• TOP STORIES \ Jan 03, 2003
    reads 4677
    Even though Baptist Missionary Mike Edens may worry that he became a target of anti-American violencee, he would not leave his post: "It's much wiser and safer to be obedient to God and do his work than to do otherwise."

    PAUL RICHTER, Los Angeles Times, Jan 3, 2003

    Missionaries won't leave Middle East
  • FEATURES \ Jan 02, 2003
    reads 4562
    "There are so few Christian visitors it was even possible to get a room at the last moment at Christ Church's hostel and St. Andrews Scottish Hospice, favorites of Christian tourists".
    Patricia Golan writes about Christmas in the Jerusalem Baptist church. The Church gives a special tribute to Filipino workers in Israel who were part of a candlelight evening.

    By Patricia Golan, Baptist Press, Dec 31, 2002
  • PERSIAN GULF \ Dec 30, 2002
    reads 4172
    Suspected Islamic extremist opens fire in Jibla Baptist hospital with Kalashnikov, kills three US Citizens.

    The US Southern Baptist Convention's International Mission Board, based in Richmond, Virginia, was reportedly preparing to transfer control of the hospital to a local Yemeni charity

    Baptist Press, Dec 30, 2002

    Three killed in attack on Baptist hospital in Yemen
  • PERSIAN GULF \ Dec 28, 2002
    reads 4292

    I only pray in my room," a Roman Catholic laborer from Sri Lanka told AP.
    In Riyadh AP quoted a shop keeper as as saying that the ever-vigilant religious police have confiscated even Christmas cards

    By Stefan J. Bos, ASSIST News Service, Dec 25, 2002

    Saudi Arabia bans Open Christmas Celebrations
  • ISRAEL \ Dec 28, 2002
    reads 1628
    In recent years, small numbers of Israeli Jews have begun celebrating Christmas, putting up lights in shops and even trees in homes. Chief Rabbi Israel Meir Lau warned that such observances threaten the identity of the Jewish state.

    By The Associated Press, Dec 25, 2002


    An un-Christmas message from Chief Rabbi
  • PALESTINE \ Dec 24, 2002
    reads 3581
    For seven years now, Radio Bethlehem 2000 has provided live audio coverage of the traditional Christmas Eve parade, Christmas Eve Carols from Manger Square and Midnight Mass from the birth-place of Jesus Christ.

    At 3:30 pm, on December 23, Israeli soldiers arrived at the Arrart building that houses the radio station on its fourth floor and ordered everyone outside. No explanation was given.

    By Daoud Kuttab, Special For Come and See, Dec 24, 2002


    Are Christmas Carols a security threat?
  • ISRAEL \ Dec 24, 2002
    reads 1612
    According to archaeologists and Bible Scholars, the ancient bathhouse unearthed beneath a Nazareth souvenir shop owned by Elias Shama dates back to Crusader times and is not, as the shop owner believes, a Roman bath which may have been used by Jesus

    By Steve Weizman, Associated Press, Dec 18, 2002

  • ISRAEL \ Dec 23, 2002
    reads 1552
    Haaretz, Israel's Elite Paper, writes about Christmas in Bethlehem in its editorial: "Since 1967, the proper conduct of Christmas services in Bethlehem has been proof that Israel jealously protects the rights of religious minorities, and Israel was praised for its ability to make a distinction between the holy places and its security needs.

    Apparently, that concept is fading, along with Israel's good name in the world.

    Haaretz Editorial, Dec 23, 2002

    A gloomy Christmas in Bethlehem
  • EGYPT \ Dec 23, 2002
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    President Mubarak of Egypt has declared Christmas Day a National Holiday for the first time.

    Coptic Christians represent ten percent of the population of Egypt. They celebrate Christmas on January 7 and from 2003, this date will be an official public holiday.

    Christian Solidarity Worldwide Web site, December 19 2002

    Christmas declared a national holiday in Egypt, for the first time