MIDDLE EAST
ABOUT US
Our goal is to plant churches, provide quality Bible study,
Christian literature and Bibles in Arabic and other languages.
EMMAUS is a Bible Correspondence School by mail and online, non-denominational in outreach and founded for the purpose of encouraging the systematic study of the Word of God. It operates in 95 countries on every continent using courses in over 100 languages.
The main office for Emmaus Middle East Arabic Language is in Nazareth, Israel. 22% of Israel’s population of nine million, are Arabic speakers as well as 4.5 million in the Palestinian Territories. Our online ministry of courses reaches a global audience of 313 million Arabic speakers.
EMMAUS website Lifeismore.net has a free download of the Bible, the courses in text, audio and video, several Christian books, daily devotional articles, a corner for children and youth and the possibility to ask questions, which are answered by the staff of Emmaus. In this way the Word is being brought to the Arabic speaking audience. The smart phone and tablet application is for Bible study courses and Bible text only.
George Khalil, The Director of the Arabic Emmaus Bible Ministry.
Christian Leader • Educator • Founder of Arabic Emmaus Courses
Background:
George Khalil is a Palestinian Christian from Nazareth, Israel, who has been a prominent figure in Arabic-speaking Christian ministry throughout the Middle East since the 1970s. Born and raised in Nazareth, George holds Israeli citizenship and has devoted his life to evangelism, discipleship, and Bible education.
Emmaus Bible Courses (Arabic Program)
In 1975, George relaunched the Arabic-language Emmaus Bible correspondence courses, originally founded by missionary Harry L. Mador. What began with just two courses grew into a comprehensive program of nearly 50 Bible study courses over five decades. The ministry also includes Christian reading materials, children’s Bible storybooks, and discipleship tools.
By the 1980s and 1990s, thousands of students had completed the courses, contributing to the planting of new churches in the Galilee region. Eventually, the ministry extended its reach to Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, South Sudan, and North Africa, embracing digital platforms to serve a broader audience.
Personal Life and Ministry
George is married to Rosamond Khalil, a British national, who has served alongside him for over 50 years. Together, they have translated and edited Bible courses, managed online student correspondence, distributed Christian literature, and organized children’s Bible clubs across the region. Their teamwork has formed the backbone of the Arabic Emmaus ministry.
Community Engagement and Challenges
Throughout the years, George has faced various challenges, including community tensions arising from the distribution of controversial Christian materials. Despite these obstacles, he has remained committed to interfaith understanding and peaceful coexistence. He has participated in numerous community events, such as leading Christmas celebrations in Nazareth that promote unity among religious groups.
Additional Contributions
Beyond Emmaus, George has taken part in cultural and educational projects, including his involvement in Nazareth Village, a historical museum that recreates life in the time of Jesus. There, he worked as a carpenter using traditional tools and techniques, bringing biblical history to life for visitors from around the world.
Legacy
George Khalil’s lifelong dedication to Bible education, Christian discipleship, and interreligious dialogue has left a lasting impact on communities in Nazareth and throughout the Middle East.
Assembly meeting times in Nazareth
Sunday 10.00 - 12.00 am
Thursday 18.00 - 21.00pm
Ladies Meeting once every 2 weeks: Wednesday 10.00 - 12.00 am
Official Status Of Emmaus Bible School
EBS (Emmaus Bible School) has been registered with the government since 1979 as an “Ottoman institution” and since 1984 as “Amuta” Non-profit Organization. The Board is made up of 8 members who together make the decisions in order to improve the effectiveness of the ministry.