Eilaboun village is an Arabic town of about 4000, located between the Sea of Galilee and Nazareth. People work in education, banking, the civil service and construction, but the economic situation in Israel is difficult and unemployment in the village is about 15%.

The population is 70% traditional Roman Catholic, 30% Muslim (Bedouin background) and the Baptist Evangelical Church (started about 20 years ago and the only evangelical church in the town) comprises 30-40 adult members with 30 children in the all-age Sunday School. The RC priests are actively negative towards the work and two mosques have recently been built. There is also some new age interest, and some communism. Mission and ministry is tough, but the work is growing.

The BEC meets in (ie squashes into) the ground floor of someone’s home. Worship is hearty and the church has a vision to reach the town and 10 nearby villages for Christ. In Eilaboun, the Jesus video has been distributed house-to-house, and the New Testament. Pastoral evangelistic visits over the Christmas period have become a regular feature, and Sunday School activities (especially parties) are a way of building links with families. 

The average age of members is 40/45 but unemployment in the church is 30% and the tithes are not enough to support a pastor. Also, having their own building would make a big difference, and there is a need for people who can teach the Word.

Hanna and Lina Eid, have heart-warming testimonies to the Lord, in 2003-04 they were in the UK for training in Biblical Studies, preaching, and pastoral skills through a Cornhill course. They have a real love for the Lord, for the church, and for sharing Jesus with those who don’t know Him personally.