West Milton Church of The Brethren

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