Recommended Reading List

If you are like us your time is limited and it’s not likely you can read all of these books in a timely fashion. Accordingly, we have prioritized them for you. We recommend reading them in order of appearance on the list below.

by Dale Hanson Bourke

This is a fairly quick read and is probably the best book available when it comes to describing this incredibly complicated topic. It is factual and enlightening and is written from a perspective that is the most politically/religiously neutral that we’ve seen. There are no good guys or bad guys here, just imperfect humans trying to survive in a fallen world. You’ll want to keep this handy as an on-going reference book.


Link: http://amzn.com/0830837639

by Sarah Lanier

An easy read and one of the best books around for gaining insight on how cultures vary when it comes to everyday life. Learn about “cold vs. hot climate” cultures, relationship vs. task oriented cultures, direct vs. indirect communication, individualism vs. group identity, and more.


Link: http://amzn.com/1581580223

Serving the World in Christlike Humility

by Duane Elmer
This book explores the nature of being a true servant in a cross-cultural environment. All too often well meaning missionaries unintentionally convey an attitude of superiority, paternalism, and arrogance to those they are attempting to serve. The author gives some excellent guidance on how to serve with sensitivity and humility.

Link: http://amzn.com/0830833781

by Mark Cahill

A book every Christian who wants to share his faith (which is hopefully all of us) needs to read. This practical book will give you ideas for starting conversations, examples of witnessing situations, and answers to common questions about witnessing.

Link: http://amzn.com/0964366584

A Stirring Account of the Church Caught in the Middle East Crossfire

by Brother Andrew

Known mostly for his work behind the Iron Curtain, and his book God’s Smuggler- since the mid-nineties Brother Andrew has been an advocate and encourager for believers and the Church in the Holy Land. This book is particularly enlightening in showing the challenges the Church faces in the current environment where the Christian population is dwindling in numbers and influence.

Link: http://amzn.com/0800731042

By Fouad Masri

While the target audience of this book is primarily American Christians who want to reach out to American Muslims this is still an excellent book on the basics of how to reach out to Muslims. It gives a clear and concise overview of Muslim beliefs and the questions Muslims ask about Christianity. It also provides the reader with a number of non-threatening bridge building approaches.

Link: http://amzn.com/0830844201

by Paul G. Hiebert

We are now getting into more academically oriented work. A good book for the student who wants to go deeper, and make a true study of culture and how that impacts the successful spreading of the Gospel.

Link: http://amzn.com/0801042917

by David J. Hesselgrave

Still haven’t had enough? This book, at well over 600 pages, will take you even deeper. It is a holistic and cross-disciplinary approach, drawing from specialists in linguistics, communication theory, anthropology, psychology, sociology, theology, and philosophy. The author presents his thoughts through the discussion of seven topics: worldviews, cognitive processes, linguistic forms, behavioral patterns, social structures, media influence, and motivational sources. He also strives for a balance between transcendence and contextualization.

Link: http://amzn.com/0310368111

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Joelle

This young lady has overcome many challenges in her young life, including her mother having been through the ordeal of fighting cancer. With that, and other family issues to deal with, Joelle often felt a bit adrift in school. She didn’t quite know where she fit in, struggled with grades, and had trouble finding friends. Early high school was hard. With the help of some kind teachers, and lots of hard work, Joelle found her stride as a junior. She discovered a love of art and literature, and excelled at both. She hopes to become an author someday, or be involved in the film industry. Joelle was one of Bethlehem Academy’s first graduates, and did very well taking her CLEP exams her senior year. She’s an excellent example of a student who left BEA with a great deal of hope for a productive and gratifying future in her post BEA years.

Hamza

Hamza dealt with a blow that is hard to imagine for many of us; his father was killed in a workplace accident. Rather than tell him the truth, his family told him that his father had gone abroad for a job opportunity. He is an inquisitive kid and it wasn’t long before he knew something was not right. After persistent questioning, his family finally told him the truth. The loss of his father, along with the deception, caused a downward spiral in his grades and behavior at school. The school administration along with the entire staff poured themselves into this young man’s life and he began to slowly recover from his loss. Hamza still misses his father every day, but with his friends and teachers encouragement he is beginning to find his smile again.  

Ziyad

Ziyad joined us in kindergarten, and was a normal, happy boy. His life got challenging though when his mother was diagnosed with some severe mental health issues, fighting a battle with anxiety and depression. Life at home became a challenge. She got the help she needed, but it was hard on Ziyad. Our teaching staff was aware of this situation and came along side to love and encourage him as much as they could. With their extra care and attention, he was able to cope successfully with this situation. Ziyad is now doing well and is actively developing a newfound love for art. He has also developed many close relationships with his classmates. (We understand his mother is doing much better as well.)