With her OC scholarship, student and mother of four says, “I would not be able to pay the tuition”

Manal Elias Zarouq knows the importance of OC scholarships. Without her own, she would not be able to attend Bethlehem Bible College (BBC) in the West Bank. As a wife and mother of four children, Manal says her children’s school fees are “a big expense for my family. Without my scholarship, I could not maintain our monthly income, and…I would not be able to pay the tuition.” Currently in her last year of the Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies program, Manal has been involved in several practical ministries, one of which is teaching at BBC’s summer children’s camps. Having taught Sunday school as well, she feels her calling is with children’s work. “[With] my own children, I have been involved in teaching them and others, [and] I know good ways to reach out to them.” She also feels called to work with women, especially encouraging new believers in their faith and walk with Christ.

“I believe that the Lord sees and knows fully how much I am in need of a scholarship. He uses people to help us, [and]…I want to thank you from my heart for [the scholarship].” Manal hopes that after earning her BA, she may be able to work in ministry and also help with her family’s expenses. She will continue to teach Sunday school and feels called to continue her education, perhaps in

Bethelem Bible College (BBC) in the West Bank

sociology, even if doing so sounds like a dream. “I believe in God, and anything He wants will come to pass,” she says. “I will continue to pray, so I would see the will of God...[and He can] show me clearly how He wants me to serve Him in my community.”

Before attending BBC, Manal says she was a Christian by name only and thought money was the source of happiness. Her hunger to know the Lord grew as she watched SAT-7 Christian television programming, and she soon felt called to study at BBC to earn a degree, work in ministry and help her family. “The surprise has been that the college has become like a family that has put me under its wings. I have been saved, I have learned the Word of God and I am living a wonderful new life that I share with my entire household.”