On the Mount of the Beatitudes, more than 45 Christians from various denominations gathered for a premarital preparation conference that was conducted by the Bible House on Feb. 17-18, 2012.

The aim of the conference was to increase the awareness of local Christians to the need of premarital preparation. The sessions were facilitated by Dona and David Eley. Dona is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Alaska, and David works with the Bible

Societies. Attendants’ reactions were very encouraging and all those who filled evaluation forms expressed the need for premarital preparation courses and materials in Arabic. Some of the couples said they would want to participate in premarital courses once they are offered, and others even said they will spread the news to other couples they know in order to raise their awareness on this matter.