Preaching in Bethlehem

It was a delight to be invited to preach at Baraka Presbyterian Church in Bethlehem once again, by the pastor, Danny Awad – seen here with his father, George Habeeb Awad, the former pastor. I preached on the Identity, Mission and Call of Jesus in Mark 8, “Who do you say I am?”

The sermon was an introduction to Christianity Explored which is based entirely on the Gospel of Mark. The Gospel of Mark answers three questions addressed in the course – Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus come? How can I follow Jesus? As a result of this visit, we are hoping to be able to launch the Arabic edition of Christianity Explored in Palestine soon.

Peacemaking in Palestine

While in Bethlehem I met with Jack Sara, President of Bethlehem Bible College, and with Imad Nassar, the Project Manager of Wi’am, the Palestinian Conflict Resolution Centre,  to explore projects of mutual interest. I also met with Omar Haramy of Sabeel Jerusalem to discuss their 1-9 November Witness Tour “Christian Zionism and Colonialism – A Response from Palestinian Christians”

Bethlehem Bible College have just launched an online course in Biblical Studies in Arabic.

The Walled Off Hotel

A visit to Bethlehem is not complete without stopping by the Walled Off Hotel. See more photos here

View more photos taken recently of Bethlehem and the Separation Wall.

The stark nature of the Israeli military occupation of Palestine comes through in these black and white photos.

Pleased at last to be able to use my other passport.