I wrote the following while sitting atop the Mount of Beatitudes earlier this morning (with a couple slight modifications taking in experiences from later in the day). I hope you enjoy it, and please provide feedback if you’re able! – Dustin Continue reading
Wednesday offered me a new idea of hope.
In the afternoon, Jerusalem expert Daniel Seidemann toured the city with our group, explaining in detail why he thinks Secretary of State John Kerry is the area’s last hope for peace – and how that peace will look.
Seidemann gave a similar tour to three Republican U.S. senators Saturday and has direct lines to Israel’s and America’s governments. He knows the politicians, and he knows the politics. Continue reading
Traveling from Jordan to Jerusalem is quite an experience. Crossing over the Jordan river into the Israeli controlled West Bank is not always a simple task. It’s a journey through checkpoints, customs metal detectors, profiling and questioning by the Israeli officials manning the boarder. The experience of crossing this boarder is only a symptom of the deeper problems within the Holy Land.
What do you get when you mix 16 ELCA young adults from all over the United States who have flown to Israel and Palestine (with a quick stop in Jordan for a dedication of a church), asking them to learn more about Israel and Palestine in the context of their shared Christian faith, to grow in their leadership skills, connect with other young adults engaged in social justice, get involved with the Peace Not Walls Campaign of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and blog about it?
You get us! (and a ridiculously long sentence).
The sweet 16* are in the midst of a two week experience of a lifetime and will be using this blog to share their reflections along the way.**
Thanks for joining us along the journey! leave a comment, lift up a prayer, and spread the word!
*name decided by Cassie, I’m sure it’ll stick after I tell the group… maybe.
**This is the blog by the sweet 16 (seriously, call us this, it’ll help it stick! …okay, maybe not. I suppose group names should be mutually agreed upon, much like the writing of our group covenant). regardless of what you call us, it’s the blog of the 16 trip participants. in other words, the opinions expressed are the opinions of the individuals writing them and not necessarily the opinions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
