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At the Dar al-Kalima Lutheran School in Bethlehem, Christian and Muslim children learn to work together to achieve their dreams. Bethlehem is encompassed by a wall on three sides of the city, but the Bright Star program offers children hope in a land where conflict and violence threaten their future.
Bright Stars also offers a summer program with soccer being one of the most exciting activities. Former Bright Star student Honey Thaljieh is recognized as the first professional female soccer player in the Palestinian Territories. Honey, now serving as coach, due to injuries, founded the national team in 2004. This summer she was invited to the United States as part of the Woman’s World Cup Initiative. After founding the national team she went on to organize a league with 18 teams! Ms. Thaljieh sees soccer as a way for the Palestinians to establish bonds with the international community. She explains, “It’s not only about playing football. It’s about living in Bethlehem, the city of peace, and delivering the message that we are humans and we have rights.”
Prayer Request: That through friendships in the Bright Star program, Christian children and teachers are good witnesses of the faith so that Muslim children and their families come to know and trust the Savior born in Bethlehem.
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