Sunday October 2nd
Today the pilgrims witnessed faith and justice work in action in Bethlehem.
First to worship at the landmark Christmas Lutheran Church with its locally based community of believers who graciously provided some of the worship text in English. This church was designed by a German architect and built by our guide Usama’s mother in law’s grandfather in the late 1800’s.
We were blessed with a delicious lunch at Hope School in Beit Jalla, a small city tucked into a hillside next to Bethlehem, noted for its outstanding oranges and apricots!
The principal, Khader Saba, shared with us the history of this school that was created to work specifically with marginalized children , from elementary- high school. Begun in 1962 initially as a boarding school, it has survived administrative changes and funding challenges and today is serving 265 students with 9 in residence.
We were blessed with a delicious lunch at Hope School in Beit Jalla, a small city tucked into a hillside next to Bethlehem, noted for its outstanding oranges and apricots!
The principal, Khader Saba, shared with us the history of this school that was created to work specifically with marginalized children , from elementary- high school. Begun in 1962 initially as a boarding school, it has survived administrative changes and funding challenges and today is serving 265 students with 9 in residence.
A big treat was visiting with student Simon and viewing ( then some of us buying) his beautiful and original olive tree woodwork.
The students not only get the academics , but are given vocational skills such as this .
The school has a thriving egg business with
Many chickens!!! Another skill learned and used for the support of the school. Please check the Pilgrims of Ibillin website to learn more about this school that would gladly accept your help at https://pilgrimsofibillin.org/peace-partners/.
After our visit at Hope School, we visited the beautiful village of Ein Karem, the past home for about 5000 Palestinians who were forcibly displaced in 1948 and whose homes were either destroyed or taken occupancy by the incoming Jewish refugees who had managed to survive the holocaust. Many of the displaced Ein Karem residents relocated to Jerusalem and Jordan, their family names still inscribed at the doorways of their beloved homes for generations.
It is also the birthplace of John the Baptist,
The site first uncovered by St Helena in the 4th CE. The many times rebuilt and currently undergoing renovations protects the site.
Our day drew to a close at the Holocaust Museum.
What was our Take Away?
For myself I was blessed with the genuine love of Christ lived out by those we met along the way and the Hope that prevails despite almost 75 years of occupation with no end in sight. Truly,
“ The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it”. John 1:5
And it never will.
– Arlene Makita- Acuña