Began our day visiting with a Jewish Rabbi who is actively promoting human rights for Palestinians – fascinating work and stories. Walked through the Old City of Jerusalem and learned about the deep tensions and struggles in the old city today for power and control.
Had delicious falafel sandwiches for lunch, then experienced a modern day Palestinian interpretation of the stations of the cross by Sabeel, an example of liberation theology. The stations of the cross were various locations surrounding Jerusalem including a Palestinian village that was occupied in 1948, a house recently demolished by Israelis, and other locations where we read scripture and prayed for justice and peace.
Had another delicious typical Palestinian meal. Heard more about work of MCC in the area including Jordan, Iraq, and Iran. Went to the rooftop of our hostal for debriefing. And then as always, ended our day with a time of prayer for each person and organization we met during the day.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Sunday evening
Another full day. Left Nazareth early this morning and traveled through the Jordan valley to Jericho and then to Jerusalem. Passed many very important locations but do not have time to write about it now. Our days have been full from early morning until about 10 p.m. every day, so very little time to write.
Had a very meaningful worship experience this morning with Palestinian Christians in Jerusalem. Went to Mount of Olives by the MCC office and residence, looked down on the Old City of Jerusalem, and other special places Jesus walked.
Relived the history of the Jews at the Jewish Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem this afternoon. Was surrounded by large groups of young Israeli soldiers who were visiting the museum as part of their training. Deeply impacted by the struggle, suffering, and oppression of the Jews by occupation, limited movement, confiscation of property, cut off from surroundings and source of livelihood, humiliation, poverty, relinquishment of citizenship, and mandatory expulsions. Amazing how these same things are being repeated today to the Palestinians.
Heard about the violence occurring in Gaza strip. Talked with someone who lives 20 KM north of Gaza and woke up this morning at 4 a.m. to hear rockets overhead on their way to Gaza. Amidst all of the hatred and violence, Israel and Palestine is one of the safest and kindest places I ever visited. We walked around in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and now Palestinian markets in Jerusalem carrying a camera and did not need to be afraid.
Tonight, listened to an Israeli and a Palestinian share how they are promoting reconciliation from the bottom up by getting people to talk with one another on both sides. Had a time of debriefing and am now ready for another night of sleep. Staying in the Muslim quarter of Old City Jerusalem.
Only three more days in Jerusalem and then we head back home with so much to process.
Blessings,
Ron
Had a very meaningful worship experience this morning with Palestinian Christians in Jerusalem. Went to Mount of Olives by the MCC office and residence, looked down on the Old City of Jerusalem, and other special places Jesus walked.
Relived the history of the Jews at the Jewish Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem this afternoon. Was surrounded by large groups of young Israeli soldiers who were visiting the museum as part of their training. Deeply impacted by the struggle, suffering, and oppression of the Jews by occupation, limited movement, confiscation of property, cut off from surroundings and source of livelihood, humiliation, poverty, relinquishment of citizenship, and mandatory expulsions. Amazing how these same things are being repeated today to the Palestinians.
Heard about the violence occurring in Gaza strip. Talked with someone who lives 20 KM north of Gaza and woke up this morning at 4 a.m. to hear rockets overhead on their way to Gaza. Amidst all of the hatred and violence, Israel and Palestine is one of the safest and kindest places I ever visited. We walked around in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and now Palestinian markets in Jerusalem carrying a camera and did not need to be afraid.
Tonight, listened to an Israeli and a Palestinian share how they are promoting reconciliation from the bottom up by getting people to talk with one another on both sides. Had a time of debriefing and am now ready for another night of sleep. Staying in the Muslim quarter of Old City Jerusalem.
Only three more days in Jerusalem and then we head back home with so much to process.
Blessings,
Ron
Friday, October 28, 2011
Friday Update
Left Bethlehem this morning and visited Canada Park, built on top of three Palestinian villages which were destroyed in the 1967 war. Saw remains of a few of the houses and the cemetery from prior to 67. Listened to an Israeli share about the tragedy that happened to the Palestinians and his work to help the Palestinians today. Memories of the war have been attempted to be erased with the planting of trees and the “blooming of the desert.” So sad to see all the lies people are told and how quickly they believe them. Wish that everyone could hear the narrative and stories of real people in both Israel and Palestine.
Drove north through the valley of Armageddon , surprised to see Nazareth straight ahead on the hill top. Passed by Mount Tabor and the Mount of Transfiguration, traveled down the steep mountain to Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. Visited Capernaum, the home base for much of Jesus’ ministry and miracles, saw the remains of Peter’s house, skipped stones on the Sea of Galilee. Watched thousands of tourists descend upon the holy land sites and discovered how thankful I am that we are connecting with the life of the people and their culture. Prayed for the thousands of Palestinian Christians who long to visit these holy sites, but cannot because Israel will not allow them.
Visited the possible location of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fish. Ascended the mountain where Jesus taught the beatitudes and sermon on the mount. Walked past beautiful and birds and imagined Jesus asking the disciples, “Why do you worry so much?”
Descended the mountain to the Sea of Galilee, had devotions on the boat, saw a beautiful sunset over the mountains with a tiny sliver of a moon while we headed to the shore.
Drove to Nazareth for our evening meal, had our time of debriefing and since it is about 10:30, will soon be heading to bed. Five days completed, five days to go.
Drove north through the valley of Armageddon , surprised to see Nazareth straight ahead on the hill top. Passed by Mount Tabor and the Mount of Transfiguration, traveled down the steep mountain to Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee. Visited Capernaum, the home base for much of Jesus’ ministry and miracles, saw the remains of Peter’s house, skipped stones on the Sea of Galilee. Watched thousands of tourists descend upon the holy land sites and discovered how thankful I am that we are connecting with the life of the people and their culture. Prayed for the thousands of Palestinian Christians who long to visit these holy sites, but cannot because Israel will not allow them.
Visited the possible location of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fish. Ascended the mountain where Jesus taught the beatitudes and sermon on the mount. Walked past beautiful and birds and imagined Jesus asking the disciples, “Why do you worry so much?”
Descended the mountain to the Sea of Galilee, had devotions on the boat, saw a beautiful sunset over the mountains with a tiny sliver of a moon while we headed to the shore.
Drove to Nazareth for our evening meal, had our time of debriefing and since it is about 10:30, will soon be heading to bed. Five days completed, five days to go.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Hebron and southern area of West Bank
Another full day of rich experiences. Traveled south of Hebron to an area where David hid in a cave from King Saul. Heard from a Jewish settler passionately tell of his vision to reclaim the land to fulfill God’s promises to the Jews using force and violence when needed against their Arab neighbors.
Someone has said, “There are two lessons learned from the Holocaust. One Jew is convinced never again shall this type of suffering and persecution happen to anyone. A second Jew is convinced that a Jew without a machine gun will be killed.” It is clear which camp these Jewish settlers are in.
We then visited a neighboring Palestinian village and heard examples of how Israeli settlers are robbing them of their land, freedom, and human rights. But instead of fighting back with violence or running away, they are finding creative ways to respond with non-violence. Walked with members of the Christian Peacemaker Team to a field where shepherds watching their flocks have been beaten, threatened, and falsely accused. Heard a personal story how an Arab man came to his convictions of nonviolence from his mother who had been beaten by Israeli soldiers. Discovered the men of this village are now training other villages to respond with non-violence. Violence only gives the Israelis a further excuse to attack. Discovered anew the power of the non-violence of Christ.
Then walked the streets of the old city Hebron which has been occupied by Israeli settlers. We walked a street that used to be a busy market street and is now vacated. Instead Israeli soldiers and machine guns watch our every move from the top of buildings and armored military vehicles slowly pass by us examining us. Walked through entry points controlled by Israeli soldiers with machine guns and watched as Palestinian young men were scrutinized by the soldiers. Exited the street, turned the corner and entered a hustling and bustling market street full of life and people.
Visited the tomb of Isaac and Rebekah and Abraham and Sarah. Traveled back to our home in Bethlehem once again deeply stirred. Spent an hour debriefing and then returned to our host family.
Every day has been an unbelievable day with so many experiences to process. Thank you God for this opportunity and please bless the people of this land of intense conflict with great peace.
Bless my brother who is a Jewish settler with the power of your love and help me to be as passionate about your way of non-violence as he is about violence. Bless my Palestinian brothers and sisters with courage to continue to practice non-violent resistance. May these dear brothers and sisters somehow learn to live in peace. And give us all discernment and wisdom how we can become your instruments of peace and light in this part of the world.
Someone has said, “There are two lessons learned from the Holocaust. One Jew is convinced never again shall this type of suffering and persecution happen to anyone. A second Jew is convinced that a Jew without a machine gun will be killed.” It is clear which camp these Jewish settlers are in.
We then visited a neighboring Palestinian village and heard examples of how Israeli settlers are robbing them of their land, freedom, and human rights. But instead of fighting back with violence or running away, they are finding creative ways to respond with non-violence. Walked with members of the Christian Peacemaker Team to a field where shepherds watching their flocks have been beaten, threatened, and falsely accused. Heard a personal story how an Arab man came to his convictions of nonviolence from his mother who had been beaten by Israeli soldiers. Discovered the men of this village are now training other villages to respond with non-violence. Violence only gives the Israelis a further excuse to attack. Discovered anew the power of the non-violence of Christ.
Then walked the streets of the old city Hebron which has been occupied by Israeli settlers. We walked a street that used to be a busy market street and is now vacated. Instead Israeli soldiers and machine guns watch our every move from the top of buildings and armored military vehicles slowly pass by us examining us. Walked through entry points controlled by Israeli soldiers with machine guns and watched as Palestinian young men were scrutinized by the soldiers. Exited the street, turned the corner and entered a hustling and bustling market street full of life and people.
Visited the tomb of Isaac and Rebekah and Abraham and Sarah. Traveled back to our home in Bethlehem once again deeply stirred. Spent an hour debriefing and then returned to our host family.
Every day has been an unbelievable day with so many experiences to process. Thank you God for this opportunity and please bless the people of this land of intense conflict with great peace.
Bless my brother who is a Jewish settler with the power of your love and help me to be as passionate about your way of non-violence as he is about violence. Bless my Palestinian brothers and sisters with courage to continue to practice non-violent resistance. May these dear brothers and sisters somehow learn to live in peace. And give us all discernment and wisdom how we can become your instruments of peace and light in this part of the world.
Bethlehem Host Family
We are enjoying wonderful hospitality from our Palestinian host family in Bethlehem and are learning a lot about what it is like to live in Bethlehem.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Wednesday morning
Will be staying at homestays with Palestinian families the next two nights, so we will probably not have internet. So don’t worry if you don’t hear from us for next few days.
Ron
Ron
Tuesday
We arrived Bethlehem yesterday at noon. Had a quick lunch and orientation. Then took a quick nap for about 30 minutes before heading out to Manger Square and Church of the Nativity. Then went to the Wiam Center for Peace and had dinner and heard stories of how peace work is currently being done today. Returned to our inn, at which there was room in the inn for us, by 8:30. Had a time of debriefing and got to lie down in a bed for the first time since early Sunday morning at 5 a.m. which is when we left.
Tuesday began with breakfast at 7. Then visited an Olive woodmaking and carving facility that supplies Ten Thousand Villages. Then visited Bethlehem Bible College. Then visited a paletinian refugee camp and heard many stories of life ina refugee camp. We say many bullet holes in walls and windows of houses and schools. The village is right next to the WALL. Israeli soldiers often come into the village to intimidate.
Spent the afternoon visiting the WALL and families whose lives have been devestated by it. Sat down with a farm family and heard them talk about the wall as the big trucks and caterpillars worked ont he wall a few hundred feet away. Was one time we were monitored by the Israeli secruity.
Visited a vilalge that is being surrounded by the wall. And another village surrounded by huge illegal Israeli settlements build on the hilltops. As these sttelements grow and expand every day, the palestinians are not allowed to build new houses, additions, or even repair their roof without a permit which is usually denied.
It is unbelievable that such a WALL can be built today. You woudl think that wewould have learned our lessons from history.
we then visited a restaurant and had dinner. The owners of the restaurant spoke with us afterwards and told us of the horrible affect the WALL has had on their business and their family. The grandmother, son and grandson spoke with us. Wish I coudl share more, but more later when we get home.
now back at our inn, had a debriefing and now time to get some rest. It is now almost 10:00 and breakfast is at 7 and a very full day again tomorrow.
Love you all very much!
Tuesday began with breakfast at 7. Then visited an Olive woodmaking and carving facility that supplies Ten Thousand Villages. Then visited Bethlehem Bible College. Then visited a paletinian refugee camp and heard many stories of life ina refugee camp. We say many bullet holes in walls and windows of houses and schools. The village is right next to the WALL. Israeli soldiers often come into the village to intimidate.
Spent the afternoon visiting the WALL and families whose lives have been devestated by it. Sat down with a farm family and heard them talk about the wall as the big trucks and caterpillars worked ont he wall a few hundred feet away. Was one time we were monitored by the Israeli secruity.
Visited a vilalge that is being surrounded by the wall. And another village surrounded by huge illegal Israeli settlements build on the hilltops. As these sttelements grow and expand every day, the palestinians are not allowed to build new houses, additions, or even repair their roof without a permit which is usually denied.
It is unbelievable that such a WALL can be built today. You woudl think that wewould have learned our lessons from history.
we then visited a restaurant and had dinner. The owners of the restaurant spoke with us afterwards and told us of the horrible affect the WALL has had on their business and their family. The grandmother, son and grandson spoke with us. Wish I coudl share more, but more later when we get home.
now back at our inn, had a debriefing and now time to get some rest. It is now almost 10:00 and breakfast is at 7 and a very full day again tomorrow.
Love you all very much!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Preparing to Leave
Thank you Lord for this opportunity. Thank you for your presence as we prepare to leave.
In repentance and rest, you will find salvation.
In quietness and trust, you will find strength.
Isaiah 30:15
In repentance and rest, you will find salvation.
In quietness and trust, you will find strength.
Isaiah 30:15
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