Hello from Jerusalem! Enjoy these accounts and pictures of our latest journeys.
Bethlehem
This trip led us into the West Bank, an incredibly troubled place. We passed the wall the Israelis erected...note the competing messages stuck on either side of the wall. I’ll write more about that at some point, but suffice it to say that things are difficult for the Palestinean inhabitants of Bethlehem and the rest of the West Bank, most of whom are unable to travel outside their own home towns.
The Basilica of the Nativity was truly a highlight of the trip. The sunlight was streaming into this ancient church, cutting through the candle smoke and incense. The church is one of the oldest still standing in the Holy Land. Most were destroyed by Persian invaders. This church was saved due to the frescoes on the walls...which displayed Wise Men coming from the East. They looked like Persians to the invaders, who ordered that the church be saved. A Muslim ruler also ordered that the door of the church be shortened, to stop horsemen from riding right into the sanctuary. Now all must bow down as they enter the sanctuary, and bow even further when they enter the basement grotto built over the traditional site of the manger of Jesus.
Jerusalem
Jerusalem has captivated our hearts. The people in the Old City are just amazing. We’re drinking tea with shopkeepers, meeting folks running co-ops for Palestinean women, praying with the crowds at the Wailing Wall, and exploring the dark, narrow maze of streets filled with shops of all variety. We’ve seen many sights, but the people are more precious still.
The Pastors
This is a great group of pastors. We’ve lived as brothers and sisters, spent much time in prayer and worship, and supported each other in powerful ways. I wish you could meet them all.
The Next Step
The pastors leave on Monday. I’ll stay a few more days and will be home March 1, Lord willing. Can’t wait to see you all.
Check out our website at hopwoodcc.org for more pictures.
