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College Tuition

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My name is Areej, a Palestinian from Bethlehem, looking for support towards my education in the USA for couple of years. 
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and feel free to support by whatever amount you can, even if only by sharing!

Statement of Faith: 
My journey of faith started since I was born into a Christian family of Syriac Orthodox heritage. When I was at a younger age my family became evangelical but yet enrolled me into Catholic schools in Palestine (primary school till undergrad). My Syriac Orthodox background is an ethno-religious identity, where my heritage and faith are inseparable. It is known to be the first church, and my people’s first language is Aramean (Jesus’ spoken language). My Syriac Orthodox people have been persecuted by the Ottomans, especially in the 1915 genocide “Sayfo”, and the majority have left fled their country of origin. My grandfather port southern of Turkey to came to Palestine escaping the constant persecution. Today, the Syriac community in Palestine is a minority within a minority of Christians in the Holy Land. 

Being involved in so many different denominations, my faith has grown to be ecumenical and that’s where my calling is; to serve among people regardless of their church affiliation. I believe in a just and loving God who taught us to love one another. I believe we are all one in the body of Christ, yet we are diverse for the purpose of serving one another and therefore, serve Him. I believe that: “From whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16). And in His words, my vision is always reassured. 

Study plan: 
I am applying for my MBA in Social Impact at Eastern University, Pennsylvania. It’s a 2 years program starting in September, 2019 and ending in 2021. The program will be by correspondence, which means I will maintain my position at Bethlehem Bible College while I am studying to be able to support my education.  

Vision: 
As I am called towards community development, I also insist on doing so in a professional way. That is why I am applying for my MA, as I need to be inspired by other worldwide leaders and be well cultivated. I have noticed people who have their hearts in ministry but their minds are not equipped with the administrative knowledge needed to run an organization. Therefore, some organizations or ministries can face challenges out of disorganization and chaos. Out of experience, this lack of administrative knowledge is leading to missionaries or employees’ fatigue, especially the youth. Through my studies I’ll be able to fill in the gaps between a heart called to serve, and the professional knowledge needed to do so. My vision is focused on serving Palestinian Christians, as I am seeking ways to prevent Christians from leaving the Holy Land. High numbers of Palestinian Christians are leaving the Holy Land due to the lack of economic growth and limited job opportunities. God glorifying entrepreneurship is my calling, it has been for so many years. Throughout this MBA program my purpose is to be an active member of the holy body of Christ and to empower other Christians to be and do the same.

Current Employment/ Mission: 
For over three years now, I have been working at Bethlehem Bible College as the Development and Communication Coordinator. I left my previous job to work at the college as I believe I was called to serve the students, whom are the focus group of the college. I believe in empowering the youth to bring up a better generation. Most of my work’s emphasis is on providing opportunities and support to our students. As most potential students cannot afford the yearly tuition fees due to economic hardships, the on-going Israeli/Palestinian conflict and military occupation. As a result, the Development Department was established to further assist and provide opportunities for prospective students. This opportunity of working at the College has been a learning experience that prepared me for the MBA in Social Impact study program.

Budget: 
Since local universities lack the field I’m interested in, this left me with no choice but to pursue a Master’s degree abroad. The MBA in Social Impact is a unique combination of theology, business and social impact, which makes it a unique program and addresses my experience as well as interests. However, studying abroad incurs higher tuition fees, in addition to other expenses. Unfortunately, I cannot afford all these study related expenses. The estimate total of the amount needed for two years of study is $46,485 which includes: Tuition and fees, travel expenses, accommodation (I'll be happy to send you a budget breakdown to explain this). I have excluded daily costs like meals, local transportation, personal needs and other life expenses, but these as well will add up to the expenses. In Palestine we have low wages, yet living expenses are not cheap. So far, I was able to save up some money for my books and emergencies but not for the rest. 

Prayers: Please pray for the following:
·         That this path is actually God’s calling to me and He is blessing these new steps I’m taking in life.
·         As I am maintaining my job in Bethlehem, please pray that I will be able to coordinate between my study and work. 
·         Prayer that God will help me out with the visa process as being a Palestinian might bring out challenges.
·         As I believe that this is God’s calling and the plan will succeed with His blessings, please pray that my travels will be smooth and protected. I will be traveling long distance, away from home, and without having an airport in Palestine travelling will be more challenging.
·         Prayer that God will provide all needs. I trust he will provide courage, commitment, financial needs and anything required to proceed in His plan.

Gratitude: 
Again, I thank you immensely for taking the time out of your day to view this page. I ask that, if you can't donate, you spread my story so that others can help.
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Donations 

  • Emily Jacir
    • $440 
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $1,000 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
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Organiser

Keren Kandel
Organiser
Kouts, IN

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