Dia-Logos Podcast - Ep 9 - Beyond the Ancient Stones: Young Voices from the Holy Land

When you hear places like Bethlehem and Jerusalem, you might think of ancient history or modern conflict, but did you know there is a vibrant, living church on the ground today? In this deeply moving episode of the Dia-Logos podcast, host Brad connects with two young men serving on the frontlines of ministry in the West Bank and Jerusalem: Alfred Ghawali (a 27-year-old Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem) and Rafi Filmon (a 24-year-old theology student from Jerusalem). Both work with Jerusalem Evangelical Outreach (JEO), bringing relief, food, youth ministry, and spiritual hope to communities experiencing intense pressure and uncertainty. Alfred and Rafi open up about what daily life is actually like under the shadow of conflict, economic stress, and occupation. They share why so many young people dream of leaving, how they fight to keep youth anchored in their identity in Christ, and what it looks like to live out a "shepherd's heart" by listening to families who feel forgotten. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Reality of the Living Church: Why Christianity in the Holy Land isn't just about historical monuments, but active, faithfully living believers ("living stones"). The Struggle of the Next Generation: How young Palestinian Christians navigate identity, stress, and the temptation to flee the region. Living Out Theology: How Rafi and Alfred combine practical relief work—delivering food, medication, and youth outreach—with deep spiritual care. Stories of Unexpected Light: How God is reviving once-abandoned local churches in the heart of Jerusalem. An Upcoming Visit: What Alfred and Rafi are looking forward to as they prepare to visit South Africa to share their stories with the broader body of Christ. If you’ve ever wondered how to pray for the Holy Land beyond the headlines, or want to be inspired by young leaders courageously living out the gospel in tough places, this episode is a must-listen.