Dear Family,
I am home, at last, and i feel, well i feel different. As i expected i would. I realize that many of you may or may not have had the chance to follow me on my journey, and those that did, probably expected the blogs to end when i returned, but i will continue to blog and post as long as i am here. I sense this is more than an experience through Palestine. I believe these blogs could become a means by which we grow, together, in our faith and relationships. So i must blog.
It feels funny, sitting in my chair, in my office, staring out the window, knowing that half way around this beautiful planet, we call home, is a place where people live in fear. It is Friday in Hebron, and the people will be protesting, more than likely, and that could mean so many things. It could mean a peaceful end to a day of giving voice to the injustice of the occupation, or it could end, like it did last Friday, in one young man losing his life, by the gun of an Israeli soldier. I am comfortable. Safe. Warm. And yet, i know that some of my friends do not live in that same reality. That's why i feel funny.
It raises a question, doesn't it? What now? What does one do with all the information, feelings, thoughts, and pain that one would feel after experiencing so much. Can i return to normalcy? Going to work. Writing sermons. Attending meetings. Leading youth group. Can i return to all those duties? Yes. And no.
Yes i will return to those duties. I will do my best to honor God's call and your trust and faith in me, but as Shakespeare said, "To thine ownself be true." I have to also be true to what God has brought me through, and that means, though i return to the duties of your pastor, i return with a new sense of humanity and justice. I am different. I have an appreciation for so many things, as an American, and yet, on the other hand, my heart also breaks for my friends and new family in Palestine. I am down from the mountain, and now i must tell their stories.
So i will. I will not only tell their stories; i will do my best to make sure they are never silenced, again. More than that, i recognize that i am culpable, as a member of God's created, to do what i can to ensure the people of Palestine can one day be free of the occupation. I must speak, because God showed me their pain, and i live in a country that affords me the freedom to speak. For me to remain silent, for me to return to my life, unchanged, or for me to forget and act like the journey never happened would dishonor God, dishonor those people, and dishonor life itself. I have done enough, in my life, to dishonor God and life and others, so maybe this is my chance at redemption.
So i must speak. I hope you will listen. Their stories are painful and they are true. I hope that we, each of us, can get beyond our preconceived ideas and ideologies, so that the truth, spoken and offered in love, will inform us and empower us to continue the work of Jesus: Simply, peacefully, and together. I know that you are all very busy, as most of us are, but we can still join together and do all we can to end the Israeli occupation. We desire peace, but as my professor of African and African View on Peace and Justice told us, "Without justice there will be no peace."
Peace is an aftereffect when everyone has what they need: water, shelter, food, and basic necessities. We can be there voice, so that no Palestinian children, ever again, have to know the pain of hunger, thirst, violence, hatred, or oppression. But it will take us, united, to make this possible. Will you join me? I am coming down from the mountain, and it is not my face that is aglow. No. It is my passion for justice, and may that light radiate to the darkest regions of our world. Amen.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Galilee
Hey folks,
So the delegation is officially over, and now Rick is taking a few of us on a special tour of some "special" sites. Today we rode a bus to Nazareth and toured the "Church of the Ascension," which is dedicated to the place where it is believed the angel visited Mary. More significantly, though, it is said to have been built over Joseph's house, where Jesus lived. The beauty of the artwork made the stop more than worthwhile.
After that trip, we headed to the Sea of Galilee, and we will spend most of tomorrow touring some amazing sites: the place where Jesus preached the "Sermon on the Mount," from Matthew 5-7; where Jesus fed the five thousand; and possibly the home of Mary Magdalene. This is opening my eyes to the power and authenticity of the Scriptures, but more than that, being here, witnessing what they went through to get to worship, helps me understand the devotion they had to their faith. This humbles me.
So many times in my life i found numerous reasons to not go to church, all of which, i'm sure, were valid. But after driving from Jerusalem to Nazareth and then to Galilee, i realize how far they had to go so they could be in the temple during special days. And they didn't have the interstate or autobahn. They walked. Some rode a donkey. But it was a perilous journey with thieves and wild animals ready to attack, and yet they went, without fear, without hesitation, because their faith guided them through those "wild" adventures.
We need a faith like that today. Tomorrow afternoon, Barack Obama begins his presidency, and after spending two weeks with a people that need hope that change is coming, i realize how big of an issue this really is. I understand i cannot endorse a candidate, and i won't. But i can say, and i must say, that the foreign policy under our current, and quickly leaving administration, has led to the direct violations of thousands in Palestine alone. Bush's connection and dedication to Israel has made life not only difficult for many in Palestine, but in many cases, almost unbearable.
That's why Obama's inauguration is being watched by everyone, because so much depends on him. As i reflect on the weight he is already bearing, i realized something very true and real. He is human. He will make mistakes. He is being handed a situation so bad that no one, with all the perfect scenarios, could fix, easily. It will take time, and it will take patience. But even if Obama delivers on all he promises; there is one truth that must be acknowledged. HE IS HUMAN!
He is not the Messiah. He is not godly. He is human. And when and if we put our faith in a human being for leadership and answers; they inevitably let us down. Where does Obama fit into a conversation about faith? Everywhere.
People want him to save the world. He can't. So why not accept that fact and find someone who we can put our trust in and know that He is good? Jesus' family traveled great distances, through turbulent seasons, to honor God. God desires the same devotion. The world waits for Obama to part seas and walk on water, i say let's put our hope in the one who can part seas and does walk on water? Why not, during tomorrow's speech, make a commitment to recomit our lives, our hearts, and our whole selves to Jesus? Let's trust that He is all He professed to be, and if we put our faith in Him, all will work out according to God's plan.
God is good! Today is the day the Lord has made...
amen.
jerry
So the delegation is officially over, and now Rick is taking a few of us on a special tour of some "special" sites. Today we rode a bus to Nazareth and toured the "Church of the Ascension," which is dedicated to the place where it is believed the angel visited Mary. More significantly, though, it is said to have been built over Joseph's house, where Jesus lived. The beauty of the artwork made the stop more than worthwhile.
After that trip, we headed to the Sea of Galilee, and we will spend most of tomorrow touring some amazing sites: the place where Jesus preached the "Sermon on the Mount," from Matthew 5-7; where Jesus fed the five thousand; and possibly the home of Mary Magdalene. This is opening my eyes to the power and authenticity of the Scriptures, but more than that, being here, witnessing what they went through to get to worship, helps me understand the devotion they had to their faith. This humbles me.
So many times in my life i found numerous reasons to not go to church, all of which, i'm sure, were valid. But after driving from Jerusalem to Nazareth and then to Galilee, i realize how far they had to go so they could be in the temple during special days. And they didn't have the interstate or autobahn. They walked. Some rode a donkey. But it was a perilous journey with thieves and wild animals ready to attack, and yet they went, without fear, without hesitation, because their faith guided them through those "wild" adventures.
We need a faith like that today. Tomorrow afternoon, Barack Obama begins his presidency, and after spending two weeks with a people that need hope that change is coming, i realize how big of an issue this really is. I understand i cannot endorse a candidate, and i won't. But i can say, and i must say, that the foreign policy under our current, and quickly leaving administration, has led to the direct violations of thousands in Palestine alone. Bush's connection and dedication to Israel has made life not only difficult for many in Palestine, but in many cases, almost unbearable.
That's why Obama's inauguration is being watched by everyone, because so much depends on him. As i reflect on the weight he is already bearing, i realized something very true and real. He is human. He will make mistakes. He is being handed a situation so bad that no one, with all the perfect scenarios, could fix, easily. It will take time, and it will take patience. But even if Obama delivers on all he promises; there is one truth that must be acknowledged. HE IS HUMAN!
He is not the Messiah. He is not godly. He is human. And when and if we put our faith in a human being for leadership and answers; they inevitably let us down. Where does Obama fit into a conversation about faith? Everywhere.
People want him to save the world. He can't. So why not accept that fact and find someone who we can put our trust in and know that He is good? Jesus' family traveled great distances, through turbulent seasons, to honor God. God desires the same devotion. The world waits for Obama to part seas and walk on water, i say let's put our hope in the one who can part seas and does walk on water? Why not, during tomorrow's speech, make a commitment to recomit our lives, our hearts, and our whole selves to Jesus? Let's trust that He is all He professed to be, and if we put our faith in Him, all will work out according to God's plan.
God is good! Today is the day the Lord has made...
amen.
jerry
Sunday, January 18, 2009
OK not yet
Family,
Because i didn't want to have to rehearse the entire story from this morning, i simply copied the text of what i posted on the On Earth Peace blog site. It runs together, so i hope you can read it without getting too crosseyed. See ya soon..jerry
I had all the intentions of ending my blogging with my last post, but God always has a way of surprising me and changing my plans. As if the experience of immersing myself into the communities and stories of the Palestinian people weren't enough, God wanted me to feel even more of the pain and struggle of the Israeli occupation. This morning, after worshipping at the Church of the Redeemer, our group met with Mordecai.
Now a little caveat is needed. I have only used first names throughout my blogs, because frankly we have been inundated with so much information and new people that last names never really came up, including the last names of many of my co-delegates. It truly has been a whirlwind journey, but the good thing is i will get to spend the rest of my life rehearsing and learning more about my sisters and brothers in this, "most recent" delegation.
Back to Mordecai. Anyway. He grew up as an Israeli citizen and Jew who found himself working in a nuclear plant, as a physicist. He planned on using his degree and education to further humankind and do "good" things, but the Israeli government had alternative plans. They had not divulged the "fullness" of what he was doing, and he soon learned that he was part of the nuclear armament of the Israeli Government, even though the government denied trying to build up nuclear weapons.
So from around 1976-1984, he worked at this plant, witnessing the build up of nuclear bombs. He had had enough. He snuck in a camera, took 60 pictures, so that the lies that the Israeli government were telling, could be revealed and the truth illuminated. He had to leave Israel/Palestine for his own saftey after this, but he also had to find someone to tell his story. After seeking refuge in Australia, the London Times agreed. It took years, and he had to go to London to see what was happening.While there, the Israeli Secret Police, he beleived, was trying to get to him, so he fled to Italy, with an American woman, who turned out to be a spy. She led him the secret police and they beat him, kidnapped him, drug him, and returned him to Israel, where he faced trial.
Now. During this time, he found that he no longer was Jewish, but that his faith rested in the person of Jesus. This is key.Because as he stood before the judge, no longer Jewish, he had to go to prison for 18 years, for disclosing the truth. He spoke the truth, that's it, and he had to go to prison. Prison in itself was too much punishment, but for the next 18 years he was in solitary confinement, as one guilty of treason. No contact with another human being for 18 years, in small cell, he somehow survived with his sanity and a stronger faith in Jesus.
It should be noted, that during this entire time, the Israeli government was trying to brainwash him and torture him psychologically, which didn't work. By his own admission, he was too stubborn.He got out, after 18 years, which was just four years ago, and he was banned from speaking to western media. Of course he refused to honor this ban, and he is now facing three more months in prison for violating that ban. He believes the story must get out, and it will. He may not have a voice, per se, to reach the world, but we will, we must be his voice. Google him. Read about him. Tell your congressmen and congresswomen about him. It is time that we do something about this incredible injustice.
No person should have to have their life stolen from them, simply because they spoke the truth. His has already been stolen, why don't we give him part of it back?So let's do it. Let's put pressure on our government and the Israeli government to get Mordecai free from his prison, which is East Jerusalem. He wants to come to the states, and we can get him there. We have helped others with less credentials, why not help him? It is more of a challenge that i simply cannot let go of. He deserves to tell his story, but more than that, we need to hear it, each one of us. Amen.
Because i didn't want to have to rehearse the entire story from this morning, i simply copied the text of what i posted on the On Earth Peace blog site. It runs together, so i hope you can read it without getting too crosseyed. See ya soon..jerry
I had all the intentions of ending my blogging with my last post, but God always has a way of surprising me and changing my plans. As if the experience of immersing myself into the communities and stories of the Palestinian people weren't enough, God wanted me to feel even more of the pain and struggle of the Israeli occupation. This morning, after worshipping at the Church of the Redeemer, our group met with Mordecai.
Now a little caveat is needed. I have only used first names throughout my blogs, because frankly we have been inundated with so much information and new people that last names never really came up, including the last names of many of my co-delegates. It truly has been a whirlwind journey, but the good thing is i will get to spend the rest of my life rehearsing and learning more about my sisters and brothers in this, "most recent" delegation.
Back to Mordecai. Anyway. He grew up as an Israeli citizen and Jew who found himself working in a nuclear plant, as a physicist. He planned on using his degree and education to further humankind and do "good" things, but the Israeli government had alternative plans. They had not divulged the "fullness" of what he was doing, and he soon learned that he was part of the nuclear armament of the Israeli Government, even though the government denied trying to build up nuclear weapons.
So from around 1976-1984, he worked at this plant, witnessing the build up of nuclear bombs. He had had enough. He snuck in a camera, took 60 pictures, so that the lies that the Israeli government were telling, could be revealed and the truth illuminated. He had to leave Israel/Palestine for his own saftey after this, but he also had to find someone to tell his story. After seeking refuge in Australia, the London Times agreed. It took years, and he had to go to London to see what was happening.While there, the Israeli Secret Police, he beleived, was trying to get to him, so he fled to Italy, with an American woman, who turned out to be a spy. She led him the secret police and they beat him, kidnapped him, drug him, and returned him to Israel, where he faced trial.
Now. During this time, he found that he no longer was Jewish, but that his faith rested in the person of Jesus. This is key.Because as he stood before the judge, no longer Jewish, he had to go to prison for 18 years, for disclosing the truth. He spoke the truth, that's it, and he had to go to prison. Prison in itself was too much punishment, but for the next 18 years he was in solitary confinement, as one guilty of treason. No contact with another human being for 18 years, in small cell, he somehow survived with his sanity and a stronger faith in Jesus.
It should be noted, that during this entire time, the Israeli government was trying to brainwash him and torture him psychologically, which didn't work. By his own admission, he was too stubborn.He got out, after 18 years, which was just four years ago, and he was banned from speaking to western media. Of course he refused to honor this ban, and he is now facing three more months in prison for violating that ban. He believes the story must get out, and it will. He may not have a voice, per se, to reach the world, but we will, we must be his voice. Google him. Read about him. Tell your congressmen and congresswomen about him. It is time that we do something about this incredible injustice.
No person should have to have their life stolen from them, simply because they spoke the truth. His has already been stolen, why don't we give him part of it back?So let's do it. Let's put pressure on our government and the Israeli government to get Mordecai free from his prison, which is East Jerusalem. He wants to come to the states, and we can get him there. We have helped others with less credentials, why not help him? It is more of a challenge that i simply cannot let go of. He deserves to tell his story, but more than that, we need to hear it, each one of us. Amen.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Jerusalem
Family,
I write this note as i come to the end of my time in Palestine. It has been, without question, one of the most eye opening experiences i have ever been a part of. And i hope and pray that i can bring back to you just a sampling of what i have learned. Ironically, it was Kendra who brought to my attention a common thread throughout all of my blogs, and i will get to that soon enough. But for now, know that i thank you so much for this opportunity, and i am blessed to have a church family that not only allows but encourages their pastor to follow God's call, no matter where it may take him. So thank you.
Perhaps one of the greatest twists in my life comes from what i am recognizing as key to who i am. I say that, because i was not raised with the understanding of "community." No. It has been something that i have longed for, deep within myself, even if i couldn't define it or name it, until now. You see, sisters and brothers, at the core of the Gospel, in its purest and most effective foundation, is the truth that we were meant for community.
And the best thing about this truth is when we discover a community, true community, where people care for each other, eat together, share their resourcse, live together, in short, simply be present in one another's life, when that happens, the power of God sweeps in and transforms all that are present. I have experienced this reality over the last two weeks. I have seen, no i have felt the pureness of people living together, regardless of blood relations, caring for one another. And i have witnessed the power of God in those relationships. It would be enough to talk about it as the ideal, but i need more. I don't want to go back to some living where i only care for myself and my family. I dont want to sit at my table, with only my family there. And i dont want to spend another day, without my sisters and brothers of the faith, joining me in this journey we call life.
And that's where Kendra comes in. She recognized, before i did, the common thread in all my posts. I need community. I desire community. I am looking for community. People breaking bread together. Living together. Being Jesus for each other. I need this. And if i need this, someone who professes a deep faith in Jesus, than how much more are those who have never experienced the risen Christ?
Jesus responded to a question about following him with a teaching about a farmer putting his plow to the ground. "You can't look back." I can't look back. More than that, i can't go back. I am not the same person. I have a different view of the world and the plight of these people. I have sat down, at their tables, shared food and drink, and i have known the power of authentic community. If someone has felt the beauty of life; they could never go back to the mundane. I have felt that beauty, and i must follow where God leads. I believe that path is into community with each other at a level none of us have ever imagined.
I feel the time is right, but it takes all of us turning away from this American lie of me first and materialism and ownership of goods. That doesn't help. I am not against private ownership, but i am for communal sharing. Let's live together. Let's share our lives, our families, and our faith. I now understand why Acts talks about the power of community, because that, my friends, is where God resides. And that, in our fractured dark world, is where the blessedness of Creation shines brightest. Will you join me? I hope so. I will be the one with my eyes looking forward on a path yet determined but blessed by God. But the path, the journey, is only Godly, if you all join me. Amen.
See you soon. I miss you tons. Though i don't miss the cold nor the snow. It has averaged around 50/60 during the day and about 35\40 at night. So very nice and manageable.
Salaam. And i have learned a new blessing from Art Gish, someone deeply connected in the Church of the Brethren, Allah Kireem. It means God is generous. And He is. Alleluiah!
I write this note as i come to the end of my time in Palestine. It has been, without question, one of the most eye opening experiences i have ever been a part of. And i hope and pray that i can bring back to you just a sampling of what i have learned. Ironically, it was Kendra who brought to my attention a common thread throughout all of my blogs, and i will get to that soon enough. But for now, know that i thank you so much for this opportunity, and i am blessed to have a church family that not only allows but encourages their pastor to follow God's call, no matter where it may take him. So thank you.
Perhaps one of the greatest twists in my life comes from what i am recognizing as key to who i am. I say that, because i was not raised with the understanding of "community." No. It has been something that i have longed for, deep within myself, even if i couldn't define it or name it, until now. You see, sisters and brothers, at the core of the Gospel, in its purest and most effective foundation, is the truth that we were meant for community.
And the best thing about this truth is when we discover a community, true community, where people care for each other, eat together, share their resourcse, live together, in short, simply be present in one another's life, when that happens, the power of God sweeps in and transforms all that are present. I have experienced this reality over the last two weeks. I have seen, no i have felt the pureness of people living together, regardless of blood relations, caring for one another. And i have witnessed the power of God in those relationships. It would be enough to talk about it as the ideal, but i need more. I don't want to go back to some living where i only care for myself and my family. I dont want to sit at my table, with only my family there. And i dont want to spend another day, without my sisters and brothers of the faith, joining me in this journey we call life.
And that's where Kendra comes in. She recognized, before i did, the common thread in all my posts. I need community. I desire community. I am looking for community. People breaking bread together. Living together. Being Jesus for each other. I need this. And if i need this, someone who professes a deep faith in Jesus, than how much more are those who have never experienced the risen Christ?
Jesus responded to a question about following him with a teaching about a farmer putting his plow to the ground. "You can't look back." I can't look back. More than that, i can't go back. I am not the same person. I have a different view of the world and the plight of these people. I have sat down, at their tables, shared food and drink, and i have known the power of authentic community. If someone has felt the beauty of life; they could never go back to the mundane. I have felt that beauty, and i must follow where God leads. I believe that path is into community with each other at a level none of us have ever imagined.
I feel the time is right, but it takes all of us turning away from this American lie of me first and materialism and ownership of goods. That doesn't help. I am not against private ownership, but i am for communal sharing. Let's live together. Let's share our lives, our families, and our faith. I now understand why Acts talks about the power of community, because that, my friends, is where God resides. And that, in our fractured dark world, is where the blessedness of Creation shines brightest. Will you join me? I hope so. I will be the one with my eyes looking forward on a path yet determined but blessed by God. But the path, the journey, is only Godly, if you all join me. Amen.
See you soon. I miss you tons. Though i don't miss the cold nor the snow. It has averaged around 50/60 during the day and about 35\40 at night. So very nice and manageable.
Salaam. And i have learned a new blessing from Art Gish, someone deeply connected in the Church of the Brethren, Allah Kireem. It means God is generous. And He is. Alleluiah!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Ramblings
Welcome home, is what i feel, as i entered the apartment in Hebron. Home. A place with walls, a squatty potty, running water, but no warm water, and a place to sit and enjoy the cool air of Palestine. Home has a whole new meaning, today, than it did yesterday or the day before. Home. Makes me question so much of what i assumed for so long. Home. It truly emerges where the heart is.
We spent the last two days in what i would call the "wilderness." I wish i could go into detail with all that the people of Al-Tawani have faced, as well as the other villagers that live, in fear, wondering when the next settler attack or police attack will happen. But there is simply not enough space nor time for me to detail the stories. So i will simply share what Christian Peacemaking Teams do there.
Josh, who is sort of the leader of the team, spends his day with Ann and a famous Church of the Brethren person: Art Gish, walking with schoolchildren and shepherds, making sure the Jewish settlers and soldiers know that there is a presence, keeping an eye on the safety of the children and shepherds. More than that, the team follows the lead of the people of Al-Tawani, who are trying to rebuild their houses and their lives after numerous demolitions destroyed so much. As i stepped into their village, i sensed a strong feeling of hope and promise, as they refused to let the tyranny of hate and prejudice destroy their lives.
They don't have much, as for material possessions, in Al-Tawani, but they seem to have so much more than we do. They fed us so much. They welcomed us in. They took us on a tour, sharing their stories of pain and joy, believing that we, in turn, would share their stories with the world. And we will. We must. It is a crime, no it is a sin against God if we, as the CPT delegation, do not share their stories. So we will write, we will speak, and we will make sure that our friends and family know the plight of these courageous people.
From Al-Tawani, we went to a village where it felt like we stepped back in time. Our cab driver said, "I don't see a road, so i will make a road." Now this isn't the flat, dirt paths of Kansas, that this cab driver is speaking about. No. We are on top of a rocky hill/mountain, with nothing but limestone and big boulders all around, and he intended to drive over a slick rock, making sure we got to our destination. Of course we all got out and said, "We will just walk from here."
This village has about 20-30 people, maybe six families, and they share everything. They have a community center, where we slept, that the meal was prepared and served. We ate with the elders and the chief, and heard the stories of these people. But we also heard their needs. As they depend, totally, on the rainy season to give them water for the year, and it has been dry the last two years, they face some serious life and death situations. As i listened, i realized how much we worry about stuff that simply doesn't matter. We have bills to pay, but these people genuinely worry about how to survive. I will miss a bill. They can't go without water.
It puts it all into perspective, being from the states. And in some small way, it also unites us, as we offered peace and thanks to our sisters and brothers from this village time has long forgot. Because at the root of all we are, we are family, children of God. I think it is a sad statement that our country uses fear to create an enemy of anyone, when in reality that man or woman, of Arab descent, is no different than we. They are our kin, and we should be blessed to call them sister, brother, friend.
I miss you all very much. I will be in Jerusalem tomorrow and heading to Nazareth and Galilee on Monday. See ya soon.
Salaam,
jerry
We spent the last two days in what i would call the "wilderness." I wish i could go into detail with all that the people of Al-Tawani have faced, as well as the other villagers that live, in fear, wondering when the next settler attack or police attack will happen. But there is simply not enough space nor time for me to detail the stories. So i will simply share what Christian Peacemaking Teams do there.
Josh, who is sort of the leader of the team, spends his day with Ann and a famous Church of the Brethren person: Art Gish, walking with schoolchildren and shepherds, making sure the Jewish settlers and soldiers know that there is a presence, keeping an eye on the safety of the children and shepherds. More than that, the team follows the lead of the people of Al-Tawani, who are trying to rebuild their houses and their lives after numerous demolitions destroyed so much. As i stepped into their village, i sensed a strong feeling of hope and promise, as they refused to let the tyranny of hate and prejudice destroy their lives.
They don't have much, as for material possessions, in Al-Tawani, but they seem to have so much more than we do. They fed us so much. They welcomed us in. They took us on a tour, sharing their stories of pain and joy, believing that we, in turn, would share their stories with the world. And we will. We must. It is a crime, no it is a sin against God if we, as the CPT delegation, do not share their stories. So we will write, we will speak, and we will make sure that our friends and family know the plight of these courageous people.
From Al-Tawani, we went to a village where it felt like we stepped back in time. Our cab driver said, "I don't see a road, so i will make a road." Now this isn't the flat, dirt paths of Kansas, that this cab driver is speaking about. No. We are on top of a rocky hill/mountain, with nothing but limestone and big boulders all around, and he intended to drive over a slick rock, making sure we got to our destination. Of course we all got out and said, "We will just walk from here."
This village has about 20-30 people, maybe six families, and they share everything. They have a community center, where we slept, that the meal was prepared and served. We ate with the elders and the chief, and heard the stories of these people. But we also heard their needs. As they depend, totally, on the rainy season to give them water for the year, and it has been dry the last two years, they face some serious life and death situations. As i listened, i realized how much we worry about stuff that simply doesn't matter. We have bills to pay, but these people genuinely worry about how to survive. I will miss a bill. They can't go without water.
It puts it all into perspective, being from the states. And in some small way, it also unites us, as we offered peace and thanks to our sisters and brothers from this village time has long forgot. Because at the root of all we are, we are family, children of God. I think it is a sad statement that our country uses fear to create an enemy of anyone, when in reality that man or woman, of Arab descent, is no different than we. They are our kin, and we should be blessed to call them sister, brother, friend.
I miss you all very much. I will be in Jerusalem tomorrow and heading to Nazareth and Galilee on Monday. See ya soon.
Salaam,
jerry
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
well wishes from doug
Jerry ! I am having some problems with my lap top which is why I was able to get into your account, thanks to Jerry A. Just want to wish you the best and please be safe and watch out for every thing. I leave this Sunday morning for Elgin and will be there for a week. Do what you must do to help the people without causing world war three. Remember you are a peace maker. Make history for yourself because you will remember this for the rest of your life. Blessings and counting the days till you return.
Doug
Doug
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
march
This morning we marched with the Palestinian people, bringing awareness to the fact that so many children, medical personel, and journalist are being attacked and killed by Israeli guns and bombs. It has been quite an eye opening experience for me that so much of what is real for these people with great honor and dignity, and i never get their story in the States. We are oblivious to what is truly happening, and i have to say that i regret and resent our country for its blind eye to the human injustices that happen regularly in Palestine.
More than that, sisters and brothers, i am appalled by Christians who would align themselves with a government, whether it be Israel, Iraq, or the United States that violate hordes of human rights. It has been clear to me that we, as Americans, feel like we have a right to stick our chests out and bully people, when in reality love, grace, justice, and mercy are what is needed. I have been rather passive about my view of the U.S., publicly, because of my role as a pastor, but now, after experiencing what our country is guilty, i can no longer be silent. I must speak out. I must do what i can to create change. More than that, i must do what i can to ensure that no other Palestinian son or daughter, mother or father, has to fear anyone from the United States.
I know that some of you reading this will take offense, and i do not mean to offend or upset you, but i do intend to illuminate what is happening, praying that the truth of the stories of the people of Palestine will guide you to a place where you live out your faith. If you have issues with what i say or offer as words, please respond, and we can create a dialogue where each other is respected and heard, all i ask is that you come to the table with the grace of Jesus, accepting that i, too, am on this journey, trying to honor my faith.
I will not be with you for a few days, we are heading to a part of Palestine that is simply back in the "dark ages." But that is language we use. For the shepherds and the people we meet, this is a choice, and it is a choice they choose gladly. They are educated. They are ready. But they choose, like the Amish, to live intentionally, in this community. So. I wont be with you, but i will pray and think of you while i am on the plains of Al Tawani.
Oh. Yeah. And for those that are educators. I met a wonderful woman who started a kindergarten in her apartment, and she shared her story of "Civil Disobedience." I felt like i was sitting in the room with Rosa Parks, as i latched onto her every word. Perhaps the greastest observation i can make is this: her school for 3-5/6 year olds prepares the kids for school. They live in an occupied territory, where they have to go through checkpoints, stare at guns, view snipers on roofs, have people throw wine and sewage on them, and these kids, daily, make their way to Tzeleka's school. Now what do they learn? They learn arirthmetic, science, reading, and writing, and this is done in two languages: Arabic, their native tongue, and English, that which will ensure they go the furthest, ensuring their community gets stronger. I am humbled by the will of this woman who defies guns and abuse to educate their children. And Hebron is better because of it. No. More than that, the world is better. May we all be Tzaleka's in our communities.
I miss you all and will send you notes soon. Sorry no pics, but my memory stick doesn't work with this laptop either...so you will hopefully be waiting, anxiously, for the 9th of February, when we break bread together and hear the stories of these beautiful people. Amen.
Jerry
More than that, sisters and brothers, i am appalled by Christians who would align themselves with a government, whether it be Israel, Iraq, or the United States that violate hordes of human rights. It has been clear to me that we, as Americans, feel like we have a right to stick our chests out and bully people, when in reality love, grace, justice, and mercy are what is needed. I have been rather passive about my view of the U.S., publicly, because of my role as a pastor, but now, after experiencing what our country is guilty, i can no longer be silent. I must speak out. I must do what i can to create change. More than that, i must do what i can to ensure that no other Palestinian son or daughter, mother or father, has to fear anyone from the United States.
I know that some of you reading this will take offense, and i do not mean to offend or upset you, but i do intend to illuminate what is happening, praying that the truth of the stories of the people of Palestine will guide you to a place where you live out your faith. If you have issues with what i say or offer as words, please respond, and we can create a dialogue where each other is respected and heard, all i ask is that you come to the table with the grace of Jesus, accepting that i, too, am on this journey, trying to honor my faith.
I will not be with you for a few days, we are heading to a part of Palestine that is simply back in the "dark ages." But that is language we use. For the shepherds and the people we meet, this is a choice, and it is a choice they choose gladly. They are educated. They are ready. But they choose, like the Amish, to live intentionally, in this community. So. I wont be with you, but i will pray and think of you while i am on the plains of Al Tawani.
Oh. Yeah. And for those that are educators. I met a wonderful woman who started a kindergarten in her apartment, and she shared her story of "Civil Disobedience." I felt like i was sitting in the room with Rosa Parks, as i latched onto her every word. Perhaps the greastest observation i can make is this: her school for 3-5/6 year olds prepares the kids for school. They live in an occupied territory, where they have to go through checkpoints, stare at guns, view snipers on roofs, have people throw wine and sewage on them, and these kids, daily, make their way to Tzeleka's school. Now what do they learn? They learn arirthmetic, science, reading, and writing, and this is done in two languages: Arabic, their native tongue, and English, that which will ensure they go the furthest, ensuring their community gets stronger. I am humbled by the will of this woman who defies guns and abuse to educate their children. And Hebron is better because of it. No. More than that, the world is better. May we all be Tzaleka's in our communities.
I miss you all and will send you notes soon. Sorry no pics, but my memory stick doesn't work with this laptop either...so you will hopefully be waiting, anxiously, for the 9th of February, when we break bread together and hear the stories of these beautiful people. Amen.
Jerry
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Hebron
Family,
It is twelve thirty in the morning, and i am staying up late, so i can send you a quick note. And it will be quick.
We arrived in Hebron, safely, and i am excited over the next six days. The CPT apartment is really neat actually, and i have more understanding of what "roughing it" really is. I also am amazed at how much i take for granted. We have not hot water. No running toilet. And our neighbor, seriously, is an Israeli army base. How about that for a little irony? A Christian Peacemaking Team, on a mission in Hebron, for the purpose of confronting the occupation and the human rights violations of the Israeli government is neighbors with the very people we want to hold accountable.
And it is this government that needs to be held accountable. Again, today, i heard more and more stories of how the Israeli government does thing that are absolutely heinous. We ate dinner with a worldclass photographer, and his stories exemplify just what happens when a government seems to fear or choose to oppress a people, simply because of their race. This man took us in. Fed us so much. Invited us to stay. He is going to show us around. He welcomes us, as well as his entire family, as sisters and brothers. These people, these people who face M-16 and tanks have shaken the very foundation of my soul.
I have long held serious predjudices, which i am not proud of, about Arab people. I, like many, im sure, saw terrorist around so many corners, and yet, i could not have been more wrong. I have met nothing but the love of Jesus, yes JESUS, in these people. They are simply the warmest and most gracious and loving people i have ever met, and several have invited me to come back and stay with them, so i could hear more of their stories. We, as the people with the power, need to not only hear their stories, but we need to tell them and stand up for them.
Tomorrow more meetings with great people and then we have some exciting things planned. I will tell you all about it. But i must say this, in the last two days i have met two people from Kansas. Yes. Kansas. One of the brilliant men that shared with us went to Kansas University and today i met a guy, at the worship service at the Lutheran Church from Hutchinson. That's only 20 miles from McPherson. Why bring this up? Because it proves our world is small and we are all more connected than we realize. And that's a great thing. I miss you and hope to blog more later..peace.
jerry
It is twelve thirty in the morning, and i am staying up late, so i can send you a quick note. And it will be quick.
We arrived in Hebron, safely, and i am excited over the next six days. The CPT apartment is really neat actually, and i have more understanding of what "roughing it" really is. I also am amazed at how much i take for granted. We have not hot water. No running toilet. And our neighbor, seriously, is an Israeli army base. How about that for a little irony? A Christian Peacemaking Team, on a mission in Hebron, for the purpose of confronting the occupation and the human rights violations of the Israeli government is neighbors with the very people we want to hold accountable.
And it is this government that needs to be held accountable. Again, today, i heard more and more stories of how the Israeli government does thing that are absolutely heinous. We ate dinner with a worldclass photographer, and his stories exemplify just what happens when a government seems to fear or choose to oppress a people, simply because of their race. This man took us in. Fed us so much. Invited us to stay. He is going to show us around. He welcomes us, as well as his entire family, as sisters and brothers. These people, these people who face M-16 and tanks have shaken the very foundation of my soul.
I have long held serious predjudices, which i am not proud of, about Arab people. I, like many, im sure, saw terrorist around so many corners, and yet, i could not have been more wrong. I have met nothing but the love of Jesus, yes JESUS, in these people. They are simply the warmest and most gracious and loving people i have ever met, and several have invited me to come back and stay with them, so i could hear more of their stories. We, as the people with the power, need to not only hear their stories, but we need to tell them and stand up for them.
Tomorrow more meetings with great people and then we have some exciting things planned. I will tell you all about it. But i must say this, in the last two days i have met two people from Kansas. Yes. Kansas. One of the brilliant men that shared with us went to Kansas University and today i met a guy, at the worship service at the Lutheran Church from Hutchinson. That's only 20 miles from McPherson. Why bring this up? Because it proves our world is small and we are all more connected than we realize. And that's a great thing. I miss you and hope to blog more later..peace.
jerry
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Bethelehem
Greetings family,
Or should i say Salaam meelik...
Which means God's peace upon you..
WOW! It has been an amazing journey so far, and i am only nearing half way through my experience. Although i have not been able to get near a phone, to call Kendra, i have found internet access rather easily. It is amazing, in the midst of such abhorrent racism and oppression, the beauty of technology finds its way to allow people to communicate worldwide. I have hope, for these amazing people, that through media, through communications with the entire world that their stories will get out and justice will prevail.
Last night we stayed with a family at a refugee camp. Now this is not a refugee camp like we would expect. These people were forced here by the Israeli government. These beautiful people, who welcomed us into their home, fed us, cared for us, laughed with us, simply loved us, were forced to this way of living. Their homes demolished by a government that has, what i think, in mind to systematically eradicate these people from their homes. Many of you, reading this blog, may own your own home. Imagine, friends, if one day, by a simple whim, some soldiers showed up, demanded your home, and you have to give up or face death. After they demolish it; they bill you. And you are left wondering what to do. This happens with nearly 200 to 300 homes a year. It is apparent to me, as a westener that had no idea, that ignorance is not bliss. More than that, something must be done.
You see, sisters and brothers, we, as Americans, hold the key to the plight of the Palestinian people. We can push our government leaders to no longer stand aside while the Israeli government continues to violate basic human rights. It is not only illegal, but for us, as Christians, it is an abomination. We have to do something. And i think that is one of the reasons i am here. To help tell the story, so that something can be done. I believe, brothers and sisters, that you are just the people to ensure the story of these people be heard and that our government do something about it.
But there is so much more to say. I was so ignorant of the Gaza situation that i often believed the Israeli government had a right to defend itself, but that is not what's happening. In the stories from the people, the Israeli government is attacking children and women. This is the truth. I stand with these people and hear their stories. Loss after loss. And i know now that i will never again accept the news from our stations. They are lopsided and miss the mark on so much. Hamas, which we are told to believe is a terrorist organization, is no such thing. Hamas was part Israel's creation to balance the PLO. The weapons, the homemade ones, that are being sent on towns in Israel, are only there, with the permission of the Israeli government. How do i know?
The Israeli government has shut off all roads into Gaza. The people living there can't get basic water, they have to drink putrid, waste water to survive. Nothing gets into Gaza or out, without Israeli permission. They have it completely blocked. This is the story we do not hear, but now that i am being educated, and i hope to help open your eyes as well, we can do something. We must. These people need a voice, our voice, and i believe it is our calling, for such a time as this.
I carry you all with me, daily. I have many pictures, but i cannot load them up, my memory card, for my camera, doesn't fit any harddrives here. So i will have to wait to show them to you when i get back. Tonight we head back to Jerusalem and off to Hebron for some serious peacekeeping work. It is easy to see and believe that this is the Holy Land, because the people are so full of God, that this has to be where God resides, in the people.
Will we help them? I hope so. I miss you dearly, and i hope to blog again soon.
Shalom with much love,
jerry
Or should i say Salaam meelik...
Which means God's peace upon you..
WOW! It has been an amazing journey so far, and i am only nearing half way through my experience. Although i have not been able to get near a phone, to call Kendra, i have found internet access rather easily. It is amazing, in the midst of such abhorrent racism and oppression, the beauty of technology finds its way to allow people to communicate worldwide. I have hope, for these amazing people, that through media, through communications with the entire world that their stories will get out and justice will prevail.
Last night we stayed with a family at a refugee camp. Now this is not a refugee camp like we would expect. These people were forced here by the Israeli government. These beautiful people, who welcomed us into their home, fed us, cared for us, laughed with us, simply loved us, were forced to this way of living. Their homes demolished by a government that has, what i think, in mind to systematically eradicate these people from their homes. Many of you, reading this blog, may own your own home. Imagine, friends, if one day, by a simple whim, some soldiers showed up, demanded your home, and you have to give up or face death. After they demolish it; they bill you. And you are left wondering what to do. This happens with nearly 200 to 300 homes a year. It is apparent to me, as a westener that had no idea, that ignorance is not bliss. More than that, something must be done.
You see, sisters and brothers, we, as Americans, hold the key to the plight of the Palestinian people. We can push our government leaders to no longer stand aside while the Israeli government continues to violate basic human rights. It is not only illegal, but for us, as Christians, it is an abomination. We have to do something. And i think that is one of the reasons i am here. To help tell the story, so that something can be done. I believe, brothers and sisters, that you are just the people to ensure the story of these people be heard and that our government do something about it.
But there is so much more to say. I was so ignorant of the Gaza situation that i often believed the Israeli government had a right to defend itself, but that is not what's happening. In the stories from the people, the Israeli government is attacking children and women. This is the truth. I stand with these people and hear their stories. Loss after loss. And i know now that i will never again accept the news from our stations. They are lopsided and miss the mark on so much. Hamas, which we are told to believe is a terrorist organization, is no such thing. Hamas was part Israel's creation to balance the PLO. The weapons, the homemade ones, that are being sent on towns in Israel, are only there, with the permission of the Israeli government. How do i know?
The Israeli government has shut off all roads into Gaza. The people living there can't get basic water, they have to drink putrid, waste water to survive. Nothing gets into Gaza or out, without Israeli permission. They have it completely blocked. This is the story we do not hear, but now that i am being educated, and i hope to help open your eyes as well, we can do something. We must. These people need a voice, our voice, and i believe it is our calling, for such a time as this.
I carry you all with me, daily. I have many pictures, but i cannot load them up, my memory card, for my camera, doesn't fit any harddrives here. So i will have to wait to show them to you when i get back. Tonight we head back to Jerusalem and off to Hebron for some serious peacekeeping work. It is easy to see and believe that this is the Holy Land, because the people are so full of God, that this has to be where God resides, in the people.
Will we help them? I hope so. I miss you dearly, and i hope to blog again soon.
Shalom with much love,
jerry
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Saleh
Dear family,
I didnt get a chance to get near internet yesterday, as it was chock full of activities and getting to know the other members of my team. As busy as my day was, it was so amazing. I have preached about the Dead Sea, and i have seen pictures. I know that you can float in it, because the salt levels are so high that you simply float. But yesterday i swam in it. And to lie in that amazing water, floating as if suspended on a swing, i had to reflect on the magnitude of where i was.
I was in the Dead Sea, where the Jordan River stops. All around me was evidence of God's story and the history of God's people. Just north of the Sea lies Jericho, where Joshua blew a horn. I could see Jericho from the store at the Sea. South of the Sea lies Massada, which i did not see, but it was where Jewish Zealots hid out, trying to ward off the Romans, around 70 A.D, until finally most of the Jewish people committed suicide, realizing they were not able to fight off the Romans for good. The Qumran community, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, one of the most significant findings in the last hundred years, it was only a few kilometers from our beach. And most moving, for me, just north of Jericho, in a little town called Bethlehem, reminded me of why i was there.
Reflecting on this reality, makes me excited. I am here to honor God and Jesus. I am here to listen to God's still voice and to be a voice of change, of hope, and of love. And i am here to walk in the steps of Jesus, but more than that, i am here to create, with Jesus' help, new steps for Jesus to tread. How do i know this is my call? Because when the three of us who took the day trip to the Dead Sea returned to our hotel and met the rest of the team, we heard a story that brought me back to reality.
In America we do not hear the whole story. I am guilty of harboring ignorances and prejudices about the Palestinian people, all of which, after hearing my good friend, Saleh's story, changed all of that. Saleh is a father and a husband and a hard worker and a devoted man of God. More than that, he is open to hearing the stories of all people, and he dreams of a place where Jew/ Muslim live together, in peace. And yet, his story illumines the evils of a system that make him out to be less than and dependent on a government that does not recognize Saleh's humanity.
Saleh married a woman, whose family lives outside of Jerusalem. Saleh and his wife may never visit them. Their children may never know their grand children. More than that, if those beautiful children were to get sick, Saleh might have to wait weeks to get permission to take that child to the hospital, some thing all of us parents take for granted. The Israeli government drags its feet, when it comes to the plight of the Palestinian people, and it brought back so many images of the struggle the United States went through during the Civil Rights Era.
And Saleh's story is the norm, not the exception. But as long as we are here, the church, Saleh has hope, as do all the others who face the randomness of the racism and hatred that flows from the Iraeli government. However, i also learned, today, that many Jews are fighting for the rights of the Palestinians, so there is hope, as there always must be. God has not abandoned anyone. But God has called everyone to step and be a voice of change. I wish i could go into such detail of all that i am learning and experiencing, but there is simply no room.
Today we saw the city. Tomorrow we visit Bethlehem. I am already excited and anxious. I miss you all. May God's face shine upon you and bless you and keep you...Amen.
I didnt get a chance to get near internet yesterday, as it was chock full of activities and getting to know the other members of my team. As busy as my day was, it was so amazing. I have preached about the Dead Sea, and i have seen pictures. I know that you can float in it, because the salt levels are so high that you simply float. But yesterday i swam in it. And to lie in that amazing water, floating as if suspended on a swing, i had to reflect on the magnitude of where i was.
I was in the Dead Sea, where the Jordan River stops. All around me was evidence of God's story and the history of God's people. Just north of the Sea lies Jericho, where Joshua blew a horn. I could see Jericho from the store at the Sea. South of the Sea lies Massada, which i did not see, but it was where Jewish Zealots hid out, trying to ward off the Romans, around 70 A.D, until finally most of the Jewish people committed suicide, realizing they were not able to fight off the Romans for good. The Qumran community, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, one of the most significant findings in the last hundred years, it was only a few kilometers from our beach. And most moving, for me, just north of Jericho, in a little town called Bethlehem, reminded me of why i was there.
Reflecting on this reality, makes me excited. I am here to honor God and Jesus. I am here to listen to God's still voice and to be a voice of change, of hope, and of love. And i am here to walk in the steps of Jesus, but more than that, i am here to create, with Jesus' help, new steps for Jesus to tread. How do i know this is my call? Because when the three of us who took the day trip to the Dead Sea returned to our hotel and met the rest of the team, we heard a story that brought me back to reality.
In America we do not hear the whole story. I am guilty of harboring ignorances and prejudices about the Palestinian people, all of which, after hearing my good friend, Saleh's story, changed all of that. Saleh is a father and a husband and a hard worker and a devoted man of God. More than that, he is open to hearing the stories of all people, and he dreams of a place where Jew/ Muslim live together, in peace. And yet, his story illumines the evils of a system that make him out to be less than and dependent on a government that does not recognize Saleh's humanity.
Saleh married a woman, whose family lives outside of Jerusalem. Saleh and his wife may never visit them. Their children may never know their grand children. More than that, if those beautiful children were to get sick, Saleh might have to wait weeks to get permission to take that child to the hospital, some thing all of us parents take for granted. The Israeli government drags its feet, when it comes to the plight of the Palestinian people, and it brought back so many images of the struggle the United States went through during the Civil Rights Era.
And Saleh's story is the norm, not the exception. But as long as we are here, the church, Saleh has hope, as do all the others who face the randomness of the racism and hatred that flows from the Iraeli government. However, i also learned, today, that many Jews are fighting for the rights of the Palestinians, so there is hope, as there always must be. God has not abandoned anyone. But God has called everyone to step and be a voice of change. I wish i could go into such detail of all that i am learning and experiencing, but there is simply no room.
Today we saw the city. Tomorrow we visit Bethlehem. I am already excited and anxious. I miss you all. May God's face shine upon you and bless you and keep you...Amen.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Church family,
I just finished posting a blog for the On Earth Peace blog site, so i wanted to take the time to send you a few words. First of all, thanks again for sending me. I have only been here a few hours, and i feel so alive and blessed, knowing several things. One that you all support me and are praying for me. Two that you are looking after Kendra and Daniel. And three that i am here for a purpose, and God is going to do something wonderful, even if the miracle lies in me alone.
So what have i done? Well i have seen the walls of the old city. I have stood in some of the steps of Jesus, already. I have stood before two different stations of the cross, where Jesus walked on his way to be crucified. I have stood and stared at the "Church of the Sepulchre," which is believed to be the spot where Jesus resurrected and revealed himself. And i have sensed so much culture and beauty, but also so much pain.
Tonight at dinner, while we were eating delicious humus and traditional Arab flavor, the news showed pictures of what is happening not so far away. Granted the station was the state controlled media, Al Jazeera, but it makes the news no less true. Pictures of families torn a part by war and violence, and as i stared at the screen, i couldn't help but think of my church family back home. I have heard, so many times, people suggest that God somehow has punished or not blessed them, because they don't have all they want. But as i stare at the blood covered streets, and i see the wounds of the victims of all the violence, and i realize how safe and secure i am in Dayton, OH. I am ashamed to ever think that i am not blessed.
In fact, i have to be honest. I am so blessed that i cant even begin to put to words the blessings i feel. But. And this is a big but. But. If that blessing stops at me, then doesn't it become an empty blessing? Doesn't it become, in the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "Cheap Grace?" If i hold to what God has given me, and i don't do all i can to make sure others feel that same love, that same grace, haven't i belittled the cross? I think so. And that is all the more reason why i am here.
I am tired of feeling comfortable and "OK" with the world, when down deep, in the deepest part of my soul, something feels wrong. And i am beginning to know what that is. I don't have all the pieces to this puzzle, but before i leave, on the 21st of January, i expect to have a good deal put together. Some, though, must wait until i get back to you, my church family, because part of the puzzle, most definately includes all of you.
Know that i carry you with me in pray, in thought, and in love. May the face of God shine upon you all and grant you all the peace that passes all understanding. Oh yeah. Tomorrow i visit the Dead Sea. How awesome is that...
Jerry
I just finished posting a blog for the On Earth Peace blog site, so i wanted to take the time to send you a few words. First of all, thanks again for sending me. I have only been here a few hours, and i feel so alive and blessed, knowing several things. One that you all support me and are praying for me. Two that you are looking after Kendra and Daniel. And three that i am here for a purpose, and God is going to do something wonderful, even if the miracle lies in me alone.
So what have i done? Well i have seen the walls of the old city. I have stood in some of the steps of Jesus, already. I have stood before two different stations of the cross, where Jesus walked on his way to be crucified. I have stood and stared at the "Church of the Sepulchre," which is believed to be the spot where Jesus resurrected and revealed himself. And i have sensed so much culture and beauty, but also so much pain.
Tonight at dinner, while we were eating delicious humus and traditional Arab flavor, the news showed pictures of what is happening not so far away. Granted the station was the state controlled media, Al Jazeera, but it makes the news no less true. Pictures of families torn a part by war and violence, and as i stared at the screen, i couldn't help but think of my church family back home. I have heard, so many times, people suggest that God somehow has punished or not blessed them, because they don't have all they want. But as i stare at the blood covered streets, and i see the wounds of the victims of all the violence, and i realize how safe and secure i am in Dayton, OH. I am ashamed to ever think that i am not blessed.
In fact, i have to be honest. I am so blessed that i cant even begin to put to words the blessings i feel. But. And this is a big but. But. If that blessing stops at me, then doesn't it become an empty blessing? Doesn't it become, in the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "Cheap Grace?" If i hold to what God has given me, and i don't do all i can to make sure others feel that same love, that same grace, haven't i belittled the cross? I think so. And that is all the more reason why i am here.
I am tired of feeling comfortable and "OK" with the world, when down deep, in the deepest part of my soul, something feels wrong. And i am beginning to know what that is. I don't have all the pieces to this puzzle, but before i leave, on the 21st of January, i expect to have a good deal put together. Some, though, must wait until i get back to you, my church family, because part of the puzzle, most definately includes all of you.
Know that i carry you with me in pray, in thought, and in love. May the face of God shine upon you all and grant you all the peace that passes all understanding. Oh yeah. Tomorrow i visit the Dead Sea. How awesome is that...
Jerry
Friday, January 2, 2009
Israel
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Greetings friends,
In less than a week, in three days actually, i will board a plane and head to Israel. I do not take this trip lightly, nor do i go without a lot of prayer and preparation. I feel God's peace and presence upon me, like nothing i have experienced, and i glorfiy God for that. It would seem like lunacy, going to Israel, now, right after Hamas and the Israeli government have rewaged war on each other. But, if Jesus is to be true and real, i sense there is no greater time to go, than now. And there is no other place i need to be, as God has called me, than in the midst of that struggle, with people suffering, daily.
I have spent the majority of my life wondering what is out there. What, in this beautiful, blessed, and yet broken Creation of God's, am i missing by staying in my comfortable, safe, and easy existence? And i have to say, i sense i am missing a lot. I am missing the stories of God's children, who have to hide in caves, because their religion makes them outcasts. No more than that, their religion, their ethnicity, makes them targets from a group of elitists that view these people as animals, and they treat them as such. From my secure home, i miss their stories and their pain. They are why i must go.
If i stay comfortable and safe, i miss the stories of Jewish leaders, working hard, to broker peace and coexistence with the Palestinians. But i also miss the hard work of Muslim leaders, working just as hard, to find peace and commonality with their Jewish brothers and sisters. And i would miss the truth, that to follow the Truth, means that i must be in the middle of their struggle, offering the way of Jesus. It is for the hope that the Way, the Truth, and the Life brings to me that i must go.
If i stay comfortable and safe, which is so easy to do. If i say, there is plenty to worry about in Chicago, New York, New Orleans, or even Dayton, Cincinnati, and West Milton, and i use that as a security blanket to be blind and ignorant of the plight of so many around the world, than i have belittled the cross and sacrifice of Jesus. But if, on the other hand, i choose to go and be a voice of peace, love, truth, and hope to a people immersed in war, then i have honored Jesus. However, if i look only across the mysterious waters and stare blankly into the romanticized world of Jerusalem and turn my blind eye to the struggles of my sisters and brothers in Ohio; i have belittled the cross. However, there is a way that includes both. And it is to that road, which brings healing to West Milton and the West Bank, that i must travel. That is why i must go.
Because God's children suffer all over, and God has made it clear to me to go. But i must also go, because i need to lead the way. I need to show you, my church family, that the way of the cross is not a comfortable, complacent existence. It is sacrifice. It is risky. And yes, it could be deadly. But as Jesus said, "If any give up their life for my sake, they will gain it..." I give my life to Jesus, trusting Him, completely. If i want you all to do the same, i need, no i must model said faith. And that is why i must go.
I also must go, because Daniel Patrick needs a world of hope. I also must go, because Dominic and Emily Wenrick must believe that faith is real. I also must go, because our young people and young adults must know that they can make a difference. I also must go, because our hard working middle agers have to believe they can still leave footprints of change on their world. And i must go, because our retirees have to find a way to continue the work of Jesus: simply, peacefully, and together. It is for all of these reasons that i must go. And i must go now.
I go with the peace of Christ upon me. I go knowing that my wife and child are in safe hands, not only God's but a church family that has promised to care for them, in case something does happen to me. I go believing that it is too easy to just assume war is always an option, but it is harder and more Christlike to believe that peace can be achieved. And if peace is to be real and available, it must begin with me. I go, because God called me, and those God calls, He equips. So i go, but i promise to take you along with me.
Amen..
May the face of God shine upon you all and bring you the peace that passes all understanding.
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