free counseling lines for those suffering from trauma. Becker has been asked to assist with the training of the counselors.
From mid-January until the end of May, Palmer Becker is teaching courses he previously taught at Hesston College, including courses on leadership, pastoral care and conflict resolution. Ardys Becker will work in the college library and with the Shepherd Society.
After Palmer Becker retired from teaching at Hesston, the Beckers moved to Ontario to be closer to family.
At the end of their assignment to Bethlehem Bible College, they will co-lead a tour with TourMagination May 24-June 3, offering biblical reflections at the traditional sites of Jesus’ ministry.
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