Well....my time has finally come to a close. Today, our last one here in Bethlehem we visited the Tent of Nations Farm....a Palestinian Christian farm which is underpersecution from the Israeli governement. The same people have owned the land for generations but have been under extreme pressure to leave the land because the Israeli government wants it. They have been persecuted to the extent their roads have been blocked, electric and water shut off....therefore they are living a very primitive life...to the extent they live in caves and tents and get all their water source from a sistern and their power from generators. Their vision is simply to create a place/refuge where all can live in peace with one another. It was a heartmoving experience as we talked and worshiped with them.
Upon returning to Bethlehm, our last full afternoon was free. So I ventured out with some friends to old Bethlehem, did a little shopping and then back to the hotel for a nap.
We leave the hotel at 3 AM Tuesday morning for the airport in Tel Aviv (Bethlehem time)...arriving in Columbus on Tuesday evening 11:30 PM (EST).
I look forward to seeing you all upon my return.
Jeff
Monday, January 17, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011 10:00 PM
Today I awoke in Nazareth! It was a wonderful stay at St. Margaret's Guest House. Little did I realize what I was about to experience. We drove a few mile down the road to the Sea of Galilee...that place where Jesus called his disciples, Simon and Andrew as they were fishing. What a beautiful place. We boarded a boat and cast off out into the Sea of Galilee...which actually is a large lake about 14 miles long and 7 miles wide at the widest point. There was a little mist falling as we began our journey...a little fog still luming over the waters. As we approached the middle of the lake the engines were shut off and we sat in the middle of the lake in silence. I could only be reminded of one of the greatest stories in Matthew when Jesus was out on the lake with his disciples and a storm came and he spoke, "Peace, be still..." and the storm ceased. As we sat there in the boat the crew, who were Messianic Jews, began singing contemporary praise choruses....in Hebrew! As they sang in Hebrew, we sang in English...."The Heart of Worship." Who ever could have imagined that we would be worship with people of differing faith traditions...together in different languages...yet understanding one another....worshiping together. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of my entire life!
Following our time on the Sea of Galilee we traveled to Capernaum and visited the temple where it is believed that Jesus taught...as well as the home of Jarius where Jesus raised Jarius' daughter from the dead.
We also had the awesome experience of visiting the Jordan River...where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. I was able to reach down and touch the waters...and even fill an empty bottle to bring back with me.
We traveled on to the outskirts of Jerico where two of our fellow travelers took a "dip" in the Dead Sea. Since it was quite chilly out the rest of us declined...but enthusiastically cheered on the shoreline for our fellow travelers.
My journey is coming to close. Tomorrow is a free day for us to spend time around Bethlehem. We leave for the Tel Aviv Airport at 3 AM on Tuesday morning to depart to Amman, Jordan. From Amman we fly 10 hours to New York and then on to Columbus. We should arrive in Columbus around 11:30 PM on Tuesday evening (EST). Please pray for our safety as we journey back to the states. I look forward to seeing all of you when I return.
Shalom!
Jeff
Following our time on the Sea of Galilee we traveled to Capernaum and visited the temple where it is believed that Jesus taught...as well as the home of Jarius where Jesus raised Jarius' daughter from the dead.
We also had the awesome experience of visiting the Jordan River...where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. I was able to reach down and touch the waters...and even fill an empty bottle to bring back with me.
We traveled on to the outskirts of Jerico where two of our fellow travelers took a "dip" in the Dead Sea. Since it was quite chilly out the rest of us declined...but enthusiastically cheered on the shoreline for our fellow travelers.
My journey is coming to close. Tomorrow is a free day for us to spend time around Bethlehem. We leave for the Tel Aviv Airport at 3 AM on Tuesday morning to depart to Amman, Jordan. From Amman we fly 10 hours to New York and then on to Columbus. We should arrive in Columbus around 11:30 PM on Tuesday evening (EST). Please pray for our safety as we journey back to the states. I look forward to seeing all of you when I return.
Shalom!
Jeff
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011, 8:45 PM
*Please note, for some reason I cannot post pictures on here right now. However, I can post on Facebook....so if you are on Facebook you can see some new ones there.
Friday, January 14, 2011
We began Friday morning in a meeting and dialogue with Rabbi Sinclair at the Center of Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation in Effrat, Israel (occupied West Bank). Following our meeting with Rabbi Sinclair we journeyed to the Arub Refugee Camp and met with a gentleman named Hisham. These two very differing perspectives were presented with much passion as we were attempting to dialogue and gain understanding as to differing views of these two groups of individuals and the role which the United States plays in each.
We finally had a free afternoon which most of us spent walking through some of the old shops in Old Bethlehem.
After dinner, several of our group ventured out to the local cafe/ice-cream shop for dessert. We concluded the evening playing a rather lively game of Catch Phrase.
It was nice to have some free time...finally!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Today we spent most of the day on the bus traveling from Bethlehem to Nazareth...the town where Jesus grew up. While enroute we made a lunch stop in Jericho...historically the oldest city in the world. We had a wonderful lunch and visited with some of the locals in the town square who were very friendly.
As we arrived in Nazareth our first stop was at the Church of the Annunciation. A Catholic church in Nazareth which is built around and over the home of Jesus as he grew up in the area. There was a beautiful service in progress as we entered and it was a truly wonderful feeling to experience worship in such a beautiful and historic place.
We arrived at our destination for the night, St. Margaret's Guest House. An old convent which has been converted into a hotel. (See pics on Facebook). I was able to the devotion time for our group tonight and I focused on Isaiah 45:9 "Change my heart, O God. You are the Potter I am the clay, mold me and make me after Your will." My one desire through this whole process is that God would use this journey to mold my life in a unique way....and I believe He has. This is kind of what I shared and challenged our group with tonight...that each of us would take away from this experience something that has transformed us.
Tomorrow is another early day as we venture to the Sea of Galilee for a boat ride.
The time here is winding down and this has been a truly lifechanging experience. I look forward to seeing you all soon and sharing in more detail about this experience.
Shalom!
Friday, January 14, 2011
We began Friday morning in a meeting and dialogue with Rabbi Sinclair at the Center of Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation in Effrat, Israel (occupied West Bank). Following our meeting with Rabbi Sinclair we journeyed to the Arub Refugee Camp and met with a gentleman named Hisham. These two very differing perspectives were presented with much passion as we were attempting to dialogue and gain understanding as to differing views of these two groups of individuals and the role which the United States plays in each.
We finally had a free afternoon which most of us spent walking through some of the old shops in Old Bethlehem.
After dinner, several of our group ventured out to the local cafe/ice-cream shop for dessert. We concluded the evening playing a rather lively game of Catch Phrase.
It was nice to have some free time...finally!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Today we spent most of the day on the bus traveling from Bethlehem to Nazareth...the town where Jesus grew up. While enroute we made a lunch stop in Jericho...historically the oldest city in the world. We had a wonderful lunch and visited with some of the locals in the town square who were very friendly.
As we arrived in Nazareth our first stop was at the Church of the Annunciation. A Catholic church in Nazareth which is built around and over the home of Jesus as he grew up in the area. There was a beautiful service in progress as we entered and it was a truly wonderful feeling to experience worship in such a beautiful and historic place.
We arrived at our destination for the night, St. Margaret's Guest House. An old convent which has been converted into a hotel. (See pics on Facebook). I was able to the devotion time for our group tonight and I focused on Isaiah 45:9 "Change my heart, O God. You are the Potter I am the clay, mold me and make me after Your will." My one desire through this whole process is that God would use this journey to mold my life in a unique way....and I believe He has. This is kind of what I shared and challenged our group with tonight...that each of us would take away from this experience something that has transformed us.
Tomorrow is another early day as we venture to the Sea of Galilee for a boat ride.
The time here is winding down and this has been a truly lifechanging experience. I look forward to seeing you all soon and sharing in more detail about this experience.
Shalom!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011, 10:30 PM
Well, first of all let me say that today has been a much better day than the last few. Thankfully, the "stomach" issues have subsided for me. Apparently, the Egyptian doctor did know what he was doing despite my reservations. However, this "bug" seems to be making its way through our group. Please pray that everyone is back up to speed before we begin our long flight back to the states on Tuesday.
Today was a full day! And a day which I will never forget.
We began our morning visiting the Old City of Jerusalem and the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall). Jews pour into this area daily a pray. It was an overwhelming experience to be able to join them in praying at the wall. This was probably one of the highlights of my journey these past few weeks. From the Western Wall we traveled down the Via Dolorosa (traditionally the path which Jesus walked as he was led to his crucifixion). This led us to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which is one of the places some theologians believe marks the spot where Jesus was crucified. This, however, is debated by many theologians. Regardless, it was a wonderful experience.
Following a lunch at a little cafe in Old Jerusalem we journeyed to the Mount of Olives which overlooks the city of Jerusalem. It was from this mount where Jesus ascended to heaven forty days following his resurrection. As I stood overlooking the city of Jerusalem...thinking about the events which occured in this historic place...I was so thankful that in my lifetime I have had an opportunity to visit these places and be touched in a very real way by the significance it has in my own spiritual journey.
As we traveled down the Mount of Olives we made our way to the Garden of Gethsemane. Adjacent to the garden is a beautiful church, The Church of All Nations which we were able to spend time in prayer. It was truly a time of reflection as I thought about those last moments when Jesus was praying in the garden before his arrest.
As we concluded the day, we traveled back to Bethlehm where we toured the Church of the Nativity. This ancient church was constructed on the site of the Nativity (birthplace) of Jesus. The altar is constructed above the actual place which marks Jesus' birth. We were able to go down under the altar area to view the nativity. It was marked with beautiful tapestries and icons. As beautiful as these things were which adorned the nativity I had to think that Jesus' birth was a humble one....not one of elaborate decorations. I would have much rather have seen the unadorned nativity of the Christ who came to live a humble life, dwell among us and give His life as a sacrifice for humankind.
It was a full day... A day of the "Hits of Jesus' Life"...a day which I'll always carry in my heart.
As a conclusion to a wonderful day, six of us ventured out into Bethlehm tonight after dinner to a little Ice Cream/Coffee shop...just a time to chat...reflect...and share together. It doesn't get much better!
Until tomorrow...
Today was a full day! And a day which I will never forget.
We began our morning visiting the Old City of Jerusalem and the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall). Jews pour into this area daily a pray. It was an overwhelming experience to be able to join them in praying at the wall. This was probably one of the highlights of my journey these past few weeks. From the Western Wall we traveled down the Via Dolorosa (traditionally the path which Jesus walked as he was led to his crucifixion). This led us to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which is one of the places some theologians believe marks the spot where Jesus was crucified. This, however, is debated by many theologians. Regardless, it was a wonderful experience.
Following a lunch at a little cafe in Old Jerusalem we journeyed to the Mount of Olives which overlooks the city of Jerusalem. It was from this mount where Jesus ascended to heaven forty days following his resurrection. As I stood overlooking the city of Jerusalem...thinking about the events which occured in this historic place...I was so thankful that in my lifetime I have had an opportunity to visit these places and be touched in a very real way by the significance it has in my own spiritual journey.
As we traveled down the Mount of Olives we made our way to the Garden of Gethsemane. Adjacent to the garden is a beautiful church, The Church of All Nations which we were able to spend time in prayer. It was truly a time of reflection as I thought about those last moments when Jesus was praying in the garden before his arrest.
As we concluded the day, we traveled back to Bethlehm where we toured the Church of the Nativity. This ancient church was constructed on the site of the Nativity (birthplace) of Jesus. The altar is constructed above the actual place which marks Jesus' birth. We were able to go down under the altar area to view the nativity. It was marked with beautiful tapestries and icons. As beautiful as these things were which adorned the nativity I had to think that Jesus' birth was a humble one....not one of elaborate decorations. I would have much rather have seen the unadorned nativity of the Christ who came to live a humble life, dwell among us and give His life as a sacrifice for humankind.
It was a full day... A day of the "Hits of Jesus' Life"...a day which I'll always carry in my heart.
As a conclusion to a wonderful day, six of us ventured out into Bethlehm tonight after dinner to a little Ice Cream/Coffee shop...just a time to chat...reflect...and share together. It doesn't get much better!
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Pictures
For some reason I have been having difficulty loading my pictures on the blog. For those of you who are on Face Book I was able to post a few of them there. In the mean time I will keep trying to post here.
Thursday, January 12, 2011
*NOTE: Since I have been without internet access for a few days, what follows are my postings for those days.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Well today certainly didn’t start out the way I had hoped. As I had shared previously, there has been some lingering “stomach issues” affecting, not only myself, but several other individuals in our group. I thought mine had passed but late yesterday it “re-surfaced” with a vengance! This morning and Egyptian doctor was called to the hotel in St. Catherine’s Village to see us. It appears to have been a bacterial infection...not sure how or where we picked it up. While some were able to get by with a shot or pill, myself and one of my professor’s had to be given IV’s to rehydrate us. I was skeptical of the doctor...but really felt I had no choice. What was even less reassuring is when the nurse accompanying the doctor asked me for a tip. That is a common practice in Egypt...everyone expects a tip!
Well, to make a long story short, our trip to Bethlehem was postponed a few hours and we arrived around 8 PM this evening. I’m feeling much better and the “stomach issues” have seemed to have cleared up.
Tonight, after arriving at the Sancta Maria Hotel in Bethlehem we enjoyed a very nice dinner and I was able to venture out on a walk with one of my seminary friends, Brent. I look forward to journeying out tomorrow as we visit Jerusalem, the Church of the Nativity, Church of the Holy Sepluchre, the Via Dolorosa and the Garden of Gethsemane. One might say we’re hitting the Greatest Hits of Jesus tomorrow!
Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, January 11, 2011 8:53 PM
Our morning began this morning with a trip to the St. Catherine Monastery. A monastery inhabited by 25 Greek Orthodox monks. We were able to tour the facility for about 20 minutes before hiking down the road a bit to began our ascent up Mt. Sinai…where Moses appeared before the burning bush…where he received the Ten Commandments. It was a beautiful day in Sinai with temperatures this morning in the low 60’s. We began our journey up the 8,000 ft. (3 miles) mountain at approximately 9:30 AM. As required, we were led by a Bedouin tour guide up the mountain. The sites were breath taking (see pics). As I walked the path I couldn’t help but imagine Moses walking up this mountain. We reached the peak of Mt. Sinai at 12:30 PM. I really wasn’t sure of what my reaction would be…but as I stood there overlooking the Sinai desert I was moved to tears as I recalled the words, “The place your are standing on is Holy ground.” I was brought to tears. We were able to spend about 45 minutes on the top of Sinai. I was even able to break away for awhile to read the Exodus narrative of Moses at Mount Sinai. It was a very moving experience!
After our descent down Sinai we returned to the Monastery where we were able to come in and observe the liturgy and vespers of the monks at 4 PM. This service is not usually opened to tourists. Since our guide for this journey, Rev. Peter Miano, knew Father Justin, we were allowed to observe and then had dialogue time with Father Justin following. I know very little of the Greek Orthodox religion…especially when it’s done in Aramaic. It was a very beautiful service ...and while I didn’t understand what was being said...I truly was able to appreciate the manner in which different faiths express their worship...and in the midst of this different worship experience...in my own way...I was able to worship too.
Tomorrow is an early morning, leaving St. Catherine’s Village at 7 AM as we head towards Israel…journeying to Bethlehem tomorrow.
Monday, January 10, 2011 10:30 PM
Most of today was spent traveling by bus from Cairo to Sinai. On the way to Sinai we made one last stop in Cairo at the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services. While there we were able to spend time in dialogue with the director, Dr. Andre Zackey. This organization seeks to contribute to the transformation of Egyptian society by nurturing moral and spiritual awareness, enhancing a sense of belonging, promoting respect for diversity and advancing social justice for individuals and communities. Through this organization over 5,000,000 people in Egypt are assisted each year. For those of you who are United Methodist, this organization is able to accomplish many of it's services through the support of United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
After our time at CEOSS we journeyed east/north toward Sinai through the desert. Along the way we were able to stop at The Spring of Moses...a well/Oasis out in the dessert. A short time later we found ourselves traveling along the coastline of the Red Sea. We spent about a half hour at the Red Sea...let me tell you....that was a big sea Moses had to part!!! It was beautiful!
We arrived at St. Catherine's Village around dinner time and enjoyed a wonderful buffet meal at our hotel. St. Catherine is a village named for St. Catherine, a pagan woman who converted to Chrisitianity. Her family tried to persuade her to renounce her faith and return to paganism. When she refused she was crucified on a wheel. St. Catherine's Village is the home of St. Catherine's Monastery and is also located near Mount Sinai which I will attempt to climb the 8,0000 feet tomorrow.
Monday, January 10, 2011, 10:30 PM
*Note: Since I did not have internet connection the last few days I wrote my blogs for that day and am now posting them today, Wednesday, January 12, 2011.
Most of today was spent traveling by bus from Cairo to Sinai. On the way to Sinai we made one last stop in Cairo at the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services. While there we were able to spend time in dialogue with the director, Dr. Andre Zackey. This organization seeks to contribute to the transformation of Egyptian society by nurturing moral and spiritual awareness, enhancing a sense of belonging, promoting respect for diversity and advancing social justice for individuals and communities. Through this organization over 5,000,000 people in Egypt are assisted each year. For those of you who are United Methodist, this organization is able to accomplish many of it's services through the support of United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
After our time at CEOSS we journeyed east/north toward Sinai through the desert. Along the way we were able to stop at The Spring of Moses...a well/Oasis out in the dessert. A short time later we found ourselves traveling along the coastline of the Red Sea. We spent about a half hour at the Red Sea...let me tell you....that was a big sea Moses had to part!!! It was beautiful!
We arrived at St. Catherine's Village around dinner time and enjoyed a wonderful buffet meal at our hotel. St. Catherine is a village named for St. Catherine, a pagan woman who converted to Chrisitianity. Her family tried to persuade her to renounce her faith and return to paganism. When she refused she was crucified on a wheel. St. Catherine's Village is the home of St. Catherine's Monastery and is also located near Mount Sinai which I will attempt to climb the 8,0000 feet tomorrow.
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