by Daoud Kuttab

Dr. Bishara Elias Awad expressed his happiness at being honored with the Labib Madanat Kingdom Impact award.

In an exclusive interview with Awad said: “I am delighted with the award and happy with the progress of Bethlehem Bible College in recent years.” Awad, the founder of the college, is known to have transferred the management of the pioneering institution in Bethlehem to a group of young leaders headed by Reverend Dr. Jack Sara.

Dr. Bishara, who is temporarily residing with his children in the United States, also expressed his deep sorrow for what is happening in Palestine: “The situation in Palestine, especially in Gaza, is unacceptable and we must do everything we can to stop this war and stop the bloodshed.” Bishara Awad’s wife, educator Salwa, was born in the Gaza Strip and passed away after a struggle with illness last August.

“I am delighted that my former teacher at the Bishop’s School in Jerusalem has won the Labib Award Kingdom Impact Awrd said Rev. Dr. Suhail Odeh Madanat, former president of the Baptist Church in Jordan and brother of Labib Madanat.

Bethlehem Bible College issued a statement expressing its joy at the honoring of its founder with the Labib Award from Strategic Resource Group (SRG), a long-standing partner of Bethlehem Bible College in Kingdom work in the Middle East.

SRG Middle East, grants this award biennially to select leaders who have dedicated their lives to serving Jesus, His church, and the Kingdom of God. The award, represented by a kintsugi bowl, reflects Dr. Awad’s unwavering commitment to the community and the lasting impact of his work throughout the Middle East.

The ancient Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with seams of gold, symbolizes renewal and restoration—making the object even more beautiful and stronger than before. Similarly, Dr. Awad’s work through Bethlehem Bible College has brought new life, hope, and empowerment to the community. His dedication has inspired generations in Palestine, the Middle East, and beyond.

Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College, celebrated the honor, saying: “The kintsugi bowl reflects the essence of Dr. Awad’s work—taking the brokenness of life and restoring it with God’s grace. His lifelong commitment to the mission of the College has impacted countless lives and will continue to inspire many more in the years to come.”

SRG asked Dr. Sara to present this special, distinguished gift to Dr. Bishara on their behalf. It was amazing to witness the parallel: 13 years ago, Dr. Bishara passed the baton of BethBC’s presidency to Dr. Sara, and now Dr. Sara passed this symbolic gift to honor Dr. Bishara’s legacy. This gesture beautifully acknowledges Dr. Bishara’s example of empowering the next generation and fostering younger leaders in ministry—a model rarely seen in our region.

We are immensely proud of Dr. Bishara’s legacy and the incredible work he has done through Bethlehem Bible College. His vision and ministry will always be a cornerstone of the College, ensuring that its influence continues to grow in service of God’s Kingdom.

Rev. Dr. Jack Sara, president of Bethlehem Bible College, celebrated the honor by saying, “The kintsugi bowl reflects the essence of Dr. Awad’s work – taking the brokenness of life and restoring it with God’s grace. His lifelong commitment to the mission of the college has touched countless lives and will continue to inspire many more in the years to come.”

Dr. Sara on the honoree’s accomplishments and legacy: “We are so proud of Dr. Bishara’s legacy and the wonderful work he has done through Bethlehem Bible College. His vision and ministry will remain a cornerstone of the college, ensuring that its impact continues to grow in service to God.”