Saturday, April 21, 2007
Greetings Family, Friends and Colleagues!
I am delighted to share with you some exciting news from Bethlehem.
Engaging music
When I arrived in Bethlehem in March 2006, the musical activities
of the Christmas Lutheran Church and International Center of Bethlehem
were in need of a breath of fresh air. There were no paid musicians
on staff; one volunteer organist and the occasional visiting band
or choir composed the entire music program. We were at Step Zero.
Today the Christmas Lutheran Church, International Center of
Bethlehem (ICB), and newly founded Dar Al-Kalima College host
over 45 volunteer singers and instrumentalists, seven staff members,
five professional instructors, and myself. We are at Step One.
Coordinating music
Two members of the Bethlehem Star Band, Garo Demerjian and Usama
Latti, performing for dignitaries at the groundbreaking ceremony
of Dar Al-Kalima College on 13 April 2007.
Most of these volunteers and staff members fall under the umbrella
of Bethlehem Star Music, a joint music program of the Church and
ICB. Included are five ensembles: chorus, choristers, handbells,
chamber ensemble, and band. The chorus and band just finished
a round of performances during and after Holy Week, including
celebrating the groundbreaking of Dar Al-Kalima College with a
rousing Arabic version of Psalm 150. The band, made up of six
paid members, is scheduled to record its first CD this summer.
The choristers, seven boys and girls age 11-14, are improving
and will slowly start taking on more responsibilities in church
services.
Teaching music
Dr. Nuha Khoury, Dean of Dar Al-Kalima College.
Next week, Dean Nuha Khoury and I will submit a proposal to the
Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Education to accredit
the Music Department of Dar Al-Kalima College. The 60-page proposal
has taken a great deal of time, energy, and research. We are praying
fervently for its acceptance by the PA so we can begin the first
music courses in August this year. Our five Palestinian instructors
come with training from music conservatories in Amman, Kiev, Jerusalem,
and Vienna.
An introduction
Now that I have briefly mentioned my work with Dr. Khoury, I
would be thrilled to share a few more words about her. Nuha, as
I know her casually, quickly earned my utmost respect and admiration.
A native of Bethlehem with deep roots in the Christmas Church,
she lived in the United States for 15 years, earning two master’s
degrees and a Ph.D. in mediaeval Islamic studies at the University
of Michigan. Her rare combination of intelligence, work ethic,
compassion, and dedication to youth make her a priceless member
of modern Palestinian society and a great friend of mine.
Music as mission
After lengthy conversations with my supervisory staff in the
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), I have decided to apply for another
two-year contract as a Mission Volunteer International in Bethlehem.
I am told that yet again, if I am to continue with the ministry
I feel called to and dearly love, I will be responsible for raising
my own funding. While the church publishes inspiring words about
world mission, it has a way of making mission difficult at times.
Mission must never be demoted to hollow words. Music as mission
in Bethlehem means celebrating life within the ugly walls of occupation
and racism. Unlike the ancient story of Jericho, I doubt that
our music will bring down the massive wall surrounding the modern
ghetto of Bethlehem. But neither walls nor oppression can stop
us from singing and praising God through music.
Closing
Please accept my sincerest and heartfelt appreciation for your
encouragement, interest, support, and most importantly friendship.
Never hesitate to contact me with questions or just to let me
know how you are doing.
With gratitude,
Matt Middleton
The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 170
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