As we write this newsletter, we have just finished the second weekend of our Musalaha/Youth for Christ training conference for youth leaders. This is our first time to work together and provide this kind of program, and we are very pleased with the results. Altogether we had about 25 youth workers, mostly Palestinian but with some Israeli and international people. It was an interesting mix of people, as we had representatives from King’s Kids, CMA, Brethren, Messianic, Nazarene, Catholic, and interdenominational congregations.

For some, it was the first time they had met with such a diverse group of believers. One Palestinian from Ramallah had never met a Jew who believed in Jesus, and in fact had difficulty understanding the concept until this conference. A young Israeli very involved in several Messianic youth groups was beginning to learn the guitar, practicing morning and night. He was quite enthusiastic about adding Arabic worship songs to his repertoire, and joined the others in a spontaneous worship time one evening. Another musician, Yousef, was part of the group. He had previously participated in one Musalaha event, a Youth Desert Encounter, and was actually one of the more difficult participants of that group; so much that he had to be sent home. It was amazing to see the change and maturity that had come over him in the past 9 months, and it was a true joy to have him participating in this program.

Several young people were just beginning to start youth programs in their churches and were able to learn valuable tools that could help them in their endeavors. We discussed topics such as youth culture, leadership skills, roles and purposes, teamwork, discipline, planning, and church involvement. Many expressed appreciation for the program and felt that it filled a need.

Musalaha is glad to be able to serve the body of believers in this way, and we ask that you join us in praying that such efforts will further cooperation between different youth ministries and build up the youth programs in the land.