As I type this, I’m sitting on the roof of a hostel in the breeze of a cool Jerusalem night. My group has recently retired for the evening after a long two days of travel. I’m here in East Jerusalem with a delegation from Interfaith Peace Builders - an organization that focuses on education advocacy for the Middle East. The purpose of this group is to learn more about the occupation from people who are directly impacted by it. When I say the occupation – I’m referencing the systemic oppression of Palestinian people by the Israeli government. Palestinians have been forcefully removed from their land, piled up in refugee camps, and are generally harassed every day as official policy of the state.
I joined this group, with the support of so many, because I was tired of being a sympathetic, yet inactive observer to the unrest here in the Middle East. I felt that I had to do something more than just sympathize. I had to do something more than just write blog articles about what’s going on here. I had to do more than just repeat that catchy, but all too easily stated phrase:”Peace in the Middle East.”
I believe that peace does not just happen. Peace is born by those who work to nurture and establish it. The “more” that I felt God calling me to was to actually come here and learn. This was by no means an easy decision. It actually was an “inconvenient call” from God. By most logical accounts, this was not the right time to be here. Family considerations, financial issues, church obligations, and other concerns were at the forefront of my discussion with God about why the timing wasn’t right. But if the invitation by God to this type of service wasn’t convenient, I’d doubt that you could call it discipleship. I believe that a part of walking with Jesus along The Way involves an embrace of sacrifice.
For that and many other reasons, I truly feel that it was providence for me to be here right now. After meeting amazing people in the last year like David Hosey and Na’im Ateek; I felt a special kinship to Palestinians and Israelis working for a just peace. I knew that at some point I would be here in the land that is called “holy” to bear witness to the unholiness of occupation and to meet people who are living and standing up courageously in its shadow daring to declare that there is another Way.
While, I think I’m going to deposit the bulk of my Palestine/Israel experience in another medium, I will be blogging as I have opportunity during my short sojourn here. Internet connection isn’t always reliable so forgive me if I’m not able to promptly respond to your comments.
I solicit your prayers for my family, myself, and to the fellow pilgrims on this journey with me. I already feel it in my bones that this experience is going to change me forever. I thank God for the blessing of this opportunity which I know has nothing to do with vacation and everything to do with vocation.
Until I return – Salaam
Just be careful Heber.
Your Mother
God was truly calling you at the right time. You are an incredible manifestation of the universe who lives in the midst of conscious action. I can not wait to hear and learn more when you return. Thanks for being there for us. Carol
You are so kind, Carol. Thank you for your support! I'll be doing full presentations in the coming weeks and will be sure to post them here and on my social networking sites as soon as they are confirmed. Hopefully, we'll meet soon in person (if we haven't already?)!
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