Travel partners in Jerusalem
Playground for Palestinian Children
Viewing the wall and settlements East of Jerusalem
Friends:
As we arrived at the International Center of Bethlehem, we were greeted by Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb. He was sorry to not be able to spend more time with us as he was off to Canada to an international gathering of contextual theologians. However, late last night he returned before trying to exit Bethlehem for his trip to sit down with Jo Lucas and me.
I told Mitri about the blog and asked him what words I could pass along to our Presbytery from him. Mitri said, “to be serious about peace they need to develop new leaders. Their dream is to be a clearing house for leaders where they are able to see a new vision, get a good set of ingrained values and change the world for the better.” I told him that the wall was not complete during my last visit and the wall being complete was the first thing I noticed. He said that they can’t focus or worry about the wall, they prefer to work with broad projects such as education and to inspire creativity .
It is an honor to sit with a man who continues to live a vision that God has given him every day despite the obstacles and to keep hope. He and the center feels blessed for our partnership, our prayers and even for the gifts we brought to their library and their health and wellness center. Mitri said that God continues to open doors.
Today our group toured several of the sacred holy sites, but we also had a visit with Itamar Shapira, an Israeli citizen in Jerusalem that volunteers with the Israeli Committee against house demolition. He did an excellent job of helping us to understand how complex the issues are and took us on a tour around Jerusalem. We will have much to share.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. Keep us in your prayers.
Blessings, Peggy Casteel and the Travel Partners
John & Carolyn Seltzer said,
November 4, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Hi folks. We’re following your every move with regrets that we aren’t there with you. All is well here. Keep the reports coming!
icbpartnership said,
November 5, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Hi John and Carolyn:
The group is sorry that you are not here. We all have been thinking of you, praying for you, and missing you. Thanks for following us on the blog. We appreciate your commenting on the ‘blog’.
Blessings
Pastor Peggy and Holy Land Travelers
mary said,
November 5, 2009 at 1:57 pm
This is truly a spiritual and fun trip—Our fearless leaders are doing a wonderful job of herding us. We tend to be more of a bother than the youth–our listening skills sometimes fail us and we wander abit—But there is nothing but beautiful smiles when we reappear–!!!!
An incredible experience and exposure
Mary
Sherry said,
November 6, 2009 at 2:25 am
I echo the words that we miss you dear Seltzers. Stay healthy!!
Much love!
Susan & Bob Rieck said,
November 6, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Hi Peggy and travelers. Enjoy your travels and keep your heads down!Ha.
Take more pictures we love seeing your travels…Love us.
Ann Jones said,
November 7, 2009 at 10:40 am
Watching with open hearts and sending love to all! I just got home from time at Columbus Regional Hospital. Our trip to Thailand is dead but at least I’m not! Blessings your way!! Jim Lucas sends his best to all as well.