Friends of the Living Stones

The Friends of the Living Stones is a foundation is dedicated to strengthening the Christian presence in the northern West Bank by supporting people, preserving hope, and serving the local community. Our core programs include scholarships for school and university students, assistance for poor and vulnerable families, support for farmers to help them remain on and cultivate their land, and strengthening parish life through youth groups, Scouts, altar servers, children’s ministries, Bible study groups for women, and other pastoral activities. In the future, we hope to expand our services throughout the West Bank, but our current priority is the northern West Bank, where the Christian population is rapidly declining.

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An experimental foundation for Palestinians in Northern Palestine.

Beneficiaries

  • Our beneficiaries include school and university students, poor families, farmers, Christian artisans, parish ministries, children, youth, Scouts, altar servers, women’s Bible study groups, and the wider Christian community in the northern West Bank.

Mission

What is the story behind the Living Stones?

The name “Living Stones” comes from 1 Peter 2:5, where Christians are called “living stones” being built into a spiritual house. Our foundation believes that the true treasure of the Holy Land is not only its sacred sites but also the Christian people who continue to live, pray, and witness to Christ in His homeland. By supporting these living stones, we help keep hope alive and preserve the Christian presence for future generations.

Our goal is to keep hope alive by helping Christians remain in their homeland with dignity. Ultimately, we hope to strengthen and preserve the remaining Christian presence in the northern West Bank.

Current projects

View Projects [ -> ]

Jul·2026

Food and Technology Access

Jun·2026

Resource Distribution

May·2026

Parish Products Development

Browse all project (Coming Soon)

Understanding the LOGO

The Church Bell Tower: The bell tower represents the church tower that we were able to build after many years without one. It symbolizes renewal, hope, and the continued presence and witness of the Christian community in this land.

The Cross: The cross stands at the heart of the logo as the central symbol of the Christian faith. It represents Christ’s sacrifice, resurrection, love, and the enduring hope found in the Gospel.

The Olive Branch: The olive branch symbolizes peace, reconciliation, and hope. It also reflects our deep connection to the olive tree, a timeless symbol of the Holy Land and its rich heritage.

The Stone Arch: The stone arch reflects the name Living Stones. It represents the living community of believers who together form the Church, while also honoring the historic stone architecture that has characterized the churches and villages of the Holy Land for centuries.

The Vintage Style: The aged appearance of the image conveys a sense of history, authenticity, and continuity. It honors the enduring Christian presence in the Holy Land while expressing a living faith that continues to serve future generations.

Together, these elements communicate the core values of Living Stones: faith, heritage, hope, and service, reflecting a mission dedicated to strengthening and preserving the Christian presence in the land where Christianity was born.

How are our products made?

Our products are handmade using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. They are produced by local Christian artisans, farmers, and families using locally sourced materials whenever possible. Every purchase directly supports Christian families and contributes to preserving their livelihood and heritage.

We’re open to collaboration.

Latest Notes

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Browse all notes

Meet the people behind
the LIVING STONES…

Deacon Stephanos Khoury

Executive Director

Abouna Firas

Spiritual Advisor

Funding & Partners

Friends of the Living Stones is Supported By

The Erin Grimm School

The Emergent Grace Movement

In collaboration with:

Christians, Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists in the United States

Communities in the Presbyterian Church USA and the United Church of Christ

Thought partners all over the world (the list continues to grow!)

Visit the shop (link coming soon!)

F.A.Q.

How do you keep hope alive?

Here, many people are exhausted. The checkpoints, the road closures, the fear, the economic collapse, and the loss of work weigh heavily on daily life. Thousands of people in the northern West Bank have lost their jobs. Some families are surviving day by day without knowing what tomorrow will look like.

And yet somehow, hope continues to breathe quietly among the people.

A church bell still rings.

Children still gather for activities.

Youth still pray together.

Candles are still lit.

And people still greet one another with dignity.

Can you tell me more about the parish products?

From August until November each year, the parish products become a lifeline for many families. These parish projects help support poor families, school students, children’s programs, youth ministries, and many people who have lost their source of income. When churches abroad purchase these products or help us connect with communities willing to support them, they are helping to keep hope alive in a very real way.

So please continue believing that hope matters.

Because here, hope is not abstract.

Hope is survival.

Hope is dignity.

Hope is a mother preparing food with very little.

Hope is a father continuing despite humiliation at checkpoints.

Hope is a young person refusing to abandon the church.

Hope is remaining human in circumstances trying to destroy humanity.

How can I get in touch with you?

Email: TheLivingStonesZababdeh@pm.me
Phone/Text: ‪(360) 499-6792‬

What would you like people in the West to learn from your witneses?

Christ sees every hidden wound people carry. And resurrection means darkness is never the final word.