A beacon of peace and learning: the new chapter for Nazareth Evangelical College 

Principal Azar Ajaj highlights the significance of a recently completed extension project at Nazareth Evangelical College 

In the vibrant heart of Nazareth, where the echoes of ancient faith meet the realities of modern life and the profound challenges of conflict, something truly remarkable is unfolding. Nazareth Evangelical College (NEC) stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to nurturing and equipping both men and women for theological work and courageous leadership within Israel's diverse Palestinian citizens of Israel.

With approximately two million Palestinian citizens of Israel calling this land home, the need for robust, contextually relevant Christian leadership – especially leadership committed to peacemaking and constructive dialogue – is more pressing than ever, particularly as we collectively navigate times of war.

It's a calling born from a profound passion: to share Christ and extend His Kingdom of peace across this land and, increasingly, to Arab communities around the globe.

This passion has recently culminated in a significant milestone – the acquisition and development of a new building, a tangible expression of NEC's expanding vision. The unveiling of this new facility, while a significant milestone, is not merely the result of strategic planning or financial accumulation. It is, at its heart, a profound testimony to faith – a journey begun with a dream and little else but unwavering trust in God's provision.

More than five years ago, the vision for an expanded campus, a place capable of meeting the growing demands of our ministry, began to take root in our hearts. At that time, we had no funds set aside for such an ambitious undertaking, only a deep conviction that God was calling us to step out in faith.


What followed was a period marked by persistent prayer and diligent work. We cast our vision, not just to potential partners, but daily to the Lord, believing that He who called us would also equip us.

And indeed, He did. Over these five years, we have been profoundly humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity of numerous donors from around the world. Each contribution, whether large or small, represented a tangible answer to prayer and a confirmation of God's hand upon this project.

Through His grace, and the faithful partnership of His people, we have been able to witness this dream become a vibrant reality, standing as a monument to His faithfulness and the power of prayer.

More than just bricks and mortar, this facility is designed to be a dynamic hub. Beyond providing essential spaces for classrooms, faculty offices, and vibrant community engagement, the new NEC building is poised to become a landmark for theological scholarship and inter-community learning.

Within its walls, we are establishing the first comprehensive theological Arabic library, designed to serve not only the evangelical community in Israel but the entire Christian community across the land.

This is more than just a college library; it is a public resource, the only Christian public library of its kind available to Palestinian citizens of Israel.

Its strategic location in Nazareth, the very city where Jesus grew up, further amplifies its significance as a center for Christian thought and spiritual formation in the heart of the region. This library will be a vital artery for our students, providing unparalleled access to resources in their mother tongue, crucial for their deep theological grounding and contextual ministry.

But its impact stretches far beyond our student body. It will serve as an invaluable hub for pastors, scholars, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian faith from an Arabic perspective, fostering intellectual growth and encouraging rich theological dialogue across denominations and beyond.

In an area often marked by division, this accessible, shared resource embodies our commitment to unity, education, and the peaceful extension of God's Kingdom through knowledge and understanding.

This new chapter for NEC is not merely about growth; it's about strategically empowering a new generation of Palestinian Christian leaders, rooted in their context yet committed to dialogue and reconciliation, to serve the Church and transform society for Christ.

As we strive to extend this Kingdom of peace, we warmly invite you, our brothers and sisters in faith, to partner with us. Your prayers are vital as we train these future leaders, and your participation, perhaps through engaging with our International Study Program (www.nazcol.org/overview), can directly contribute to this urgent and impactful ministry.

Together, we can play a part in cultivating peace and hope in a region that desperately needs it. 
 

The Revd Azar Ajaj is Principal of Nazareth Evangelical College