Israel today

We recently had an amazing experience; in the midst of all of the inspirational moments we also experienced modern day Israel. The rockets continue from the Palestinian Area in Gaza but we see little evidence of that. But we did see a huge wall built between Bethlehem and Jerusalem (the cities are connected). Bethlehem is made up of mostly Palestinian Christians while Jerusalem has many Jews who live there. Because of past terrorist attacks the Wall was built 5 years ago. When we left Bethlehem we had to go through a check point, get off the bus, walk through a metal detector, and show our pass port. The Palestinians who work in Jerusalem, (our Guide Wasam is a Palestinian Christian) have to do this daily, i(f they can get a pass which few do). he tells us it usually takes 3 hours to get through. Because we are Americans it only took about 30 minutes. It is heartbreaking to see Jerusalem and Israel so divided. Pray for peace; there are no winners here.Tonight we will hear from a Methodist Missionary who is meeting with our group who lives in Bethlehem. He will share with us some of the ways our Church helps the poor in Israel as well as works for peace and Justice in this very divided land. We eperience this everywhere, as we spent time on the West Bank and in Bethlehem, which many groups do not because of the great divide in Israel. We have found both the Jews and the Palestinians very welcoming, though there are obvious injustices here, on both sides. Pray for peace in Jerusalem. If there can be peace in this long broken place, then maybe there can be peace in all the world. Jesus come soon.

Today we go into the hold city of Jerusalem, the Via Delorosa or Road to the Cross. May God bless.

For the cause of Christ and Shalom,
Mike