The Story of Bethlehem
Contextualising Life in Palestine
A Conversation with Merch Aiken and Cole Martin, followed by Q&A.
Join this informative Conversation at the start of Advent.
When: Sunday 30 November 2025 at 2:00pm Syd, Melb. (AEDT) 4:00pm Auckland NZ
About the speakers:
Mercy Aiken is a cross-cultural advocate, bridge-builder, storyteller, author, activist, and pilgrimage leader. She is the Program Director – Middle East with Peace Catalyst International. In her role she helps to develop and lead Peace Catalyst’s engagement with Palestine and Israel, hosts conversations on peacebuilding in the Holy Land, and works with local ministries, while also continuing her writing ministry. Mercy co-wrote “Yet in the Dark Streets Shining,” with Bishara Awad, founder of the college.
Cole Martin is a photo-video journalist and Anglican from Aotearoa NZ. He recently returned from 6 months in the occupied West Bank, Palestine where he lived in Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem, studied at Bethlehem University, worked alongside Palestinian Christians, and documented the reality of life under Israeli occupation. Cole will tell stories of what he witnessed from across the West Bank.
Hosted by:
Palestine Israel Ecumenical Network (PIEN)
Aotearoa Christians for Peace in Palestine (AC4PP)
Please contact the hosts for further information.