Fadi

I wanted to name this blog under a new title, "Fadi," which in Arabic means "Redeemer." This word has meant much to me in these passing months. Challenged through the Holy Spirit to turn what is fallen into something meaningful, I'm come to see this word rise with an ever-increasing focus in my work and life. Development has a lot to do with redemption - and I have found this ever truer as those I work with press forward with an aim to redeem that which was stolen from them.
I believe that redemption is only way towards anything sustainable in the Middle East. And I pray that wherever I am, God will allow me to be an agent of redemption.
Again, it all goes back to He who is the Agent of New Life - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10).

A Word of Thanks

I wanted to give a word of thanks to all my wonderful friends who prayed for me, who cheered for me, and most importantly walked alongside me during this past stint in the West Bank. I felt like God chose this time as an outpouring of compassion from friends to remind me how important you people are in my life -and how fellowship is a rare blessing.

I pray I can be as encouraging to those who need encouragement.

Many of you I may not see for a little while - but I wanted to say thank you in appreciation of your emails, facebook messages, and inquiries to my parents.

Proverbs 11:25 "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

A Wind of Things To Come

For those who don't know yet... ;)

I'm coming back to Philly later this week. You can probably tell from my postings that I've been a little overwhelemed lately ;)
But I've been learning a lot... There's a lot to think about... A lot to pray about... And a lot I am still excited for things here in Israel/Palestine.

More to come...

Hebron

Hebron – what a strange place?!

Where people want to worship God, they instead come to worship their nationalities.
Nationalities which divide and squander,
Which release and capture
Which deceive and seduce.

I can’t make sense of why Rebekah would be here
What would she say if she found herself in a mosque?
Would she get mad? Would she cry and weep? Would she laugh?
She left all to follow her God –
- Can I do the same?

Can these people do the same?

What do those Jews do who sit in those settlements?
Do they see what is below them?
Did not their ancestor Abraham show mercy to the foreigners? –
wait, do not the Muslims call him their forefather too?

And what about the Christians – where are they?
Where were they?
Where did they go?
Where are they now?

Hebron – this is a strange place.

Bethlehem... lately

I've spent most of the week here in Bethlehem - in a town outside of Bethlehem called Bet Jalla. From our retreat center, where we are learning about project management, we can see the wall that seperates Israel from the West Bank. Increasingly, I realize with growing rage how little this situation is known outside of these walls. These emotions are not new, but they are rather compounded. I have to apologize if I sound raw. I don't want to incite more rage. I don't want to divide. But sometimes I don't really know what to write about here, except to be honest and give some word of hope.

God is active here, and I don't just say that to put a smilely-face on top of what I have just written. Yesterday I visited a church in Bethlehem with a priest whose vision is divine. He sees hope in the midst of admitting that his congregation is witnessing the deterioration of the situation around them...

I don't know what my future lies here. I am praying about attending a summer course at Birzeit University in Arabic. The more I become engrossed in life here, the more I see doors open and relationships begin. However I must be careful. I cannot imagine that I can do everything. I cannot assume that everything will go as it has.

I need encouragement. I need perspective. And right now I'm going to practice what Paul preaches in Eph., quoting from Psalm 4 before I go to bed tonight.... "Do not let the sun go down on your anger, but search your hearts and be silent."

3di

(pronounced "aaadi")

It means, "That's normal."

I've grown to like this Arabic phrase, however there are some instances where I wish this phrase did not have to be used...

Yesterday, we received the news that a student who used to frequent the Living Stones Center was killed by some settlers on the way north to Nablus. There were some rumors that he was getting out of a car with a knife. However the reality of young men, especially students, being targeted is all too common here. Whether he had bad intentions or not we don't know. However, we are praying for him, for his family, and for the many students who were close to him. His name is Abed.

In another vein, I listened to a song this morning called, "Always Beautiful." It's by Enter the Worship Circle. Some of the lyrics are as follows: "You Oh God have eyes to see what others hide in shame. You Oh God have ears to hear what broken people pray. And you call them back to Your Hand, and you call me again. Where can I run? Where can I go? Where can I hide myself from Your always beautiful?" (It is based off of Psalm 139). 3di. Amen.