Paul Calvert spoke with Sari Zeidan from the Shepherd Society, about their medical and food programmes and family sponsorship.

Sari: Actually they care. They care about people here for two reasons. We struggle economically and politically, and the other reason is that this is the Holy Land and they care a lot about the Holy Land and the people in the Holy Land, especially the Christian people. But we care about the Muslims too and they care about the Muslims too, because they think that we have to reflect Jesus Christ and we love everybody the same.

Paul: Is this helping to keep Christians here in the Land?

Sari: Yes it helps a lot.

Paul: Are you making a difference in the community?

Sari: Let's say yes again. It's not only about these programmes, but we share with people; we share stories and we talk to them. It's not just they come and they receive food, or medical help from the programmes we do. We invite them to our office, or they come to our office, because they feel comfortable to talk with us. Many times we speak about Jesus and the Bible and they love that. Let's say not only the Christians, but everybody. Some of the clients they come to our office and ask for the Bible. That is the main difference. The other difference is that we help the people not to struggle in general, like financially or if they need medical supplies, they can't find it another place let's say, because the insurance is very bad here and they can't offer everything, so we complete what the insurance doesn't cover.

Paul: What is your prayer for the future of the Shepherd Society?

Sari: We pray that we can reach every single person in the Bethlehem area, and maybe to go far away from Bethlehem. But at the beginning to reach every single person in Bethlehem who is in need, and to be a blessing for the people in general by reflecting Jesus Christ. We pray that we continue our good work.

The website for people who would like to know more about helping the Christian community of Bethlehem is www.shepherd-society.org.