“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”1 Corinthians 12:26
Dear friends of HCEF,
We have been humbled by all the support the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF) has received over the past year, especially during this Christmas season. With your help we have given Palestinian Christians the gift of hope and joy.
We have shown them that they are not forgotten. They are remembered, valued, and loved as brothers and sisters of Christ.
I receive countless messages from them saying how profoundly grateful they are to know they are part of a community that spans the globe, one that cares deeply about their well being and the restoration of their dignity.
If you have not yet given to Palestinian Christians in need, there are still a few days left before the year’s end! Use this opportunity to give Palestinians and their children the gift of hope. Please help them remain in their homes and live dignified lives as followers of Christ – there’s still so much to do!
This year of 2015 HCEF has been able to accomplish more than ever thanks to youjoining in solidarity with our mission! See some of our accomplishments below:
The Children’s Education Fund.
We have been able to sustain the operations of the Christian schools, keeping a Christ-centered education available to all, and guarantee the importance of Christianity in our society.
The Birzeit Senior Citizen Center.
HCEF has continued to provide the elderly with hot meals, healthcare, health education, leisure activities, daytrips, and, most importantly, companionship.
Housing Rehabilitation Program.
HCEF has repaired more homes, buildings, and wells than ever! Since its inception, the House Rehabilitation Program has repaired over
446 family homes,
9 workshops,
10 community buildings, and over
28 wells. It has also built
48new apartments. This has employed over
885 individuals and benefited a total of
3,849 family members.
Living Stones Pilgrimages.
In keeping with HCEF’s mission to provide economic support for the Christian community, our pilgrimages strive to direct the economic benefits of tourism to local Christian shopkeepers, travel agents, guides, and hotel operators while connecting them with pilgrims from all over the world.
Bethlehem Museum.
HCEF opened the Museum at the beginning of 2015, and since it has successfully created a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Palestinian Christians and their continuous role in preserving the Holy Land heritage, identity, and faith.
We’ve accomplished all this and more in 2015, but we still have so much more work to do. You see it clearly in the media every day. You know the turmoil that Palestinian Christians face. They need our help, and it’s only by coming together that we can continue making a difference in their lives.
In Bethlehem alone,
there are over 500 homes still in need of repair. Thousands of children need access to quality education. Families of the elderly are still being forced to flee, leaving them alone and isolated. We must sustain the Bethlehem Museum to safeguard the artifacts and the history of Palestinian Christians. Water is scarce, and hundreds of wells must be restored. Artisans struggle to maintain their craft in poor working conditions. The unemployment rate in the region is at an all-time high.
Unfortunately, the list goes on. But fortunately, these problems can be addressed. The suffering of Palestinians can be relieved.
No stranger to suffering, HCEF stands in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria. In 2015 HCEF has launched various fundraising campaigns and initiatives to support our Iraqi and Syrian brothers and sisters in Christ, with your support we will be in a position to continue to help into 2016.
If you have not yet given your tax deductible support or if you can still give more, please join our mission and bring hope and joy to Palestinians before the year ends!
Please give five minutes of your time and DONATE NOW
By giving to HCEF you are supporting over 20 programs that give life to hundreds of thousands of Christians in the Holy Land and help preserve their presence in the Holy Land.
Also, you can give your tax-deductible donation through:
A Will Bequest
Life Insurance and Retirement Accounts
A Life Income Gift
Charitable Gift Annuity
And if you would like to donate by mail or phone, reach HCEF at:
Phone:
301-951-9400 ext. 206
Mail:
The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation
6935 Wisconsin Ave.
Suite 518
Bethesda, MD 20815 USA
CFC# 10897
Thanks for your ongoing friendship and support. I wish you a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Rateb Y. Rabie, KCHS
President and CEO, Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation
