David Burns, a member of the UK charity Friends of the Holy Land, has been instrumental in raising much-needed funds for the School of Joy near Bethlehem, which caters to children with special needs. The charity was established to support Christians in Palestine and ensure a resilient community in the region. The school, run by Latin Melkite Priest Fr Mamdouh Abusada, provides education and love to 78 children with learning difficulties from both Christian and Muslim families, fostering understanding and unity among the students.
Following his visit to the Holy Land and the School of Joy, David Burns felt compelled to help the school and enlisted the support of his church, Our Lady of Refuge in Cromer, and sister church St Josephs in Sheringham. Together, they have raised over £1700 and donated 5 tablet computers to the school. Fr Mamdouh visited the UK in July to appeal for funds at various events, including Walsingham’s ‘New Dawn’ event. He stayed with David in North Norfolk, where he engaged with the local community and successfully raised over £6300 in a week through his appeals.
During his visit, Fr Mamdouh also met with the Mayor of Norwich and made appeals at St John the Baptist Cathedral, garnering significant financial support for the School of Joy and Friends of the Holy Land. The message he shared resonated with donors, leading to a successful fundraising effort. Fr Mamdouh expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed and shared his hope to return to the UK in the future. He sought prayers for himself, the School of Joy, and all Christians in the Holy Land who work to preserve their heritage and enable future pilgrimages.
Fr Mamdouh’s visit to the UK was marked by engagements with various communities and churches, where he shared the story of the School of Joy and the important work being done to support children with special needs in Bethlehem. The success of the fundraising efforts underscored the generosity and support of individuals and communities in North Norfolk and beyond. Through partnerships like the one between Friends of the Holy Land and local churches, the School of Joy continues to thrive and provide a safe and nurturing environment for special needs children in the region.
