GlocalNet

I get 6 weeks of vacation a year but it’s impossible to take. With all that I’m involved in it’s a nice gesture on NorthWood’s part, but just not possible. Nikki and I wound up with a space of 10 days right after Christmas. We’ll be entering our new building - which will be January 27th!!!!! Lots of projects and works. One book (The Multiplying Church) will be out in a month, another I have to write in the next 6 months so it will be a crazy time. I’m about to be involved in some things in the West Bank, and, as a result, I’ll be there in a few weeks for many meetings with many different players. I didn’t want the first time I see the Holy Land to be in and out of meetings. So Nikki and I, in celebration of my soon to be half-century mark, decided to go slowly and experience it together as tourist. We did and it was incredible. HOWEVER, it was impossible just to do that alone.  We wound up meeting with Palestinian evangelical pastors and leaders, among them Bishara Awad the President of Bethlehem Bible College. We met with Messianic Jewish believers and worshipped with them.  It was very moving though we went straight there from the airport upon arrival. I “accidentally” wound up meeting with the main Islamic leaders there.  Spent two hours in the home of Dr. Ekrima Sa’eed Sabri, orator of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Chief of Islamic Supreme Committee, in other words the top dog there. Spent an evening with a couple of U.S. congressmen. I was stunned, overwhelmed, blown away.  Words can’t describe this incredible wall being built around Bethlehem and the entire West Bank--it’s twice as big as the Berlin Wall. It literally broke my heart. On the inside of the gate, there was a lot of graffiti on it like “Made in the USA” and quotes from President Regan saying, “Tear down that wall Mr. Prime Minister.” I went for the past but was shaken by the present. There is an incredible sense of hopelessness there. I’ll write more this month--maybe every other day. I’m convinced Americans have no clue as to what is happening. There are sane voices from the Jews and the Palestinians, but sadly they get shouted out by the extremist from both sides. One thing I am absolutely convinced of is Jesus is the only hope for Peace in Jerusalem and all Israel. Why should that shock me? Hasn’t He always been the hope of the world??!! Welcome to my blog all my new Muslim friends and leaders, my new preacher buddies, young emerging pastors there, college students there, and lots of others of you--feel free to comment.