As you are reading this there’s a decent chance that I’m flying off to Palestine. From November 2 nd through the 12th I’ll be traveling with old and new friends from across the United States to experience and celebrate the land, people, and culture of this ancient and fascinating place. Both Israel and Palestine are home to so many ancient and historical places that we know from the Bible. Nearly every story in the Old Testament and in the Gospels takes place somewhere on this land. Jesus’ whole life, from his birth in Bethlehem, his ministry on and around the Sea of Galilee, to his death and resurrection in Jerusalem, can (and will) be visited in a 1-hour bus ride. As amazing as it is to see these places and to touch the ancient stones, that host the stories of our faith, that’s not really the reason I’m going on this trip.
I’m returning to Palestine because of the people who live there, who have been kind enough to share their stories. At times the stories are tragic. I’ve heard from refugees who lost their homes, who face daily attacks, and harassment whenever they travel to and from work or school. I’ve heard from business owners and farmers whose livelihood has been destroyed because new walls or checkpoints prevent them or their customers from reaching their land or their shops.
Other stories show signs of hope. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet people like Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb. A Lutheran pastor whose small congregation saw a need for the young people of Bethlehem to study and express themselves through art and decided to take action. At a time when it seemed like the whole world was ready to write off Palestine as a dangerous place full of terrorists, this small community took on and completed the largest building project in Bethlehem since Herod the Great.
It’s not hard to look at the news and see the devastation and destruction that’s taken place in this part of the world over the last few years, especially in Gaza. But what keeps me coming back to this place are the stories of hope and new life. Those are stories that I hope to share with you when I return from my trip. I’ll be hosting a 3-week series about “The Little Town of Bethlehem” beginning November 29th after Sunday worship both in person and on Zoom. Keep an eye-out for more details!
It may be hard to feel hopeful when you hear the news coming from this part of the world. It may seem like all you hear about and all that gets reported is death and destruction, but remember, this is a land and a people who are no strangers to resurrection!
-Pastor Ben
