July Newsletter

The ministries of the Christmas Lutheran Church are not only thriving, but expanding and improving in new and creative ways. A new center for artisans, Dar al-Balad, just opened in Beit Sahour, a Christian village adjacent to Bethlehem. Bethlehem Star Music continues to grow, now under the joint leadership of Joseph Duqmaq and myself. Joseph, a native of Bethlehem and graduate of Amman Conservatory of Music, joined the staff during my recent itineration in the United States. The music program of Dar al-Kalima College, offering the first music performance degree available in Palestine, will begin courses on September 12.

The Palestinian Authority, which has accredited the college and its music program, requires that at least one full-time music staff member hold a master’s degree in music. I am scheduled to finish studies for a Master of Music Education degree from Boston University at the end of this summer. As the head of the music program, I will be the only full-time staff member in the music program—and only the sixth full-time faculty member in the entire college. Five Palestinian music teachers will join me, all of whom will be part-time and who hold bachelors degrees in music. This means that, at this time, in order for the music performance degree to begin, I must be in Bethlehem. Unfortunately, the music program is the least funded of all college programs and cannot afford my stipend.

You can provide the necessary funding for my stipend, and thus enable the first music performance degree in Palestine to be launched on September 12, 2008. When you donate to “Matt’s music ministry,” 100% of your money goes toward my stipend and is tax deductible. Attached is a form with the mailing address for your donations, and a form that you may include with your donation so the money is credited accordingly.

Checks may be mailed to

Bright Stars of Bethlehem
212 East Capitol Street NE
Washington DC 20003
*In the memo line, write “Matt’s music ministry.”

Without your support, this unprecedented opportunity for young musicians in Bethlehem will not succeed.

Thank you for your previous and continuing support for musicians, and for my work here.

Yours sincerely,
Matthew Middleton