Hello again from Bethlehem! Tonight is our last night here in the Holy Land Hotel (which I totally recommend, btw); tomorrow we head north to Ramallah and Ibillin.
Day 5
Yesterday morning our group attended church at Christmas Lutheran, where Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb (of Diyar Consortium) serves. Since our group as well as a group from Germany was visiting, the service was trilingual. That is to say that Mitri spoke to all three groups in their native tongues. Many people here, especially in the Christian community, speak English, but this was above and beyond. And what a priceless experience to worship with fellow believers from all over the world in the very place where Jesus was born.
In the afternoon we visited Wadi Kelt canyon, which includes the road Jesus references in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. There is also an impressive monastery there that hugs the canyon wall. Allow me to make a blanket apology for not posting photos yet. I will do so when I get home although for now, I'm putting a few on Facebook and Instagram.
From Wadi Kelt we went to the Dead Sea. I was just a spectator, but my favorite part was looking out across the water to the mountainous coast of Jordan. A large portion of the Dead Sea is dry now because it has been diverted to water the Negev. It's quite depressing, to be honest.
Day 6
Today we spent in Jerusalem. Usama is not allowed to travel there, so our guide was a precious man named Bishara. Jerusalem is only about 5 miles from Bethlehem, but it took us awhile to get there, mostly because of the long line at the checkpoint leaving Bethlehem city.
We toured the Al Aqsa mosque, The Dome of the Rock, the pools at Bethesda, walked part of the Via Dolorosa, St. Anne's church, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Wailing Wall, the Mt. of Olives, and the Garden of Gethsemane. Needless to say, I took ten million photos. My favorite site was the Al Aqsa mosque; it is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful, peaceful places I've ever been. It was difficult to think that it has been the site of such hatred and injustice.
This evening, a fellow pilgrim, Jim, shared his struggle with bitterness and hatred towards the perpetrators of injustice in this place. I really appreciate and admire his candor because I also struggle with these feelings. He spoke of his desire to "affirm the humanity" of the people whom he finds himself hating. It is always easier to hate and demonize when we see others as less than human, and for that reason, I think it would behoove all of us to make these words our daily prayer.
May Jesus teach us to affirm the humanity of all people as we work for peace.
I'm looking forward to the next week as we continue to learn about and see this place. It is truly a privilege to bear witness to the ways the Holy Spirit is equipping and encouraging His people to bring the Kingdom to earth.
Day 5
Yesterday morning our group attended church at Christmas Lutheran, where Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb (of Diyar Consortium) serves. Since our group as well as a group from Germany was visiting, the service was trilingual. That is to say that Mitri spoke to all three groups in their native tongues. Many people here, especially in the Christian community, speak English, but this was above and beyond. And what a priceless experience to worship with fellow believers from all over the world in the very place where Jesus was born.
In the afternoon we visited Wadi Kelt canyon, which includes the road Jesus references in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. There is also an impressive monastery there that hugs the canyon wall. Allow me to make a blanket apology for not posting photos yet. I will do so when I get home although for now, I'm putting a few on Facebook and Instagram.
From Wadi Kelt we went to the Dead Sea. I was just a spectator, but my favorite part was looking out across the water to the mountainous coast of Jordan. A large portion of the Dead Sea is dry now because it has been diverted to water the Negev. It's quite depressing, to be honest.
Day 6
Today we spent in Jerusalem. Usama is not allowed to travel there, so our guide was a precious man named Bishara. Jerusalem is only about 5 miles from Bethlehem, but it took us awhile to get there, mostly because of the long line at the checkpoint leaving Bethlehem city.
We toured the Al Aqsa mosque, The Dome of the Rock, the pools at Bethesda, walked part of the Via Dolorosa, St. Anne's church, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Wailing Wall, the Mt. of Olives, and the Garden of Gethsemane. Needless to say, I took ten million photos. My favorite site was the Al Aqsa mosque; it is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful, peaceful places I've ever been. It was difficult to think that it has been the site of such hatred and injustice.
This evening, a fellow pilgrim, Jim, shared his struggle with bitterness and hatred towards the perpetrators of injustice in this place. I really appreciate and admire his candor because I also struggle with these feelings. He spoke of his desire to "affirm the humanity" of the people whom he finds himself hating. It is always easier to hate and demonize when we see others as less than human, and for that reason, I think it would behoove all of us to make these words our daily prayer.
May Jesus teach us to affirm the humanity of all people as we work for peace.
I'm looking forward to the next week as we continue to learn about and see this place. It is truly a privilege to bear witness to the ways the Holy Spirit is equipping and encouraging His people to bring the Kingdom to earth.
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