Funds given to Wheat Ridge Ministries’ Hearts for Jesus project, “Bethlehem, We Care!” supported the Dar al-Kalima Academy in Bethlehem, Palestine. The Academy includes a school and health and wellness center.  “Bethlehem, We Care!” gifts helped to make a difference in the lives of our friends in Bethlehem in the areas of Children, Adults, Resources and Environment – CARE!

Funds for this project supported the following areas:

• CHILDREN – helping children enroll in the Dar al-Kalima Bright Stars program.  Through “Bright Stars,” children participate in art, music, dance, sports, swimming, communication, media and environmental clubs.  These clubs focus on expressing the emotions, fears, thoughts and visions of the children.

• ADULTS – helping woman participate in classes such as aerobics, swimming, meditation, fitness and dance as well as health awareness and prevention programs offered at the Health and Wellness Center.  Women in Bethlehem are subjected to much pressure, both political and social – the Center offers women the opportunity of an outlet and the needed space.

• RESOURCES – helping provide much needed materials for various aspects of school ministry such as books, equipment and other school supplies … or sharing the gift of a hearing aid for an impaired child.  In Palestine, studies indicate the majority of those suffering from hearing loss are children.  This health problem can interfere in the academic development of a child if not detected and treated early.

• ENVIRONMENT – helping create parks and gardens at the Dar al-Kalima Academy.  These much-needed areas are rarely found in Bethlehem.  Your gifts enabled trees and flowers to be planted and supply the necessary irrigation pipes, soil and fertilizers for the areas.