By Marney Blom
“Are you sure it is safe to go into Bethlehem?” read the desperate early morning whatsapp message from my Arab Israeli assistant, to which she had attached a menacing image of a black and white keffiyeh-clad Palestinian Arab swinging a smoking molotov cocktail.
Following President Trump’s announcement of US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, protests and violence had erupted in the town of Jesus’ birth – precisely the time we were to go in to film a special Acts News Network (ANN) Christmas story that was slated to air on the Canadian Christian weekly news program, “Context with Lorna Dueck.”
Along with the clashes that took place on the streets of Bethlehem that day, the city would also go on strike cancelling the event we were scheduled to capture. Then three days of rage followed.
Just a few weeks earlier I had prayed, “Lord, what is on your heart for a Bethlehem story?” Following my prayer I had come across the work of Tony Samaan and the ministry he leads called “Yes for Children.” This small group of Arab believers have been given an unprecedented open door to bring the message of Peace on Earth into Palestinian schools throughout the West Bank. Wonderfully, Tony had agreed for us to interview him.
Every day of delay diminished the chances of completing the report on time to air on CONTEXT’S Christmas TV special. Yet somehow I had a deep peace knowing that many were praying about this trip. Finally, I sensed the Lord say yes. We were to go.
The shoot day was rescheduled and we left for Bethlehem. God was faithful! Not only did He keep us from harm, but He gave us the most wonderful story. In his interview, Tony Samaan explained that as a result of His work with the children, Palestinians have been asking him about the “strange” dreams they are having — dreams about Jesus! (See story LINK).
After a successful day of capturing the story, we drove out of Bethlehem to a brilliant early evening sky “on fire” with colour. Could this be a sign in the sky that we had just witnessed the fire of God’s Glory moving among the Palestinians? I pondered.
Wonderfully, the story entitled, “Jesus Returns to Bethlehem” made CONTEXT’S deadline and aired in Canada both on YesTV and on the Global network. (LINK to broadcast) As a result, I’ve received many positive responses from viewers. Someone even asked, “Why doesn’t CNN cover stories like that?”
My Bethlehem story experience also taught me that often when a situation or circumstance appears difficult, dangerous or even impossible, it just may be an opportunity to witness our God at work!
And so with the end of 2017, I am thankful for all the wonderful stories God entrusted to Acts News Network this year. Can’t imagine what’s in store for 2018!
Marney Blom is news director for the Acts News Network.
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