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
Jerry, the injustices thrust upon of the all peoples of the entire region have been appalling for years. The governments of that region and all over the world are bent on the fulfilling Eph. 5 Governments are necessary and have been established by God. Governments having been set before us by Gods design, we have to live within their borders, rules and defend them as called to war. I do feel for all the peoples of the region and wish they would all be called to peace. Arabs, Jews, and most especially Christians. It takes two to tango. As Governments lead, people follow. The battle that exist is one of epic proportions; governments around the world will takes sides. It is up to the peacemakers to resolve this issue as governments, including our own, sadly do not understand what they are dealing with. I do not fault the residence of any of country. Our Government, like the rest, do not understand the battle. I will continue to pray that your team is under Gods protection in the heart and heat of this battle and pray for the peace of all peoples.
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