Hi Everyone,
I have been home a month.
Time seems to be going as fast here as it did during the three months I
was in Occupied Palestine Terriority and Israel.
Last Weekend in July
The last weekend in July, I met my sister, Donna, who lives
in Florida, at Pittsburgh, PA for a conference by Christians for Biblical
Equality (www.cbeinternational.org.) I
made the trip by Greyhound bus, an adventure in itself. Arriving at the bus station at 4:30 AM and
then finding my way to the hotel 23 miles away was another stretch.
I am praising God for all those who gave me directions. It was only a few blocks’ walk to the
underground, and there were a few other people making the walk before 6 AM. The conference and the things I learned left
my heart praising God for the Holy Spirit’s gifting for ministry.
A United Methodist volunteer, Tina Whitehead, whom I met in Jerusalem,
was home in the states. Her home was
within an hour drive of my conference site, so she visited for coffee and
conversation. I have learned and still am
learning so much from her. Tina has
served in the Holy Land for several years.
Donna and Lessons on Zionism
Being home and having Donna
staying here is wonderful. Some of you
remember that I invited you all to lessons on Zionism. Donna has put together scripture and lesson
outlines. Those who responded to the invitation,
from this blog, have learned a lot. If you
want copies of the lessons, let me know.
A Wonderful Variety of Activities
Family
My brother and sister-in-law came up from Lawton in southern
Michigan. We enjoyed dinner and a
concert of Irish music. Donna, Janet and
Jim did the tourist things around Traverse City, while I got ready for my pending
advocacy talks.
Sunrise in Michigan
It almost looks like the "burning Bush/tree"! I am a morning person it is my joy to see the beauty of sunrises from my deck.
More Training
I now have completed the West Michigan Conference Leadership
Training for United Methodist Volunteers in Missions. Lorna Jost of the North Central
Jurisdictional Office offered this training. Maybe someday we can go on a Holy Land tour
together.
Friends and Even a Yard Sale
Advocating for Just Peace in Palestine and Israel
On Saturday, August 17, it was my privilege to tell about my
EAPPI experiences to the local chapter of Michigan Veterans for Peace. In addition, on Sunday August 18, I spoke to my
church family at Christ United Methodist Church.
I was glad to have these opportunities to tell what I saw
and learned in the Occupied Palestinian territory and Israel. I am convinced
that if Jesus were here in person, he would be a Peace and Justice activist. Jesus would be advocating for a JUST peace in
all areas of conflict in the world.
Let’s take the challenge to be the hands of Jesus in the
world!
Christ United Methodist Church
This year I have worshiped with many congregations, some even in English. God’s Spirit made Jesus known to the hearts in each worship setting, but there is something VERY special to me about worshiping with my local church family.
After the service we had a wonderful time at the lake
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| Action Shot: The Stick Is Still In the Air |
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| Good Parents Ever Watchful |
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| Methodist Tradition, Good Food |
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After the service we had a wonderful time at the lake.
Prayers Still Needed
As I discern God’s plans for my next mission, I am counting
on your continued prayers. Please call
me, 2313 929 7808 if your church or group would like a presentation about what
I saw and did during my three months in Bethlehem with the Ecumenical
Accompaniment Program Palestine Israel (www.eappi-us.org).
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