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CONTENTS
Cover TitlePage CopyrightPage IntroductionbyJohanCompanjen
Part1 StrengthenWhatRemains1. TheHorror2. NotaMindlessTerrorist3. WhereWastheChurch?
Part2 Lebanon:SeekingPeaceinanUncivilWar
4. WeepingforLebanon5. GodHasForsakenLebanon6. TheNeedforWisdomwithZeal7. APlanforPeace8. It’sJustaMess9. BeingwithUsIstheGreatestEncouragement
10. IHaveNoPower11. MeetingwithanAyatollah12. SeetheSonofRighteousnessRise
Part3WestBankandGaza:WhoReachestheTerrorists?
13. AWell-AimedStone
14. IWanttoSeeLivingStones15. WhatAreWeSupposedtoDo?16. BringingtheTwoSidesTogether17. WhatWillThisSufferingAccomplish?18. EveryTentIsaMosque19. TheFamiliesofHamas20. AMealwithTerrorists21. HowFarDoIGo?22. WhatISawTodayAreGodSeekers23. InaSmallWayWe’reMakingaDifference24. WhatKindofPeopleDoestheBookProduce?25. HamasWouldLikeaCease-Fire26. CalledtoaHigherStatecraft27. TheTeacher’sBookshop28. DidYouTrytoPray?
Part4 TheSecondIntifada:AReligiousUprising
29. ThrowingtheJesusStone30. ItIsNotSuicide—ItIsReligious31. EscapefromBethlehem32. MiracleinHolland33. WhatDoYouPreachWhenThereIsShelling?34. TheLightIsaLittleBrighter35. ADonkeyCriesforGaza36. SneakingintoBethlehem37. ADangerousGame38. AModelOthersCanFollow39. NowWhat?
Organizations Notes SelectedBibliography
AbouttheAuthor
BackAds
INTRODUCTION
JohanCompanjen,PresidentofOpenDoors
Thebookyouareholdingwillbeconsideredbysomeascontroversial.ThatiseventruewithinOpenDoors,theministryfoundedbyBrotherAndrewin1955whenhetraveledtoPolandandsawthestrugglesoftheChurchunderCommunism.
ForthoseofyouwhoarenotfamiliarwithOpenDoors,weexisttostrengthenandequiptheChurchlivingunderorfacingrestrictionandpersecutionbecauseoftheirfaithinJesusChrist.Todothat,weprovideBiblesandotherliteratureforpersecutedChristianswhootherwisecouldnotobtainthem.In2003wedeliverednearlyfourmillionBibles,children’sBibles,studyBibles,andotherscripturalbookstochurchesinAsia,LatinAmerica,Africa,andthroughouttheMuslimworld.Inaddition,wetrainedtwenty-twothousandpastorsandchurchleadersinhowtoleadtheircongregationsandstandstrongintheirfaithinthemidstofpersecutionanddiscrimination.
Inthelate1960s,whenthevisibilityofBrotherAndrew’sbest-sellingbookGod’sSmugglerpreventedhimfrompersonallyreturningtotheSovietUnionandEasternEurope,oneoftheplaceshefeltledtovisitwastheMiddleEast.Whathesawtroubledhim.MoreandmorehebegantospeakoutabouttheregionandparticularlyabouttheriseofMuslimfanaticism,whichhashadadramaticimpactontheChurchintheregion.HefeltitwascriticaltodowhateverhecouldtohelpstrengthentheChurchsoitcouldbealightinthemidstoftheunendingconflict.
Moreradically,BrotherAndrewalsosetouttoreachIsrael’senemieswiththegospelofJesusChrist.Sometimeshedidthiswithwords,sometimesbyshowingChristianloveandcompassion.Intheprocess,hechallengedthethinkingofthelocalChurch.
WhenIwasappointedpresidentofOpenDoorsin1995,itfreedBrotherAndrewtoconcentrateonthisregion.Thisbookdescribeshispilgrimage.Itdoesnotseektobepoliticalortakesides,eventhoughalotofattentionisgiventothesufferingofthedwindlingcommunityofChristiansamongthePalestinianpopulation.
ItisimportanttonotethatcommittedChristiansdisagreeonmanytheologicalissues,suchasspeakingintonguesoreternalsecurityorprophecy.TheissuesofIsraelandthelandcanbeamongthemostdivisive.We’vewrestledwiththiswithinOpenDoors,andwehavestaffmemberswhostandonbothsidesoftheissues.Still,weloveeachotherandworktogetherbecauseweshareahighercalltotheChurchofJesusChrist.
ItismyprayerthatthisbookwillstirthebodyofChristaroundtheworldtomorecompassionandprayerforthisdifficultpartoftheworld.ThecloserwecometothereturnofJesusChrist,themoreweneedtostandunited.BothJewishbelieversintheMessiahandtheirArabandPalestinianbrothersandsisterslivinginthelandneedourprayersandsupport.MaythisbookshowthewaytowhatIbelieveistheonlyhopeforpeaceintheMiddleEast—shiningthelightofJesusChristintothedarknessofthisterribleconflict.
PART1STRENGTHENWHATREMAINS
Atwisted,blackenedskeletonofsteelsmoldersinthemiddleofaJerusalemstreet.Sirensscream.Onlookersweep.Theannouncerreportsthatasuicidebomberhasstruckagaininacrowdedbus.
Howmanytimeshaveweseensuchimagesofterror?Havewebecomeimmunetosuchnews?Ithasbeengoingonforyears,andyetweknowit’snotover.Therewillberetaliation.Peoplewilldie.Therewillbeanotherattack.Morepeoplewilldie.
Willthiscycleofviolenceneverend?Andwhatdoesthismeanforus?
1THEHORROR
Jerusalem,September4,1997
KarenAlanhadfinishedhererrandsandwasreturningtoworkatthesecond-floorofficeofabuildingonBenYehudaStreet.Thepedestrianmallwaslinedwithcafesandshops.LocalJerusalemresidentsandtouristsstrolledalongthecobblestonestreetandsatatoutdoortablesenjoyingcoffeeandthepeopleshow.ForforeignvisitorsthiswasafavoritedestinationafterseeingtheOldCity,lessthanamileeastonJaffaRoad.Heretouristsshoppedformenorahs,mezuzahs,andembroideredyarmulkesor,formorediscerningtastes,originalJewishjewelry,art,andpottery.
WithinthisvibrantsectionofWestJerusalemsatKingofKingsCollege.[1]Justonemonthbefore,Karenhadstartedworkingthereasaneditorandtranslator.Shehurriedupthestairsafterlunch,eagertogetbacktowork.
AsKarenenteredtheofficeandsetherpurseonherdesk,anexplosionnearlyknockedheroffherfeet.Shegrabbedherdesktosteadyherself.Almostinstantlytherewasasecondexplosion,thenathirdevenmorepowerfulblastrockedthebuilding.
ForamomentKaren’searsrang.Shebracedherselfforanotherblast.Thensheheardofficematesyelling.Oh,myGod,thiscan’tbehappening,shethought.Sheturnedandhurriedwithseveralothersintoanofficewithawindowoverlookingthestreet.Asshepeeredouttoseewhathadhappened,shecouldhearshoutsandscreamsrisingfromthepavement.Thesightwashorrifying.Bodies,bothconsciousandunconscious,everyonecoveredwithblood,layinthestreetandonthesidewalks.Oneofthevictimsstruggledtohisfeetandstaggered
blindly,bloodflowingoverhiseyesfromagashinhishead.Afewwitnessesstoodfrozen.Otherswererunningfrantically.
Karen’smindcouldbarelyprocessallthesensoryinformation.Hereyesmovedtowardonespotwhereshecouldseethebloodylegsofoneofthebombers.Historsohadbeenblownapartintheblast.Shebecameawareofsounds.Carandstorealarmsscreamed.Acellphonerang,unanswered.Ambulanceandpolicesirensannouncedtheirarrival.Dustalongwiththesmellofexplosivesandburnedfleshchafedhernasalpassagesandcausedhereyestowater.Thefirstparamedicsdidtriageuntiladditionalhelparrived.Orderswereshouted.Policebegancorrallingthecrowd.
Suddenly,KarenrememberedherfriendShiri,whoshouldhavebeenreturningtoherofficenextdoor.Wherewasshe?Shewalkedbacktoherdeskanddialedherfriend’scellnumber,buttherewasnoanswer.Impulsivelyshehurrieddownthestairsandmovedthroughhorrifiedspectatorsinthelobbytothemainentrance,butapolicemanstoppedher.Abodylayrightoutsidethedoor.“Noonecanleave,”saidtheofficer.
InadazeKarenclimbedbackupthestairstoheroffice.Againshedialedherfriend’snumber,buttherewasnoanswer.Fearnearlychokedherasshetriedtothink.Allshecouldmanagewasaprayer,askingforherfriend’ssafety.Lord,mayShirinotbeoneofthosebodieslyinginthestreet.
Everyoneintheofficehadcongregatedatthewindowstowatchthemacabrescene.Severalright-wingactivistshadarrivedfromsomewhereandwerejustoutsidethepoliceline,chanting,“DeathtotheArabs!”Shenoticedthatallofthewindowssurroundingthemallwereshattered,exceptforthoseinheroffice.Howmanypeople,shewondered,hadbeenhurtbyflyingglass?
Karenbecameawarethatshewasshivering.Obviouslyshecouldn’twork,butsheneededtodosomething.Everyfewminutesshecalledherfriend’scellphonenumber.Eachtimetherewasnoanswer.Wherearethenearesthospitals?Shegrabbedaphonebookandstarteddialinghospitals.Noneofthemhadarecordofherfriendhavingbeenadmitted.Lookingagainoutthewindow,shebeganthinkingtheworst:WhatwillIdoifoneofthosescorchedbodiesishers?AmIreadyfortheworstkindofnews?Noway!Shefeltpanicrisingwithinher.Withallherwill,shepusheditdown.
Harderwijk,TheNetherlands
Afterwatchingtheeveningnews,Ipacedmyoffice,prayingforthevictimsofyetanotherterroristattackinIsrael.Iremindedmyselfthatforeverypersonwho
yetanotherterroristattackinIsrael.Iremindedmyselfthatforeverypersonwhodied,therewereparents,siblings,andfriendsinmourning.Foreveryinjuredperson,therewasafamilygatheredaroundahospitalbedweepingandpraying.Forthewitnesses,therewerenightmaresandthefearthatneverseemstogoaway.ThepeopleofIsraelwerereelingfromthehorrorsthathavestruckthemoverthelastseveralyears.
ForyearsI’dbeentravelingtotheMiddleEast,visitingchurchesinLebanon,Israel,WestBank,andGaza.WheneverIheardaboutanotherattack,Iwonderedifanybelieverswerecaughtinit.Christiansarenotimmunefromsuchhorrors,ofcourse.TheChurchcannotavoidthedangersofthesocietyinwhichitexists,butIwonderedhowChristianswerecopingwiththephysicalandemotionaltrauma.
IrecalledanotherterrifyingincidentinAugust1968,whenCzechoslovakiawasinvadedbytheSovietarmy.IwonderedhowtheinvasionwouldaffecttheChurch,soIloadedmyCitroenstationwagonwithRussianBiblesandChristianliteratureanddrovealldayfromHollandtotheCzechborder.ThereImetalongstreamofcarsleavingthecountry.ThousandsofpeoplewerefleeingtheSovietarmy.IwastheonlypersongoingintoCzechoslovakia.EventhoughIdidn’thaveavisa,theborderguardadmittedmeintothecountry,andthatnextSundayIpreachedinPrague.[2]
Iwasabouttoturnseventyyearsold.PeopleweresuggestingthatIshouldretire.Travelingintocombatzoneswasforyoungpeople.ButhowcouldIretirewhenmybrothersandsisterswerehurtingandtherewasachancethatIcouldhelp?ManywantedtorunawayfromtheconflictinIsrael.Iwantedtoruntoit.
Jerusalem
ItwasafterdarkwhenKarenreachedhomeandburiedherselfinherparents’arms.Televisionnewswasoninthelivingroom.Forafewminutesshewatchedthereports,unabletobelievethatshehadbeenthereandhadnarrowlyescapedwithherlife.Thefactshammeredthemselvesintoherconsciousness.ThreebombshadexplodedinthecrowdedpedestrianmallinWestJerusalem.Atleast7peopleweredeadand192injured,mostlyduetothousandsofnailspackedintheexplosives.Reportersagreedthatthishadbeenaparticularlyviciousattack.
Afewminuteslaterthephonerang.Herfatheranswered,thenhandedherthereceiver.“It’sShiri!”
“ThankGod!”wasallKarencouldsayforamoment.Throughhertears,shefinallysaid,“Iwassoafraidyouwereoutthere...”
“Iwasatthepostoffice,justafewhundredyardsaway,”Shiriexplained.“I
“Iwasatthepostoffice,justafewhundredyardsaway,”Shiriexplained.“Ididn’ttrytogobacktotheoffice;Ijustcamehome.”
Itwasashortconversation.Whatareliefandjoytoknowthatherfriendwassafe!ButthenKarenfeltweak.Sheturnedoffthetelevisionandslumpedintoanoverstuffedchair.HowcanIrejoicewhensomanyothersaremourning?Theinitialshockofthehorrorwaswearingoff,andnowthefeelingsandquestionsbegantoerupt.Shespokesomeofherthoughtsaloudtoherparents:“Howcouldthesemenbedrivenbysuchhate?Andwhy?”Shelookedintohermother’seyes.“JusttwominutesearlierandIwouldhavebeeninthatmall.WhydidGodspareme?”
Shebarelysleptthatnight.Tryingtoforcethehorribleimagesfromhermind,shemadeherselffocusonanyBibleversesshecouldrecall.FromEphesians6:12,sherecited,“Forourstruggleisnotagainstfleshandblood.”Todayshehadseenrealflesh-and-bloodcasualtiesintheseeminglynever-endingwarbetweenPalestiniansandIsraelis.Withrealbodieslyingonstonepavement,itwashardtothinkthatthiswasforemostaspiritualbattle.Butherfaithtoldherthiswasawarshecouldn’tfightphysically.ShehadtoallowGodtofightit.Herpartwastoprayandloveandembraceeveryone,justasGoddidher.Didshebelievethat?
Karenthoughtabouthowmuchshelovedhercountry.BornandraisedinJerusalem,shefeltprivilegedtoliveinIsraelandcompletelyathomewithinJewishsociety.WhatmadeherdifferentfrommostcitizenswasthatherfamilywasChristian.MostpeoplearoundherwereculturallyJewishandreligiouslysecular.
Herparentshadtaughthertobeacceptingofeveryone,andthoughshelivedinIsrael,shehadoftencrossedintoBethlehemandinteractedwithPalestinians.ThathadmotivatedhertotakeArabiccoursesinhighschool,followedbyayearstudyingthelanguageinJordan.Thenaboutsixmonthsago,shehadparticipatedinadesertencounterdesignedtobuildbridgesbetweenMessianicbelievers[3]andPalestinianChristians.ItwassponsoredbyMusalaha,anorganizationthatpromotesbiblicalreconciliation.KarenhadenjoyedtheopportunitytouseherArabicanddevelopnewrelationshipswithPalestinians.Clearly,notallofthemwerefilledwithhate;herArabfriendswerecompassionateandopentothe“otherside.”Today’seventscouldnotbeallowedtoundermineherfaithorherrelationships.Shewouldnotallowit!
Againsheasked,“Why,Lord,didYouspareme?”Shetriedtostillhermind,buttheprayercontinued:“WoulditnothavebeenbetterforYoutotakemeinplaceofsomeonewhodidnotknowYou?”Intheearlymorninghours,tearsflowedfreely.Karenknewtherewerenoanswerstoherquestions.“Lord,pleaseallowmetoseethissituationwithYoureyes.”SomehowsheandtheChristians
allowmetoseethissituationwithYoureyes.”SomehowsheandtheChristiansaroundheratchurchandtheBibleCollegehadtobelivingexamplesofGod’sgracetowardhumankind.Thatwouldn’tbeeasy,but,really,wasthereanyotherchoice?
Harderwijk,TheNetherlands
Onequestionparticularlytroubledmeaftereachsuicidebombing,oneI’dbeenaskingforyears:DidanyonepresentJesustothatyoungpersonwhoblewhimselfup?Whowasgoingtotheterrorists?Wasanyonepreparedtoconfrontthemandgivethemareasontolivethatwasgreaterthantheirmotivationtodie?HowcantheyknowaboutthePrinceofPeaceifnoonegoesandtellsthem?
ButareMuslimfundamentalistswhoarecommittedtothedestructionofIsraelreallywillingtolistentothegospel?
Howcanweknowifwedon’tgo,ifwedon’ttry?
2NOTAMINDLESSTERRORIST
Gaza,June9,2001
GazaCitywasadrearyplace.Ineverydirection,onecouldseegraycinderblockbuildings,mostwithoutanyarchitecturalembellishments.Halfamillionpeoplewerecrammedintoapartments,andtheonlywayformostfamiliestoexpandwastobuildup,byaddinganotherfloor.Butextremepoverty,causedbynearly70percentunemployment,showedintheskeletonsofunfinishedfloorsatopmanyhomes.
Apartfromthemainthoroughfares,manyofthestreetsconsistedofpackeddirt.Donkeycartsandspeedingtaxiskickedupafilmofdustthatcoveredpeople’sshoeswherevertheywalked.Therewerevirtuallynoparks,fewtrees,andnoplaygrounds.Kids,barefootorwearingworn-outsneakers,playedinthestreets.Occasionallytherewasasmall,rustyFerriswheelonasideroad.Usuallyanolderbrotheroruncleturneditbyhandastwoandsometimesmorechildrenfilledeachofthethreewoodenseatsonthericketystructure.
Foryears,manyresidentshavecalledtheGazaStriptheworld’slargestprison.Sincethestartofthesecondintifada[1]inSeptember2000,virtuallynoonehasbeenallowedtoleave.
TheMarnaHouse,anoldstatelymansion,providedarefreshingretreatfromtheubiquitousdust,aswellasfromthepovertyandbitternessofthepopulation.AgentleeveningbreezeblewofftheMediterraneanSea,justafewblockstothewest,rustlingthebranchesofpalmtreesinsidethewalledcompound.Narrowdirtpathswoundthroughagardenfilledwithbloomingflowers.Awoodpeckertappedloudlynearthetopofoneofthetrees,thenflewoveruswithanutinits
mouth.Besidesourlittleteam,therewasonlyoneothergroupstayingatthestatelyhotel—acrewfromBritishBroadcastingCorporation.Theirarmor-platedjeep,paintedinblueandwhiteandclearlyidentifyingitselfasbelongingtothepress,wasparkedinthedriveway.
Ahuge,ancientlocusttreeprovidedshadeoverthepatiowherewewaitedtomeetwithAbdul,arepresentativeofIslamicJihad.Hearrivedpreciselyat7:00andwalkedbrisklyupthebrickwalkway,wearingaplainwhitecaftanandsandalswithnosocks.Hisgrayhairwasthinningontop.Muchofhisbristlybeardwaswhite.Deepwrinklesframedhisdarkeyes.Asweshookhands,thoseeyesstaredintentlyintomineasthoughtryingtopeerintomysoul.Iintroducedhimtomyfriends—Al,awriterfromAmerica,andapastorfromBethlehem,whoservedasourinterpreter.
“Thankyouforcoming,”Isaidaswesatontheplasticpatiochairs.AbdulnoddedtoindicateIshouldquicklystatemyintentions.“Iwanttoarrangeameetingwithyourboss,”Isaid,referringtoSheikhAbdullahShami,theleaderofIslamicJihadinGaza.ImentionedamutualfriendwhohadconnectionswithHamas.“IhavegottentoknowseveraloftheleadersofHamas,andwehavetalkedopenlyaboutIslamandChristianity.IwashopingthatImightestablishasimilardialoguewithIslamicJihad.”
“WhodoyouknowinHamas?”Abdulasked.“IhavemetwithSheikhYassin[thefounderandspiritualleaderofHamas],
Dr.AbdulazizRantisi,MahmoudZahar,andmanyothers.”“Whatdoyouwishtodiscuss?”Hispiercinggazewasunrelenting.“IrepresentChristiansinHollandandtheWest.Iwanttohaveanexchangeof
perspectivesonfaith—IslamandChristianity.IwouldalsoliketoknowhisthoughtsaboutthePalestiniansituationandaboutthefutureforpeace.”
Abdulthoughtforamoment,thenreachedintohiscaftanandpulledoutacellphone.Hespeeddialedanumberandtalkedforacoupleofminutes.
Whilewewaited,IthoughtabouttherisksinvolvedinmeetingwithSheikhal-Shami.IrealizedthatIslamicJihad,likeHamas,wasaswornenemyofIsrael.Iwaswellawareoftheterribleactsforwhichtheyclaimedresponsibility.MorethanonceI’dbeenaccusedofbeinganti-IsraelbecauseIhadbefriendedherterroristenemies.Mydefensewassimple:“ThebestwayIcanhelpIsraelisbyleadingherenemiestoJesusChrist.”MypurposewastointroducethemtothePrinceofPeace,theonlyOnewhocouldcuretherageintheirhearts.
HowcouldtheypossiblymeetJesusChristifsomeoneinwhomHedwellsdidn’tgotothem?PerhapsthroughmyactionsIcould,insomesmallway,bridgethegapingchasmbetweenIsraelandthePalestiniansandbetween
bridgethegapingchasmbetweenIsraelandthePalestiniansandbetweenChristiansandMuslims.
SowouldtheleaderofIslamicJihadmeetwithme?Abdulflippedhisphoneshutandannounced,“Hewillseeyoutomorrowafternoon.Iwillpickyouupat3:00.”
“Thankyou.Maymytwofriendscomeaswell?”“Ofcourse.”Abdulseemedtorelax,hisofficialdutiesfulfilled.Heleanedback,
pulledoutapackofcigarettes,removedone,andtappeditonthetablebetweenusashesaid,“NowIwouldliketoaskyousomequestions.”
“Whatsortofquestions?”Iasked.“AboutChristianityandtheBible,”hereplied.“Ihavespentnineteenyearsin
prison.Iwasfirstarrestedin1971.Iwasfreedin1985aspartofaprisonerexchange.Iwasarrestedagainin1988andseveralmoretimessince.Whenyouspendthatmuchtimeinprison,youhavealotoftimetothink.”
IwonderedifAbdulhadbeenimprisonedforterroristactivities.Orwashekeptinadministrativedetention,asIknewthousandsofPalestinianswere?Regardless,prisonershadlittlephysicalactivity,which,unlesstheydeterminedtousetheirtimeproductively,providedopportunityfortheirhatredtofesterandgrow.
Abdulleanedforwardtosay,“Youtalkaboutthefutureofpeace.ThesolutionisIslam!Ireachedthatconclusioninprison.”Heleanedback,lithiscigarette,andadded,“IreadtheBibleinprison.IalsoreadtheQuranandthat’swhenIdecidedtobecomeaMuslim.”
“YouwerenotaMuslimalready?”“Culturally,IwasaMuslim.Notintellectually.However,Ihavequestions
abouttheBibleandChristianity,andmaybeyoucananswerthem.”Iopenedmyhandsonthetable,invitinghimtoaskwhateverhewished.Hedidn’taskanythingatfirstbutratherlaunchedintoapassionatespeech.
“Mostpeopledon’tunderstandIslamicJihad.We’renotatallhowthemediarepresentus.Whatwe’redealingwithisalotlikewhatJesusfaced.”Imusthaveregisteredsurprisebecausehequicklyadded.“That’sright.WerevereJesus.Hewasagreatprophet.ButtheJewsdidn’tlistentoHim.Jesussymbolizedforusourstruggles.WhenIreadtheInjil,[2]IidentifiedwithJesus.MyproblemiswiththeOldTestament.Forexample,inthebookofJoshua,howcouldGodordertheJewstogointoJerichoandkilleverylivingperson,includingwomenandchildrenandalltheanimals?Andyetwearecondemnedifoneofourpeople,fightingforourlandthatwastakenfromus,killsafewcivilians.Canyouexplaintomethedifference?”
MyfriendsandIweresurprisedbytheintensityofAbdul’swords.MorecalmlythanIfelt,Itriedtoanswerhisquestion.“Youhavetounderstandthecontext,”Iexplained,choosingmywordscarefully.“Thepeoplelivinginthelandthenwereidolworshiperswhopracticedchildsacrificeamongtheirmanywickedacts.Godgavethemfourhundredyearstochangetheirways.Whentheydidn’t,beingGod,HehadtherighttowipethemoutandreplacethemwiththepeopleofHischoosing.”
“Butthatisnotthesituationtoday,”Abdulsaid.“Wearenotpagans.”“Youarecorrectthatthisisnotthesamesituation.TheordersGodgave
Joshuawereunique.”Abdulcrushedtheremainderofhiscigaretteandlitanother.“Maybeyoucan
explainthistome.WhydotheChristianZionistssupportIsraelsostrongly?Iwouldliketounderstand.”
“Youaskmehardquestions!”IlaughedandforthefirsttimeAbdulsmiledforaninstant.“LetmefirstsaythatnotallChristiansareZionists.TherearetwofactorsatworkformanyChristians.Oneisguilt.”HereIbrieflyexplainedhow,forthemostpart,theChurchintheWestdidn’triseupandprotestthekillingofJewsduringtheHolocaust.“Afterthewar,manyChristiansbelievedthatitwasnecessarytogivetheJewsaplaceoftheirownsothattheywouldnolongerbeatthemercyofaruthlesstyrantlikeHitler.
“Thesecondfactorconcernstheology.TherearemanyChristianswhobelievethatGodispreparingtheworldfortheendtimesandthatthenationofIsraelisthefulfillmentofmanyprophecies.Theyconcludethatiftheydon’tsupportIsrael,theyareresistingGod’splans.”
“IhaveheardthatinthebookofZechariahthelasttwochaptersarebeingfulfilledtoday.Doyoubelievethat?”
ObviouslyAbdulhadreadtheMinorProphets.“NowyouaskmetoexplainoneofthetoughestpassagesintheBible.Thosechaptersareindeedaboutthelastdays.WebelievethatJesuswillruleoveralltheearth,asitsaysinZechariah14:9.Idon’tneedtoremindyouthatMuslimsbelievethisaswell.ButwhetherthepresentstateofIsraelisreferencedintheseverses,well,Christiansdonotagreeonthat.”
Abdulconsideredmywords.Foramoment,IalmostfeltthatIwasinaBiblestudywithaneagerandseriousuniversitystudent.Thisman’sinterestintheBibleseemedgenuine.Finally,hesaid,“IdonotbelievetheprophetistalkingaboutthisIsrael.”Thenheaddedatwist.“IfIbelievedtheOldTestament,thenI’dbeasettler.”Iwassurprisedbythepassionofhisstatement—similartothe
fervorIfoundinmanyJewishsettlersinWestBankandGaza.Abdulstood,preparingtoleave.“Youknowallwewantispeace!”
Istoodwithhimandasked,“DoyoureallybelievethewaysofIslamicJihadwillproducepeace?”
Abdulshrugged.“Inshallah.WithhelpfromAllah.”ItwasatypicalArabresponse,invokingthenameofGodwhenhedidn’treallywanttoanswerthequestion.
Iletitpass,saying,“Ihaveagiftforyou.”Ipulledabookoutofmysatchel.“Idobelievethereishopeforrealpeace,butitisnotfoundinterroristmethods.RealpeaceisfoundthroughthepersonofJesuswhomyousoadmire.I’dlikeyoutohavethis.”IhandedhimacopyofmybookGod’sSmugglerinArabic,saying,“ThiswilltellyoumoreaboutmeandwhatIdo.ItmayalsohelpyoubetterunderstandChristianity.”
Heacceptedthebookwithacurtnod,saying,“Iwillreadit.”Thenhequicklywalkedaway.
AlandthePalestinianpastorsatinstunnedsilence.Finally,Alcommentedthathewasamazedattheman’sopenness.
“Why?”Iasked.“He’sathinker.Heseemstobegenuinelysearching.”“Youaresurprisedthatheisahumanbeinglikeyouandme?Perhapsitis
easiertothinkofhimasamindlessterrorist.ThatwilldonothingtohelpsolvetheproblemsoftheMiddleEast.”[3]
LaterasIlayonmybed,aceilingfantryinglistlesslytomovethehot,humidairinmystuffyroom,IthoughtabouthowAl’sresponsewastypicalofmanyWesternChristians.ThenewsmediararelyputafaceonIslamicfundamentalistgroupsinGazaandWestBank.Thereforefewpeoplestoppedtothinkthatthesemen,likepeopleeverywhere,hadfamilies,dreams,andfears.Abdulwasmarried,andhe’dtoldusthathehadsevenyoungchildren.Icouldimaginehimathome,sittingonhissofawithatoddlersnuggleduptohimoneachside.Thiswasn’thowmostofuschosetothinkofaseniormemberofIslamicJihad.Iwonderedhowmanyofhiscolleagueswerealsostrugglingtofigureoutthemeaningoflife.Formany,theironlysourceofenlightenmentwasIslam.
Ithoughtaboutmycallinginlife,howGodhadreachedoutandtouchedmeasanangry,frustratedyoungsoldierlaidupinahospital.HowhadIreachedthispointofinteractingwithsomeofthemostfearedIslamicorganizationsintheworld?Itcertainlyhadbeenastrangeandunexpectedjourney.Unabletosleep,myminddriftedbackmorethanthirtyyearstomyfirsttriptotheHolyLand.
3WHEREWASTHECHURCH?
Jerusalem,1968
Thiswassupposedtobeavacation.DuringthepasttwelvemonthsIhadbeenbusypromotingmyfirstbook,God’sSmuggler,whichsurprisedmebybecomingabest-seller.ThebooktoldaboutmyworktakingBiblesbehindtheIronCurtain.ThemessageandhighprofileofthatbookpreventedmefromreturningtoEasternEuropeandtheSovietUnionbecauseIcouldnotriskendangeringmyfriendsthere.However,theOpenDoorsteamskeptbusypackingvansandtrucks,transportingBiblesandotherdesperatelyneededresourcestoCzechoslovakia,Poland,Romania,andtheSovietUnion.Becauseofmybook,theministryhaddramaticallyincreased,leavingmeexhausted.Familyandfriendsurgedmetogetawayforarest.IchoseasmydestinationIsrael,wheremyLordwasbornandlivedanddiedforme.
Thusfarthetriphadinvigoratedmyspirit.Ihaddrivenupanddownthecountry,stayingatkibbutzim,[1]walkingthebeachalongtheMediterranean,andenjoyingtheruggedbeautyandsilenceoftheNegevdesert.OccasionallyIsawburned-outtrucks,evidenceofthewarayearearlierwhenSyria,Jordan,andEgyptattackedIsrael.BrieflyIhadconsideredvolunteeringfortheIsraeliarmytohelpdefendthisland—inanoncombatantrole,suchasadriver—butthewarhadendedinjustsixremarkabledays.Whenthedusthadsettled,IsraelhadconqueredtheGolanHeights,WestBank,EastJerusalem,andGaza.Iwasfascinatedbytheresourcefulnessandresilienceofthistwenty-year-oldnation.Trulyitsexistencewasamiracle.
Now,withmytripnearingitsconclusion,IvisitedYadVashem,theHolocaustmuseuminJerusalem.Strollingthroughthedarkhalls,Istudiedartifactsand
museuminJerusalem.Strollingthroughthedarkhalls,Istudiedartifactsandlargeblack-and-whitephotographsdocumentingthesystematicdestructionofsixmillionJews.Theimageswerehaunting,particularlythoseofchildren.Oneshowedaboy,abouteightyearsold,intheWarsawghetto.Hewaswearingshorts,overcoat,andasnap-brimcap,andhehadhishandsraisedbecauseaNazisoldierbehindhimwaspointingagunathim.Anotherimageshowedhalfadozenchildren,includingalittlegirlwringingherhands,hersadeyesglancingawayfromthecamera.ThecaptionreportedtheywerebeingtransportedtothegaschambersatAuschwitz.
Ifoughtbacktears.Wehadtoremember.Wehadtolearnthelessonsofhistory.InthelatefiftiesIhadseenAuschwitz,Buchenwald,andDachau,wheremanyDutchJewsandresistersweresent.IhadvisitedAuschwitzwithmyfriendandmentorSidneyWilson—he’dbeenimprisonedforfivelongyearsinanearbydetentioncampwithotherforeignmissionarieswhohadservedinWesternEuropeuntiltheoutbreakofwar.AswewereleavingAuschwitz,wewereaskedtosignaguestbook.Sidneywroteinit,“ThisshowshowfarmancangoifheliveswithoutGodinthisworld.”
Hadwelearnedthatcruciallessonofthetwentiethcentury,thatlifewithoutGodleadsonlytounspeakableevil?
AsIleftthemuseum,IstoppedattheHallofRemembrance,acavernousstoneroomwhere,imbeddedinthefloor,werethenamesoftwenty-twoconcentrationcamps.Aneternalflamecastaneerielightoverthenames.“Sothatwemayneverforget,”saidthewordsonthewallabovetheflame.Icouldn’thelpbutthinkofanotherdeclaration:“Thelightshinesinthedarkness,butthedarknesshasnotunderstoodit”(John1:5).
MymindchurnedasIwalkedfromthedarknessofthemuseumintothebrightsunshine.IstrolledtowardagroveofolivetreesthatmadeuptheAvenueoftheRighteousamongtheNations.AtthebaseofeverytreewasasmallplaquebearingthenameofaGentilewhosavedJews,oftenatthecostofhisorherownlife.IfoundthetreededicatedtoCorrietenBoom—plantedearlierthatyear—andbreathedaprayerofthanksformydearfriend,whowithherfamilyhadhiddenmanyJewsintheirfour-storyhomeinHaarlem.Herfatherhaddiedinprisonshortlyaftertheywerearrested.Corrieandhersister,Betsie,weresenttoRavensbruck,wheretheyboldlycomfortedtheirfellowinmateswithwordsfromaBibletheymanagedtosmugglepasttheguards.Betsiediedinthecamp,butCorriesurvivedandwastellingherstoryaroundtheworld.ThetenBoomfamilyhadcertainlybeenalightinthemidstofthedarkness.
ButthetenBooms’lightseemedsolittle!Thereweretoofewcandlesforsogreatadarkness.Ifoundabenchandsattoreflect.ThesetreesrepresentedmanyChristians,buttheywereonlyafewhundredamongthemillionsofChristiansthroughoutGermanyandEurope.Whydidn’ttheChurchriseupinprotest?Didn’titknowwhatwashappening?
Ofcourseitknew!IthoughtofPastorPaulSchneider.In1938he’dbeenarrestedandsenttoBuchenwald,wherehecausedaconstantdisturbancewithhisboldpreachingandverbalattacksagainsttheNaziregime.Hewasplacedinanisolation/torturecellbecausehewouldn’tkeepquiet.OnEasterSunday,hismightyvoicethunderedthroughhiscellbars,“ThusspeakstheLord:Iamtheresurrectionandthelife!”Thousandsofpeoplestandingoutdoorsinlongrowsthoughttheyhadheardavoicefromanotherworld,likethatoftheprophetJohntheBaptist.ThevoicewassilencedwhenS.S.guardsstormedintohiscellandbeathimtodeath.Whentheycarriedhisbodyout,therewasnotaboneunbroken.OneCommunistprisonercommented,“Wewouldn’tneedsocialismandwewouldn’tneedCommunismifwehadmorepeoplelikePaulSchneider.”
HundredsofpastorsattendedSchneider’sfuneral.[2]ThestoryofhisboldnesswasashoutthroughouttheChurch.ButclearlyithadnotbeenenoughtorousemanyChristians—notenoughofthemprotestedwhatwashappeningtotheJews;notenoughJewsweresaved.Duringtheseyears,darknessoverwhelmedthelight.
Ordidit?Candarknesseverdefeatlight?Thelightcangrowdimandevenbesnuffedoutbutneverbydarkness.Lightalwaysconquersdarkness.Butifthereisnolight...ThatwasthestruggleIsensedinmyspirit.Allovertheworldtherewereconflicts,andintheirmidstchurchesexisted—somewerebarelysurviving,butothersweretryingtolightcandlestoconquerthedarknessaroundthem.
IthoughtofthedramaticdayinWarsawwhenthousandsofyoungCommunistshadmarchedpasttheparkwhereIsat.IopenedmyBibletothesamepassagethathadcapturedmyheartin1955,Revelation3:2:“Wakeup!Strengthenwhatremainsandisabouttodie.”InPolandIknewthatGodwasspeakingtome,butIhadnomoneyandnoideaabouthowtoproceed.Miraculously,soonafterthatexperience,Imadeanothertrip,thistimetoCzechoslovakia.Livingbyfaithforallofmyresources,IspentthenexttwelveyearsvisitingchurchesintheCommunistworld.InmostCommunistcountries,theChurchwasoppressedbecauseitwasperceivedasathreattotheevilpowersthatdominatedthosecountries.IlearnedtheChurch’sneedsanddidwhateverIcouldtohelpstrengthenhermemberssothattheChurchcouldbewhatGodintendedhertobe—alightinthemidstoftheCommunistdarkness.
intendedhertobe—alightinthemidstoftheCommunistdarkness.IhadassumedthispartoftheworldwouldbewhereIwouldworkfortherest
ofmylife,butnowin1968thedoorwasclosedformetoreturntothosecountries.SowhatshouldIdo?IlookedagainatthepassageinRevelation.ItwasChrist’smessagetothechurchinSardis,oneofsevenmessagestosevenchurchesinchapters2and3.
Ireadthroughallsevenmessages.Twopointsjumpedoutatme—theywereinallsevenofGod’smessagestothechurches.Thefirstwas“Hewhohasanear,lethimhearwhattheSpiritsaystothechurches.”DidGodhaveourears,orwasiteasiertogiveonlyourheartstoJesus?Thiswasimportant.GodhadamessageforeachofthesevenchurchesinAsiaMinor.DidHealsohaveamessageforchurchestoday?Ifso,whatwasHesayingtotheChurchinIsraelandtheMiddleEast?
Thesecondstatementsentashiverdownmyspine.“Tohimwhoovercomes...”Icouldn’thelpwondering,Whataboutthechurchthatdoesn’tovercome?Clearlytheimplicationwasthatindividualchurchescoulddie.InfactmostofthesevenchurchesaddressedinRevelationnolongerexisted.
SowhatwasGodsayingtome?Therewasworkformetodohere,butwhatwasthatwork?IwasexcitedaboutIsrael,hermiraculousexistence,herdramaticvictoryintheSixDayWar.Butherenemiesremained;hersecuritywasnotassured.Andinhermidst,therewasaChurch—thebodyofChrist,whomHecalledHisBride.Whatwashercondition?Whatrolewasshetoplayinthisyoungnation?
Duringthisvacation,I’dseennumerousoldchurchesbuiltoverlocationswhereJesussupposedlywasborn,lived,died,androseagain.Touristsflockedtothesehistoricsites—theseancientbuildingsbuiltofstone.Butmyconcernwaswiththelivingstones.WasthereavibrantChristiancommunityinIsrael?WhatabouttherestoftheMiddleEast?IknewthenthatmymissionwastoseekoutthelivingChurchintheMiddleEast,learnaboutherconditionandneeds,anddowhateverIcouldtostrengthenher.
Gaza,June10,2001
Itwaspastmidnight.Theceilingfanturnedlazilyaboveme,throwingsoftpatternsonthestonewallsfromthelightcomingthroughmywindow.Thirty-threeyearshadpassedsincethatdayatYadVashem,andtodaytheconflictintheMiddleEastseemedmoreintensethanever.Theunendingconflictsickenedme,butwhathurtevenmorewasknowingthatmybrothersandsisterswere
caughtinthemidstofthefighting.BelieversinJesusChristlivedinIsrael,theWestBank,andGaza.TheywereMessianicJews,Arab-Israelicitizens,andPalestinians,andmostofthemhadstrongthoughtsabouttheconflict.Besidespoliticalopinions,thereweretheologicaldifferences.ManyJewishbelieversinYeshuafeltallofthelandwasrightfullytheirs.PalestinianChristians,particularlythosefromwhomZionistsettlershadtakenland,oftencomplainedaboutinjustices.ManyJewsfeltthattheywereGod’schosenpeoplewithspecialprivilegesavailabletonoothergroup.ManyPalestiniansfelttheyweresecond-classcitizensinIsrael;andworse,withnorightsatallintheWestBankandGaza.
MycallwastostrengthentheChurchintheMiddleEast.CouldIdoitwithoutgettingcaughtinthecrossfireofdeeplyheldconvictions?Wasitpossibleforbelieverstoriseabovetheirdifferencesandexperienceunitytostandagainsttheevildarkness?Thiswasn’taninsignificantissue.LikemostChristians,IhadreadthebookofRevelation.Iknewallaboutthevariousinterpretationsandend-timestheories,mostoftheminvolvingthispieceofland.Therehadbeenmanybooksonprophecy,mostrecentlythebest-sellingLeftBehindseries.ManypeoplewantedtointerpretnewseventsfromtheMiddleEastinlightofthepropheciesoftheBible.
Ididmybesttostayoutofthesecontroversies,becausetherewasoneveryimportantpointthatwasoftenmissedaboutthelastbookoftheBible.ThisbookwaswrittentoaChurchinconflictaboutaChurchcaughtinconflict.ThereweremartyrsinheavencryingouttoGod,“Howlong?”(Rev.6:9–10).Therecouldn’tbemartyrswithoutaChurch.TherewasadescriptionofthosewhoovercamebythebloodoftheLamb(12:11).ThatwastheChurch!Therewasthewomandrunkwiththebloodofthesaints—andsaintsmakeuptheChurch(17:6).AndtheangeltoldJohnthattherewouldbeonefinalwaragainsttheLamb.ThiswarwouldbeagainsttheChurch,thebodyofChrist(v.14).
WhileGodsetthetimeofHisSon’sreturn,IwasconvincedthatthepropheciesofRevelationcouldneverbefulfilledwithoutaChurchintheMiddleEast.ThatwaswhyIworkedsohardhere.TherewasaChurch,butitwasweakandatthepointofdeath.
Ididn’tfeelitwasmyresponsibilitytosolvetheproblemsintheMiddleEast,andbesidesitwasludicroustothinkIcoulddoso,butIwasconvincedthattherewasacontributionthattheChristiancommunitycouldmake.Perhapsitwasonlytobelight.IfIcouldhelptheChurchintheMiddleEastrecognizethistruthandencourageChristianstobefaithfuleventhoughitwashard,thatwouldbe
success.Unfortunately,manyChristians,giventhechance,werefleeingthearea.Itwashardtofaultthem,andyetiftheyallleft,wherewouldbethelightinthemidstofthedarkness?
IthadtakenmemanyyearstolearnhowtoencouragemybrothersandsistersintheMiddleEast.ManyoftheselessonswerelearnedinLebanon,tothenorthofIsrael.ForfifteenyearstheMiddleEastconflictwasfocusedthere,andtheChurchwascaughtinthemiddle.IwastoldthatArabnewspaperswrotedefiantly:“Wehavekilled100,000ChristiansinLebanonandnooneraisedafinger;nochurchintervened.”
EveniffewChristianstriedtobringtheirfaithtobearinLebanonduringthosefifteenyearsofcivilwar,IhadfeltIhadtogetinvolved.
PART2LEBANON
SeekingPeaceinanUncivilWar
Christiansarenotimmunetotheimpactofconflict.Whenbulletsflyandbombsexplode,churchescanbedamagedordestroyed,andbelieversinJesusChristcanbeinjuredorkilled.Inthissense,theChurchreflectsthecommunityinwhichitexists.
However,theChurchisalsosupposedtobealightinthedarkness,butit’shardtofulfillyourmissionwhenyouarefightingforyourverysurvival.ManyChristiansdespairandeventuallyfleetoaplacewhereit’seasiertolive.Butthosewhostay,whowanttobepartofthesolution,fightdespair.Astheystruggle,theyneedencouragement.Theyneedtoknowthattheirbrothersandsistersaroundtheworldareconcernedforthemandarepraying.
MymissionhasbeentostrengthentheChurchwhereitstrugglesforitssurvival.I’mnotinterestedinsimplyphysicalsurvival—thatisadefeatistattitude.Instead,IwanttohelpChristiansescapetheirvictimmentality.Iwanttoseethemtrained,readytoadvanceandgetonwiththejobofwinningpeopletoJesus.
Buthowdoesonegoaboutthat?Ibeginwiththeleaders.Theyaretheoneswhomustbestrongfortheirflock,topreachthesermonsthatwillequiptheircongregations,topraywiththosewhoarefrightened,andtocomfortthefamiliesastheyburythosekilledintheconflict.Butthesepastorsandministryleadersarealsosufferingfromthetraumaoflivinginawarzone.Howcantheyministertoothersiftheirownneedsarenotmet?
That’swhyIwenttoLebanonduringthecivilwarthatragedfrom1975to
That’swhyIwenttoLebanonduringthecivilwarthatragedfrom1975to1990—toministertothosewhominister.Iwenttoencouragebutalsotolistenandlearn.OneyoungmanImet,NajiAbi-Hashem,trainedforthepastorateasthebombsraineddownonBeirut.
4WEEPINGFORLEBANON
Mansouriyeh,Lebanon,1979
NajiAbi-HashemweptashegazedatBeirutfromtheroofoftheclassroombuildingatArabBaptistTheologicalSeminaryinthemountaintownofMansouriyeh.Fromthewoodsbehindhim,hecouldhearandfeeltherumblingconcussionsofcannonsfiredbytheSyrianarmy.Afewhundredmetersbelowhim,EastBeirutwasshroudedinblacksmokefromfourdaysofunrelentingbombardment.Theseminarywasclosedbecauseofthefighting,butNaji,withahandfulofstrandedprofessorsandstudents,wastrapped,unabletotraveltohisparents’homeinAleyortohissister’sapartmentinBeirut.Hisnerveswerefrayedandhecouldn’tcontroltheflowoftearsashethoughtofthepeopledyinginthecitybelowhim.
Theskinnytwenty-six-year-oldseminarystudentthoughtabouthowthefightinghaddestroyedhisbelovedcountryandalteredthecourseofhisandsomanyotherlives.NajihadgrownupinAley,theeconomiccenteroftheShouf,themountainsthatrisemajesticallyaboveBeirutandtheMediterranean.AlongwithBhamdoun,Aleylayattheheartofanareawheresummerresorts,hotels,andrestaurantsattractedallsortsoftourists,includingwealthysheikhsfromcountrieslikeQatar,SaudiArabia,andKuwait.Thewealthiestvacationershadbuiltmansionsandtheirownprivatemosque,whichwasopenonlyduringthesummermonths.Servingthis“SwitzerlandoftheMiddleEast”wasapopulationthatmodeledculturalintegrationandreligiouscooperation.Naji’sfamilywasdevoutEasternOrthodox,buthehadattendedaMaroniteCatholicschool,wheretwo-thirdsofthestudentswereDruze,asectofIslamlocatedmostlyin
Lebanon.HisfriendsincludedDruze,Muslims,andJews.Butnowthosegroupswerefightingoneanother.Najiwasconvincedthiswasduetooutsideinterferenceandpoliticalmanipulation.
NajihadlefthomeattheageoffifteentoattendaboardingschoolinBeirut,wherehestudiedelectronics.Aftersixyearsoftraining,he’dobtainedajobatthehospitaloftheAmericanUniversityinBeirutasamedicaltechnician.Thatmadehimthemajorproviderforhisfamily,andhismotherandseveralsiblingshadmovedfromAleytolivewithhiminanapartmentinBeirut.Soonthereafterthefightingstarted,andtheirEastBeirutapartmentwasdestroyed,forcingthefamilytomoveseveraltimes.SincethehospitalwasinWestBeirut,Najioftenlivedatthehospitalforweeksonendbecauseitwasimpossibletocrossoverthegreenlinethatdividedthe“Christian”Eastfromthe“Muslim”West.Thegreenlinewasano-man’szonethatgaineditsnamefromthewildshrubsandtreesthathadovergrowntheabandonedstripduringthewar.
Ashesoughttosurviveandpursuehisdreams,Najialsowrestledwithtoughspiritualissues.Throughtheinfluenceofhisgodlygrandmother,sixyearswiththeBoyScouts,andanevangelicalmissioninBhamdoun,NajihadtotallycommittedhislifetoJesusChrist.Nowhismindworkedovertimetoprocessmanyquestions:WherewasGod’splaninthemidstofsuchviolence?HowandwhenwouldGodinterveneandtransformthesetragediesintogood?Besidesthephysicalwoundsandmassivepropertydestruction,howdeepweretheemotionalscarsontheLebanesepopulation?WhatshouldChristiansdotoprovidelightinthisdarkness?Najiwantedanswersfirstforhistormentedmindandachingsoul,knowingthatthenhemightbeabletoprovidecomforttoothers.HereadextensivelyintheBibleandmanyothersourcesbutfoundithardtoconcentrate.
HeconcludedthatheneededtoescapeforaperiodfromthewarzoneofBeirutandstudyattheseminaryinMansouriyeh,buthowwouldheprovideforhisfamily?Thequestionwasansweredprovidentiallywhenhewasofferedthejobofdirectorofprogrammingatarecordingstudio,whichwassituatedontheseminarycampus.
Butfornow,therewerenoclassesattheseminary.AterribleachecoursedthroughNajiashewatchedBeirutburn.Hewonderediftherewouldbeanycityleftforhimtoministerinwhenhegraduatedfromseminary.Neverhadhefeltsohelpless.Inagony,heprayed,“Lord,won’tYousaveLebanon?Usemeinsomewaytohelpbringhealingtothisnation.”
PressureinLebanonhadbuiltforyears,buttheexplosionoffightingwasstill
PressureinLebanonhadbuiltforyears,buttheexplosionoffightingwasstillashock.Theproblemsdatedbacktothebirthofthenationin1943,whentheFrenchgranteditsindependenceandsetupagovernmentstructurebasedonreligiousdemographics.ThemajorityMaronites,aCatholicsectthatworshipedusinganEasternriteliturgy,werepromisedthepresidencyandthemostseatsinthelegislature.In1948Palestinianrefugees,mostofthemSunniMuslims,pouredintothecountryfromIsrael,upsettingthedelicatebalanceofpower.MorePalestiniansarrivedin1970,whenJordanexpelledmilitants(thePalestineLiberationOrganizationorPLO)followinganassassinationattemptonKingHusseinandviolentclashesbetweentheJordanianarmyandPalestinianforcesduringwhatbecameknownasBlackSeptember.Since1969thePalestinianshadusedsouthernLebanonastheirbaseforlaunchingraidsintoIsrael,whichnaturallyledtoretaliation.TheLebanesevillagers,caughtinthecrossfire,sufferedterriblybutdidnothavethemusclepowertostopthePalestinianprovocations.
MeanwhileinthePalestinianrefugeecampsofBeirut,YasserArafatsetupPLOheadquarters,effectivelyformingaministatewithinLebanon.Tensionssmoldered,aggravatedbythefactthatsomeLebaneseMuslims,seeinganopportunitytograbsomeofthepoliticalpowerheldbytheMaronites,alignedwiththePalestinians.
Openwarfareeruptedin1975betweenthePalestiniansandagroupknownasthePhalangists,consistingofMaroniteChristians,andquicklyexpandedtoincludeotherfactions.AttherequestofLebanon’spresident,Syriaenteredin1976inanattempttoendtheconflict.Meanwhile,IsraelthreatenedtoinvadeandwipeoutthePLO.TheconflictwashardforaWesternertofollow,butsomehowmostlocalsseemedtoknowwhowasfightingwhom.[1]Whatbrokemyheartwashowthemajorityofordinarypeoplesuffered.WorkingprimarilythroughtheBibleSociety,Istartedgoingonceortwiceayeartovisitpastors,preachinchurchesandevangelisticcampaigns,andgenerallytoencourageanyandallbelieversinChristtobestronginthemidstoftheconflict.
SouthernLebanon,1980
Matousha,asmalltownjustafewmilesfromtheIsraeliborder,feltdeserted.Emptyhousesandapartmentbuildings,manywithgapingholesinroofandwalls,guardedsecretsofthefamilieswhohadfledfortheirlives.Wheremanychildrenshouldhaveplayedfootballinanopenlot,asingleboylistlesslykickedrocks.Halfadozensoldiersloungedatthecentralintersection,curiouslyeyeingmeandmyplasticshoppingbag.Iwasn’tsureiftheywerePLOorfromamixed
meandmyplasticshoppingbag.Iwasn’tsureiftheywerePLOorfromamixedLebanesemilitia.
“DoesanyonespeakEnglish?”Iaskedthegroup,morecheerfullythanIfelt.Themenjabberedamongthemselvesandlaughed,almostcertainlyatthis
strange-lookingDutchman’sexpense.Onesaid,“NospeakEnglish.”Thenhepointedatmybag.
IpulledoutArabicBiblesandNewTestamentsandstartedhandingthemtothesoldiers.OneofthemenlookedataBibleandhandeditback,“Wedon’twanttheIsraelbook.WewanttheJesusbook.”
IputtheBiblebackinmybagandgavehimaNewTestament.“ThisisInjil,”Isaid,usingtheArabicwordforgospel.IthenhandedoutArabictracts,whichthemeneagerlyaccepted.Theylookedbored,readyforsomethingtoreadandperhapsdiscussinthoseearlymorninghoursduringthetenselullsinfightingwhenasoldier’sfearsaboutlifeanddeathambushhisconsciousness.
ForyearsPalestinianshadshelledIsraelicommunitiesacrosstheborder.Naturally,Israelhadrespondedwithpowerfulcounterattacks,andtheLebanesepeoplecaughtinthemiddlewerethevictims.Thosecivilianswhocouldfledtothenorth.
Iknewthatatonetimetherehadbeenanevangelicalchurchhere,andIwonderedifIcouldfindit.Anoldcoupleshufflingupthestreetcaughtmyattention.Thewomanworeagraywoolskirt,ablacksweater,andascarfaroundherhead.Themanwasdressedinashabbybrownsuitandabrightredflannelshirt.Withawarmgreeting,Iapproachedthem.ThemanspokesomeEnglish,soIasked,“Isthereachurchhere?”
“Come.Iwillshowyou,”hesaid.Threeblocksoffthemainstreetwestoppedinfrontofaruinedbuilding.“Thisisthechurchthatdoesn’tworkanymore,”saidtheman.
TherooflookedlikeSwisscheese.Gapingholesinthewallsallowedmetoseethroughtothehillontheotherside.“Whatasadbuilding,”Isaid.
“Yes,sad.Tragedy,”themanagreed.“Whenwasthisdestroyed?”Themanshrugged.“Someyearsago.”“Sowheredothepeoplemeet?”“Nomeet.AlltheChristiansgone.”Ilookedatthecoupleandwonderedhowoldtheywere.Everywrinkleseemed
torepresentanuntoldstoryofpain.“Youarestillhere.Shouldn’tyouleave?It’snotsafe.”
“Thereisnoplacetogo,”themansaid,shrugginghisshouldersagain.“Thisis
“Thereisnoplacetogo,”themansaid,shrugginghisshouldersagain.“Thisisourhome.”
Asthemanandhiswifewalkedaway,Isteppedoverstonesandbrokenconcreteintothesanctuaryandgazedupthroughtheroof.Limbsoftreeshadpushedtheirwaythroughthewalls.Thefloorwascoveredwithrubble.Thepewsweregone—perhapsremovedforfirewood.Carefully,soasnottotwistanankleontheunevenrubble,Imademywaytotheremainsoftheplatform.Iwonderedaboutthecongregation.Howmanyhadworshipedhere?Wherehadtheygone?PerhapssomehadsoughtrefugeinBeirut.OthersmayhavehadrelativesintheWest,andsotheyhadfledtosafetyinEuropeortheAmericas.Iknewmanyfamilieshadbeenforcedtosplitupandscatterindifferentdirections.Hadanydiedhereintheconflict?Whataboutthepastor—wherewashenow?Washepreachingsomewhere,orhadhegivenuphopeandabandonedtheministry?
Adeepsadnessfelloverme.IopenedmyBibletoPsalm74.“Turnyourstepstowardtheseeverlastingruins.”Ireadthewordsoutloudtotheemptybuilding.“Allthisdestructiontheenemyhasbroughtonthesanctuary.Yourfoesroaredintheplacewhereyoumetwithus.”IrecalledhowDietrichBonhoefferhadwrittenbesidethispsalminhisBible,“Kristallnacht,”referringtothenightofterrorin1938whentheNazisdestroyedJewishbusinessesandsynagogues.Theworldhadn’tresponded,andtheresultwastheHolocaust.WouldtheworldrespondanydifferentlytodaytothedestructionofchurchesinLebanon?Didtheworldevenknoworcare?
MyeyeswateredandIcouldn’treadfurther.Certainly,therehadbeenaroaringinthisbuilding.Thesheepinthisflockwerescattered.Sowherewasthehopeinthisvillage?Sunlightshonethroughtheholesintheroof,butthelightofthischurchhadbeensnuffedout.HowmanymorelightshadgoneoutinLebanon?Ifeltanurgencyinmyspirit—IhadtokeepseekingthelivingChurch.
Just150yardsdownthestreetfromtheevangelicalchurchwasaMaroniteCatholicchurch.Ifoundthepriestthere.ThoughhisEnglishwasbroken,hewasabletoexplainthathistinycongregationofsixmetinasmallroomtothesideofthesanctuary.OutsidethechurchIlookedupatthespire,toppedbyacross.AbovethecrossflewthetatteredgreenflagofoneoftheIslamicmilitiagroups.Itwasastatement:Allahisgreater.Translated,thatmeantIslamwasgreaterthanChristianity.Ipointedtotheflagandsaidtothepriest,“IlongforthedaywhenthecrossrisesabovetheMuslimflag.”
Inmyspirit,thosewordsbecameaprayer.
Beirut,1980
Thepressureaffectedpeopleindifferentways.InonehomewhereIoftenstayed,thehusband,apastor,couldn’tkeepupthefacadeofthegracioushost.Peterwasn’thomewhenIarrivedoneafternoon.Hiswife,Anna,andanotherwomanwereworkinginthekitchen.Iaskedforaglassofyogurtandwenttotakeanap.TwentyminuteslaterIwasawakenedbyloudvoicescomingfromthekitchen.WhenIwenttoinvestigate,IfoundPeterandhiswifeinaheateddiscussion.“Whyareyousoexcited?”Iasked.
“He’snervous,”Annaanswered.“He’salwaysnervouswhenthereisfighting.”Whileshefixedmeanotherglassofyogurt,Petertookmetothewindowto
showmethesourceofhisagitation.Pointingtothehouseacrosstheroad,heshowedmehowthepeoplewereclimbingdownfromthebalconyinsteadofusingthestairsinside.“Whyisthataproblem?”Iasked.
“Itattractstheshooters,”hesaid.“Weneedtostayoutofsight.”“Butyouwerejustoutside...”“Notontheroof,notoutintheopen.”“Sowhatcanyoudoaboutit?”“Notmuch,”hemumbled.Thenthinkingofthecorrect“spiritual”answer,he
added,“IsupposeIcanpray.”“Yes,let’spray.Thenmaybeyouwon’tfeelthatyouneedtoshout.”Annabroughtmyglassofyogurt.“He’salwaysshouting,”shesaid.Thenshe
suggestedImightwanttogobacktomyroom,whichIwaseagertodo.Wehadawonderfuldinnerthatevening—friedpotatoesandalargedishfull
offriedchicken.ButPetercomplainedthatitwasnotgood.Hiswiferolledhereyes:“Healwayscomplains.Eveninheavenhewillcomplain.IsincerelyhopethatIwillgetavillafarawayfromhiswhenIgetthere.”Wealllaughed,evenPeter.
Oneoftheirsonsthenaskedmewhetherwewouldhaveourownvillasinheaven.Isuggested,“Ourhouseovertherewillbebuiltfromthematerialwesentoverduringourlifetimehereonearth.”
Petershookhishead.“I’mafraidthematerialsinmylifearen’tverygood.”Iputmyhandonhisarmandassuredhim:“It’snottoolatetostartcollecting
therightmaterials.Youcanstartnow.”
RasBeirutBaptistChurchneededayoungleader.Theseniorpastorwasold
andtired,sothechurchcouncilapproachedtheArabBaptistTheologicalSeminaryandrecruitedNajiAbi-Hashem,theonlygraduatethatyear.Najirespectedtheseniorpastorandaskedtoworkwithhimasanassistant.Buttheelderlymanwasweary,readytoturnoverleadershiptoayoungermanwithmoreenergy.SotheeldersissuedacalltoNaji.
Thechurchprovidedthenewpastorwithanapartmentonthelowerlevelofthebuildingnexttothechurch.Giventhenumberofmissilesflyingthroughtheair,apartmentsonthelowerfloors,whensurroundedbyhigh-risesonallsides,weregenerallysafer.
Naji’sfamily’sapartmentwasnearthegreenline,andfightingtherehadintensified,forcingpeopletoevacuatethearea,leavingalloftheirbelongingsbehind.Hismotherandbrotherhadfoundtemporaryresidenceelsewhere,untilthingssettleddown.
Najiwaspreparingtomovetothechurchbuilding,locatedinWestBeirut,butheandhisfamilyneededthingsthatwereleftintheirabandonedapartment.EarlyoneafternoonNajiandhisbrotherdecidedtoriskvisitingtheapartmenttoretrievesomeoftheirbelongings.Withoutmentioningtheirplantoanyone,theysetoutontheirdangerouserrand.TheyhadtowalkthroughanopenfieldtoamainthoroughfarewherethemostprominentlandmarkwasaMaronitecathedral.Oneofthemilitiashadcommandeeredthebuildinganduseditssteepleasasniper’snesttocontrolthebusystreet.Largeearthbermshadbeenbuiltinfrontofvariousbuildingstoprotectpedestriansfromthebullets.
ItwasquietasNajiandhisbrotherapproachedoneoftheberms.“Weshouldbeokay,”Najisaidastheypreparedtocrossthestreet.Butsuddenlytherewereseveralshots,andtheycouldhearbulletswhistlingovertheirheads.Huggingthedirt,theyprayedandwaited.
“Shouldwekeepgoingorturnback?”hisbrotherasked.“Weneedtheclothesfromtheapartment.Ithinkwe’llbeokayifwegonow.
Let’sjustwalknormallyacrossthestreet.Thentheywillseewearen’tathreat.Let’sgo.”
Najisteppedforwardwithmoreconfidencethanhefelt,andhisbrotherfollowedclosebehind.Theystrolledacrossthestreet,duckedbehindanotherdirtpile,thenmadetheirwaytotheapartmentbuilding.Walkingupsixflightsofstairs,theyemergedintoopenair—aportionofthewallhadbeenblownaway.Theapartmenthadobviouslybeenlooted,butfortunatelymostoftheirclotheswerestillthere.
Witharmsfull,theymadetheirwaybackhome.Theirtripwasuneventful,untiltheywalkedintotheapartment.Thentheirmotherbeganshouting
untiltheywalkedintotheapartment.Thentheirmotherbeganshoutinghysterically:“Howcouldyougooutinsuchdanger?Theycouldhavekilledyou!Theycould’veshotyouandyoudiecheaply.Howfoolishofyou!Inearlyhadaheartattack.Lordhavemercy.”
5GODHASFORSAKENLEBANON
Beirut,1981
ThecrunchofbrokenbricksandglassmingledwithmythoughtsasIapproachedthegreenlineinBeirut.The“JeweloftheMediterranean”wasashellofitsformerglory.Icouldrememberhowbefore1975Ihadenjoyedleavingthecold,rainywintersofHollandtovisitmyfriendFatherAndy,whoranaschoolfordeafchildreninBeirut.OftenI’dvisitedtheCorniche,thestreetalongtheMediterraneanwherejoggersranearlyinthemorning,cityleadersconductedtheirbusinesslunches,andcouplesstrolledhandinhandastheywatchedthesunset.Lebanon’sfinesthotelsandrestaurantswerelinedupalongthisbrightbeachfront.
Nowitlayinruins.Oncetheeconomic,educational,andentertainmentcapitaloftheMiddleEast,Beirutnowwrithedfromtheunendingcombatofvariousmilitias,eachstakingclaimtoaportionoftheruinsandseekingtoimposeitsagenda.Still,someshopswereopen.Ifeltforthebaginsidethepocketofmywindbreaker—initwasaprettygoldpinIhadjustpurchasedformywife’sbirthday,whichwastwodaysafterIwasscheduledtoreturnhome.
Thiscitywasamassofcontradictions.YetIwasamazedattheresiliencyandsurvivalskillsoftheLebanese.Onehadtostandinlonglinestobuybread,ifitwasavailable.Butyoucouldgetthelatestelectronicequipmentorbrand-nameclothingatbargain-basementprices.Duringarecenttrip,IhadboughtaqualitytaperecorderforhalfofwhatIwouldhavepaidinHolland.Aftercompletingthesale,theshopownerhadsaid,“MisterAndrew,Godhasforsakenus.HehasleftLebanon.”
ThiscitycertainlylookedGod-forsaken.OnthesideofthestreetwhereI
ThiscitycertainlylookedGod-forsaken.OnthesideofthestreetwhereIwalkedstoodtheghostlyformofaoncemajestichotel,nowhometoagentleMediterraneanbreezedriftingthroughgapingholesinitswalls.Oppositeit,acrossthestreet,stoodascorchedapartmentbuilding.Nearby,twofilthychildrenwereplayingbyafenceofcorrugatedmetalthatlookedlikeitwouldtopplefromtheconcussionofthenextbombblast.Perhapsthechildrenlivedinoneoftheapartmentswithawallblastedawayandwereprotectedfromtheweatheronlybyasheetofplasticflappinginthewind.
Thepoverty,thefilth,theundernourishedchildrenallleftmedepressed.Achild,probablyonlythreeyearsold,wascryingonabalcony.Ismiledathimandsaid,“InJesus’name,becomforted.”Foramomenthewasstill,butasIcontinuedwalking,hecriedagain.IimaginedcominghereandinJesus’namelayinghandsonthepeopleandseeingthemhealed.IwantedtocryasIcontinueddownthebusystreets.
ThehumanpopulationthinneddramaticallyasIapproachedthegreenline,whichdividedEast,theso-calledChristiansectorwhereIwasstaying,fromWest,thepredominantlyMuslimarea.Topassthrough,IhadtostopatthesandbaggedChristiancheckpointwhereasoldierexaminedmypassport.“WhyareyougoingintotheMuslimsector?”heasked.
“Tovisitfriends,”Ianswered.Helookedatmewithamixtureofsuspicionandsurprise.Thenwithawaveof
annoyance,hesignaledmethrough.AtleastthistimeIhadmypassport.OnceIhadforgottenitandhadquippedatacheckpoint,“IjustcamefromchurchandallIhaveismyBible.”Verysternly,thesoldierhadsaid,“InthiscountryyoumusthavewithyouyourBibleandyourpassport.”SoInowcarriedbothinapocketofmywindbreaker.
SeveralLebanesepeopleweremovingineitherdirectionthroughthisno-man’s-land.Iwonderedwhatbusinesscarriedthembetweenthetwosides.IwalkedrapidlyacouplehundredyardstotheMuslimcheckpointwhereanotherguardasked,“Whydoyouwanttoenterthissector?”
“Tovisitfriends,”Ianswered,ashestaredatmyDutchpassport.Hetoowavedmeon.
ItwasonlypartiallytruethatthiswastheMuslimsector.Thedivisionwasarbitrary,createdin1975whenthePalestinians,crammedintotherefugeecamps,openlyrebelledagainsttheChristiangroupcalledPhalangists.OneresultwasthatMuslimsandChristiansgenerallyseparatedinto“theirsides”—Christiansontheeast,Muslimsonthewest.Supposedlyitwassaferthatway.However,dozensofchurchesremainedsprinkledamongthemanymosqueson
However,dozensofchurchesremainedsprinkledamongthemanymosquesonthewestside.ManyChristianshadfledtheareabutnotall.
WestBeirutwasbustlingwithactivity.Itseemedsurprisingtoseesomanycarsonthestreets,barelymovingthroughajammedintersectionwithatrafficsignalthathadn’tworkedforyears.Agirl,sevenoreightyearsold,wipedwindshieldswithadirtyrag,hopingtoreceiveafewcoins.Ateenagegirlsatonthecurb,herheadrestinginherhands,tootiredandhaggardtobeg.Icouldn’thelpbutwonderifanyofthecombatantseversawthesevictimsofwarandthoughtabouttheirwelfare.
“WantaCoca-Cola?”Thevoicestartledme,andIlookeddowntoseesquattingonhishaunchesabald,heavysetmanwhohadsetupanimpromptuenterpriseonthesidewalk.Arowofsoftdrinksstoodnexttoacardboardboxholdingaone-burnerstove,wherethemanwascookingmeatballsinabitofoil.Hehadonecustomerinabrownsuit.
WhenIsawasmallcrossaroundtheman’sneck,Ismiledandsatononeoftheorangecratesthatservedasthechairsforhiscafe.“Yes,Coca-Cola!”Ianswered.
“Whereareyoufrom?”themanaskedinlaboredEnglishasheopenedawarmbottleandplaceditonthecardboardtableinfrontofme.
“Holland.”“WhydoyoucometoBeirut?”“IamaChristian,andI’vecometovisitmybrothers.”Immediately,bothmencrossedthemselves,andtheproprietorsatdownona
crateoppositeme,eagertotalk.“Lifehardnow,”hesaid.“ChristianandMuslim,boom,boom,boom.”Heusedhisforefingersasguns,pointingateachother.“Whatisyourname?”heasked.
“Andrew.”“Andsurname?”“BrotherAndrew.”Asmilegrewonhisface.“BiblestoRussiaandChina!”Nowhewantedto
removethemeatballsfromhisburnerandmakemesomeArabiccoffee.IstooduptolethimknowthatIhadtogo.ItwasearlyafternoonandIknewthefightingoftenstartedaround3:00or4:00.IneededtovisitfriendsquicklysoIcouldgetbackacrossthegreenlinebeforetheshellingstarted.
WhenIpulledoutmoneytopayformyCoke,mynewfriendstoodandputuphishandstostopme.Themaninthebrownsuitalsostoodandpressedaonethousandpoundnoteintomyhand.“Foryourwork!”hesaid.
TherewasnowaytoresisttheirkindnessandIstruggledwithmyemotions.ThevalueoftheLebanesepoundhadplummetedsince1975andathousand
ThevalueoftheLebanesepoundhadplummetedsince1975andathousandpoundswasnowworthonlyacoupleofAmericandollars.Still,asIwalkedupthestreetfromthem,IrecalledhowoftenIhadlivedoffsuchgiftswhiletravelinginCommunistcountries.NowitseemedthatIshouldbegivingtothesepeoplewhowerescratchingtoearnalivingduringthefewhourswhengunsweren’troaring.
MyfirstscheduledstopwastovisitHannahinasmallbookshop,butthedoorsandwindowswereboardedup.“Sheisnothome,”saidtheproprietoroftheadjoiningrecordshop.
“WillyoupleasetellherthatBrotherAndrewstoppedbytoseeher?”Iasked.“Shewillbesorry,”heanswered,shakinghishead.“Sheneedsmuch
encouragement.”Iwalkedtoanapartmentbuilding,pockmarkedaswereallthebuildingsby
shrapnelandbullets.Theelevatorwasn’tworking—electricitywasscarceandalmostnoelevatorsran—soIwalkedupthreefloors,searchedthedarkhallfortherightapartment,andknocked.Therewasnoresponse,soIknockedagainalittleharder.Therewasthesoundofmetalscrapingasapeepholeslidopen.Thenthedoorswungwideopen.
“BrotherAndrew,youhavecome!”Philipopenedhisarmswideandembracedme,kissedmeonbothcheeks,thenusheredmeintohislivingroom.Hiswife,Alison,peeredaroundthecornerandlitupwithasmileofrecognition.
Thecouplewereintheirearlythirtiesbutlookedmucholder.Thestrainoflivinginawarzoneshowedintheworrylinesontheirfacesandtheprematuregrayintheirhair.AsAlisonwenttothekitchentopreparecoffee,Iaskedmyfriendhowhischurchwasdoing.Beforethecivilwar,fourhundredpeopleroutinelyattendedservices.
Heshookhisheadsadlyashesaid,“Mycongregationisonlyfortynow.”Thenheloweredhisheadtoconcealthetears.“Actually,lastSundayitwasthirty-nine.Aseventeen-year-oldgirlwaskilled...”
BeforeIcouldsayanything,anexplosioncausedmetojump.TheshellingfromEastBeiruthadstartedearly,andIcouldhearthethumpsofnearbyartillery.“It’slikethiseveryday,”Philipsaid,lookingupatme.“Noonegoesoutanymore.”Heloweredhisvoiceashesaid,“Todayismywife’sbirthday,andIhaven’tevengottenherapresent.”
IfeltmypocketwhereI’dputmysmallpackage.“Philip,Ihaveasurpriseforyou,”Iwhispered.“Butthismustbeoursecret.”
you,”Iwhispered.“Butthismustbeoursecret.”Ihandedthepresenttomyfriend,whowasspeechlessforamomentashe
staredatit.WhenAlisonbroughtthetraywiththreetinycupsofcoffee,Iannounced,“I
hearthisisaspecialday,”andstartedtosing“HappyBirthday.”Philipjoinedmeinsinging,asambulancesirensaccompaniedusfromdownthestreet.
ThenPhilipgavehiswifethepresent.Alisongaspedinsurprisewhensheunwrappedthepackage,thenproudlyattachedthepintohersweater.Forthebriefestmoment,sheglancedatme,asiftosaysheknewthesecretbutwouldneverleton.
InjustafewminutesIwouldhavetoleave.IopenedmyBibleandreadfromHebrews2:“[Christ]toosharedintheirhumanitysothatbyhisdeathhemightdestroyhimwhoholdsthepowerofdeath—thatis,thedevil—andfreethosewhoalltheirliveswereheldinslaverybytheirfearofdeath.”ThenIsaid,“Ihavealittleacrosticforyou:F-e-a-r.Fearis‘falseevidenceappearingreal.’Fearofdeathkeepsusfrombeingboldinthisdangerousworld.It’sasthoughwe’renotfullyconvincedthatwegotoheavenwhenwedie.Iknow,withthebombsexplodingallaroundyou,fearisanaturalresponse,butIwanttoencourageyoutorememberthatourLordhasconquereddeath,andsowearereleasedfromthepoweroffear!”
Philipnoddedhishead,whilehiswifedabbedathertearswithahandkerchief.Afteratimeofprayertogether,theirarmsnowaroundeachother,Philipand
Alisonsawmeoff.AsIhurrieddownthestairs,Ithoughthowlittleittooktoencouragethispastorandhiswife.Justvisit,sing,pray,andshareGod’sWord.Inthemidstoftheirsufferingandsorrow,wehadlookedatourLordandexperiencedalittlejoy.IfonlyIcoulddothatwitheverysinglepastorinBeirut.
ThestreetswereemptyasIhurriedtowardthecheckpoint.Iwashalfwayacrossthegreenlinewhenbiggunseruptedandmingledwithloudmachine-gunfire.AssoonasIwasacross,Itookshelterinthedoorwayofanabandonedofficebuildingandcaughtmybreath.Ifeltnourgencyaboutgettingbackonthestreets.Iwouldwaitforalullbeforecontinuing.
IthoughtoftheshellofthechurchinMatousha.Howmanyabandonedchurcheswerethereinthiscountry?Couldanythingbedonetopreventfurtherdestructionofchurches?
IthoughtofPeterandPhilip.Ifleaderswerefearfulandfrazzled,howcouldtheyhelptheircongregations?Andwhatabouttheirsheep?Believerscouldn’tbepartofthesolutioninLebanoniftheywerehuddledinfearorseekingtoescape.WasthereanywayIcouldencouragethemtoreachoutandbealight?
CertainlyIrealizedtherewereChristiansparticipatinginthefighting.Formanypeople,Christianswerejustanotherreligiousgroupfightingtomaintainorgainpower.Butthatwasn’trealChristianity!Thiscouldn’tbewhatJesusChristintendedwhenHesaid,“Blessedarethepeacemakers.”Somehowthisnationneededtoknowtherewasanalternative.
AndthenIthoughtofPalestinians.Theyhadnothingtolose—theywerewithoutahomelandanddevoidofpower.Iwonderedwhatmyfaithhadtosaytothem.
6THENEEDFORWISDOMWITHZEAL
Beirut,spring1982
Afilmcrewwasfollowingmearoundonthistrip,preparingadocumentarythatwouldairinHolland.Ispokeinmanychurches,encouragingtheChristianstostandfirm.OnaSundaynight,afterameetinginapackedArmenianchurch,askinnyyoungmanapproachedmeandextendedhishand,saying,“MynameisNaji.IreadyourbookinArabicandIwasimpressedbyit.Ireallylikeditverymuch.”
“I’mgladyoulikedit.”“IamthenewpastorofachurchinWestBeirut.Ifyouneedaplacetostay,I
wouldbehonoredtohostyouinmyapartment.”Thatwouldbeperfect!Ithought.IwantedtostayforafewdaysinWestBeirut
tohavebetteraccesstotherefugeecampsthereandperhapstrytomakecontactwithPLOleadership.“Thankyou!Iamlookingforaplace,butIhaveacrewtravelingwithme.”
“Howlarge?”“Five.We’regoingtotheShatillacamptofilmavideo.Theteamwillbewith
meforthreemoredaysandthentheywillreturntoHollandwhileIstay.”“Theyareallwelcometoo.Therearetwoapartmentsnexttothechurch.You
maystaywithmeaslongasyouwish.”
Therewasnoelectricityatthechurchbuilding.“Icanrunthegeneratoronlyafewhoursaday,”Najisaid,apologizingfortheinconvenienceasIsettledintomy
room.“Andweusegasbottlestoheatthewater.Thereisn’tenoughtoprovidehotshowerseveryday.”
“Pleasedon’tworry,”Isaid.“Thesearetheconditionsyouliveinconstantly.Weareheretobewithyou.Wedon’tneedthecomfortsofahotel.”
ThenextdaytheteamwentwithmetofilmattheShatillacamp.Thedegradationandpovertyweresickening,worsethananythingIhadeverseen.Peoplewerecrammedintotinyshacksofcorrugatedmetal.Childrenranbarefootthroughnarrowmuddyalleyways,dodgingpoolsofrawsewage.Clothingwashungtodryonthewalls.Thesmellofurineandrottingfoodassaultedmynostrils.
Thepeopleseemedgladtoseemebutnotthecameracrew.“Please,nocamera,”saidoneman,emphaticallyplacinghishandinfrontofthelens.
“Wemeannoharm,”Isaidnaively.“Weonlywanttoshowtheworldhowyouaresuffering,soyoucangethelp.”
“Nocamera!”themanrepeated.LaterIaskedthecampcommander,whospokedecentEnglish,whythepeople
weresoafraidofthecamera.“Ithasabug,”saidthecommander.“Abug?Whatdoyoumean?”“Ithasabug,soIsraelcanguidetheirbombshere.”IfIhadn’tknownbetter,Iwouldhavethoughtmaybethesepeoplehadbeen
readingspynovels.Itriedtounderstandtheirfear.RumorswereflyingthatIsraelwasabouttoinvadeLebanontoputanendtothePLO.Thepeoplewereonedgeandangry.
IassumedthecommandantwasamemberofthePLO,soIaskedhim,“WoulditbepossibletomeetoneoftheleadersofthePLO?”Ifiguredhewouldknowwhomtocontact.
“Noproblem.Iwillcheckforyou.”Inoneofthenarrowalleys,asIhandedoutNewTestaments,achildtugged
onmysleeveandpulledmetowardoneoftheshacks.Insidewasanoldcouple.Themanwasinbed,apparentlyquitesick.Hiswife,wearingawhitescarf,satattheendofthebed.ReverentlyshecrossedherselfasIlaidmyhandontheman’sshoulderandprayedforhishealing.Aftershesaid“Amin”tomy“Amen,”Ileanedoverandkissedtheoldmanonhisforehead.Itwasaholymoment—IwantedtobelievethatChristhadbroughtalittlelightintothisdarkhome.
ThroughaninterpreterIaskedthewoman,“Howoldareyou,mother?”“Morethanseventy,”sheanswered.Shedidn’tknowexactly.“Howlonghaveyoulivedhere?”“Wecameherein1948—fromJaffa,byboat.”
“Wecameherein1948—fromJaffa,byboat.”“Doyouhaveanyhopethatyouwillgetoutofthisplace?”Sheshookherhead.“IwanttogobacktoJaffa.”Thereweretearsinhereyes.Outsidetheshackmenandboysstoodaround.Theylookedboredandscared.
OfoneteenageboywhospokealittleEnglish,Iasked,“Doyouseeanyhopeforthefuture?”
Helookedatme.“Nohope,”hesaid,hiseyeslistless.“Thereisnohope.”ThesewerejustafewindividualsamongfourhundredthousandPalestinians
livinginthemostterriblecircumstances.Theyhadnocountry.TheywerenotwelcomeinLebanon,buttheyhadnootherplacetogo.Theirheartswereinthecountryfromwhichtheyhadfled,buttheyhadnorealhopetheywouldseetheirhomesagain.ThesewerepeopleforwhomJesusChristhaddied.I’dpassedoutafewArabicNewTestaments,butmuchmorewasneeded.
AlmosteverybuildinginBeirutwasprotectedbyastrong,imposingirongate,usuallyblack.Eachwaslikeanuglyscarbutwasanecessaryprecaution,evenforachurch.Oneneverknewwhenamilitiagroupmightattempttoenter,perhapstostealmoneyorintimidateoccupantsorhidefromthefightingorsometimestakecontrolofthebuildingasatemporaryheadquartersor,evenworse,asasnipernest.
BeyondthegateatRasBeirutBaptistChurchwasasmallcourtyard,thentwomoredoorstopassthroughbeforereachingthechurchfoyer.
Oneafternoon,thebellatthefrontgaterang.WhenNajirosefromhisdeskandlookedoutthewindow,hesawagroupofroughlookingmenstandingatthegate.Twomen,brandishingautomaticrifles,keptwatchdownbothsidesofthestreet.Anotherrangthebellagain.Najifrozeforamoment,butheknewhehadtoact.Ifhedidn’t,thesemenmightshootuphisbuilding.Bettertofindoutwhattheywantedandtrytomaneuverthesituationpeacefully.WithcautionNajiapproachedthemen.Withoutopeningthegate,hesaid,“Marhaba.MayIhelpyougentlemen?”[1]
“WeareheretoseeMr.Andrew,”theleaderanswered.QuicklyNajiunlockedthegateandescortedthegroupintothechurchfoyer.
Hedidn’twantanyonetoseethathischurchwasentertainingamilitiagroup.Thelastthingheneededwasforsomerivalmilitiatothinkhehadchosensidesinthisruthlesscombatzone.Theleadersmiledandintroducedhimself.Najimissedthenamebutcaughttwoimportantfacts.ThismanwasamajorandhewasanassistanttoYasserArafat.
wasanassistanttoYasserArafat.SothiswasthePLO.TheywerethereasonforIsrael’spendinginvasion.“Iam
honoredtomeetyou,sir,”Najirespondedwhilehismindracedandhisheartprayedforwisdom.“IamverysorryBrotherAndrewisnothereatthemoment.Itrulyapologize.”
“Hesaidhewouldmeetushereat3:00.”“Perhapshe’sheldupintrafficoratacheckpoint,ortheroadsareclosed.I
willcertainlytellhimthatyoucametoseehimattheappointedtime.”Severalofthemenwerenosingaroundthefacility.Hospitalityrequiredthat
Najiofferthemcoffee,butbeforehecould,thebellrangagain.Najirantotheglassdoorandpeeredoutside.AtthegatestoodBrotherAndrew.
ItalkedwiththemajorformorethananhourandlearnedmoreaboutthePLO,itsgoals,anditsaimsfortheMiddleEast.
Afterthedelegationdeparted,Najicautiouslyapproachedme:“BrotherAndrew,Iwanttotalkwithyou,please.It’sveryimportant.”Myfriendseemedtroubledaswesatdowninhislivingroom.Heleanedforwardandlookedintenselyintomyeyes.“BrotherAndrew,IwanttolearnfromyouaboutyourinterestinthePLO.Whatareyourobjectives?Couldyousharewithme,please?”
“Ofcourse,Naji.Butyoulookworried.Istheresomethingwrong?”“Thisisveryimportanttomeaspastorofthischurch.I’mworriedthatthose
mencomingheretothisverybuildinghasputthechurchinextremejeopardy.”Now,Iwasconcerned,becausethelastthingIwantedtodowastoendanger
theworkofanychurch.“Naji,I’msorry.Ithoughtthiswouldbeasafeplacetomeet.”
Myfriendshifteduncomfortably,staringatthefloor.“Promisemeyouwon’tbringanyoneelsehereortellthemaboutcomingtomeetyouhere.Youcanmeetsomewhereelse.Icanguideyou,takeyoutoarestaurantorsomepublicplace.Ifyouwanttomeetwiththemintheirheadquarters,that’sfine.ButnotinaChristianagency.”Hemetmygazeandexplained,“WearetryingextremelyhardtoremainneutralandfriendlysowemayresumeourworshipandwitnesstoourLordwithoutbeingdraggedintotheawfulpoliticsofthisdivisivewar.”
“Iunderstand,Naji.I’msorry.”“YoumaythinkIdon’thaveastrongfaithorwon’ttakerisks.Thisistoo
complicatedtoexplain.ButIlivehere.Mypeoplelivehere.You’reonlyhereforafewdaysandthenyou’regone,butwewillreaptheconsequencesofonesinglemisinterpretationforalongtime.SoIhopeyouwillrespectthat.”
“Somymeetingthisafternoon,thatputyouindanger?”Najinodded.“HereIcan’taffiliatewithanypoliticalormilitialeaderbecause
thatwillreflectonmeandthechurchandwearealreadyinaverydifficultposition.Mostofthesegroupslookatusaspro-WesternbecausemostofourmissionariesarefromtheWestandfromAmerica.TheyseeAmericaaspro-Israelandsotheylookatusaspro-Israeltoo.WewalkafinelinetoprovethatweareauthenticLebaneseandMiddleEasternChristians,andwewanttokeepourmessageandactivitiespurelyspiritual.Weprayforeveryone,butwedon’twanttoaffiliateourselveswithanyone.Besides,eachgroupmaycauseusmuchtrouble,demandservices,andmakeourlivesmiserable.”
“Pleaseforgiveme,Naji.Iwillnotdothatagain.”Instantlytheyoungpastorseemedtorelax.“HowaboutsomeLebaneseherb
tea?Ihaveyansoun[driedanise],myfavorite.”Aswedrankourtea,Najismiledandasked,“So,whyareyougoingtothe
PLO,anyway?”“Ifpossible,I’dliketomeetallsides.I’mcuriousaboutwhattheyarethinking,
whattheywant,whattheyarefeeling.Iwanttoknowwhattheythinkthesolutionisfortheconflict.Iwanttoknowwhattheirspiritualfaithis,ifany.I’mlookingforcommongroundsothatIcantellthemaboutmyLordandSaviorJesusChrist.”
“Youhaveagreatdealofzeal!Ihopeyouwillputwisdomwiththatzealandconsultasmanyaspossible.Youdon’tneedtoconsultme;I’mayoungerbrother.Butthisiscrucialbusiness,andyoudon’twanttoinadvertentlycausemoreproblemsthanwealreadyhave.”
“Thatiswisecounsel,”Iagreed.BeforeIwenttomyroom,westoodandexchangedawarmhug.NajiandI
haddevelopedabeautifulritual.Sometimeduringtheday,oftenfirstthinginthemorning,webothopenedourarmsandsang,“Giveustodayourdailyhug!”Itwasapreciousroutinethatwewouldcontinueeverytimewemetinsubsequentyears.
MyconversationwithNajiwasawarningtobecarefulaboutinvolvingthelocalbelieverstooquicklyinsomeoftheworkIfeltledtodo.IbelievedmyworkwastostrengthenthelocalChurchsoitcouldbealightinthemidstofdarkness.Buthowdoesonegoaboutthat?Icouldpreach,andIdidseveraltimeseachweek.Icouldencouragepastorsandministryleaders.Icouldvisitbelieverswho
weresuffering.AndIcouldprovideBiblesandotherresourcestheyneededfortheirwork.
ButjusthowdoestheChurchshineitslightinawarzone?Thatwasatrickierquestion.IcouldsaythattheChurchoughttobeanagentforpeace,butjustwhatdidthatmean?AndhowcouldtheChurchdothatwhenChristianswereliterallytryingtostayoutofthelineoffire?IthoughtIcouldhelpthelocalbelieversanswerthesequestions,buttodothat,Ineededtounderstandalotmore—thepressuresChristianswereunderandthethinkingofthefactionsfightingaroundthem.
Najihadakeenmind,makinghimanexcellentsoundingboardforquestionsthatIhadaboutLebanonandtheMiddleEast.“Sowhatdoyouthinkistheanswer?”Iaskedhimoneeveningwhenwewereeatingdinneratalocalrestaurant.“IfweasChristiansarepeacemakers,howdowefulfillourcall?”
“It’scomplex,”Najianswered.“ThecurrentsituationintheMiddleEasthasmanydynamicsandtherearedisputesonmanylevels.OnethingIwouldencouragehereinLebanonisfortheoutsiderstoleaveusaloneandletussolveourproblems.”
“YoumeanSyriaandIsrael...”“AndthePalestinians,Libya,Iran,andtheUnitedStates.Therewouldbeno
warnowifalltheoutsiders,andparticularlythesuperpowers,wouldleaveusalone.”
Ihadheardthatseveraltimes.LebanesehadcorrectedmewhenImentionedthe“civilwar,”fortheydidnotwanttoacknowledgethattheconflictswereprimarilyamongLebanesepeople.Icountered:“Naji,ifyoucan’tsolveyourproblems,thenyoushouldn’tbesurprisedthatotherscomeinandtrytobringpeace.”
“Buttheyforgetthatwehaveahistoryofcooperation.IgrewupinacommunitywithDruze,Muslims,Jews,andChristians,andweallgotalongwell.Sowhynowanendlesswar?Ibelievethetriggersarefromoutsideinterference.Ithinkwecanworkthingsoutifwe’reallowedtodoso.”
“Iwouldliketothinkyouareright.ButIdon’tseemuchcooperationrightnow.”
“IntheMiddleEast,youwillhaveperiodsofcalmandperiodsofconflict.Idon’tknowiftherewilleverbepermanentpeace.”
“ThenhowcanyoublametheWestforyourproblems?”Najitriedtoexplainwhathadgonewronginthisbeautifulcountry.“It’seasy
tocreateanethnic,religious,orpoliticalconflicttoservethepoliticalinterestsofmorepowerfulnations.Beingsoopenandfree,Lebanonattractedradicalgroups
morepowerfulnations.Beingsoopenandfree,Lebanonattractedradicalgroupsofallsortsfromneighboringcountries,which,alongwiththePLO,createdaconsortiumofmilitias.TheywanttoturnLebanonintoaPalestinian-Muslimnation.TheythinkthatwouldeventuallysolvetheMiddleEastcrisisbyprovidinganalternatehomeforthePalestinianpeopleandbymakingLebanonamoderatelyIslamicstate,whichcouldjointherestoftheArabic-Muslimworld.TheneverypartyintheMiddleEastwouldbesatisfied,includingtheJewishstateofIsrael.”
“Thatisquiteanexplanation.YouaresayingthatthisconflictcanbeunderstoodonlyinthecontextofthewholeMiddleEastcrisis.Butyouhaven’texplainedwhytheWestistheproblem.”
“TherearemanygroupsthatareangrywiththeWestingeneralandtheUnitedStatesgovernmentinparticular.TheyresenttheWestforitsculturalinvasion,economicexploitation,politicalmanipulation,militarysuperiorityandintimidation,andimperialisticgreed.AndtheyarespecificallyangryattheUnitedStatesgovernmentforitsunconditionalsupportandovertbiastowardIsrael,whichispoisedrightnowtoinvadeLebanon,becausetheUnitedStatesgovernmentallowsit.IsraelisviewedasanambitiousnationthatwouldliketobethesuperpowerintheMiddleEast,dominatingitspolitics,resources,andaffairs.ThesesentimentsaffectusandourministrybecausemanyequateourversionofChristianitywiththeWest.”
Iknewmanyofmyfriendswouldbeoffendedbythesewords,butIneededtolistenandprobesothatIcouldunderstandwhatmybrotherwasthinkingandfeeling.“ChristianitygrewuprighthereintheMiddleEast,”Iprotested.“YouyourselfgrewupinanEasternOrthodoxtradition.”
“That’sdifferentfromWesternChristianity.ManyhereintheEastassumethatProtestantsandevangelicalsarefollowingaChristianitythatwasimportedfromAmerica.Also,communityandreligiousleadersaswellasregularGod-fearingpeopleresenttheproducts,movies,magazines,lifestyles,music,advertisements,andTVshowsthattheWestexports.TheyconnectthemtothecultureoftheChristianWest.”
Najispokewithpassionandinsight,butIwantedtoknowwhatweshoulddo.“Ithinkyouranalysisisinsightful.Butisthereasolution?WhatcantheChurchhereinLebanondo?”
Myfriendsighedandanswered,“Peaceissuchaprofoundandbeautifulconcept.InArabicthewordweuseissalaam.Weuseitasaholisticgreeting,awishforwell-beingandhealth.Itismorethantheabsenceofconflictorwar.Itisthebiblicalconceptofshalom.”
“Idon’tseemuchsalaamorshalomrightnow.”“No,thetermpeacehasbeenratherabused.It’sbeenmixedupwithhidden
agendasandhaslostitsculturalmeaningandspiritualdepth.Dependingonwhoisdoingthetalkingandwhoislistening,thewordissoeasytoutterbutsodifficulttodefine,andmoreimportantly,sodifficulttoconstruct.”
“Iagree.That’swhyIthinkweshouldputforwardadistinctlyChristianpeaceplan.Ifweremainsilent,thenwehavenochanceofmakinganydifferenceatall.”
Najigavemeasadsmile.“Isupposeweshouldtry.Idon’tknowifwecandomuch,butweshouldtry.Remember,thereisatimetospeakandatimetobesilent.InthisseasonthoseofuswhoareunderseverepressurefromallsidesmustholdourgroundandremainfaithfultoGod.Intimeslikethese,steadfastnessisagreatvirtueandagreatwitnessbyitself.Thesedayswearecalledtosimplymaintainapresence.WedorepresentChristandcarryHisnameinthisseasonofdeeptrouble.”
Aswerosetoleavetherestaurant,IpulledoutseveralthousandLebanesepoundstopaythebill.Afterleavingageneroustip,thedinnerhadstillcostmeslightlymorethantwoAmericandollars.
“Ihaveanidea,”Isaidaswesteppedoutside.“Whydon’tyouandIorganizeanevangelisticcampaignhereinWestBeirut?We’llrentalargehallandopenthemeetingtoeveryone.We’llinviteallthosemilitialeaders.”
Najiremainedcourteoustothisenthusiasticpreacherashesaid,“I’mnotsureaboutanevangelisticcampaignrightnow.Maybelater.Let’stalkaboutitduringyournextvisit.Okay?”
“Okay.Butsoon!”
7APLANFORPEACE
Harderwijk,TheNetherlands,1986
EversincehostilitieshaderuptedinLebanonin1975,Ihadreflectedalotonthesubjectofpeace.MytalkswithNajiwereimportantforgaininginsightintothecountry’scomplexproblems.Likeme,hehadwrestledwithhowtohelpbepartofthesolution.Hefeltfrustratedwithhowlittlehecouldactuallydo.Listeningpolitelytomyideaofalargeevangelisticcampaign,hehadtriedpatientlytoexplainwhythatwouldn’twork.Bringingallofthemilitiastogetherinalargemeetingwasinvitinganexplosion.Thegospelhadtobespreadinsomeotherway.
WithsadnessandsympathyIthoughtaboutourlastdiscussioninLebanonin1983whenNajihadtoldmeabouthisopportunitytocontinuegraduatestudiesintheUnitedStates.“WhenIacceptedthecalltoRasBeirutBaptistChurch,Iexpectedtopastorhereallofmylife,”hesaidandthenconfidedthatsomeproblemshewashavingwithinthecongregationhadcausedhimtoreevaluate.“Thischurchdoesn’tneedmeasmuchnow.Theseniorpastorhasrestedforawhileandiswillingtoresumemoreofthework,andmyassistantiseagertotakeonmoreresponsibilities.Soit’sagoodtimeformetophaseout.Besides,Iwanttofurthermyeducationintheareasofcounselingandpsychology,whicharegreatneedsforthepeopleofLebanon.However,IwanttostudythesesubjectsfromaChristianandtheologicalperspective.”
“YouarecomingbacktoLebanon,aren’tyou?”Iasked.“Ofcourse.AndwhileIamintheStates,IwillbeanambassadorfortheEast.”“Yes.”Ismiled.“YouwillbeamissionaryfromLebanontotheWest.”
IprayedthatmyfriendwouldindeedreturntoLebanonaftercompletinghisdoctoralstudies.[1]InfactnowasIconsideredmynexttriptoBeirut,Iwantedtotalkwithhim.ForsometimeIhadfeltagrowingneedtopresentsomesortofformalpeaceplanforchurchleaders.
AsaforeignerinLebanon,Icouldmoveeasilythroughmostofthenumerouscheckpoints,whilemanyofmyfriendswereconfinedtoalimitedarea.Myheartwentouttothesoldierscheckingcarsandpapers.Iwouldsmileatthem,crackajoke,andhandthemanArabictract,saying,“Youshouldreadthis.Ithastherealsolutionforpeace.”Myfriendswhodrovemearoundstartedreferringtotheseencountersas“checkpointevangelism.”Thosewerelightmomentsamidgreatsuffering,buttheyweren’tpartofaseriouspeaceplan.
MeanwhiletensofthousandsofChristianshadfledthecountry.Fewforeignworkersremained.Mostpeopleleftbecauseitwasimpossibletosupportorprotecttheirfamilies.Multitudesmorewishedtheycouldmigratebutlackedthemeans.Howcouldanyoneblamethem?Amongthosewhoremained,someweresimplyculturalChristians—they’dgrownupinthechurchandthatwashowtheyidentifiedthemselves.
However,amongallthevariousreligiousdenominationsinLebanonweretruebelieverswhodetestedthebloodyconflictandendlesspowerstruggles.Iknewtheyfelthelpless.Attimestheywereaccusedofnotbeingnationalisticorpatriotic.Theytriedtoserveandbeablessing,buttheywerehavingtoendurethesamesufferingastherestofthepopulation.Inspiteoftheirsmallnumber,couldthesepeoplebecomeanactive,positiveforceforpeace?Ibelievedtheycould—ifsomeonewouldprovidethemwithaplan.
Itookoutapadofpaperandbeganwriting.
Beirut,1986
Thishadtobeoneofthemostunusualpeaceconferenceseverconvened.Therewerenoheadsofstateinattendance,noambassadorsornegotiators.Weweren’thagglingovertheshapeofthetablewithinaluxuriousmansion.RatherwewereseatedinfoldingchairsinanondescriptmeetingroominthebasementofaBeirutofficebuilding.Outside,variousmilitiasaimedtheirgunsatoneanother.Inside,afoolishDutchmissionarymetwithmenlikeGhassan,apastorandpresidentofArabBaptistSeminary,andLucien,presidentoftheBibleSocietyinLebanon,plusafewbravemissionariesandabouttwodozenlocalpastors,includingPeterandPhilip.
AsIthoughtaboutthetragedyofLebanon,itwaseasytofeelhelpless.We
AsIthoughtaboutthetragedyofLebanon,itwaseasytofeelhelpless.Wecouldn’tstopthesoldiersfromfighting—wehadnomilitarymight.Wecouldn’tstopothercountriesfrominvading.Infactthestrongestmilitaryforcesintheworldhadnotbeenabletochangethissituation.Meanwhile,militantleadersbelievedtheycoulddefeattheworld’sgreatestmilitarybecausetheirwillwasgreaterthanthatoftheWest.Afterall,theyhaddriventheUnitedStatesoutwithjustacoupleofwell-placedbombs.
DidIreallythinkthatthissmallgroupofchurchleaderscouldmakeanydifferenceinaconflictthathadragedaroundthemformorethanelevenyears?Powersfargreaterthanusweredeterminedtoimposetheirwill—didIreallythinkwecouldstopthem?Ontheotherhand,howcouldwesitaroundanddonothing?Forbetterorworse,theChurchwashowGodchosetoshineHislightintothedarkness.
ThispeaceplanwascarefullycraftedfromScripture.IhadconsultedwiththeleadershipofOpenDoors,andtheywereinHollandprayingformerightthen.Afteroneofthelocalpastorsofferedaprayerforourmeeting,Ilaunchedrightin.“IwouldliketobeginbymakingsomeobservationsaboutthisunendingconflicthereinLebanon.Manypeopleexpectsolutionstocomefromtheoutside.Theywillnotcome.Manypeoplewaitforotherstotaketheinitiative.Butwemusttaketheinitiative.ManyotherstowhomIhavealreadyspokenexpressthedesireforpeaceatanyprice.Thisisverydangerousandirresponsibleandindicatesthatnoonehasyetseriouslypursuedaplanforpeace.”
Ispokewithpassion,butinsideIwasn’tatallsurethiswasgoingtowork.Themenintheroomlistened,buttheirfacesrevealednoemotion.Weretheysimplybeingpolite?Didtheybelievetheycoulddosomethingpracticalabouttheconflictaroundthem?
“Iwouldliketoaddressthreequestions,”Icontinued.“Thefirstquestionis,Whatisourobjective?Theanswerissimple:Wewantpeace.Wealreadyknowthat.Sowegoontothesecondquestion:Whatmethoddowechoose?Wemustbeginwhereweare.Andasithappens,GodhasplacedushereinLebanon.Thereasonisbecauseweseethisconflictasaspiritualbattle.Allotherdefinitionsfail,andthat’swhysolutionsaresoelusive.Sowewhoareheremustproclaimpeace.FirstCorinthians1:21saysGod‘waspleasedthroughthefoolishnessofwhatwaspreachedtosavethosewhobelieve.’Thisbecomesaverypersonalthing,becauseGod’splanforachangingworldisalwaystochangepeople.Noonecanbepartofthesolutionifheisstillpartoftheproblem.”
IthenreferredtothreeversesinEphesians2.First,Jesusisourpeace;Hehasbrokendownthedividingwallofhostility.Second,Hemadepeacebyreconciling
ustoGodthroughthecross,therebybringingthehostilitytoanend.Third,Jesuscameandpreachedpeace.“Thereissomethingcreativeintheveryactofproclaiming,becauseitexpressesfaith,andGodhonorsfaith.Tothosewhosaythatthissoundstoospiritualforsuchapracticalproblem,Iask,HaveweevergivenJesusachance?IsHeorisHenotGod?”
Asthemenshiftedintheirchairs,Itookadeepbreathandcontinued.“Thisproblemofpeacebreaksdownintothreeparts.First,peaceinourheart.Godcanneverbringpeacetotheworldthroughpeoplewhodonothavepeaceintheirownhearts.Second,peaceinourownhome.Throughthesheerdeterminationpledgedbyeveryindividualmember,wesay,‘Weshallnotfight!’Thatmeansnotfightingoneanotherinthehome,notfightingourneighbor,notfightingourfriends,notfightingourcolleagues,fellowstudents,oranyone.TheverybasisofourlifeandactionsisthepeacethatGodhasgiven,andfromthatpeace,weact.Ourhomes,therefore,becomehomesofpeace.Andthenumberof‘homesofpeace’willdeterminehowcloseLebanonistopeace.
“Letmeemphasizethispoint.Weneedtocreateamovement.Every‘homeofpeace’shouldberecognizable.Thatimpliesthatthisisahavenwhereeveryoneiswelcometofindrefuge.Itcouldbedonewithastickerorasymbolonthefrontdoororwhateverwehavecouragefor.Every‘homeofpeace’couldhavesomeliterature,whichtheBibleSocietywillproduce,onthethemeofpeace,andOpenDoorswillfinancethat.Thethirdpartispeaceinourcommunity,inourchurches,inourspheresofinfluence.ItissaidthattheywillknowweareChristiansbyourlove.Thispeacemovementwilldemonstrateloveeverywherewego.
“Finally,thethirdquestion,Whatareourresources?Ourresourcesarepeople.Thatis,allthosewhosay,‘Enoughisenough,’allthosewhoarediscouraged,allthosewhoexpectGodtodoamiracle,allthosewhosaythere’snohumansolution,nopoliticalsolution,nomilitarysolution.Allofthesepeople,andthatincludesusinthisroom,areourresources.
“Inconclusion,IsaythatthisissimplyonemethodtobringaboutpeaceinLebanon.Ithasnotbeentriedyet.WemustgiveGodachance,andit’sopenforallthosewholoveJesusChristandwhothroughthatveryfactalonehaveenoughmotivationtomakesacrificesandtorisksomethinginordertogetpeace.MayGodblessyouasyouprayerfullyponderthispeaceplan,andletmeknowwhatGodistellingyou.”
Isatdownandwaited.Therewassilenceforafewmoments.Thenonepastorcommentedhaltingly,“BrotherAndrew,Iwouldliketothinkthatwecandosomething.Theconditions,asyouknow,arehorrible.Butwearesofew.Lookat
something.Theconditions,asyouknow,arehorrible.Butwearesofew.Lookatthisroom.Therearetwenty-five,maybethirtyofus.”
“That’swhyIputresourceslast,”Isaid.“Ifwestartwithresources,wewillmakeourgoalstoosmall.ButifourvisionisGod’sheart,Hecanmultiplyourresources.”
ThenPeterasked,“BrotherAndrew,couldyoutellusalittlemoreaboutwhatyouarethinkingwiththe‘homeofpeace’concept?”
Iwaspleasedthatmyfriendrealizedtheimportanceofthis.“IamproposingthateveryChristianhomebecomeahomeofrefuge.Ifyoutalkaboutpeaceinaconferencebutyourhomeisnotinvolved,itmeansyourheartisnotinvolved,soyouwillgetnowhere.Thisisthewholeprincipleofanychange—tocatchtheheart,theimagination.”
“Sohowdowebegin?”askedPhilip.“Ithinkwebeginwithourowncongregations.Wepreachfromthepulpit—
wecouldbeginwiththepassageinEphesians2—andweencourageeachfamilyinourchurchtomaketheirhomeahomeofpeace.Ifthisistowork,itmustbecomeamovement.Ifenoughfamiliesmaketheirhomesahomeofrefuge,theideacanspread.”
Iofferedtoprovidepublicity.“Thisisnecessary,ifonlytohelpyounotfeelalone.TheChurchintheWestneedstoprayforthiseffort.Wewillneedtoraisefunds,andtherearealotofLebaneseinAmericawhoarepotentialdonors.RememberthattheworldseestheLebaneseasfightersandtroublemakers.IwanttoletthemknowthatthereisaChristianpeacemovementthatisnot—andIemphasizenot—politicallymotivated.ThisisnotjustonemorepartyamongmanyinLebanon.ThereforeallChristiansaroundtheworldcanidentifywithus.”
Thediscussioncontinuedthroughthemorning,butthenthemenstartedtorisetogotoothercommitments.“Wethankyouforpresentingthis,”saidoneofthepastors.
“Yes,”anothersaid,“youhavegivenusmuchtothinkabout.”Noonesaid,“Let’smeetagain.Let’smakeacommitmenttofollowthroughon
this.”Themenscatteredtotheirindividualcongregations.Lord,willthiseffortbearanyfruit?Iprayed.Orwasthisjustanaiveand
ultimatelyfutileexercise?
8IT’SJUSTAMESS
Beirut,August1989
Theshootingstartedbeforesundownthatevening.Lucienhustledhisfamilydownstairstothebasement.IntheirbunkertheychoseamovietopopintotheVCR.Electricitywasstillon,butageneratorwasstandingby,readyfortheinevitableinterruptionofpower.“Tonightlet’swatchTheHidingPlace,”saidHuguette,Lucien’swife.
“Aratherapttitle,givenoursituation,”saidMartin,theirson.“Isanyonehungry?”Lucienasked.Huguettegavehiminstructions,andhe
headedupstairstothekitchenforfruit,flatbread,hummus,andasaladshehadpreparedearlierthatafternoon.Asheopenedtherefrigerator,thephonerang.Hecrossedthemarbleentrywaytothetablethatstoodbyapillarattheentrancetothespaciouslivingroom,whichalsodoubledasameetingplaceforthechurchLucienpastored.
“Hello.”Lucienneverheardwhocalled.Heneveractuallyheardtheblastthatknockedhimoffhisfeetandburiedhiminplasterandrubble.Hiswifeappearedasinasilentfilm,checkedhisvitalsigns,thennoticedsomethingthroughthedustandsmoke.Shesteppedoverhim,grabbedthegasheaterandheaveditoutthewindow.Onlythen,lookingpasther,didLucienseethatanartilleryshellhadtotallydestroyedtheirlivingroom.
Afterdustingthedebrisoffhim,Huguetteputacompressonhisheadtostopthebleeding.Lucien’ssonshelpedhimtohisfeet,andthethreeofthemdraggedhimtothebasementdoorandcarriedhimdownthestepstosafety.There,inthedarkroom,themovieTheHidingPlacewasplaying,butLuciencouldn’thearit.
Heturnedtohiswifeandsawherlipsmoving.Withhorror,herealizedthattheblasthadmadehimdeaf.
Larnaca,Cyprus,September1989
TheferryboatthatusuallytransportedmetoLebanonfloatedidlyatthedock.Therewasnoneoftheusualactivity,nobrightlights,nocarsdrivingonboard,nopassengersmillingaroundthedeck.Asignintheticketwindowindicatedtherewouldbenoferryserviceuntilfurthernotice.
AirtravelintoBeiruthadbeenextremelydangerousandunreliableforseveralyears.TheeasiestwayformetogettherewastoflytoLarnacaontheislandofCyprus,thentakeanovernightferryaboutonehundredmilestoLebanon.However,ferryservicepresenteditsownrisksafterIsraeldivertedoneboattoHaifain1984anddetainedsomeofitspassengers.[1]
Iknockedontheglassoftheticketwindowandcaughttheattentionofamanworkinginthebackroom.Hecametothewindowandopenedit,saying,“Thereisnoferrytonight.”
Ismiled.“Iunderstand.ButdoyouknowifthereissomeotherwayIcangettoBeirut?”
Hepointedbehindhim.“Tryoverafewboats.TheremaybeonetakingsomepeopletoJounieh.”ThatwasasmallharbornorthofBeirut,intheChristiansector.
Sureenough,threepiersovertherewasamantakingpassengersontoalargespeedboat.IpulledoutawadofAmericanmoneyandpaidthecaptain150dollarsbeforeboarding.Avariedgroupofaboutthirtypeoplewereseatedaroundthecabinofthebobbingboat.Therewasanervousbusinessmanwearingslacks,poloshirt,andwindbreaker,fidgetingwithhisbriefcase.ALebanesecouple,thewife’sheadcoveredbyascarf,nervouslyheldhands.Ayoungmaninjeansandasweatshirttossedhisbackpackintoacornerofthecabinandlookedeasttowardhisnextadventure.
Anhouraftersunsetthecaptainstartedtheengineandpulledoutoftheharbor.BehindmeIcouldseethelightsofLarnacafallingaway,replacedbytheloomingsilhouetteofCyprus.Aheadwasonlyinkyblackness.Theboatcutthroughfive-footswells,andIfeltthemistfromthewavessprayingoverthebow.Soonthebusinessmanhurriedtotheheadtoeasethenauseahefelt.
Wewereabouttenmilesfromourdestinationwhenthespeedboatcaptainshutofftherunninglights,leavingonlythesoftgreenglowofhisinstrumentpanel.ItwasthenthatIsawlightsflashinginthedistance.“Lookslikeastorm,”
panel.ItwasthenthatIsawlightsflashinginthedistance.“Lookslikeastorm,”thebusinessmanmuttered.
“Artillery,”saidthecaptain.“They’rereallygoingatittonight.”WewatchedinmorbidfascinationasflashesofartillerylituptheBeirut
skyline.Thecaptainspokeagain.“We’regoingtolandinJounieh.”Thatwasaoncesleepyfishingvillagethat,since1975,hadgrownintoacity,developedbyChristiansfleeingfromthefightinginBeirutjustafewmilestothesouth.“Makesureyougraballofyourbelongings.Ineedtoloaduppassengersandbeawayasquicklyaspossible.”Hedidn’thavetoaddthathefelthewasriskinghislifeeverytimehemadethistrip.
Theboatdidn’tbegintoslowuntiltheshadowofthedockwasvisibledirectlyahead.Thecaptaincuthismotorandsilentlydriftedupagainstthebumpershangingfromthepier.Assoonasthefirstropewasloopedoverapile,theyoungmaninjeansgrabbedhisbackpack,jumpedontothepier,andheadedonhisway.IlookedintotheshadowsandthoughtIrecognizedtheformofmyfriend.Iwaved,andhewavedback.Igrabbedmysuitcaseandjumpedofftherockingboat.Luciensteppedforwardandembracedmeinabighug.
Theconcussionfromanexplosionshookus.Itseemedonlyafewblocksawayandwasfollowedbytherapidpulseofmachine-gunfire.Revvingthemotor,thepowerboatcaptainyelled,andseveralpeoplejumpedonboardbeforehepulledawayfromthepier,madeasharpU-turn,androaredintothenight.
Lucienpulledonmyarm,hurryingmetohiscar,parkedatthetopofthequay.Histiresscreechedaswepulledontothenarrowstreetandheadednorth,awayfromthebattle.
WedrovethroughseveralnarrowbackstreetstooneoftheserpentineroadsthatclimbedMountLebanon.IheldmybreathasLuciendrove.Finally,IexhaledinasighofreliefaswepassedbeneaththegiantstatueoftheVirginMaryinHarissa.“We’retakingthelongwayhome,”LucienexplainedinhisFrenchaccent.“We’llavoidBeirutand,hopefully,allthefighting.”Icouldn’thelpbutnoticethewordhopefully.Lucienreachedoverandgrippedmyarm.“Don’tworry.Iknowtheseroadswell.We’llbefine.”
Threetimeswehadtostopatcheckpoints,butineachcase,afterabriefreviewofLucien’spapersandmypassport,wewerewavedthrough.Finally,Ispoke:“I’msuregladyoucame.Howdidyouknowwheretofindme?”
“I’veriddenonthatboatmyself,”heexplained.“Icheckedearliertodayandlearnedtheferrywasn’trunning,soIfiguredI’dfindyouinJounieh.”
Howmanypeoplewouldbraveartilleryandmachine-gunfiretopickmeup
Howmanypeoplewouldbraveartilleryandmachine-gunfiretopickmeupinthemiddleofthenight?Mydearfriendhadsufferedmuchbecauseofthewar.Hiswatchbusinesshadfailedafterhisshopwasdestroyedin1976.Lucienwasapastorwhohadsupportedhimselfwithhisbusiness.Hefelthehadtomovehiswifeandchildrentosafety,sohepackedupthefamilycaranddrovethroughSyria,Turkey,Greece,Yugoslavia,andNorthernItalytoSwitzerland.Butdespitetheofferofagoodjobandsafetyforhisfamily,heandhiswife,Huguette,didn’tfeelrightabouttheirescape.FourmonthslatertheyreturnedtoBeirut.That’swhenhewasaskedtoassumeleadershipoftheBibleSocietyinLebanon.
Sincetheoutbreakofthecivilwar,Lucienandhisfamilyhadmovedeighttimes.Fourtimesthey’dlosttheirhometobombsorrefugees.TheseweredesperatetimesandinsomepartsofBeirutifafamilylefttheirhomeforevenhalfaday,refugeeswouldoccupyit,andtherewasnothingtheownerscoulddo.Ononeoccasion,hislandlorddecidedtoemigratetoAustraliaandsoldthebuilding.Thenewlandlordpromptlyevictedallofthetenants.WhenLucienrefusedtoleave,thenewownerdemolishedthebuildingaroundhisapartment.
Finally,Lucienbuilthiscurrenthomeonfamilypropertyinthemountains,believingthatitwasoutsidetherangeofthefighting.Aftermovingintothemountains,Lucienstartedachurchthatmetinhislivingroom.Soontheconflictexpandedandsurroundedthenewhome.FivetimesLucien’shousehadbeenhitbyartilleryfire,thelasttimejustamonthearlier,whenhehadbeeninjured.
Givenallhe’dbeenthrough,IwasconcernedabouthowLucienwasholdingupunderthestrain.Atthetopofthemountain,justbeforewewouldhaveheadeddownintotheBekaaValley,weturnedsouth,passingbythecanyonsandgulliesthatdividedcommunitiesontheslopesbelowus.Thetensionofourgetawayhadsubsided,andIfeltfreetoaskLucienhowhewasrecoveringfromthelatestattackonhishouse.“Icouldn’thearanythingforaweek,”heanswered.“IthoughtIhadlostmyhearingpermanently,but,thankGod,that’sokaynow.However,it’sgettingwearisome.”Hepaused,sigheddeeply,thenadded,“Andrew,Idon’tthinkIcanputmyfamilythroughthisanymore.”
IsensedmyfriendneededtotalkandIencouragedhimbyasking,“Wherewouldyougo?”
“Wecouldtakethatboatyouwereontonight.ThehomeofficewantsustomovetheworktoCyprus.”HewasreferringtotheofficesoftheUnitedBibleSocietyinEngland.“TheyfeelCyprusissafer.Theycanprovideabetterfacility.AndtheLebanesepoundhascollapsedsoitwouldbebettereconomically.”
“Butyou’rehesitating?”“SomehowIfeeltheministrybelongshere,amongthepeoplewhomwe’re
“SomehowIfeeltheministrybelongshere,amongthepeoplewhomwe’rehelping.”
Therewasmore,andIprodded.“Whatelseistroublingyou?”Myfriendwasquietafewmomentsbeforesaying,“Itfeelslikethiswarwill
neverstop.It’sbeenfourteenyears.DoyouknowthatnearlyonehundredthousandChristianshavebeenkilledinthiswar?ButtheChurchintheWestissilent.Nooneseemstocare!Ofcourse,that’sjustanimpersonalnumber.What’shardestistheemotionaltollittakesonyouasapastor.ThisyearI’veburiedtwomenfromourcongregation.Onewasthemanwholaidthemarbletilesonthefloorofourhome.Theotherwasvaporizedinanexplosion.We‘buried’himinanemptycoffin.”
TearswelledupinmyeyesasIfeltsomeofLucien’spain.“Howisyourcongregationholdingup?”Iasked.
Afteranotherlongsigh,heanswered.“Whatchoicedowehave?Weneedeachother.Butmany,likeme,wonderwhytheyshouldstay.Ifthere’snohope...”Hisvoicetrailedoff.
“Isyourchurchstillmeetinginyourhome?”Heshookhishead.“Wecan’t.You’llsee.It’sjustamess.”Thenight’scombathadceasedbythetimewearrivedatLucien’shome.The
livingroomwasblockedoff,andIcouldn’tviewitinthedark.Itwasnearly3:00AMandI’dhadaverylongday.Still,asIlaydowninmyfriend’sguestroom,ittookmeawhiletofallasleep.IwasherespecificallytohelppeoplelikeLucien,menandwomenwhoministeredtoothersandledtheChurchinthemidstofthisconflict.Theywerenotsuperheroes.Theywereordinarypeopleconfrontingextraordinarilydifficultsituations.Theyhadfamiliestosupport.Itwasonlynaturalthattheyweariedoftheunendingfighting.WhentheopportunitycametoemigratetoEuropeorAustraliaorNorthAmerica,manycouldn’tresist.Iunderstoodthenaturaldesiretofleetosafety,butIalsobelievedthatavibrantChurch,thelivingbodyofChrist,hadtobepresentinthemidstofstrife.JesussaidHeisthelightoftheworldandthatHispeoplearethelightoftheworld.Bothstatementsaretrue.PeopleinwhomChristdwellsprovidehopeinthemidstofconflict.Buthowcantheybelightiftheylosehope?HowcouldtheybelightinLebanoniftheyfled,leavingonlydarknessbehind?
9BEINGWITHUSISTHEGREATESTENCOURAGEMENT
Beirut,1989
Themorningmistwasburningoffoverthecity.IstoodonLucien’sbalconybutdidn’ttouchthetwistedmetalrailingthatteeteredlooselyattheedge.TheMediterraneanSeawasn’tyetinview,butdownbelowIcouldseewispsofsmokefromtwobuildings,destroyedinlastnight’sfighting.BehindmeyawnedtheopeningtoLucien’shome.TheFrenchdoorshadbeenblownoffandapieceofplywood,whichI’dpushedtotheside,wasintheirplace.ThestonewallsofLucien’shomeandofallthesurroundingbuildingswerescarredandpockmarkedbyshrapnel.Nexttomestoodtheremainsofanorangeeasychairwithhugechunksofstuffingcarvedoutbyshrapnel.Iplacedmyhandonittoseeifitwassturdy.
Lucien’svoicestartledme.“It’ssafetositonit,ifyouwant.”Pointingintothehouse,Iasked,“Wherewereyoustandingwhenthebomb
exploded?”WithanodofhisheadheindicatedthatIshouldfollowhim.Thelivingroom
wasamess.Theworstoftherubbleanddusthadbeenclearedaway,butchunksofthemarblefloorweremissing,holesfromshrapnelmarkedthewalls,andsofasandeasychairslookedlikethey’dbeentornapartbycatswithrazor-sharpclaws.Damagedpaintingsandframedphotoswithcrackedglassleanedagainstthewall.Standingbythepillarattheothersideoftheroom,Luciensaid,“Iwasrightbehindthispillarandthatiswhatsavedmylife.”Thenheturnedmearound.“Alltheglasswasblownout.Andseethisgasspaceheater?”Hepointedtoaholeinthemetalheateratmyfeet.“Mywifesmelledgasandthrewitoutthe
window.”“I’mamazednooneelsewashurt.”“Thebasementissurroundedbyrock.Thehouseissetinwhatusedtobea
quarry.Sothebasementisquitesafe.Everyoneelsewasdownstairs,watchingTheHidingPlace.”
“SoCorrietenBoomsavedanotherfamily!”Luciensmiledattheirony.Iwalkedbacktowardthebalcony,myshoescrunchingontinypiecesofmarbleandplaster,andmyfriendfollowedme.ThefoghadnowburnedoffandtheintenseblueskyandthespectacularviewoftheMediterraneanSeaseemedtomockthedestructionaroundus.
Iputmyarmaroundmyfriend’sshouldersandsaid,“MayIprayforyou?”Henodded.QuietlyIaskedGodtogivemyfriendthestrengthtocarryoninthemidstofthiswar.Iprayedforresourcestorebuildhishome,forprotectionforhisfamily,andfortheongoingworkoftheBibleSociety.“Lord,YouknowtheonlyanswersareinYourWord.MaythisministrycontinuethroughYourfaithfulservant,Lucien.”
Hejoinedmeinsaying“Amen.”ThenIthoughtofawordpicture.“Doyouknowthelessonofthespiderandthecobweb?Whenthespider’swebisdamagedordestroyed,itimmediatelybeginstospinanewweb.Always.Ifanythingdestroysoursociety,ourlife,ourwork,wemustbeginatoncetorebuild,tomakeitasnew,asifwedonotexpectittobedestroyedagain.”Lucienletoutagaspofsurprise.“Andifitisattackedagain,Godwillgivethegracetodoitagain.”Andagainandagainandagain,Ithought,preachingtomyself.
“Youknow,whenthewarstarted,peoplestoppedcomingtoseeus,”Luciensaid,gazingtowardthehorizon.“Butyouhavecome.Yourbeingwithusisthegreatestencouragement.”
Thefightingresumedearlythatafternoon.Apartofmewantedtohustledowntothesafetyofthebasement,yetIlingered,watchingtwobigguns,belchingbluesmoke,firefromacamouflagedspotintheforestbelowus.Thenashelllandedintheforestaboutthreehundredmetersinfrontofus,andLuciensaidwe’dbettergodownstairs.Aswedid,hesaid,“DoyouknowwhatthefirstministerofdefenseinLebanonwascalled?HisEnglishwasratherpoor.Hecalledhimself‘theMinisterofBoomBoom.’”
“Ratherappropriate,”Isadlyagreedasweheardanothermuffledboomofartilleryfire.
Huguettewasworriedabouttheirseventeen-year-oldson,Martin,andhis
Huguettewasworriedabouttheirseventeen-year-oldson,Martin,andhisfriendMatthieuwhohadtakenthecartorunsomeerrandsandhadnotreturned.Severalneighborsjoinedusinthebasement,includinganArmeniancoupleandtheirtwodaughtersplustwosistersfromSriLanka.Welistenedtothethreeo’clocknewsandlearnedthatthepreviousday20hadbeenkilledand130wounded.TheotheritemofinterestwasthatGeneralAoun,oneoftheMaroniteleaders,wasofferingtomeetWalidJumblatt,leaderoftheDruze,todiscusstermsofagreementforafutureLebanon.
Wheneveritwasquietfortenminutesorso,weclimbedbackupstairstoassessthesituation.Lucienhelpedmedistinguishthesoundofoutgoingandincomingfire.Ofcourse,Iwasremindedthatthemostdangeroussoundwastheoneyouneverheard—therewasnowarningforthemissileheadeddirectlyatyou.
Lucien’sfacebrightenedwhenMartinreturnedhomesafely.Igreetedthesonwho’dgrownaninchintheyearsinceI’dlastvisited.Luciencalledoverthesecondboyandtoldme,“IwantyoutomeetMatthieu!”TheyoungmanshookmyhandandthenembracedLucienlikeafather.“BrotherAndrew,thisisalsomyson.”
Nearbyexplosionsurgedusbackintothebasement.Ifeltlikeayo-yo,goingupanddownthestairs,atthemercyofthemilitiasIcouldn’tsee.Mostofussatoncratesorchairs.MartinandMatthieusatonthefloor,leaningagainsttherockwall.IstaredatMatthieu.HelookedlikeabrothertoMartin.Hewasalankyteenager,armsfolded,eyesclosedasherested.Hisfacewashard,asthoughhehadsufferedfarmorethanhisageshouldpermit.
Lucienobservedmestaringattheboy.“Weadoptedhimfourmonthsago,”hesaid.“He’shadnofamily.Hewaspickedupoffthestreetandforcedtoserveinamilitiaattheageofeleven.”
InmyyearsofvisitingLebanon,Icouldn’thelpbutnoticethattheageofPalestinianandLebanesecombatantshaddropped.Itwasn’tunusualtoseeten-,eleven-,andtwelve-year-oldboys,theirshouldersslumpingundertheweightofM-16rifles,grenadeshangingfromtheirbelts,wieldingauthorityoveranyelderswhodaredencroachonterritoryoccupiedbytheirparticularmilitia.Icouldn’thelpbutwonderaboutthefutureofthesekidsandoftheirfracturednation.
“Hislifewasunbearable,”Lucienexplained,asthoughreadingmythoughts.“Butthekidsaretrapped.Theydarenotescapeoncethey’reintheclutchesofoneofthesemilitias.SowhenMatthieuabandonedhisunit,hewasarrestedfordesertionandimprisoned.Someoneinourchurchlearnedabouthim,andwebegantoprayforhim.Miraculously,hewasreleasedafterafewmonthsandwe
begantoprayforhim.Miraculously,hewasreleasedafterafewmonthsandwetookhimin.”Lucien’svoicechokedmomentarilyandIcouldseehewasproudofthisboy,ashewasproudofhisownfleshandblood.
Bysunsetthefightinghadbecomeconstant,andtenofusweretrappedinthequarry-turned-basement.Lucien,Martin,andMatthieubroughtoutguitars,andforanhourwesangchorusesandhymnsandprayedforLebanon.ThenLucienaskedifIwouldliketopreach.IrarelypassupanyopportunitytoexpoundontheScriptures.Thistinycongregation,huddledtogether,wasasprecioustomeasthatinanycathedralormegachurch.IopenedmyBibleandbreathedaprayer:Lord,givemeYourmessageforthesebravepeople.
IturnedtoJohn21.“ItistheLord!”Istarted,referringtoverse7ofthechapter.“Ithasbeenseveralweekssincethecrucifixionandresurrection.Thedisciplesarediscouraged.Theyfeelliketheyhavelosteverything.Theyhaven’tseenJesusformanydays.Theyhavenoroutineinlife.Theydon’tknowwhattodo.Jesushastoldthemtogointotheworld,butwhere?Andwhatistheirmessage?Whatistheirmandate?They’verunoutofmoneybecausetheirtreasurercommittedsuicide.SoPetersays,‘Let’sgofishing.’Unfortunately,theothersdidn’tsay,‘No,Peter,let’sprayaboutthefuture!’TheyallfollowedPeterandspentallnightinaseafilledwithfishandtheycaughtnothing.
“Whatatragicword!Theycaughtnothing.Allnight.Nothing.”Inoticedasmilefromthetwoteenageboys.“YoucanhaveallkindsofactivitiesoutsidethedirectionofChrist.Youcanbeado-gooder,bebusy,doamillionthings,butifyoudoyourownthinginsteadoffollowingChrist,yourtombstonewillsay:‘Allnight.Nothing.’
“Theturningpointforthefishermencamewhenasupposedstrangerappearedonthebeach.Hecalledtothem,‘Haveyoucaughtanyfish?’Theyshoutedback,‘No!’Theyweresochagrinedtheycouldn’tevenshout‘No,sir!’Theywerefedupwiththemselvesandeverything.
“Howgrumpywecanbecomewhenthingsdon’tgoourway!Thestrangersawthefishthedisciplescouldn’tsee.When,atHisdirection,theythrewtheirnetovertheotherside,therewasamiracle—Godpushedthefishin—morethanthenetcouldhold.ThenthedisciplewhomJesuslovedsaid,‘ItistheLord!’”
InthisinformalwayIspoketomylittleflockastheylistenedintently,identifyingwiththecircumstancesandstrugglesofthedisciples.“ThelordshipofChrist.It’sthecalltoaproductivelife.Whenthedisciplesarriveonland,they’recold,they’retired,they’rehungry,andthey’relonely.ButJesusistheLordoftheirneed.Thereisacharcoalfireandahotbreakfastwaitingforthem.Jesusgivesthemheat,rest,food,andHimself.It’stouchingthatthealmightyGodgotupearlythatmorningtocookbreakfastforHisdisgruntledfriends.He
GodgotupearlythatmorningtocookbreakfastforHisdisgruntledfriends.HewasLordoftheirneed.Thiswasagentleremindertothemandtous.HeistheLordofourneed.Exactlywhatyouneed,Jesusprovides.ThepeopleinLebanonhavetremendousneeds,butyoucanshowthemthattheLordwillmeetthoseneeds.”
Thenexttwodayswerebusy.LucienandIleftearlyinthemorningtovisitpastorsandencouragethem.Thethirddaydawnedagloriousmorning,thekindthatremindedmeagainofwhyLebanonwasthejeweloftheMediterranean.ItoldLucienandHuguettethatIwasgoingtotakeawalk.Withoutthinking,Igrabbedmycamera,hopingtogetapanoramicphotoofBeirutandtheMediterraneanSea.Iwalkedupthemountainroad,stayingasfartothesideaspossibletoavoidcarsheadingintoBeirut.Afteraboutaquartermile,Iturnedoffontoadirtroadandcontinuedmylittlehiketoanopeningwithamarvelousvista.IliftedmycameraandtookapictureofJounieh,beautifullyframedbytheboughsoftwotrees.
Iturnedmyattentionsouth.Thecoastlinewascrystalclear,andIcouldmakeouttheSeasideParkandAmericanUniversityofBeirut.Iraisedmycameratotakeanotherphotowhentwosoldierssuddenlydescendedonme.Oneofthemgrabbedthecamerawhiletheothergrippedmyarmandsaid,“Please,comewithus.”AsIwalkedupthedirtroadwiththem,Icouldmakeoutagunstationbeingusedbyamilitia.Thiswasnotgood.
Wewentintoalittlehut,andtheyorderedmetositonametalchairwhileoneofthesoldierssatoppositemeatametaldesk.Theothermanstoodguardatthedoor.Themanatthedeskglaredatmeasheheldthecamerainhishands.“Whyareyoutakingpictures?”hedemanded.
“Itisabeautifulmorning.IwastakingphotographsofBeirutandthesea.”“Itisnotpermitted,”hesaid,andwiththat,openedthecameraandremoved
thefilm.Thenhecontinuedtoholdthecameraashesaid,“Whatareyoudoinguphere?”
“I’mstayingwithfriends.”“Whoarethey?”“Lucien.Heandhisfamilylivejustdowntheroadfromhere.”“Howlonghaveyoubeenthere?”“Iarrivedfourdaysago.”“Fromwhere?”
“IliveinHolland.”ThetwosoldierstalkedforaminuteinArabic,thentheoneatthedesksaid,
“Comewithme.”WerodeinajeepdownthemountainintoBeiruttowhatappearedtobesome
kindofheadquarters.ThereIwashandedovertoanotherinterrogatorwhoaskedmewhereIwasstayingandwhatIwasdoinginLebanon.
“Iamvisitingchurchleaders.”Thequestionerlookedconfused.“Whatchurches?”“I’mworkingwiththeBibleSocietyofLebanon,whichworkswithmany
churches.”“WhereisthisBibleSociety?”Itoldhimwhereitwaslocated,andhethenconferredwithanotherassociate
inArabic.IbecameconcernedthatthismanmightwanttoknowallthepeopleI’dbeenmeetingwith.Iwasn’tsurewhichsidethesesoldierswereon.Lord,pleaseprotectme,Iprayed.MayIbeabletohonestlyanswereveryquestion,butmaytheyaskonlythequestionsthatIcananswerwithoutendangeringthepeopleIworkwith.Itwasn’tthemostarticulateprayer,butasenseofpeacecameoverme.
“Youhavebeenherebefore?”“Yes,IvisitLebanontwiceeachyear.”“OnlyinBeirut?”“No,sir.Itraveltoothertowns.IspeakatchurchesandvisitChristian
workers.AnywherethereareChristians,Igotoencouragethem.”“Tellmewhatplacesyouhavetraveledto.”ImentionedseveraltownsIhadvisitedonrecenttrips,includingHammana.
WhenImentionedHammana,theinterrogatorlookedupfromhisnotepadandstoppedwriting.
“WherewereyouinHammana?”heasked.“IvisitedHamlinHospital.”“Why?”“ThereisaDutchnursethere.”Imentionedhername,thensaid,“Iwantedto
bringhergreetingsfromHollandandencourageher.”“Iknowher!”saidtheman.“Whoelsedoyouknowatthehospital?”Imentionedadoctor.“Iknowhimtoo.”Heputhispendownandsatbackinthechair.“Iamfrom
Hammana.”Thenheyelledtoanassistantandorderedhimtobringuscoffee.AswedrankthethickArabiccoffee,Ibreathedasighofrelief.WhileInever
volunteeredinformation,Ihaddeterminednevertoliewhenaskeddirect
volunteeredinformation,Ihaddeterminednevertoliewhenaskeddirectquestions.Thiscircumstanceprovedthewisdomofthatpolicy.ButwhatpromptedmetomentionHammanaoutofalltheplacesI’dvisited?TheonlyanswerwasthatGodwasincharge!
Afterwefinishedourcoffee,theinterrogatorstoodandshookmyhandandsaidIwasfreetoleave.Heevenorderedoneofthesoldierstodrivemebackupthemountain.
ThenextmorningIsatonthebalconyinthepockmarkedorangechairandprayed,preparingtoleaveLucienandstaywithapastorinBeirut.Amutualfriendwasscheduledtopickmeupinaboutanhour.“Andrew,youhavetoseethis!”Lucienwasstandinginthedoorway,wavingaletterandacheck.“It’sthemostamazingthing,fromaJordanianbrother.Letmereadfromtheletter.‘TheLordspoketomethattheproceedsIjustreceivedfrommybusinessneedtogotomyfriendLucienforhishouse.’There’senoughtorepairmostifnotallofthedamage!”
Istoodandweembraced.“Thishasneverhappenedtomebefore,”hesaidaswesteppedbackintohishome.“Thefirsttimesomeoneeversendsmemoneyformyhomeisafteryoucome,whenI’dgivenuphope,andyoubelievedGodandprayedforme.HeisindeedtheLordofourneed!”
Lucien’sfamilyhadgatheredinthediningroomtocelebratetheansweredprayer.AsIlookedatthem,myfriendhadanotherencouragingwordforme:“Myson,Matthieu.Inpartit’sbecauseofyouthathe’swithus.”
Imusthavelookedathimwithastrangeexpression,becausehelaughed.“Don’tyouremember?Threeyearsagoyouchallengedthechurchleaderstocreatehomesofpeace.Well,that’swhatwedid.WhereelsewouldthisfineboyfindpeaceandChristianloveandhopeforareallife?”
AsIrodedownthemountainintothewarzonethatwasBeirut,IthoughtofallthesufferinginLebanonthathadtornatmyheart.Afterhearingthegut-wrenchingstoriesandseeingbombed-out,abandonedchurchbuildings,Icouldn’tsitbywithoutatleastmakingsomeattemptatasolution.IthoughtoffriendslikeNaji,Peter,andPhilip,pastorswhohadlaboredundersevereconditions.Theyhadmotivatedmetotrytobeacatalystforpeace.Perhapsmyeffortshadn’taccomplishedmuch,buttoday,seeingLucien’sandMatthieu’sjoymademeextremelygratefulthatIhadtried.
10IHAVENOPOWER
Beirut,1989
Lucien,whatwentwrong?”IaskedmyfriendinhisofficeattheBibleSocietyinBeirut.“Hasanyonebesidesyouactedonthepeaceplan?”
Leaningbackinhischair,helookedatmeoverthetopofhisreadingglasses.“Notmany,”headmitted.“Weprintedtheliterature,butmostofitissittinginourwarehouse.”
“Nooneseemstoreallycare.Whatisholdingusback?”Lucienremovedhisglassesandleanedforward,takingasipofcoffeebeforehe
spoke.“No,peopledocare.ButIthinktheproblemiswithus,withtheChurchinLebanon.Wedon’thavepeaceamongourselves,sohowcanwebealightforpeaceinthecountry?”Hesigheddeeplyandcontinued.“Evenamongoursmallgroupofevangelicals,thereisdivision.Onechurchteachesthatawomanwithoutaheadcoveringisn’t‘bornagain.’Inanother,charismaticsareinconflictwithnon-charismatics.Westruggletoholdourowncongregationtogetherbecauseofdifferencesinmusic.Theoldpeoplewanthymnsaccompaniedbypiano;theyoungpeoplewantchorusesaccompaniedbyguitarsanddrums.Theonlyreasonwehaven’tsplitoverthisisthatouryoungpeopleweremorematureandofferedtocutbackontheirloudmusic—forthegoodofthebody.”
IunderstoodtheproblemforI’dobserveditmanytimes.Shortlybeforepresentingthepeaceplan,IhadspokeninaBaptistchurchinatownnorthofBeirut.Twowomenenteredthemeetingwithoutheadcoverings.Oneoftheelderspointedthemouttomeandwhispered,“They’reprobablynotbornagain.”Onanotheroccasion,IspoketoalargemeetingofMaronitecharismaticsandbroughtsomeconservativeevangelicalfriendsalong—amiracleinitself.
andbroughtsomeconservativeevangelicalfriendsalong—amiracleinitself.Theyenjoyedthemeetingbutafterwardsaidtomesadly,“Greatservice.Toobadtheywerenotbornagain.”SocertainChristianshadtakenitonthemselvestojudgetheheartsofmenandwomen.Howcouldthesepeoplebeagentsforpeace?
ThenI’dmetwithaNazarenepastor.Hetoldmethathischurchhadbeendestroyedandthecongregationhadnoplacetomeet.“Whatcanwedo?”heasked.Isuggested,“Whynotsendthemtootherevangelicalchurches?”Helookedatmewithashockedexpression,asthoughithadneveroccurredtohim.“Youthinkweshoulddothat?”Icouldn’thelpbutthink,Arethedenominationalwallssohighthateveninthemostdireofcircumstanceswecan’thelponeanother?
“Whycan’twelayasideourtheologicaldifferencesforthegoodofthewholeChurch?”IaskedLucien.“Ifwedonothing,thenit’shopeless.”
“Iagreewithyourplan.YouknowIdo.I’vedonewhatIcan,buttherearen’ttoomanyfollowingus.”
Iclosedmyeyesandtriedtounderstandwhatthismeant.“Istrugglewiththisquestion:CanGoduseChristianstobringaboutpeacewithoutbeingpolitical?IbelieveHecan.Ifwedenythat,itmeanswearedefenselessinthehandsofanycruelmanipulator,behereligiousorpolitical.”Thatpromotedathought.“Lucien,maybewecandosomethingtoshowhowthisworks.OntheboatfromLarnaca,Ithoughtaboutthetwomilitiasnowfightingaroundyourhome.YousaidtheyareledbyChristians?”
“Yes,GeneralAounandDr.GeageaarebothMaronites.”“Thenweoughttoappealtothem,basedontheirmutualfaith.”Lucienchuckled.“Andrew,whatmakesyouthinktheirfaithisanythingmore
thancultural?”“Iknowthat.Butwhatcanwedo?TheMaronitepatriarch—doesn’thehave
anyauthority?Can’themakethosemenstopfightingeachother?”Myfriendwassmilingnow.“Iknowthepatriarch.I’llschedulean
appointmentforus.”
TherootsoftheMaroniteChurchgobacktothechurchinAntioch,wherebelieverswerefirstcalledChristians(Acts11:26).ApriestnamedMaron,whodiedin410A.D.,influencedonegroupoftheseChristians.ThefollowersofMaronwerepersecutedandfledtothemountainsofLebanon.Theycelebrated
anEasternOrthodoxliturgy,butsincethetimeoftheCrusades,theyhavebeenundertheauthorityoftheRomanCatholicChurch.
WiththeaidoftheFrench,Maroniteshadheldprimarypoliticalpowersince1920.UndertheNationalPactof1943,Maronitesalwaysfilledthepresidencyduetotheirsupposedpopulationmajority.Butbythe1970s,Muslimsoutnumberedthemanddemandedareformofthesystem.TheMaroniteswouldnothearofit,andthiswasonereasonforthecivilwar.Duringtheconflict,theyhadearnedareputationforbrutalitythatgavethetermChristianamostfoulconnotation.Someconsideredthiswaracaseof“theMaronitesagainsteveryoneelse.”[1]
NowMaroniteswerefightingagainsteachother.Iwondered:CouldIappealtotheleaderofthischurchtoforcethesetwocombatantstoreconcile?
ThepatriarchateoftheMaronitechurchwaslocatedatBkerkeinthefoothillsaboveJounieh,justbelowthefamousstatueofMaryinHarissa.Sofar,thiscompoundhadmanagedtoescapemuchdamagefromthefighting.Therewasaquietbustleaspriestsandsecretariesscurriedaround,conductingthebusinessofthechurch.HisBeatitudeMarNasrallahBoutrosSfeirgreetedLucienandmeattheentrancetothegreathall,abright,gold-coloredroom,witharedMiddleEasterncarpetcoveringthefloorandred-cushionedchairsalongthewalls.Threechandelierslittheroom,whichcouldeasilyaccommodateanaudienceofonehundredormore.Itfeltstrangetohaveasmallmeetinginsuchahugeroom.Wesatatthefarend,thepatriarchonhisthrone,beneathaportraitofPopeJohnPaulII,withLucienandmeonhisright.Atelevisioncrew,waitingforaninterviewwiththepatriarch,followedusintoobtainsomebackupfootage.
Thepatriarchwasashortman,bald,withasnow-whitebeard.Hewasdressedinablackcassockwithabrightredcincturearoundhiswaist.HespokedecentEnglish,sowedidn’trequireaninterpreter,buthisvoicewasverysoft,andIhadtostraintohearhim.
Iknewourtimewaslimited.Thismanseemedfriendlyenough,soIplungedahead,explainingwhoIwasandtheworkthatIhaddoneovertheyears,firstintheCommunistworldandthenintheMiddleEast.AfterpresentinghimwithanArabiccopyofGod’sSmuggler,Imadeanobservation,howonrecenttripsIhadnoticedmanyyoungpeopleontheferrytoCypruswhotoldmetheywereleavingLebanonforgood.“TheyallwanttogetoutofLebanon,”Isaid.“Itoldsomeofthemtheyshouldstayorcomeback,becausetheyneedtorebuildthecountry.Iwouldimaginethatconcernsyoutoo.IknowtensofthousandsfromtheMaroniteChurchhaveleftthecountry.”
PatriarchSfeirnoddedhisheadandsaid,“Iamofyouropinion.Asachurch
PatriarchSfeirnoddedhisheadandsaid,“Iamofyouropinion.Asachurchweareencouragingourpeopletostay.Butitisnotpossibletothembecausetheyhavetowork;theyhavetoeat.”Forthenextfewminuteswetalkedaboutthepoliticalsituation.Itwasobviousthatthismanwaspoliticallysavvy,referringtoUnitedNationsresolutionsandvariousgroupsthatwereinconflictwithinLebanon.ButherepeatedlinesI’dheardelsewhere,thattherealproblemwastheoutsiders—Syria,Israel,variousnationssupplyingarmstovariousmilitias.“Cutthearms,”hesaidtome,“anditwillbeallover.Withoutthearms,theywillstopfighting.”
Sincethiswasn’tthemainpurposeofmyvisit,Ichangeddirectionandsaid,“IamhereasafellowChristianwhoisconcernedthatChristiansarefightingoneanother.”Thepatriarchnoddedhisheadashelistened.“IhavechallengedthepastorsIknowtobeagentsforpeace.”Ipulledoutacopyofthepeaceplanandgaveittohim.“IbelievetherecanbeaChristianpeaceplanforLebanon.Iwouldlikeforyoutohavethis.Anumberofdenominations,churches,andChristianorganizations,liketheBibleSociety,wanttoproclaimthepeacethatJesusChristcametogive.Ithinkwemusttaketheinitiative.Butmyquestionforyouis,Howcananyonebepartofthesolutionifheisstillpartoftheproblem?Specifically,howcanChristiansbetakenseriouslyaspeacemakerswhensomecontinuetofighteachother?Letmegiveyouonespecificexample:GeneralAounandDr.Geagea.BothareMaronites,aretheynot?”
Thepatriarchsigheddeeplyandadmitted,“Yes,theyare.”“Myfriendhere,”IpointedtoLucien,“iscaughtinthemiddleoftheir
fighting.Notlongagohishomewashitbyoneoftheirbombsandnearlydestroyed.Many,manypeoplehavesufferedanddiedbecauseofthiswar.Can’twedosomethingtostopthis?”
Themanseemedgenuinelygrieved.“Iknow.Itisbad.Ihaveconsideredexcommunicatingthemboth,butIdon’tthinkitwoulddoanygood.”
Idecidedtopressmypoint:“Youaretheirbishop.Surely,youcouldsummonthembothtothisroom.Havethemkneelrighthereonthisredcarpet.Tellthemtorepentoftheirsinandstopfightingeachother.Surelyyouhavetheauthoritytodothat!”
Istoppedandwaited.Hesaidnothing,staringattheredrug.Thenhesighedagainandsaid,“Andrew,youdon’tunderstand.”Helookedatmewithsadeyes,raisedhispalmsupwardoffthearmrestsofhisthrone,andsaid,“Ihavenopowerinthismatter.ThereisnothingIcando.”
LucienandIdroveawayfromthepalacewithadeepsadness.HowtragicthatChristianscouldfighteachother,andtheleaderoftheirdenominationfeel
powerlesstostopthem.Thiscountryneededpeopletostickouttheirnecksanddosomething.Well,Iwasn’tgoingtoacceptthattherewasnothingwecoulddo.WithGod’shelp,IwoulddemonstratethatChristianswerenotpowerless.
11MEETINGWITHANAYATOLLAH
Beirut,1990
Sleepwasrarelydeeporrestfulforthemiddle-agedmanlyingonamattressinatinybasementcell.Asherolledover,hefeltthetugofthechainthatlinkedhisankletotheradiatorandpreventedhisfindingacomfortableposition.Heplacedahandonhisforehead.Itwasclammy.Theachesinhismusclesconvincedhimthathewasbattlingafever.
Trafficsoundsdriftedthroughthewalls,tellinghimthatanotherdaywasdawning,anotherdayofcaptivity,anotherdayinwhichthedriversandpedestriansoutsidewereunawarethatawell-publicizedhostagelanguishedsonearthem.
Therattleofakeyinthedoorjerkedhimoutofhislethargy.Helungedforhisblindfoldandquicklywrappeditaroundhiseyes.Overandoverhiscaptorshadremindedhim:“Youmustcoveryoureyeswhenwecomein.Otherwisewemustkillyou.”Hecouldseetheshoesofthejailerapproachinghim.“Areyouhungry?”avoiceasked.Withoutwaitingforananswer,aplateandcupwereplacednexttothemattress.Breakfastwasacupoflukewarmteaandapieceofday-oldpitabreadstuffedwithachunkofcheese.
Asthejailerlefttheroomandlockedthedoor,theprisonerwondered,HowlonghaveIenduredthisroutine?He’dlostcountofthedaysandweeks.Judgingbytheseasons,ithadbeenthreeyears.Andtherewasnoendinsight.Outofhabit,hebowedhisheadandprayed.“Lord,IthankYouforthisbreadandcheeseandtea.”Hestopped.Didhereallymeanthat?Washetrulythankfulforhisdailybread?Howcavalierlyhehadsaidgraceovertheyearswhenhehadan
abundance.Now,hecouldonlyrelyonthepityofhiscaptors.AndleanonthegraceofhisGod.
Hopehadvanishedmonthsago.Stillheprayed.Therewerenootheroptions;ifhedidn’tpray,hewouldgomad.[1]
ForalongtimeithadbeendangeroustotraveltoBeirut.Inthelateeighties,however,thewarningsfrommyfriendsbeforeeachtripincreased:“It’snotsafeforWesterners.Youcouldbethenexthostage.Youshouldwaituntilthingscalmdown.”Butthingshadn’tcalmeddownforyears.IignoredtheadviceandtraveledagainandagaintoLebanon.Itwasn’tthatIhadadeathwish.IbelievedGodhadcalledmetohelpmybrothersandsisterslivinginthemidstofwar,andoneofthebestwaystohelpwastobetherewiththem.
Thefirsthostagesweretakenin1984.MostoftheabductionshadoccurredinWestBeirut.Theusualscenariowasforseveralarmedmentoambushasingleforeignernearhishome.Thecaptureswereofteninbroaddaylight,fornoonedaredtointerferewiththekidnappers.TheidentityofthegroupsthatcaptureddozensofAmericans,British,andFrenchcitizenswasusuallymurky.OftencitedwasagroupcalledIslamicJihad,butnooneseemedtoknowwhotheyreallywere.Theytookacademics,journalists,businessmen,andclergy.
ThoughnoDutchmanhadyetbeencaptured,itwasnaivetothinkIcouldn’tbeatarget.Itookcarenottowalkaloneincertainareasofthecity.Usuallymyhostsdrovemetomyvariousappointmentsandspeakingengagements.
CertainlyIwishedtoavoidcapture,butIwasconcernedaboutwhatwashappeningandwonderedaboutthemotivesofthecaptors.Whatdidtheyexpecttoobtainforthesehostages?Money?Politicaladvantage?Anexchangeofprisoners?Manyofthehostageshadbeenconfinedforyears,butnooneknewwheretheywerekept.Ifthatwasn’ttroublingenough,therewasthefactthatevenmoreLebanesehadsufferedthesamefate.Shi’iteMuslimswerebeingheldprisonersbyIsraelinsouthernLebanon,butthemediararelyreportedonthem.Theyweresimplyconsideredcasualtiesoftheunendingcivilwar.
IbegantowonderifIshoulddosomething.ButwhatcouldIdo?Ididn’tknowanyhostagespersonally,butIknewpeoplewhoknewthemandithurttoseetheiranguish.Onepersontoldmeheprayedconstantlyforafriendwhohadbeenacaptiveformorethanthreeyears.“Wegetverylittlenews,”hesaid.“ButIhearheisnotwell.Idon’twanthimtodieinthatcellarorwhereveritisthattheyholdhim.”
LocalchurchleadersinBeirutfelthelpless.Iftheytriedtointervene,they
LocalchurchleadersinBeirutfelthelpless.Iftheytriedtointervene,theyriskedtheirlivesand,moreimportant,thesafetyoftheircongregations.ButIwonderedifitmightbedifferentforme.Iwasn’tlocal.Iwasn’tAmericanorBritish.MaybeIcouldshinealightonthesituation.Myfriend’sreportaboutthesufferingofanactualhostagetriggeredanidea.PerhapsIcouldarrangeforanexchange.Mychildrenweregrown,andmyaffairswereinorder,soIwaswillingtotakesomeone’splace.Itwouldn’tsolvetheplightofallthehostages,butitmightbeastart.ButtowhomwouldItakethisidea?
ThemosqueinthesouthernsuburbofBeirutwaspackedforFridayprayers.Itwasmostlyyoungmen,manywearingwhiteturbans,whosatcross-leggedontherugs.Afewblack-veiledwomenobservedfromabalcony.Fromanothersmallbalconyfacingthecrowdstoodadistinguishedmaninablackturban,asilverrobe,andablackcape.Aneatlygroomedsilverbeard,atleastsixincheslong,framedhisovalface.Hespokeintoamicrophone,quietlybutwithanauthoritythatcommandedthefullattentionofhisaudience.Belowthespeaker,halfadozenblack-beardedsecuritymen,dressedinlong-sleevedshirtsandWestern-stylejeansorslacks,stoodrespectfullyatattention.Withtheirbackstothespeaker,theireyesconstantlysearchedthecrowdtomakesuretherewasnooneintendingtohurttheirbelovedimam.Allrememberedtheattackafewyearsearlierwhengunmenhadsprayedtheimam’scarwithbullets.Whilehe’descapedunharmed,onebullethadlodgedinhisturban.
Formanyinthecrowd,thisservicewasthehighlightoftheirweek.Forthelastseveralyears,AyatollahSayyidMuhammadHusaynFadlallah[2]hadpreachedamessageofrevolutionaryIslam.TapesofhissermonsweresoldbythetensofthousandsonthestreetsofBeirut.HearticulatedthelongingofShi’ites,whoforyearshadlaggedpoliticallybehindtheMaronitesandSunnis.Inexpressinghisfrustrations,SheikhFadlallahprovidedtheinspirationforanewpoliticalandmilitaryforceinLebanon,theHezbollahor“partyofGod.”
ThispowerfulclericwasborninNajaf,themostholyShi’itecityinIraq,whereMuhammad’scousinandson-in-lawAliisburied.FromAlihademergedthebranchofIslamknownasShi’ism,andFadlallahhadthrivedinthiscenterofShi’itelearning.[3]Aftercompletinghiseducation,hechoseforhisplaceofministryoneofthepoorestPalestinianrefugeecampsinBeirut.Overtheyearshisinfluencehadgrownthroughacombinationofsocialwork—clinics,youthclubs,andaschoolofIslamicstudies—andhispowerfuloratoricalskills.He
capturedtheimaginationofyoung,frustratedmenandfilledthemwithavisionforIslam—afaiththattranscendedArabnationalismandrepositionedthePalestinianconflictwithIsraelasawarwithworldwideimplications.ForFadlallahandhisthousandsoffollowers,theconflictinwhichtheywereinvolvedwasawarbetweenIslamandinfidels.
Fadlallah’svisionforLebanonwasacountryfreeofforeigninfluence,withallreligiousgroupslivinginharmonyunderthedominanceofIslam.ItwastimeforIslamtoriseandregainthegreatnessitenjoyedcenturiesbefore.ThepooranddisenfranchisedthatmadeupmostoftheShi’itepopulationfeastedonhiswords.Inthemosquetheaudienceheardhiscalltoadeeppersonalfaithlivedindedicationtothecause:“Itistheindividualwhowillgraspthegun,whowillflytheplane.Tellme,byGod,howwilltheindividualadvancethisfatefulcause,unlesshepossessesprofoundfaithandmoralfortitude,sothathewillnotyieldtotemptation?”[4]
Tappingmytoenervously,IsatinthelobbyoftheGardenHotelinWestBeirut.Restingonmylap,wrappedinplainpaper,wasalarge,gildedArabicBible,whichI’dacquiredfrommyfriendsattheBibleSociety.Ihadprobedintothesourceofthehostage-takinganddiscoveredthatbehindthemurkygroupcalledIslamicJihadwasthewell-organizedmovementHezbollah,inspiredbythecharismaticIslamicpreacherAyatollahFadlallah.Ihadaskedtomeetwithhim,andthemanwhoarrangedthismeeting,ironicallynamedJihad,wasalsomyinterpreter.
WhatwouldstopHezbollahfromaddingmetotheircollectionofhostages?IhadthoughtandprayedaboutthatandconcludedthatIwasn’tafraidofjoiningtheircaptives,butIpreferredtodosoonmyownterms.
Suddenlyseveralmenwalkedintothelobby.Theclerkbehindthefrontdeskwatchedusintently,andtheotherloiterersinthelobbyleftquickly.Istoodupasthemanincharge,afterglancingaroundtheroom,approachedme.“AreyouAndrew?”
“Yes,IamBrotherAndrew.”“Doyouhaveacar?”“Yes,it’sparkedoutfront.”“Thenfollowus.”Oneofthemenheldopenthedoorandfourmen
surroundedmeasweleftthehotel.Rightinfrontwasavanthathadbeenconvertedintoacrudearmoredpersonnelcarrier.Icouldseegunbarrelspointingoutthewindows.Somecuriousonlookerswatchedfromacrossthe
pointingoutthewindows.Somecuriousonlookerswatchedfromacrossthestreetandwonderedifthiswereanotherkidnapping.
JihadandIclimbedintohiscarandstartedtofollowthevan.Infrontofitwasacarwithlightsandsirensblaring.Anothercar,filledwithtough-lookingmen,followedus.Theconvoyquicklyspedupoversixtymilesperhour.Theleadcarracedaheadtomakesureintersectionswerecleared.Sincenoonedaredtochallengeus,wedrovethrougheverystoplight(manyofwhichdidn’twork)unhindered.Icouldn’thelpbutlaughattheabsurdityofthesightastiressquealedthroughseveralnarrowstreets,andthenwemovedontothemainroadtowardtheairport.IfeltasifIwereinachasescenefromaJamesBondmovie.
The“chase”lastedaboutthirtyminutes.Thenwepassedthroughaheavilyprotectedcheckpointandstoppedinaparkinglot.Acordonofwell-armedsoldiersringedtheparkingarea.Oneofthemgrabbedmypackage,peeredunderthewrapping,andfeltaroundtheedgestomakesureitwasreallyabookandnotabomb.Ismiledatthemenandquipped,“ThisisalotofprotectionforanunarmedDutchman!”Acoupleofthemensmiledandnodded,probablynotunderstandingawordIsaid.
QuicklyIwasescortedtoasmallreceptionroomwhereamanwithacloselycroppedblackbeard,wearingawhitedressshirtandslacksbutnotie,welcomedme.“Thesheikhisexpectingyouandwillseeyouinafewminutes.Wouldyoulikesomecoffee?”Apartfromthesoldiersstandingidlyaround,thiscouldbeanyWesternoffice.Phoneswereringing.Ayoungmanwasusingaphotocopier.Theonlyaberrationwasthatnowomenworkedhere.Asoldier,arifleslungoverhisshoulder,servedmeatinycupofdeliciouscoffee.
AsIsippedmycoffee,Iprayed:Lord,givemeexactlythewordstosaytothisman.YougaveYourselfupformeonthecross.Iamnowwillingtogivemyselfupforoneofmybrothers.Maythisbealightinthedarkness.
Thephonerangandthereceptionistanswered,thennoddedtome,“Thesheikhwillnowseeyou.”Twosoldiersescortedmethroughasmallcobblestonecourtyard,intoanotherbuilding,andupaflightofstairs.Weenteredalargereceptionarea,wherechairslinedthewalls.
Oneofthesheikh’sassistantsmetme,shookmyhand,andheldupataperecorder.“Ihopeyoudon’tmindifwerecordthisconversation.Thesheikhwantsustorecordallofhismeetings.”
“OfcourseIdon’tmind,”Ianswered.“Thenweareready.”Asetofdoubledoorsopenedintoanotherroom,also
withchairsliningthewalls.Standinginfrontofhisseatagainstthefarwallwas
MuhammadHusaynFadlallah,dressedinalonggraycaftan,coveredbyablackcapelikerobe,andwearingablackturbanonhishead.
Iintroducedmyself,andweshookhands.“Ihavebroughtyouagift,”Isaid,whileunwrappingtheBibleandpresentingittohimwithbothhands.
Iheardacameraclickashereceivedthelargebookandsoftlyanswered,“Shukran.”[5]ThenheindicatedthatIshouldsittohisleft.JihadsattomyleftandtwoofFadlallah’sassistantssatoppositeme.
Afine,gray-patternedwallpapercoveredthewallsoftheroom;graycurtainsthatmatchedthesheikh’scaftandrapedthelargewindowtoFadlallah’sright.Therestofthechairsintheroomwereempty,butIcouldimaginethatoftenthisroomwasfilledwithMuslimclericsandpoliticalleaders.TheonlyartofanykindwasaframedphotoofAyatollahKhomeinigazingsternlydownonus.TheIranianclericandruler,thoughhehaddiedtheyearbefore,remainedthespiritualandpoliticalinspirationfortheradicalIslamicmovementthroughouttheArabworld.Frommyperspective,SheikhFadlallahwasthusdeclaringhisroots.
“Iappreciateyourwillingnesstoseeme,”Isaid,andimmediatelyJihadtranslatedintoArabic.“IhavebeencomingtoLebanonformanyyears.IamaChristianandIamhererepresentingJesusChrist,attemptingtodowhateverIcantohelpbringpeacetothiscountry.”
Thesheikhnodded.Hisrighthandplayedwithhisblackrobe;inhislefthandhefingeredastringofprayerbeads.
“ThatiswhyIwantyoutohaveacopyoftheBible.Idon’tknowwhattheQuransaysabouthostage-taking,butIknowwhattheBiblesays,andGodisagainstit.ThatiswhyIhopeyouwillreadthisbook.Thisismypresenttoyou.”
Hesmiledandansweredasanassistantcameinandofferedeachofusacupofstrongcoffee.“WearefriendswithChristians.Christiansareourbrothers.IfbothMuslimsandChristianswouldreadtheirholybooks,theywouldunderstandeachotherbetter.”
Itookasipofcoffeethenlaunchedintomymainreasonforcomingtomeethim.“Inthatspiritofcooperation,IbelievethatGodwantsyoutoreleasethehostages.Allofthem.”
Hedidn’trespondimmediately,andIheldmybreath.Thenwithhissoft,baritonevoice,hesaid,“Idon’tseehowIcanhelpyou.”
“YouaretheheadofHezbollah.Surelyyoucanorderthehostagesreleased.”Awrysmilecrossedhisface.“YoucanmeetwithHezbollahleaders,butIdo
notrepresentHezbollah.”I’msuremyfaceregisteredalookofsurprise.“Iwastoldthatyouwerethe
I’msuremyfaceregisteredalookofsurprise.“IwastoldthatyouwerethemanIneededtotalktoifIwantedtomakecontactwithHezbollah.”
“TheclaimthatIamtheleaderofHezbollahisuntrue.I’mnottheleaderofanyorganizationorparty.”
“SowhorepresentsHezbollah?”“Hezbollahhasitsleaders.Youcanmeetwiththemandtalkwiththem.”TheEnglishofmytranslatorwasawkwardandIwasn’tsureIwasbeing
understood.ButIwassureofthis—SheikhFadlallahwasthespiritualinspirationbehindthemovementofHezbollah.Hemightnotruntheorganizationonaday-to-daybasis,buthecertainlywieldedagreatdealofinfluenceoverit.Iftherewasamessagetheyneededtohear,certainlyFadlallahcoulddeliverit.
Sowhatwasmymessage?Therewasoneman,adevoutChristian,amongthehostages.He’dbeencapturedthreeyearsago,andI’dheardthathewasn’twell.“Ihavecomefullypreparedtostayhereandtaketheplaceofthisman,”Isaid,namingthehostage.
Thisproducedthefirstrealreactionfromtheayatollah.Heturnedtowardmewithalookofshockonhisface—alookthatimpliedAreyoumad?
“Thismanhassufferedenough,”Icontinued.“Lethimgobacktohiswifeandchildren.Ihaveputmyhouseinorder.Iwilltakehisplace.Chainmetotheradiator.Putmeinthedarkcellar.Butlethimgo.”
Foramoment,therewasnoresponse.Istaredathim,tryingtoreadhisfaceandbodylanguage.Butlikeachampionpokerplayer,herevealednothing.Thenhesaidquietly,“Howcanyousaythat?”
“ThisisthespiritofJesus,”Ianswered,havingpreparedmydefense.“Hediedonthecrosstoletusgofree.Hediedsowecouldlive.NowI’mreadytogivemyselfupsomyfriendcangofree.ThatiswhatChristianityisallabout.”
“IhaveneverheardaboutthiskindofChristianity,”Fadlallahsaid.Sothatiswhatwetalkedabout.Itoldhimthatmyroleasanevangelistwastopreachthegospel,thegoodnewsthatGodhaspaidthepriceforoursinsbythedeathofJesusonthecross.IknewthatMuslimsdidn’tbelieveJesushaddied,butthatJudastookHisplaceonthecrossandJesuswastakenupintoheaven.ButtheconsequenceofthatbeliefwasthattheMuslimsknewnothingaboutfreedom.AyatollahsFadlallahandKhomeiniknewallaboutlaw,butnothingaboutgrace.Thismessagewasnewstomyhost.
Quicklyourhourpassed.Oneoftheassistantsstoodtoremindthesheikhthatanothergroupwaswaitingtoseehimintheanteroom.Fadlallahstood,andaphotographersnappedsomephotosofus.Asthedoubledoorsopened,heturnedtomeandsaid,“Thankyouforcoming.IamsorrythatIcannotaccept
youroffer.Butplease,comebackandseemeanytimeyouareinLebanon.”DidIreallyexpectthatSheikhFadlallahwouldbrokeratrade,meforanother
hostage?Itwasasincereoffer,andIthinkheknewthatIwasgenuine.ButInowrealizedthathehadintentionallydistancedhimselffromtherankandfileofHezbollahthatwerefightingandtakingWesternershostage.Surelyhecouldhavecommunicatedmyofferandinfluencedtheirdecision.Butthenmaybethepurposeofthismeetingwasn’tforthehostages.Maybeitwasforthesouloftheayatollahhimself.
12SEETHESONOFRIGHTEOUSNESSRISE
Mansouriyeh,Lebanon,1990
Acoolbreezefromthewestsweptoverthecourtyard,wheresevenhundredchairsweresetupinfrontofastage,andthroughtheopenwindowoftheArabBaptistSeminarylibrary,whereIwasrelaxingbeforeIspokeatthefinalnightofafour-nightevangelisticoutreach.Morethanthreehundredhadattendedthefirstnight,andthecrowdhadincreasedbyanotherhundredeachsubsequentnight.Iwasencouragedbytheresponse.Manychurcheswererepresented,andpeoplehadbroughtfriendsandneighbors.
Ilookedoverthecourtyardandprayedforthepeoplewhowouldsoonstartfillingthoseseats.ThenIturnedbackintotheroom.HowmanytimesIhadvisitedthisschool!ItwasimportantbecauseitwasoneoftheveryfewArabic-speakingseminariesintheregionandstudentsattendedfrommanycountries.TostrengthentheChurchintheMiddleEast,Ibelievedthatsolidtrainingofpastorsandleaderswasimperative.SoIsupportedtheschoolinanywayIcould,andOpenDoorscontributedfinancially.Unfortunately,thecivilwarhadpreventedmanystudentsfromtravelinghere,butmyfriendandtheschool’spresident,GhassanKhalaf,hadworkedtirelesslytokeeptheschoolopen,sothatwhenthefightingended,itwouldbereadytoreceivestudentsfromseveralArabcountries.
Somepoppingsoundsinterruptedmythoughts.Thebreezebroughtmorethanrefreshingair;italsoborethesoundsofshootingfromthecityofBeirut.Ithoughtofeverypersonpullingatrigger,lettinggoofhisfrustrationandhatred.ThenIthoughtofthebulletshittingatarget,exploding,bringingfear,pain,wounds,anddeath.Iimaginedthepeoplescreamingandrunning,ambulances
wounds,anddeath.Iimaginedthepeoplescreamingandrunning,ambulancesracingwithsirenswailing.Willthereeverbeanendtothis?
Myeyesglancedoverawallofbooks,lookingforaparticularvolume.Ididn’tfindit,butIdidn’thaveto,foryearsbefore,thislittlebookhadchallengedmeasIpreparedtospeaktotheseminarystudentsatachapelservice.ThetitlewasWhatIfThisWasYourLastSermon?Itwasaquestionthateverypastorshouldask,andithadhauntedme.WhatifthisevangelisticservicewerethefinalmessageIwouldeverdeliver?WouldIchangewhatIwasplanningtosay?WhatwouldIprayifIknewthiswasmylastprayer?WherewouldIgoifIknewitwasmylastjourney?
IraisedmyhandstowardheavenandthankedGodfortheprivilegeofservingHimhereinLebanon.“Lord,mayIhaveYourmessagetonightforthislargegathering,”Iprayedoutloud.
Apraisebandbeganplayingaspeoplestreamedintothecourtyard.Youngpeopledominatedtheaudience,andthemusicwasmorelivelythanwhatwasheardinmanychurches—muchmoretotheirliking.ThoughitwasmorethananhouruntilIspoke,Imademywaytotheassembly,soakinguptheenthusiasticsinging.Ididn’tknowthewordstheysang,butIcouldsensetheirheartsoflovefortheLordtheypraised.
Ipickedaseatafewrowsfromthefrontandlookedaround.Myeyesweredrawntoayoungmaninhismidtwenties.HisnamewasGeorgeandtwonightsagohestoodupwhenIissuedachallengeandrededicatedhislifetoChrist.Bulletshadwoundedhimbadlyduringthewar,andhisleftsidewaspartlyparalyzed.Heturnedandsmiledatme.AsIgazedintohiseyes,Itriedtorememberwhichonewashisgoodeye.Asthenextpraisesongbegan,Inoticedtheyoungman’sshoes—high-topbasketballsneakers,withbluestripesandgreenblocks,andinbiglettersontheheel,thewordJUMP.Howironic!Georgewouldneverjumpagain.
Duringabreakbetweensongs,Georgehobbledovertomeandgavemeabighug.“BrotherAndrew,Ihavemissedyou.”
“Butit’sonlybeenonedaysinceIsawyou!”Iansweredwithalaugh.“ButyouknowImissedyoutoo!”
OnthisnightmymessagewasbasedontheshortbookofJonah.Itwasastoryeveryoneloved,anditgavemeameanstomakeseveralpoints.“Jonah’sproblemwasthathewasunwillingtodothewillofGod.Nineveh’sproblemwasthattheywerelost—totallylost.AndonlyJonahknewthewayout.Godalsohadaproblem.Hehadnoothermessengers.Unfortunately,JonahspentGod’smoneyonaMediterraneancruise.Jonahraninthewrongdirection.Hehid.Heslept.
onaMediterraneancruise.Jonahraninthewrongdirection.Hehid.Heslept.Hesnored!”Myinterpreterdidn’thavetotranslatemyloudsnoreintothemike.Thecrowdlaughedwithsurprise.
Theywereenjoyingthestory,butmypointwasn’ttoentertain.ItoldhowJonahvolunteeredtodietosavethesailorsinthestormandhowGodprovidedafishtorescueJonah.
“GodstilllovedNineveh,”Isaid.“Afterasubmarinetrip,Jonaharrived,proclaimedGod’smessage,andsawthegreatestrevivalever.Thinkofit—theentirecity,includingtheking,repented.ButwasJonahhappy?Hedidn’tlovethecitythatGodloved.Jonahsawthemastheenemyinsteadofpeoplewhowerelost.Hewantedtheirdamnation,whileGodwantedtheirsalvation.”
Iturnedandpointedtothecitybelowus.“IknowmanyofyouprobablyfeellikeJonah.Youseeandhearthefightingdayafterdayandyouwanttorunaway.Youfeelthatit’shopeless,thatthiscitycanneverbereachedforChrist.Ifyoufeelthatway,rememberthatJonahfailedhisLordthefirsttime,butGodgavehimasecondchance.AttimesweallhavelettheLorddown.WegetdepressedandmaybeevendenyHim,butGodgivesusasecondchance.‘ThewordoftheLORDcametoJonahasecondtime:“GotothegreatcityofNinevehandproclaimtoitthemessageIgiveyou.”’Goddidn’tsay,‘Jonah,youareauselessman.’HetoldJonahtogetupandstartagain.”
AsIhadeachevening,IgavetheopportunityforpeopletomeetJesusChrist,andseveralintheaudiencestood.ButIalsohadachallengeforbelievers.TherewasacityGodlovedrightbelowus.WhowouldbringtheGoodNewstoBeirut?Morepeoplestartedtostand,manywithtearsstreamingdowntheircheeks.Soonnearlytheentirecongregationwasontheirfeet,dedicatedtobeingGod’spersonalagentsforpeaceinacitythatdesperatelyneededhope.
IremindedthemthatJonahsatontheeastofNineveh.“Whyeast?BecausethenhecouldseethesungodownonNineveh.HereweareinthemountainsontheeastsideofBeirut,theChristianside.ThewestistheMuslimpartofthecity.Dowewanttoseethosepeopledestroyed?Wouldn’titbebettertositwestofthecityandwatchthesunrise?IsaythatbecausetheSonofRighteousnesswillriseovertheheathen,overtheworld,overthenations.Solet’snotsitontheeastsidetowatchthedownfallofthecity.Let’schangepositions.MovetothewestsideandseeGod’sSonofRighteousnessrise.Don’tgiveup!Don’tgiveintopessimism.”
Yes,thesepeoplecouldmakeadifference,iftheywouldallowGodtousethem,iftheyrefusedtobehavelikeJonah,whoturnedandran.IthoughtofmyfriendNajiandhowIhadbeggedhimtohelpmeconductanevangelisticcampaigninWestBeirut.Thathadnotbeenpossible,andIrealizednowthatI
campaigninWestBeirut.Thathadnotbeenpossible,andIrealizednowthatIprobablywouldneverseethatdreamfulfilled.Butinanotherrespect,thesemenandwomeninfrontofmecoulddomorewiththeirlivesthanIevercouldinasinglecampaign.TheyweretheLightForcecommissionedtoproclaimhopeandpeacetoBeirutandLebanon.
GhassanKhalafwasoneofthosefaithfulservantsofGodwhohadstayedputduringthewar,keepinghisacademicambitionsonhold—fortenyearshehaddonelittleworkonhisPh.D.dissertation—topastorachurchandprovidestabilitytotheArabBaptistSeminarynestledinthehillsaboveBeirut.Attheconclusionofthefinalnightoftheoutreach,heinvitedmetodinner.Heseemedpleasedwiththeresultsofthecampaign,withapproximatelysixhundredattendingthefinalmeeting.Buttherewasalsoawearylookinhisface.Fifteenyearsoflivingandministeringwithinwhathecalled“anopenhell”hadagedhim.
Theseminarywasbarelysurviving.Toillustrate,Ghassanplacedabookontheedgeofthetablewherewewereeating.“I’mlivingallthetimelikethis.Asyoucansee,thebookisabouttotoppletothefloor.IfIputtheleastpressureonit,itwillfall.Ifirstmetyouin1979,andOpenDoorswassupportingtheseminaryevenbeforethat.Youcanseewhyeverydollaryourministryprovidestotheschoolismuchappreciated.It’skeepingusalive.We’renotfalling.Askme,‘Ghassan,howisyourfaith?’Isay,‘Godisfaithful!’Myfaithhasgrownovertheseyears.”
Iaskedhimtotellmehowhischurchcongregationwasmanaging.Heclosedhiseyesforamoment,thentoldmeaboutoneincidentwherehewenttovisitayoungwomanwhohadlostherhusbandinarecentskirmish,leavingherwiththreelittlechildren.“Therewereseveralfriendsthere,tryingtocomforther.Whenshesawme,sheshouted,‘Idon’tbelieveinGod!Don’tspeaktomeaboutHim!Hedoesn’tcareforus!Heisjustwatchingusandlettingusdie!’Andrew,Ifeltawaveofcompassionforher.SheonlysaidwhatthousandsinLebanonarefeeling.”
“Sowhatdoyousaytothesepeople?”Iasked.“Aftershecalmeddown,Isaid,‘Dearlady,whatyouhavesaidaboutGod
wouldallbetrueifHehadnotbecomefleshanddiedonthecrosstoredeemus.ThatprovesthatGoddoescare.GodinChristwasinvolvedinoursituation.BecauseHehaspassedthroughsuffering,Heisabletohelpthosewhosuffer.Doyoubelievethat?’Shenodded.Iknowshebelievesthat,butitissohard.”
youbelievethat?’Shenodded.Iknowshebelievesthat,butitissohard.”“Youhavetoministertopeoplelikethiswoman,butyouaresufferingas
well.”Myfriendagreed.“Irememberoneblackperiodwhendayafterdaythesky
rainedmortarshellsandrockets.Noplacewassparedfromshrapnel.Everyonewasindangerofhavinghishouseburnedorlosinghismoney,hiscar,hispossessions,orevenhislife.Thosewereanxiousdays.Irememberdaysofconfusion,andIaskedGodforvictoryoverthefeelingsofanxiety.”
“AnddidHegiveyoupeace?”Hesmiledasheanswered.“Onenight,Idreamedthatmycarwasstolen.
Feelingsofresentmentattackedme.Astrugglebeganinmysoulbetweencomplaintandcontentment.AfteracruelstruggleIcompletelysurrenderedandacceptedtheloss.ThenIwokeup.Iwashappyitwasonlyadream.ButthenIthought:Itisbeautifultobevictoriousinadream,butitismoreglorioustobevictoriousoveranxietyinreallife,whileIamawake.”
“WhenGodgivesyouthatpeace,thenyouareabletopassitontoothers.”“Therehavebeensomepeople—wecallthem‘thewarrich’—whohave
profitedfromthewar.ButforGod’schildren,thishasbeenanopportunitytoprovethegenuinenessofourfaith.Wehavebecome‘warrich’onaspiritualplane.”
Iwasdeeplytouchedbythisman’shumbletestimonyofGod’sfaithfulness.Thenhesoberlyadded,“Youknow,overtheyearsalmostallforeignmissionariesandmissionaryagencieshaveleftthecountry.They’vegonetoCyprus,Athens,Istanbul,Amman.Whatremainsherearethelocalchurchesandthenationals.Wefeelforsaken.Wefeelcutofffromourbiggerfamily.NoevangelicalleaderfromtheWestcameheretoask,‘Howareyou?Whatareyoufeeling?Whatdoyouneed?’”
Hestartedlaughing.“Thenyoucame!DoyouknowwhatitmeanswhenBrotherAndrewcomestoLebanonandliveswithusamongtheshellingandbombinganddifficulties?Thatisthevalueofyourvisits.Everytimeyoucome,thereisaspiritofrevivalinmyheart.”
Harderwijk,October1991
Thewarwasover.Therehadbeenpromisesbefore,butthistimethepeaceseemedtobeholding.InOctoberof1989theLebaneseNationalAssemblyhadhammeredoutanagreementinTaif,SaudiArabia,thatdividedpowerequallybetweenMuslimsandMaroniteChristiansandcalledfordisbandingofmilitias.GeneralAounhadrejectedtheaccord,butmostoftheotherleaders,perhaps
GeneralAounhadrejectedtheaccord,butmostoftheotherleaders,perhapswearyofwar,hadsignedon.Changeshadbeenslow,butgradually,fightinggroundtoahalt.
AfterlisteningtoaBBCnewsreportontheTaifAccord,Iturnedoffthetelevisionandreflectedonwhatwasaccomplishedduringfifteenbloodyyearsofcivilwar.ThePLOwasdrivenoutbytheIsraelis.TheSyrianshadinvadedandstillclaimedapresenceinthecountry—therewasnoevidencetheyplannedtoleavesoon.IsraelmaintainedabufferzoneforsecurityinthesouthernpartofLebanon.AnewfundamentalistMuslimpowerhademergedunderthenameofHezbollah,thepartyofGod.Andthepoliticalstructureremainedbasicallyunchanged,thoughsupposedlymorerepresentativeofthepopulation.Onlytimewouldrevealifthiswasarealpeacethatwouldlast.
WhatabouttheChurchinLebanon?TherewasnodoubtthatthousandsofChristiansofalldenominationshaddied.Manymorehadfledandlikelywouldneverreturntotheirnativeland.And,tomyreckoning,theChurchhadalmostnoimpactonthepeaceprocess.TheChurchhadsimplysurvived,andIwasn’tsureifitwasstrongerorweaker.TherewerecertainlyanumberofGod’sfaithfulservantswhoperseveredandwereHisinstrumentsduringtheconflict.Plustherewereevangelisticmeetingswherepeople,hungryforpeaceintheirtroubledsouls,cametoknowthePrinceofPeace.God’spresenceremainedinLebanon,butwastheChurchallitshouldbe?
Andwhataboutmypersonalcontribution?IhadaveragedtwotripsperyearintoLebanonforthepastfifteenyears,tryingtoencouragechurchleaders.IhadhandedoutthousandsoftractsandBibles.IhadpreachedeverywhereIwasinvited.IhadtriedtochallengetheChurch,especiallyurgingittobeproactiveinthepeaceprocess.Ihadalsoforgedahead,tryingtodowhatperhapsthelocalChristianscouldnotdobyspeakingwithpolitical,military,andreligiousleaders—toPLO,Druze,Hezbollah,Maronites,andmore.ThereweremanythingsIcouldpointtothatIhaddone.Buttowhatend?
IlookedatahandwrittenletterIhadreceivedfrommyfriendandtranslatorJihad,afterourmeetingwithAyatollahFadlallah:“DearBrotherAndrew.IwillneverforgetwhenthemanwithgrayhairandblueeyescamefromtheFreeWesttothiscomplicatedMiddleEastinordertosecurethereleaseofhisbrothersandourbrothersatthesametimewhoareincaptivitybypresentinghimselfasthesacrifice.Iwillneverforgetyou,BrotherAndrew.Sincerelyyours,Jihad.”
SoherewasoneMuslimmanwhommylifehadtouched.Thatwasgood.ButmyprimaryworkwaswiththelocalChristiancommunity.WastheChurch
betteroffbecauseofmyefforts?WasitpreparedtobeGod’stoolinanewLebanon?Icouldn’treallyanswerthosequestions.IknewonlythatIcouldseelittleinthewayofresults.“Lord,isthereabetterway?”Isaidaloudinthelate-nightquietofmyoffice.“I’vebeenworkingintheMiddleEastnowformorethantwentyyears.IcanpointtomanypeopleI’vemetandactivitiesI’vedone.Butweretheytherightpeople,therightactivities?Iwanttodothosethingsthataresignificant.”
AboutonethingIwasabsolutelysure.TheremustbeavibrantChurchintheMiddleEast.IfweallowtheChurchtodisappear,thenwe’regettingridoftheChristiansjustaseffectivelyasanyMuslimfundamentalistsmighthopetoaccomplish.Thenwhatwouldbethehopefortheregion?Therewouldbenoendtothefighting.PerhapsChristianscouldn’tendthewarfare,butcertainlytheycouldbealightinthedarkness.
Mythoughtsdriftedsouth,toalandIloved,thecountryofIsrael.Ihadvisitedthereseveraltimessincemyfirsttripin1968.AsinLebanon,Ivisitedwithchurchleaders.LatelytheconflictbetweenPalestiniansandIsraelishadincreased,andthatwascausingproblemsfortheChristians.ItmightbequietinLebanon,buttherewasanintifadaintheHolyLand.Isenseditwastimetogivemoreattentiontothatregion.“Lord,showmewhattodonext,”Iprayed.
PART3WESTBANKANDGAZA
WhoReachestheTerrorists?
Jerusalem,late1970s
IhadalwaysenjoyedpreachinginIsrael.ThecongregationsrespondedenthusiasticallytostoriesoftheworkofOpenDoorsintheSovietUnionandEasternEurope.Someofthechurchesconsistedofforeignworkers,allowingmetopreachinEnglishwithoutaninterpreter.OccasionallyIpreachedtooneofthehalfdozencongregationsofMessianicbelieversandthoroughlyenjoyedtheirJewishstyleofworship.However,mostofmytimewasspentlearningandlistening.Itraveledalloverthecountry,visitingmissionsandkibbutzimandencouragingevangelisticoutreaches,suchasoneonthebeachesinEilat(populatedheavilybydrugaddicts).
SeveraltimesovertheyearsIvisitedNarkisStreetBaptistChurchinJerusalem.Theseniorpastor,RobertL.Lindsey,arenownedBiblescholar,hadinvitedmetopreachandtellmystoriesofthesufferingChurchintheSovietUnion.Afteroneofthoseservices,anintenseyoungwomancameforwardtogreetme.Shewouldnotreleasemyhandasshestaredintomyeyesandsaid,“I’mgladyouaretalkingaboutthesufferingChurchinEasternEurope.ButthereisalsoasufferingChurchrighthere!”
“Idon’tunderstand,”Isaid,tryingtoreleasemyselffromherfirmgrip.“NarkisStreetChurchisasufferingchurch?”
“No,notthisparticularchurch.”“YoumeantheMessianiccongregations?”IknewtherewereafewJewish
churchesinthecountry,andtheyoccasionallyfacedharassmentfromOrthodox
churchesinthecountry,andtheyoccasionallyfacedharassmentfromOrthodoxJews.
“No!I’maPalestinian,”sheannounced.“IlovetheLordJesusChrist.AndI’mnottheonlyone.Therearethousandsofus,andwearestrugglingforoursurvival.”Nowthatshehadmyattention,shereleasedmyhand.
“Pleaseexplain,”Isaid,encouraginghertogoon.“In1948maybe15percentofPalestinianswereChristians.Butalotofthem
fledwhenIsraelconqueredmanyofourtownsandvillages.[1]Manymorehaveleftbecauseitissohardtosurvivehere,tomakeadecentliving,andtopracticeourfaith.Nowweareonly3percentChristians,maybeless.”
“PleasetellmewhereIcanfindtheseChristians.”“ThereisasmallBaptistchurchinGaza,”sheexplained.“ThereareChristians
inNazareth.TherearecongregationsscatteredthroughoutIsraelandtheWestBank.ThebiggestchurchesareinBethlehemandthetwotownsoneitherside—BeitJalaandBeitSahour.”
ForseveralyearsI’dbeenseekingtounderstandtheburdenIhadfirstfeltatYadVashem.WhileIhadpreachedinchurchesandmetwithrabbisandotherreligiousleaders,IstillhadnoclearunderstandingofwhatIshouldbedoing.Thiswoman’sintensewordsseemedtopointmeinthedirectionIneededtolook.IhadnotseriouslythoughtaboutallpartsoftheChurchintheHolyLand.Myworkwastoseekmybrothersandsisters.IftherewasaChurchamongPalestinians,Ineededtolearnabouther,learnabouthercondition,andseeifIcouldhelpher.
HowwouldIbegin?First,Ineededtofindoutwherethesechurcheswere.WhyhadInotheardabouttheseChristians?Iknewaboutallthetouristsites,thebuildings—thedeadstones.IthoughtabouttheChristiantourgroupsthatvisitwithgreatinterestJerusalemandotherlocationsintheHolyLand,butonSundaystheyusuallyholdprivateworshipservicesintheirhotels.TheyrarelyattendalocalMessianiccongregation,letaloneanArabchurch.Itwastimeformetolaunchoutandseriouslylookformybrothersandsisters—thelivingstonesoftheHolyLand.[2]
Onemaninparticularwouldbecomemymentor.HisstorybeginsduringthefirstwarbetweenIsraelandtheArabnations,justafterIsraeldeclareditsstatehoodin1948.
13AWELL-AIMEDSTONE
Jerusalem,May1948
Fightinghadbeennonstopfornearlyaweek.Sometimesyoucouldhearitinthedistance;otherdaysitswirledaroundtheneighborhood.Todaythegunswereontheirstreet.
Thenine-year-oldboycrouchedinthecorner,awayfromthewindowofthelivingroom,andflinchedeverytimeheheardburstsofgunfire.Hisfour-month-oldsisterwascryinginthenextroom.Shoutscouldbeheardfromneighboringapartments.Althoughthesunwassetting,experiencetoldhimthatdarknesswouldbringnorelieffromtheterrifyingsounds.TheconstantconfusionwasmorethanBisharaAwadandhissixbrothersandsisterscouldstand.
Suddenlyapiercingscreamfilledthehouse.Bishara’smother,Huda,handoverhermouth,ranthroughtheroomandoutthefrontdoor,followedbyBishara’solderbrotherNicola.“Getbackinside!”themothershoutedasshereachedherhusband’sbodyinthestreet.Shegrabbedhisarmsanddraggedhimintothehouse.Assoonasshewasinsidethedoor,NicolaandBisharahelpedpullthebodytothediningroom.Togethertheylifteditontothetable.Bisharalookedatthefaceofhisfatherandknewinstantlythathewasdead.Alargeredspotonhisforeheadwasthesinglemarkleftbyabullet.EliasNicolaAwad,caughtinthecrossfirebetweentheJordanianarmyandsoldiersoftheHaganah(IsraeliparamilitaryforcepriortotheformationofthenationofIsraelin1948),wasthelatestcasualtyoftheArab-Israeliwar.
Thenextmorning,whenshootingtemporarilysubsided,neighborsgatheredinthesmallapartment.SeveralmenfromtheneighborhoodcameandconsultedwithBishara’smother.Nopriestsorpastorswereabletoreachthem,sothemen
withBishara’smother.Nopriestsorpastorswereabletoreachthem,sothemendugagraveinthecourtyardbehindtheapartmentbuilding.HudaAwadreadwordsofcomfortfromtheBible.Together,tearsstreamingdowntheirfaces,thechildrenjoinedtheirmotherinrecitingtheLord’sPrayer.Thenthemencarriedthebodytothemakeshiftgrave.
Fiercefightingresumedthatafternoonbutendedbeforedark.Atmidnighttherewasanominousknockonthedoor.ItwasaJordaniansoldier,whoorderedthefamilytoevacuate.“Goquickly.WeexpecttheIsraeliarmytoreturnatanymoment.Wewillletyouknowwhenitissafetoreturn.”
Ellen,Bishara’sseven-year-oldsister,putonsixdressesoverhernightgown.Therestofthefamily,withoutevenasuitcase,leftinwhateverclothestheyworeandjoinedtheprocessiontowardtheOldCityofJerusalem.Hudacarriedthebaby,Diana,tryingtokeephercalmastheywalkedthroughtheDamascusGate.Justinsidetheancientwall,aMuslimfamilytookthemin,providedblanketsandfood,andallowedtheeightrefugeestosleepinastorageroomcontainingcansofkerosene.
TheAwadfamilyneversawtheirhomeagain.
BeitJala,spring1974
BisharaAwadslippedoutofbedsoasnottoawakenhiswifeandwenttohisoffice.There,agitatedbythefrustrationthathadbeenbuildingforweeks,hepacedthefloor.AstheprincipaloftheHopeSchool,Bisharalovedhiswork,butheneededtoseeresults.Therewerenearlyonehundredboysunderhiscare,andeverytimehelookedatthem,itwaslikeseeinghimselfinamirror.Theirstoriesweresimilartohisownstory.
OftenBisharathoughtabouthisyouth.AftertheAwadfamilyhadlosttheirhomein1948,thefamilyremainedintheancientwalledcityofJerusalem.Bishara’smotherfoundajobasanursefortwenty-fivedollarsamonth,butitwasn’tenoughtofeedandprovideforsevenchildren.Toensurethatherchildrenwouldhaveaneducation,sheplacedallbuttheoldest,Nicola,inorphanages.ThegirlswereenrolledinDarAl-Tiflschool.Bishara,Alex,andMubarakwereplacedintheDarAl-AwladschoolandorphanageafewblocksoutsidetheOldCity.Itwasamiserableexistence.Manynightstheboyswenttosleephungry.Oncethebrothersinstigatedaprotestbecauseofthelackoffood.Asaresult,theprincipalagreedtoaddoneeggpermonthtoeachstudent’smeals,butthatpromisewaskeptforonlytwomonths.
Theboyswereallowedtovisithomeonceamonth.ForBishara,timeswithhismotherwereprecious.Itwasherfaiththatinfluencedhimandeachofhis
motherwereprecious.Itwasherfaiththatinfluencedhimandeachofhissiblings.“AlwaysshowtheLordtoeverybody,”shewouldsay.“Itisneverrighttotakerevenge.”Heneverforgotthat,evenaftergoingtotheUnitedStatestostudy.Hismother,ofcourse,couldn’taffordtosendhimtocollege,butshehadprayedand,miraculously,he’dobtainedafullscholarshiptoattendDakotaWesleyanUniversityinMitchell,SouthDakota.
Whilepursuingamaster’sdegreeineducation,wardisruptedhislifeagain.TheSixDayWarof1967allowedIsraeltogaincontrolofGaza,theWestBank,theGolanHeights,andEastJerusalem.Bydecree,thosePalestinianswhowerenotphysicallyhomeduringtheconquestwereprohibitedfromreturningtotheirland.ThusBisharawasseparatedfromhisfamilyandthelandofhisbirth.TheonlywayhecouldreturnwastobecomeanAmericancitizen.
Finally,withU.S.passportinhand,BisharareturnedtotheHolyLandundertheauspicesoftheMennoniteCentralCommittee,asprincipalofHopeSecondarySchoolforboys,locatedinBeitJala,atownadjacenttoBethlehem.[1]
Heandhismothertriedtovisithisboyhoodhome,butthebuildinghadbeendestroyedandaroadbuilt,sotheycouldn’tevenfindtheexactlocation.“Afterthe1967war,IwrotetothemayorofJerusalem,”Hudatoldherson.“Iaskedhimifwecouldmoveyourfather’sbones,butherefusedmepermission.”Sotherewasn’tevenagravestonetocommemoratehisfather’sexistence.
Onethingwasnotlost,however.HisfatherandhismotherhadprovidedastrongChristianinfluence,whichBisharawantedtoimparttohisstudents.WhathesawamongtheboysatHopeSchooldisturbedhimdeeply.TheconflictbetweenIsraelisandPalestinianswasleavingscarsonthesechildren.Manyhadlostoneorbothparents.Othershadbeenseparatedfromtheirparentsduringtheconfusionofthe’67waranddidn’tevenknowiftheyweredeadoralive.Manyoftheteenagerswettheirbedsatnight.Boththeboardersanddaystudentsdisplayedangerandviolentbehavior.
Asprincipal,Bisharatriedtoimparttothesetroubledkidsthemessageshismotherhadoftenpreached—toloveGod,loveyourneighbors,andloveyourenemies.Buttheseboysweren’tresponding.TheywouldsitinchapelsessionsandlistentoBishara’smessages,butnonehadturnedtheirownheartstoGod.Hecouldseetheirhatredontheplaygroundastheyrole-playedrevengeagainstJewishsoldiers.“Why,Lord?”Bisharaprayedoutloud.“Whyaretherenoresults?WhywouldYoubringmebacktomyhomelandandnotuseme?”
Thesilenceseemedtoaccusehim.Hewalkedthehalls,pasttheroomwheretheboysslept.Manyofthemtossed
andturnedfitfully,groaningortalkingintheirsleep.Hewonderedabouttheir
andturnedfitfully,groaningortalkingintheirsleep.Hewonderedabouttheirdreams,whichnodoubtreflectedtheirprivatepains.EachofthemhadexperiencedharassmentfromIsraelisoldiers.Itwasn’tunusualforthekidstobeorderedtoemptytheirschoolbags,havetheirbooksthrownontheground,andthenbeorderedtopickthemup.Feelinghumiliatedandpowerlesstodoanythingeffectively,manystudentshadthrownstonesatthesoldiersandcarriedtheirdefianceofauthorityovertotheteachersattheschool.
Bisharawalkedoutthebackdooroftheschoolbuildingandstoodunderthenightsky.Anear-fullmoonilluminatedElahValleybelow.Thiswasthelocationwhere,accordingtomanyBibleexperts,DavidhadfoughtanddefeatedGoliath.InhismindBisharacouldalmostseethearmies—thePhilistinescampedonthewesternhill,theIsraelitesontheeast—andthenine-footgiantadvancingtotauntthetroopsunderKingSaul’scommand.AndhecouldseelittleDavidboldlyconfrontinghim.
Unfortunately,Bishararealizedhewasonthewrongside.Ashe“heard”thetauntsofthegiant,herecognizedhisownvoice.ThePhilistineverbalizedtheemotionshe’drepressedforsolong.HatredwelledupinhimasGoliathcursedtheJews.BisharablamedtheIsraelisforthedeathofhisfatherandthelossofhishomein1948.Heblamedthemforthetwelveyearshe’dlivedinanorphanage,separatedfromhismother.HeblamedthemfortheyearsofexileintheUnitedStates.Forsolongthehatredhadfestered,mostlybelowhisconsciousness.Nowherecognizedthatsamehatredintheboysunderhiscare.Itwasdestroyingthem,andhewaspowerlesstohelpthemunlesshe,theirprincipal,conqueredhisownangerandbitterness.
Tearswelledupinhiseyes.Howcouldhe,amanwhohadgivenhislifetoJesusChristadozenyearsbefore,whowascommittedtobeaninstrumentofGodintheHolyLand,helptheseangryyoungboys?Therewasonlyoneanswer.Hisvoicebrokethesilenceofthenight:“Lord,IbegYou.ForgivemeforhatingtheJewsandforallowingthathatredtocontrolmylife.”
Witheveryounceofhisbeing,Bisharameantthatprayer.Lookingagainoverthevalley,hecouldimaginethebraveshepherdDavidchargingGoliath,swingingtheslingshot,andtopplingthegiantwithasingle,well-aimedstone.Bishara’sprayerwasanequallywell-placedstone.Italmostseemedtooeasyashefeltthegiantofhatredfallbeforehim.HesensedGod’spresenceenvelopinghim,andthefrustration,hopelessness,andhatredwerewashedaway,replacedwithlove.
14IWANTTOSEELIVINGSTONES
BeitJala,1981
WemetafterachurchmeetinginJerusalem.BisharaAwadhadakindfaceandawarmsmilethatinvitedtrust.HetoldmealittleabouthisworkattheHopeSchoolforboys,and,thinkingofthechallengefromthePalestinianlady,Iblurtedout,“Iwouldliketovisityou.”
TwodayslaterBishara’scarpulledupinfrontofthesmallYMCAinEastJerusalemwhereIwasstaying.ItwasashorttripfromJerusalemtotheoutskirtsofBeitJala,wheretheschoolwaslocated.Themainbuildingwasbuiltofstone.Ithadacurvedentry,cappedbyacrudecross,formedbytwosticks,ontheroofaboveasignwithadrawingofprayinghandsandthewords“HopeSchool”inbothArabicandEnglish.Toonesidewasasmall,dustysoccerfield.Beyondthatwasafarmbuilding.“Weraisechickens,”Bisharaexplainedaswebeganthetour.“Thereareaboutathousandhensthatprovideeggsforthechildren,andtheextrasweselltohelpsupporttheschool.”
“Howelseistheschoolfunded?”Iasked.“TheMennonitechurchinAmericaprovidessomefunding.Andindividuals
canadoptachildandpayforhiscareandeducation.”“Howmuchdoesitcosttosupportoneboyforayear?”“Onethousanddollarsperyear.Thatsupporteralsoestablishesarelationship
withthechild.”“ThenIwanttosupportachild.DoyouhaveanyMuslimboyswhoneed
support?”“Oh,yes,several.”Hethoughtaminute,thenmentionedSharaf.“He’san
orphan,soheliveshereasaboarder.”
orphan,soheliveshereasaboarder.”“IwilllookforwardtosupportingSharafandprayingforhim.”Afteratourofclassrooms,dormitories,andthediningroom,Bisharainvited
meintohisapartmentforcoffee.HehadagentlevoicethatIimaginedwouldbecalmingtohyperactiveboys.Anditinspiredconfidenceinme.IfeltthiswassomeoneIcouldtrust.
“PleasetellmewhyyouarecomingtoPalestine,”hesaid.“Iseekmybrethren!”Ianswered.“ItbothersmethatmillionsofChristian
touristscomeeveryyearfromWesternEuropeandfromAmericatoseedeadstones.Iwanttoseethelivingstones.”
AsBisharapouredcoffeeforbothofusandaddedcreamandsugarforme,heasked,“Andwhatdoyoudowhenyoufindtheselivingstones?”
“Iaskquestions.Ilisten.Ilearn.IvisitplaceswhereitisdifficultfortheChurch.IwanttoknowhowChristiansarestrugglingandiftheyaresuffering.Iwanttoknowtheirneeds.AndwhereIcan,Ihelp.IntheSovietUnionandEasternEurope,thatmeansdeliveringBibles,becauseitisextremelydifficultfortheChurchtoobtainBibleslegally.”
“SowhatdoyouknowaboutthePalestinianChurch?”“Acoupleofyearsago,awomantoldmethatthereisasufferingChurchhere
amongthePalestinians.ShortlyafterwardIwastravelingwithVictorHashweh.”Bisharanodded;heknewtheevangelistfromJordan.“WewerediscussingthePalestinianrefugees,andIaskedhimwhyArab
governmentshadurgedthemtoleavein1948untilthewarwasoveranditwassafetoreturn.”
Mynewfriendwinced,andIquicklyadded,“ThatiswhatmanyChristiansintheWestbelieve.Victorstartedtocry.Hesaid,‘Andrew,Iwasthere.Myfamilywasthere.Weweredrivenoutatgunpoint.’”
“HaveyouheardofDeirYassin?”Bisharaaskedquietly.“I’veheardsomevaguereferencestoit,”Isaid.“ButIreallydon’tknow
much.”“In1948anentirevillage,DeirYassin,wasdestroyed.”Hepointedtoward
Jerusalemandsaid,“Justoverthere,wherethesuburbofHarNofisnow,250men,women,children,babieswereslaughteredbytheIrgun.”HewasreferringtotheIsraeliparamilitaryin1948.“ThiswasjustthreeyearsaftertheHolocaust.Afewmenwereleftaliveanddrivenaroundtoothervillagestotellthestory;thenthosemenwerekilledtoo.Theresultwasapanic.ThatiswhysomanyPalestiniansfled.Entirevillageswereemptied,whichisexactlywhattheIsraelis
wanted.Theyjusttookoverthosepeople’shomes.”[1]BisharasatquietlywhileIponderedthishorribletale.Icouldimaginealittle
ofwhatthePalestiniansfelt.IstillrememberedhowtheGermansdestroyedtheDutchcityofRotterdamduringWorldWarII,justtointimidateusandforceustoyieldtotheirauthority.Thoughonlyayoungteenager,IhadfeltnothingbutcontemptforandrebellionagainsttheGermanoccupationofHolland.“Honestly,betweenyouandVictor,thatisthefirstI’veheardaboutrefugeesfromthePalestinianperspective.”
SoftlyBisharasaid,“Soyouhavestartedtodiscoverthetruth.”Ishifteduneasilyinmychair,notatallsurethatIknewthetruthaboutthis
horrible,decades-longconflict.IknewIlovedtheJews.HowcouldInotloveGod’schosenpeople!ButIalsolovedtheChurchofJesusChrist,whereverIfoundher.WhatwasItodowiththisinformation?“I’mtryingtounderstandthesituation,”ItoldBishara.“IknowthereisahugechasmbetweenJewsandPalestinians,butI’mparticularlyconcernedabouthowthosedifferencesaffecttheChurch.IwanttomeetthePalestinianbelievers,toseehowtheylive,toheartheirconcerns,tofindouthowtheyministerandwhattheydreamaboutforthefutureoftheChurch.ObviouslyyouarewellacquaintedwiththePalestinianChurch.Iwouldloveitifyoucouldteachme.”
IwassurprisedhowquicklyIhadstatedmygoals,butIsenseditwastimeforaction,andIneededsomeonetoguideme.
Bishararose,andIassumedheintendedtotakemebacktoJerusalem,butinsteadheinvitedmetofollowhimtoaroomnearthefrontoftheschool.Itlookedlikeanotherclassroom,thoughinittherewerebiblicalmaps,HebrewandGreekalphabets,andpostersoftheHolyLand.“Perhapsthebestwaytobeginisbytellingyouaboutmyvision,”hesaid.“ThisroomisthehomeofBethlehemBibleCollege.”
“Wonderful!”Isaid.“Iwanttohearallaboutit.”“Let’stakearide.”WegotinBishara’scaranddrovethroughBeitJala,past
theGreekOrthodox,Catholic,andLutheranchurches,eachanimpressivebuilding.Bisharatalkedashedrove:“YouaskabouttheconditionoftheChurch.Thenumberoneneedisleadership.Youwillseebeautifulchurchbuildingshere,butbuildingsarenotenough.TheChurchisdyingbecausetherearefewerandfewershepherds.”
WemovedfromBeitJalaintoBethlehem,crossedovertheJerusalem-HebronRoad,andwoundourwaytoMangerSquareandtheChurchoftheNativity.Thoughitwaslateintheafternoon,swarmsoftouristswerestillbendingdowntoentertheDoorofHumility,lessthanfivefeethighandtheonlyentranceto
toentertheDoorofHumility,lessthanfivefeethighandtheonlyentrancetothechurch.
“Christianshereneedavision,”Bisharasaidasweobservedthescene.“Youspokeofdeadstonesandlivingstones.Thisisbelievedtobetheoldestchurchbuildingintheworld,builtovertheplacewhereJesuswassupposedlyborn.Hundredsofthousandsoftouristscomeeveryyear,especiallyaroundChristmastime.”Thenheturnedmearound.“Nowlookacrossthismallandtellmewhatyousee.”
DirectlyoppositetheChurchoftheNativity,ontheothersideofMangerSquare,wasamosquewithatallminaret,toppedwithacrescent.
“Amosque,”Ianswered.“Whenbuildersconstructedthatmosque,theycarefullymeasuredittomake
surethatitwouldbeseveralinchestallerthanthebelltowersoftheChurchoftheNativity.BrotherAndrew,thereisaspiritualbattlegoingonherefortheheartsandsoulsofpeople,andthesetwobuildingssymbolizeit.Now,pleasefollowme.”
Ihesitated.Somethingaboutthissightspokedeeplytome,somethingIhadsuspectedbuthadhardlydaredtoexpress.
IhurriedtocatchuptoBishara.Wedescendedancient,well-wornstonestairstoShepherdStreet,turnedleft,andwalkedtoMangerStreet,justablockaway.Everythingaboutthisareawasold.Thecobblestonestreetsseemedtowanttotellstoriesofcenturiesofhistorytheyhadknown.
Bisharacontinuedtoinstructme:“Approximatelytwo-thirdsofallPalestinianChristiansliveinthisareaofBethlehem,BeitJala,andBeitSahour.ThisareausedtobenearlyallChristian,butafterthewarof1948,manyChristiansstartedtoemigrate.Manylikemewentabroadtostudy,butmosthaveneverreturned.Othershavecloseduptheirbusinessesandmoved.Intheirplacecamerefugees—wehaveseveralrefugeecampsinthearea.Bethlehemisnowabout60percentMuslimand40percentChristian,butthenumberofChristianscontinuestodrop.”
Twoblocksfartheronwestoppedinfrontofathree-story,whitestonebuilding.“Thisbuildingisavailableforrent.HereiswhereIwouldliketomoveBethlehemBibleCollege.”Heturnedandconfrontedmeashesaid,“ItismydreamtoseetheChurchgrow.Todothat,wemustbegintotrainleaders.Andtodothat,wemusthaveaBibleschool.Weneedpastors,youthworkers,andministryleaders.WeneedteacherswhoknowtheBiblewelltotrainthem,andweneedclassestaughtinArabicnotEnglish.ItismydreamtoseedozensofPalestiniansofeverydenominationcomingheretostudytheBible.”
“Thisisfantastic!”Isaid.“Haveyousharedyourdreamwithchurchleadershere?Whatdotheythink?”
“Ipresentedthisvisiontofourteenchurchleaders,pastors,andpriests,andtheyallencouragedmetomoveahead.”Thenhechuckled.“Oneofthem,aNazarenepastor,gavemetwentydollars.Thatwastheseedmoneyforthecollege!”
“You’regoingtoneedalotmorethantwentydollars!Tellme,whatwillitcosttomoveintothisbuilding?HowcanOpenDoorshelp?”
WereturnedtoHopeSchoolandtalkedlateintotheeveningoverachickendinnerthatBishara’swife,Salwa,fixedforus.Bisharapresentedtomehisbudgetformovingthefledglingcollegeandoperatingitforthenextyear.
Onthatdayaspecialfriendshipbegan.Duringmysubsequentvisits,BisharaopenedmyeyestoawholenewsideoftheconflictbetweenIsraelandthePalestinians.UntilthenIhadmostlyheardonlyonesideofthestory.IadmiredandsupportedIsraelbecauseIbelievedtheywereGod’schosenpeople,butIhadnotstoppedtoconsiderthatGod’schosenpeoplewerenotperfectandthatIcouldstilllovethemwhilecritiquingwhattheydid.
EvenBisharasaidtome,“IreallydonothateIsrael,butIdobelievetheyhavelosttheirsoul.Andwemusthelpthemfindit.”Bisharaseemedgenuinelysorrowful.
LaterImeditatedonhiswords.HadIsraelreallylostitssoul?Didhemeanthatpolitically?OrdidhemeanthatGodhadwithdrawnfromthecountry?Regardless,Bisharawasn’tcondemningbutofferinghealing.WhatwasparticularlytroublingwasthattherewerefarmoreChristiansamongthePalestiniansthanamongtheIsraelis.SotheburdentomakeadifferencewasgreateronthePalestinianside,andtheyneededmoreencouragementintheeffort.Butthiswasachallenge.Most,perhapsall,Arab/PalestinianChristianshadrootsinthelandthatwentbackcenturies.Many,likeBishara,hadlosttheirhomesinthewarof1948.Theywereangry,hurting,andstrugglingtounderstandthemeaningoftheirlives.TheyheardtheclaimthattheJewswereGod’schosenpeople,butPalestinianChristianshadahardtimelovingtheJewswhensomanyhadlosttheirhomestotheIsraelisandhadtheirorchardsrazedsoJewishsettlementscouldbebuiltontheirland.
BisharatookmeforawalknearHopeSchoolandpointedoutbuildingsgoingupontheoppositehill.“That’sGilo,”hesaid.“Israelhasannexedit.TheysayitispartofJerusalem.”ThenhepointedtothetownofBeitJala,spreadoutbelowus.“ButthesepeopleusedtoraiseolivesandgrazetheirsheepwhereGiloisnow.
Thelandwassimplytaken,withnoconsiderationthatmyneighborshadownedthatlandforcenturies.”
“Theydidn’tbuytheland?”“AsfarasIknowtherewasnopaymentwhatsoever,thoughtherearerumors
thatafewPalestiniansdidsell.Butifthat’strue,theywouldneveradmitit;theywouldbeconsideredtraitorsandwouldbekilled.”
Harderwijk,late1981
ForthefirsttimeIhadarealsenseofwhyPalestinianswereangryandhurt.DailytheyfelttheimpactofZionism,anditdeeplydisturbedtheChristiansintheWestBank.WhileIdidn’tminimizethisperspective,somethingevenbiggercapturedmyattention.AsItriedtounderstandwhyIwasdrawntoBishara’sdreamforacollege,IthoughtaboutthemosqueandchurchonoppositesidesofMangerSquare.TherewasagreaterissuethatmadethisacrucialprojectforOpenDoorstosupport.
Myleadershipteamwasn’tsoquicktoembracemyconclusions.Sittinginmyoffice,theychallengedmewiththepracticalrealitiesofourministry.“WehaveourhandsfullintheCommunistworld,”saidJohanCompanjen,thetall,blondDutchmanwhowasmypersonalassistant.Johanandhiswife,Anneke,hadbeenmissionariesinVietnambuthadtoescapewhenthecountryfellin1975.Sincethen,Johanhadaccompaniedmeonmanyofmytravelsandhadprovidedcriticalleadershiptoourwork.HehadjustreportedontheremainingcostsfromProjectPearl,ahugeundertakingthatearlierintheyeardeliveredonemillionBiblestoChinainasinglenight.
Anotherleader’sreporttoldabouthowanOpenDoorsteamhadtakenaprintingpressintoEasternEurope.“Wearenowstartingtoequipourbrethrensotheyhavetheabilitytoprinttheirownmaterials.”
Iwasthrilledwiththatnews.“Weshouldworkourselvesoutofajob!”Isaid.“Weshouldequipthemsotheycandotheirownworkwithoutbeingsodependentonus.”
“Iagree,”saidJohan.“Butifwe’regoingtomoveintoanewareaofwork,myquestionishowthiscollegeinBethlehemfitsintoourmission.WeexisttostrengthentheChurchinplaceswhereitispersecuted,butthatisn’tthecaseintheMiddleEast.SuretheChurchhasmanychallengesthere,butwhatisthesourceofthisurgency?”
IrealizedJohanwasfocusingontheChurchinthemidstofCommunism,but
Iwasconvincedtherewasamuchbiggerbattlelooming.“Communismisdying,”Istated.Severalofthemenintheroomseemedpuzzledbymyassertion.“Itistime.Communismisatoothlesstiger,anditwillsurelyfall.Itmustfall.”
“Howcanyousaythat?”protestedoneofthemen.“Youaretalkingaboutoneofthetwosuperpowers.”
“Because,atthecore,Communismisabankruptworldview.ItsaysthereisnoGodandthatyoucanchangepeoplebychangingtheirenvironment.AsChristians,weknowthatisnonsense.Whatisourworldview?”
Johananswered:“TheBiblesaysmanmustchange,andthenhecanchangehisenvironment.”
“Exactly!ThatiswhyCommunismcannotsucceed.Ithaslastedsixtyyears.Idon’tbelieveitwilllasttoonehundredyears.It’salreadycrumbling.”ForthefirsttimeIwasgoingtoexpressmyobservationstotheministryleadership.“Thereisanotherthreatthatweneedtotakeveryseriously.It’sexistedfarlongerthanCommunism,anditwillchallengetheChurch.SomeofyoumayrememberwhenItraveledtoCentralAsiaafewyearsago.YouknowwhatIsaw?EmptymosquesandemptyschoolsthatMuslimscallmadrasas.IslamhassufferedasmuchasChristianityundertheSoviets,butthestructureisthere.Islamcanliedormantfordecades,evenforcenturies,butitwillnotgoaway.It’sasleepinggiant,anditstartedtoawakentwoyearsagoinIranunderAyatollahKhomeini.IthinkthefundamentalistformofIslamthatKhomeinipreachesisgoingtogrowandbecomeverypowerfulinthenextfewyears.TheChurchneedstobepreparedforthischallenge.”
“HowwilltheIslamchallengebedifferentfromCommunism?”askedoneoftheleaders.
“Communismmadeastatement:‘ThereisnoGod!’Islamchallengesuswithaquestion:‘WhoisGod?’Theyhaveananswer,andtheybelieveitsopassionatelythattheyarewillingtotakeittotheworldandtodieforitifneedbe.”
Myteamwaslisteningintently.IleanedforwardtogivethreereasonswhyIbelievedIslamwasontherise.“First,theyhaveawell-developedeschatology.Theybelieveintheendtheywillconquerandruletheworld.Second,somethinghappenedin1973thatwemustnotforget.”
“Theoilembargo?”someoneasked.“Correct!ThatiswhenMuslimsbegantorealizetheyhadrealpower.They
believeAllahputallofthatoilundertheirdirtysandforareason—togivethemimmensewealththatcouldbeusedtospreadIslamaroundtheworld.”
“What’sthethirdreason?”askedJohan.“ThecollapseofmoralsintheWest.MuslimsseeitasafailureofChristianity.
“ThecollapseofmoralsintheWest.MuslimsseeitasafailureofChristianity.WhenCommunismalsocollapses,theywilldeclaretotheworld,‘Islamistheanswer!’Withthat,Ibelieve,theywillgofartherthantheChurchhasevergonewiththeGreatCommission.Wegoouttowinsoulshereandthere.Theywillconfrontthewholeworldwithatotalsystem,andtheywillpaywhateverpriceittakes,evenwiththeirlives.”
Myteamhadseenmepassionatebefore,andsometimestheychallengedmeaboutmypropheticviews.Nowoneofthemraisedhisvoice:“Youmayberight,butwhatdoesthishavetodowithIsrael?Isn’tthataconflictbetweenPalestiniansandJews?”
“That’sonlypartofthetrouble.Thereisanotherconflict.JerusalemisacriticalissueforMuslims.IslambelievesthatanylandthatitonceruledalwaysbelongstoIslamandthusmustberecaptured.That’swhytheywillnevergiveuptheirconvictionthatalloftheHolyLandmustbeunderIslam.ThatisthechallengefacingtheChurch.”
Theroomwasquietforamoment.Finally,Johansaid,“Sowhatshallwedo?”“Strengthenwhatremains,whichisatthepointofbeingoverpowered.The
ChurchisdyingintheHolyLand.Itisatthepointofbeingoverpoweredonseveralfronts.Zionism,yes,isafactor,butsoistheeconomicpressure,causedbytherefugeeproblemandimmigrationofJewsfromaroundtheworld.However,thebiggestfactorwillbetheriseofMuslimfundamentalism,whichIbelieveisgoingtoriseupandrebelagainstIsrael.ThatiswhywemustsupportBethlehemBibleCollege.Itwilltraintheleaderssodesperatelyneededforaspiritualresistancemovement.”
Wetalkedforafewminutesaboutpracticalmatters.Therewaslittlewecoulddofinanciallyrightthen.WewerestillpayingthebillsforProjectPearl,pluswehadmanyothercommitmentstofulfill.Butwecoulddonatesomebooksfortheirlibrary.WecouldencourageBisharaandpromotehiswork.Andintime—itwouldtakeafewyears—wecouldbegintoreallocatemoreofourresourcesfromtheCommunistworldtothisarena.
Asourmeetingwasabouttobreakup,Iconcludedwiththisstatement:“Islamiswheretheprimaryconflictwillbeforthenextonehundredyears.Andtheoutcomewilldecidewhatthisworldwilllooklikeforthenextonethousandyears.”
“UntiltheLordreturns!”saidoneofthemen.AlmostautomaticallyIstraightenedmyback.Howdeeplythisfatalisticstreak
haspermeatedthethinkingandtheologyofmanyChristians!Weforgetthatmostofthepropheciesrelatingtofutureeventsareconnectedtoconditions.
“Yes,sure,”Irepliedratherimpatiently.“UntiltheLordreturns.ButHesaidthatfirstthegospelmustbepreachedtoallnations,andthentheendwouldcome.GivingupwithoutafightreallymeansthatJesuswillnevercomeback.Therefore,let’sbefaithful.Wemustbeontiptoes,alertandactive!”
15WHATAREWESUPPOSEDTODO?
Gaza,1987
Theyoungman,barelyoutofhisteenageyears,wasagitated.“Wemustforgiveouroppressors.That’sthemessageofChristianity.”
“Whereareyougettingthesecrazyideas?”askedhisequallyagitatedfather.“FromtheBible...”“YoumeanfromthatBaptistchurchyougoto.Whatiswrongwithour
church?YougoaroundactinglikesomekindofsuperChristian.”HannaMassadandhisfatherhadfoughtoverHanna’schurchforseveral
years.ForgenerationstheMassadfamilyhadbelongedtotheGreekOrthodoxchurch,butHannahadstruggledwiththetraditionalfaithofhisparents.Asateenager,hehadstartedattendingGazaBaptistChurch,theonlyevangelicalchurchinGaza.HisfatherputupwiththerebellionuntilHannaannouncedthathewasbeingbaptized.Thatwasconsideredanactofbetrayalandahumiliation.ItwashardenoughtoliveasatinyminorityamongamillionMuslims,butthenyourownsonrejectsyourfaith.
“I’mnotrejectingthefaith!”Hannaprotested.“I’msimplyrespondingtotheteachingsoftheBible.Yourchurchonlypracticesaritual,butitdoesn’tpreachthegospel.Ileftthechurchbecausetherewasemptinessinmylife.IwanttherealityofChrist,andIfounditintheBaptistchurch.”Hannaknewhewasprovokinghisfather,buthecouldn’tstopnow.“IthinkweneedtotakethewordsofJesusseriously,toloveourenemies,toturntheothercheek,toblessthosewhopersecuteus.”
Theoldermanseethedashelistenedtohisson.“Haveyougonemad?Haveyouforgottenwherewecomefrom?Yourmotherwasdrivenfromherhomein
youforgottenwherewecomefrom?YourmotherwasdrivenfromherhomeinJaffain1948.HerfamilycameheretoGazawithnothingbuttheclothestheywerewearing.Theylosteverything.”
Hannahadheardallthisbefore.Butthistime,hisfatherwantedtodrivethepointhome.“Comewithme!”Thesonfollowedashisfatherledhimtoasecrethidingplace.Themanpulledoutabox,unlockedit,andpulledoutasheafofpapersandsomekeys.“Lookatthis!”hedemanded.“Thisisadeedforonehundreddunamsofland.[1]Itbelongstomeandyouruncleandaunt.AndthesearekeystothehomethattheIsraelistookfromus.ThoseJewsthatyouwanttoforgivestoleourproperty.Theystoleyourinheritance!”
ViolenceeruptedinearlyDecember1987.OnDecember6anIsraeliwasstabbedtodeathinGaza.ThenextdayfourPalestiniansfromtheJabalyarefugeecampwerekilledinatrafficaccident,andrumorsquicklyspreadthatitreallywasn’tanaccident,thatthefourwereactuallykilledbyIsraelisasrevengeforthestabbingdeath.ThatprovidedthesparkformassprotestsandriotingbyPalestiniansinJerusalem,Gaza,andtheWestBank.Therebellionorintifadawasofficiallyunderway.[2]
ThisconflictwasofaverydifferentnaturefromwhatI’dobservedbefore—notafewroguesworkingalonebutasustaineduprisingthatwouldnotdie.Thousandsofboys,manynotyetintheirteens,tooktothestreetsdayafterdayandthrewstonesattheIsraelisoldiers.Atfirsttheprofessionalsoldiersdidn’tknowhowtorespond,andthePalestiniansbelievedtheyhadgainedtheupperhandwithmediapicturesthatshowednumerouslittleDavidsfightingtheheavilyarmedGoliathoftheIsraeliDefenseForce(IDF).Buttheangerwasexpressedinotherwaysaswell.Thereweregeneralstrikes.Businesseswereshutdown.WorkersrefusedtogotoworkatIsraelibusinesses.PalestiniansrefusedtopurchaseIsraeliproducts.AndinBeitSahour,theresidentsrefusedtopaytaxestoIsrael.
Theexplosionhadbeenbuildingforyears.WhileeconomicconditionshadimprovedinWestBankandinGazaunderIsraelicontrol,theystillremainedfarbelowthoseinIsraelproper.TheGazaStripwasoneofthemostdenselypopulatedpiecesoflandintheworld.By1987,twothousandfivehundredsettlersoccupied28percentoftheseven-by-thirty-milestrip,whilenearlyonemillionpeoplewerecrammedintheremaining72percent,inrefugeecampsandcitiesalongtheMediterraneanSea.[3]IntheWestBank,itwasreportedthat
JewishsettlerswereallowedtousetwelvetimesmorewaterthanwerethePalestinians.[4]
Buttheprimaryforcebehindtheintifada,accordingtomyPalestinianfriends,wasapervasivefeelingofhumiliation.YearafteryearresidentsofWestBankandGazahadlivedunderrestriction,experiencingcurfewsforsometimesdaysatatime,sealing(andsometimesdestruction)ofhomesofsuspectedresisters,midnightsearchesthatransackedhomes,detentionofthousandsofyoungmenwithoutcharge,nottomentiontheendlessidentitychecks,bodysearches,andrestrictionofmovementwithinWestBankandGazaandbetweentheterritoriesandIsrael.ThePalestiniansgenerallyfelttheyhadnorightswhatsoever,andafteryearsofhumiliation,therewasadeepthirstamongmanyforchangeorforescape.
Israel,ofcourse,hadstrongcounterargumentsfortheirmethods,usuallyrelatedtotheirneedforsecurityandtheirrighttoexist.Thesealinganddestructionofhomeswasintendedtodeterresisterswhomightreconsidertheiractionsiftheyknewtheywouldhurttheirfamilies.Potentialterroristshadtobecaught,andaPalestinianinjailwassomeonewhocouldn’thurtIsrael.Iunderstoodthesemotivations,butattimesIwonderedifIsrael’smethodsmadethemlesssecureasapeople.TheWestBankandGazaseemedlikeabreedinggroundforresistance.
InthemidstoftheuprisingwerePalestinianChristians.Howweretheyresponding?
BeitSahour,1988
OnthedinnertableNawalQumsiehlaidouthummus,twosalads,amaindishofchickenandrice,andfreshbreadforherfamily.AfterherhusbandhadaskedtheLord’sblessingontheirmealandeveryonestartedtoeat,sheinquiredaboutherchildren’sday.Thetwohighschoolstudentswerequiet,andhermother’sinstinctstoldhersomethingwasverywrong.“Tellme.Whatishappening?”
Theolderboyfinallyadmitted,“Ourfriendswantustothrowstonesatthesoldiers.”
Theyoungerbrotherthenjumpedin.“Theysaidwe’recowards...”“Traitors,”addedtheolderbrother.“Whatarewesupposedtodo?Wedon’tthinkweshouldgoandthrowstones.
Buttheypushusandbeatusupifwedon’tgo.”Nawalsaid,“Wecanmakeourviewsknownpeacefully.ThatistheChristian
way.”Shesaiditwithconviction.
way.”Shesaiditwithconviction.“Weknow,Mom,”saidtheyoungerson.“Butmanyoftheboysdon’tagree.
Whatarewesupposedtodo?”Theoldersonwasscheduledtocompletehissecondaryeducationthatspring.
“I’vedecidedIhavetoleave,”heannounced.“IwillgotouniversityintheUnitedStatesorCanada.AndIdon’texpecttoreturn.Thisisnoplacetolive.Therearenogoodjobs.Iwanttogetmarriedandraiseafamily,butwhatfutureistherehereformychildren?”
Nawalsighed.Sheknewwhathersonsaidwastrue.Afterdinnersheslippedoutsidetoaquietspotwheresheoftensatandprayed.Shecouldn’thelpbutreflectwithsadnessonthesituation.Herfamilyhadlivedintheareaforatleastfourhundredyears.They’dlivedincavesatfirstwhilecaringfortheirsheep.Eventuallythey’dbuilthomesandplantedorchards.Theirpresenthousehadbeeninthefamilyformorethanonehundredyears.
ManyofthemorethanonethousandmembersoftheextendedQumsiehfamilyhadscattered.Theexodushadstartedwiththewarof1948.Morehadleftasaresultofthewarsof1956and1967,whenIsraelconqueredtheWestBankregion.[5]SomehadsettledintheUnitedStates,othersinCanada.Itwasthoserelativeswhogavehersonsoptions.Theboysdidn’thavetostayinBeitSahour,andwhatcouldshepossiblydotoconvincethemotherwise?InNorthAmericatheywouldobtainanexcellenteducation.Therethefuturewasbright.HereintheWestBank,nooneknewhowlongtheintifadawouldrage.Thoseboysthrowingrockswerebeingmaimedandkilleddaily.Whatwastheirfuture?
Soshouldsheandherhusbandemigrateaswell?Withinlessthantwoyears,thelastoftheirfivechildrenwouldleave;whynotgowiththem?Whatwasholdingthemtothisland?IftheIsraelisreallywantedthemtoleave,whynotaccommodatethem?
ThenNawalthoughtaboutthewomenallaroundherwhowereindespair—MuslimsandChristians,itdidn’tmatter.Thedepressionpermeatedtheirlivesastheyshoppedforfreshproduceatthemarket,astheyhungthelaundryontheirbalconies,and,fortheChristians,astheyworshipedtogetheratthelocalGreekOrthodoxchurch.Nawalunderstoodthatdeepdepression,forshehadlivedwithitherselfforyears—attimesitwassodeepshe’dseriouslycontemplatedsuicide.Thatis,until1982andthatmarvelouseveningwhenstudentsfromBethlehemBibleCollege,withoneoftheteachers,hadvisitedherhome.NawalandherhusbandhadlistenedtothetestimoniesabouthowJesuslivedintheirlives.Shehadlaughedattheyoungpeopleandkiddedthemfortheirnaiveenthusiasm,saying,“Idonotbelieveanythingyousay.”Whentheyaskedwhy,sheexplained,“Ihavebeensickwithbackproblemsfortwelveyears.Icannotsleepbecauseof
“Ihavebeensickwithbackproblemsfortwelveyears.Icannotsleepbecauseofthepain.DoctorshavetoldmeIwillbeinawheelchairfortherestofmylife.IgiveupandIdon’twanttolive.”
Thestudentsandteacheraskediftheycouldprayforher.Theyprayed,andnothinghappened.However,thenextmorning,aftertwelvehoursofwonderfulsleep,shehadrisenwithoutpain.ShehadcalledtheBibleCollegetoreport,“TheLordhealedme!”
Thatexperiencehadchangedeverything.Herfaithceasedbeingsimplyaculturalexpression,somethingthattheQumsiehfamilyhadalwayspracticed.Nowwhensheattendedtheliturgy,thewordswerealive.TheywerecelebratingtherisenLordwhowasresidinginherheartandintheheartsofherhusbandandchildren.ItwasJesuswhohadhealedherbodyandherdepression—somethingneitherdoctornormedicinecoulddo.WhensheopenedtheBible,sherealizedthatitswordsdrilleddeepintohersoul.Shehungeredtounderstandit,toliveitout.Withpermissionfromherhusband,shehadenrolledatBethlehemBibleCollege.She’dstudiedvoraciously,earnedA’sineverysinglecourseandgraduatedatthetopofherclass.
Nawalthoughtagainabouttheconversationthateveningatthedinnertable.Soon,hernestwouldbeempty.Whatwouldshedothen?ShouldshefollowherchildrentofreedomintheWest?
Shethoughtagainofherneighbors,bothMuslimandChristian.Sheunderstoodtheiranxietyandhopelessness.Theyfeltutterlyalone,unabletobaretheirheartstoanyone.Whatifsomeoneweretogivethemanopportunitytospeak?Manyhusbandswouldneverpermittheirwivestoopenup,butwhataboutthosewhodid?Forevenafew,maybeshecouldmakeadifference.
Instantlyherthoughtsbecameaprayer:“OLord,isthereanyhopeforthepeoplehere?”ShethoughtofthemissionsintheBethlehemarea.Manywereleavingbecauseoftheintifada.Wouldtheyeverreturn?“Lord,ifthereisanyhopeforthesewomenwhoaremyneighbors,Iwanttobepartofthat.IwantthemtoexperienceYouthewayIhave.”
AtthatmomentsheknewshewouldnotbeleavingtheWestBankwithherchildren.TheLordhadworkforhertodo.
Jerusalem,1988
TheintifadawasinfullswingasIarrivedtospeakataChristianmedicalconference.BisharapickedmeupduringabreakintheprogramanddrovemeuptheMountofOlivestoAl-MaqassedHospital.Ihadrequestedearlierthatthe
delegates,consistingofmanydoctors,beallowedtovisitthishospital,buttheMinistryofTourism,whichhadhelpedorganizetheconference,haddeniedeveryrequest.SoIdecidedsomeofuswouldsimplygoonourown,withoutpermission.Aswewoundourwayupthehill,Icouldn’thelpbutrecallsomeofmyearlytripstoIsraelwhenI’dstayedasaguestatahomenearherethathadaspectacularviewofJerusalem.ThewomanwasadevotedChristianwhohadboughtthehomesoshecouldhaveafront-rowviewofthereturnofChrist.She’dpassedawayseveralyearsago—withoutwitnessingtheendoftheage.
ThehospitalwewerevisitingwasaprivateinstitutionrunbyMuslims,thoughBisharaexplainedthatitwasopentoMuslimsandChristians.Manyofthethousandsofkidsinjuredintheintifadawerebroughthere.Everyroomwasfilled,andthereweresomepatientslyingongurneysinthehalls.Nearlyeverybedhadfamilymembersaroundit.OnseveraloccasionsIsawmotherscryingovertheirchildren.
Newsaccountsoftenreportedthatthesoldiersusedonlyrubberbullets,andtheyweresupposedtoaimbelowtheknee.However,manyoftheinjurieswerehorrifying.Istoodbyonebedwhereaboyparalyzedfromabulletthathadlodgedinhisneckwaslying.HismotherspokeArabic,andBisharatranslated.
“Theycannotremovethebullet,”shesaidquietly.“Thedoctorssayhewillneverwalkagain.”
“Howoldishe?”Iasked.“Elevenyearsold,”shesaid,startingtoweep.Icouldn’thelpbutthink,WhereisGodinthis?Thewomanworeatraditional
scarfthatindicatedshewasMuslim.Iwantedtorespectherfaith,butmyheartwentouttoher.“MayIprayfortheboy?”Iasked.Shenoddedherhead.Ilaidmyhandontheboy’sshoulderandaskedJesus,whomMuslimsrecognizeastheHealer,tohealthisboyofhisinjuriesandhisfamilyoftheiremotionalpain.
InanotherroomIfoundanolderwoman,wearingasimplecrossnecklace,sittingwithateenageboy,whoselegwasinaheavycastandraisedintraction.ShespokeEnglish,soIsaidtoher:“Iseeyouarewearingacross.AreyouaChristian?”
“Yes,”sheanswered.“Catholic.”“Andthisisyourson?”“Mygrandson.”“MayIaskwhathappened?”“Hehastwobulletsinhisleg.Oneshatteredhiship.Thedoctorsdonotthink
hewilleverwalkagain.”“I’msosorry...”
“I’msosorry...”“Itoldhimnottogo.Hisparentstoldhimnottogo.Butthereissomuch
pressure.TheboysfeeltheymustgoandprovetheyaregoodPalestinians.Heisluckyhewasn’tkilled.”
“Wheredoyoulive?”Iasked.“InEastJerusalem.”“AreyouabletokeepyourfaithinGodinthemidstofthesehardtimes?”Thewomanlookedintomyeyes,perhapswonderinghowhonestshecouldbe
withthisstranger.“Christianityisadailycommitment,”sheansweredwithasteadyvoice.“Butitisadailystruggletoforgivemyenemies.HowcanIforgivethosewhowanttokillmeandmybrothersandsistersandwhowoulddenymemyhomeland?ButImustforgive.EverytimeIpraytheOurFather,Istrugglewiththewords‘Forgiveourtrespassesasweforgivethosewhotrespassagainstus.’Iwanttosay,‘God,Iforgivemyenemies.’Ipicturethem;Iseewhattheyaredoingeveryday.Iseethedeadbodies,thesuffering,theblood.Itrytoforgive,butIcannot.SoIpray,‘God,Youmusthelpmeforgive,becauseIcannot!’”
Iwasdeeplymovedbythiswoman’shonesty.AsBisharaandIwalkedtohiscar,Isaidtohim,“IthinkGodismoreimpressedwiththatwoman’sprayersthanHeiswithallthesilly,foolishonesthatattempttocleantheslatewithoneeasyswipe:‘Godblessallourfamilyandfriends.Amen.’ThatwomanisstrugglingwithissuesthemagnitudeofwhichmostofusintheWesthaveneverimagined.”
Bisharaagreed:“She’sseriousaboutforgiveness.Iunderstandherstruggle.I’vegonethroughitandcontinuetodoso.”
Myfriendhadtoldmeabouthisprayeryearsago,thatGodwouldremovehishatredforJews.HeinsistedthatGodhadansweredthatprayer;hefeltnopersonalanimositytowardJews.ButtheconflictbetweenPalestiniansandIsraelwascausinghimseriousproblems.Atthebeginningoftheyear,BethlehemBibleCollegewasorderedtoclose—IsraelhadshutdownmostoftheeducationalinstitutionsintheWestBankandGaza,decidingthattheywereamajorsourceoftherebellion.However,withtheschoolsclosed,theboyshadnothingtodobutthrowmorestones.
Beforetheintifadahaderupted,IhadarrangedfortheBethlehemBibleCollegechoirtosingattheconferencewhereIwasspeaking.“I’msorrythechoircan’tsingforus,”Isaid,aswearrivedbackatthehotel.
“Don’tgiveupyet!”Bisharasaidwithagrin.“Ihavecontactedallofthestudentsinthechoir.Wearegoingtotrytosneakthemintothehoteltomorrow!”
“Howlongwilltheschoolbeclosed?”Iaskedbeforegettingoutofthecar.“Thenewsisnotgood,”headmitted.“Aslongastheintifadacontinues,I
don’tthinkwewillbeallowedtoreopen.We’vetriedholdingclassesinhomes,butthat’snotworkingverywell.I’vecanceledgraduationceremoniesforthisyearbecausethestudentscan’tfinishtheircourses.Honestly,ifthislaststoolong,Idon’tknowifthecollegecanevensurvive.”
“Youmustnotgiveup!”Isaidtomyfriend.“Iwillhelpyou.OpenDoorswillhelpyou.Yourmissionistooimportant.Youaretrainingthefuturechurchleaders,andIrefusetobelievethatitisGod’swillforthatefforttofail.”
“Thenwemustkeeppraying,”hesaidwithresignation.“ThatiswhywemustkeepBethlehemBibleCollegegoing!Studentsneedto
learntheScripturesandhowtoapplythem.ThiswillshowChristiansandtheentirePalestiniancommunitythatthereisanotherway.Abetterway!”
Thenextnight,wewereamazedwhenBisharashowedupwiththechoirfromBethlehemBibleCollege,aswellassouvenirsofolivewoodforsale.HotelmanagementwasupsetbecauseBethlehemBibleCollege’ssouvenirswerehalfthecostofthesameitemsinthehotelgiftshop.Theyoungpeoplepresentedamovingprogramofmusicandtestimony.
Therewasanotherhighlighttotheevening.Sharaf,theHopeSchoolstudentIhadsupportedforseveralyears,showeduptoseeme.Duringourconversation,talknaturallydriftedtotheintifada.ItoldhimabouttheboysIhadseenatthehospital.Suddenlyhetoldme,“BrotherAndrew,IhaveneverthrownstonesatIsraelisoldierswhileatHopeSchool.”
“Andyouknowwhy?”Iresponded.“Becausesomeoneprayedforyou!”WhatwastherightChristianresponsetotheconflict?WhatIsawinSharaf
wasalittlesolution.Hewasn’taChristian,buthehadlearnedofGod’swaysintheBiblewhileinHopeSchool.Weneededthousandsandthousandsoflittlesolutions.Ratherthancursethedarknessintheland,weneededtolightmanymorecandles.
Gaza,1988
HannaMassadseemedtooyoungtobepastoroftheGazaBaptistChurch.InfacthewasthefirstindigenouspastorofthecongregationthatSouthernBaptistmissionarieshadfounded,alongwithahospital,in1954.UntilnowmostofthepastorshadbeenfromEgyptorLebanon.Hannawaslearningonthejob,attendingBethlehemBibleCollegeduringtheweek,thendashingdowntoGazatopreachtheSundayservices.
topreachtheSundayservices.Whiletheintifadawasraging,Gazawasn’texactlythesafestplacetogo.Still,I
feltadesiretovisitthiscongregation,theonlyevangelicalchurchonthecrowdedstrip.IwantedtosupportHannaandstandwiththecongregationthatbravelygatheredinthecenterofGazaCity.
ForyearsthechurchhadmetinSt.Philip’sChurchonthegroundsoftheChristianhospital,thecontrolofwhichtheBaptistshadtransferredtotheAnglicanChurchin1982.NowtheyhadmovedintoanewrentedfacilityindowntownGazaCity.AsHannawelcomedmefortheSundaymorningservice,heexplained,“Aftertheuprisingstarted,therewereambulancescomingallthetimetotheemergencyroomofthehospital.Thenoisedisturbedthemeetings,andwefinallyfeltitwastimetomove.”ThehomewherethechurchnowmetwasownedbyaladyIknew.“Shedoesn’twanttosellit,butwecanuseitforaslongaswewant.Someday,wewillbuyourownproperty.”
HannatranslatedformeasIpreachedtoacongregationofaboutseventy-fivepeople.Afterward,wetalkedmoreoverameal.Laterthatafternoon,hewoulddrivebackuptoBethlehemtoresumehisstudies.“I’mlimitedinwhatIcandorightnow,”hesaid.“Butthereisagreatdealofpotentialforthischurch.Iwanttostartachildren’sministryandministertoteens,andthewomenshouldbemoreactive.Mostimportant,Iwanttoholdsomeevangelisticmeetings.”
Iaffirmedhisvision.“Intime,youwillhaveachancetodoallofthosethings.Butyouaren’treadyyet.Rightnow,youneedtobetrained.”
Hannalaughed.“Rightnow,assoonasIlearnsomethingatschool,IhaveanimmediateopportunitytoapplyithereinGaza!”
16BRINGINGTHETWOSIDESTOGETHER
Bethlehem,1988
SalimMunayerexudedenergyevenashewaitedtotalkwithmeafterameetingatBethlehemBibleCollege.Astheacademicdeanofthecollege,Salimmanagedthecourseprogramandalsotaughtseveralclasses.Bisharareliedheavilyonhim.IwonderedwhatthesecretofhisenthusiasmwasandthoughtthatperhapsitcamefromhisgrowingupinamixedArab-Jewishcommunitywherekidsfoughtdailyonthestreetsjustfortherighttoplay.IknewhewasfluentinHebrew,Arabic,andEnglish.ThoughaPalestinian,hehadhelpedtostarttwoMessianiccongregations,andhetaughtbothPalestinianandIsraeliuniversitystudents.HehadanamazingabilitytomoveamongMuslimsandJewsaswellasChristians.
AsIturnedtogivehimmyfullattention,Salimsaid,“BrotherAndrew,IwouldliketoproposeaprojecttoOpenDoors.”Ifollowedhimtohisofficeintheadministrationbuilding.Assoonaswewereseated,heplungedahead:“Iwanttosharewithyouadream.Asyouknow,IhaveministeredamongbothJewishandPalestinianbelievers.AtBethlehemBibleCollegeIspendalotoftimeexplainingtoBisharaandotherswhatIsraelisthink.AndwhenIteachinJaffa,IspendalotoftimeexplainingtoJewishbelieverswhatPalestiniansthink.I’verealizedthatratherthantryingtoexplainonegrouptotheother,itwouldbebetterifIcouldbringthetwogroupstogether.”
“YoumeanChristiansfrombothsides?”“Initially,yes.Ithinkit’stimethatbelieversonbothsidesstarttalkingtoeach
other.Youknow,IhavestudentsaskingmequestionsaboutwhatJesuswoulddointhemidstofthisintifada.Theywanttoknowhowtheyshouldactatcheckpoints.MessianicJewswanttoknowiftheyshouldserveinthearmy.
checkpoints.MessianicJewswanttoknowiftheyshouldserveinthearmy.Palestinianswanttoknowiftheyshoulddosomethingaboutthesettlementnextdoor.StudentsatBethlehemBibleCollegearesayingthattheyknowJesus’teachingsprohibitthemfrombeinginvolvedintheviolence,butiftheyarenotinvolvedinsomemanner,theyfeeltheyarebetrayingtheirpeople.TheystrugglewiththeBible,whichtalksoftheirspiritualheritagecomingfromtheJewishpeople.OurMessiahwasaJew,butrightnowweareatwarwiththeJewishpeople.Thesearedifficultemotionalandtheologicalissues.”
“Doyouthinkthereisananswer?”“Ibelievethattheremustbeaprocessofreconciliationofbothsides.”“Iagree.Buthowdoesthathappen?”“Itstartsbybuildingarelationship.ManyofthepeopleIworkwithhave
neverspenttimewithasinglepersonontheotherside.Iwouldliketotrytakinggroupsofpeoplefrombothsidesoutintothedesertforthreedays.Ibelievethatwhentheyareawayfromtheirnormalsurroundings,inasituationwheretheymustworktogether,wecanbegintobreakdownthebarriersandbuildatrustrelationship.”
“Hasn’tsomethinglikethisbeenattemptedbefore?Whatmakesyourprojectdifferent?”
“Inthepast,therehavebeenmeetingsbetweenIsraeliandPalestinianbelievers,buttheycenteredontalkingaboutpoliticalissues.Thesemeetingsturnedouttobenegative.Thereisaneedtodeveloprelationshipsbeforewetrytotalkabouttheseissues.Butinordertohaverelationships,weneedtodealwithourprejudicesandthedehumanizationofeachside.Ibelievethatadesertsettingisthebestplacetobreakdownprejudicesandbuildrelationshipssowecanthendealwiththeissues.”
IreachedoverandgrabbedSalim’sarm.“Youarepassionate.Ilikethat!Butreally,doyouthinkthiswillwork?”
Salimhandedmeseveralpapers,outliningaplanwithfirst-yearcosts.AsIglancedoverit,hesaid,“TherealityofoursituationisthatIsraelisandPalestiniansarelivingasifinonehouse.Asweliveinsuchclosequarters,interminglingisunavoidableandevennecessary.Thereisnochoicebuttolivesidebyside;thereforereconciliationandbuildingrelationshipsareessential.”
Ilookedupand,reflectingonhisproposal,said,“YouintendtobuildamodelamongChristiansfrombothsides?”
“Andrew,believerscanplayanimportantpartinresolvingthisconflict,becauseasaresultofourmutualfaithintheMessiah,weareonebody.Wehavebeengiventhetoolsrequiredforatransformationofhearts.Wecananswer
beengiventhetoolsrequiredforatransformationofhearts.Wecananswerhatredandbitternesswiththemessageofforgivenessandlove.Perhapswecanbeexamplesandmodels,showingthatitispossibletolivesidebyside,freefromthebondageofhatred.”
“I’mconvincedthatwemusttry,”Isaid.“Iwilltakethisproposalbacktomyteamandseewhatwecando.”
ItooktheproposalbacktotheOpenDoors’leadershipteam,whoagreedtotakeresponsibilityforaportionofSalim’sbudget.“Let’sseehowitgoesandmaybewecandomore,”saidJohan.
SalimcalledtheprojectMusalaha,theArabicwordmeaning“forgivenessandreconciliation.”Irealizedthiswasjustasmallpartofourworldwidework,butithadhugesignificance.ThiswasauniqueprojectconceivedbythelocalChristiancommunitythatwasattemptingtodealwiththerootcausesoftheconflictintheMiddleEast.Iwaseagertoseehowitwouldwork.
TheNegev,spring1992
Yitzhakcouldn’thelpit.[1]HehadbeentaughttohateArabs.Tohim,theonlygoodArabwasadeadArab.Andyet,herehewassittingonrugsinsideaBedouintentwithfellowJewsandArabs,allbecauseofhiswife’sgentleinsistencethatasaMessianicbelieverinYeshua,heneededtomeetbelieversfromtheotherside.
“Thisisridiculous!”hehadexplodedwhenshehadfirstproposedthattheyparticipateinthisdesertencounter.“Arabsarenotpeopleyoucantrust.”
Inanothersmallgroupontheoppositesideofthetent,Wa’elquestionedwhyheneededtoparticipateinthismeetingwithMessianicJews.“IftheyarebelieversinChrist,”thePalestinianconvertfromIslamhadtoldhisfriend,SalimMunayer,“thenwedon’tneedreconciliation.Wearealreadyreconciled.”Butheknewthatthistheologicaltruthdidn’tcorrelatewiththerealitiesofdailylifeontheWestBank.ItbotheredhimthatJews,believersorotherwise,insistedonlayinghistoricclaimtothelandwherehelived,devouringtherightsofPalestinianswhohadlivedinthislandforhundredsofyears.HewasalsoputoffbythelabelofMessianicJudaism.“They’reChristianJews,aren’tthey?”he’dinsisted.“ShouldweasChristianbelieversofMuslimbackgroundstartaMessianicMuslimmovement?”Still,he’dalwaysinsistedonbeingopen-minded.HewaswillingtotalkwithIslamistswhochallengedhisconversiontoChristaswellashumanistJewsworkingforpeace.Sohe’dfinallyacceptedSalim’soffertomeetandtalkwiththeseMessianicJews.
Thewarygroupofthirtyparticipants—anequalnumberofPalestiniansand
Thewarygroupofthirtyparticipants—anequalnumberofPalestiniansandJews—satincirclesaroundcommonbowlsofchickenandricethatwasscoopedoutwithpitabread.AsitwasPassoverweek,someoftheMessianicbelieverswereusingunleavenedmatzoinsteadofpita.Inonecircle,Wa’elsatnexttoaPalestinianwoman,whowaswatchingEvanThomas,co-pastorofaMessianicchurchinNetanyaandaboardmemberofMusalaha.TheyoungwomanstaredatthematzoinEvan’shandandasked,“Whyareyoustillboundbythelaw?”
Thequestionwasaskedwithgenuineconcern,andEvanansweredthesameway,quietlystating,“OnewayIhavechosentoexpressmyfaithinYeshuaisbycelebratingtheJewishfeasts.ThePassovercelebrationpointstothefinalsacrificeofYeshua,madeonceandforallfortheworld.”
Thewoman,whoworshipedinanOrthodoxchurch,seemedunconvinced.Wa’el,overhearingtheexchange,wonderedhowsuchawidegulf—oflanguage,culture,andreligiouspractice—couldpossiblybebridgedinthreedays.
EarlythenextmorningthegroupsetofftoexploretheancientSpiceRoutethatranfromsouthArabiatotheMediterraneanshore.Eachcamelwasloadedwithmorethanonehundredpoundsoffood,water,andequipmentandeitheraPalestinianorIsraelirider.Apartnerfromtheothersideledtheanimal.Yitzhaktookthefirstturnridingwhilehispartner,Wa’el,walked.Asthesunrose,thecaravanheadedsouthtowardtheTimnaValley,athree-day,three-nightjourneytothesiteofthecopperminesofKingSolomon.
Throughouttheday,Wa’elandYitzhaktradedplacesseveraltimes.Theydidn’ttalkmuch,buttheyworkedwelltogether,especiallycoaxingtheirstubborncameloverasteeprockyslopetothefirstcampsite.Exhaustedfromtheday,everyonequicklyfellasleepunderthestars.Theywereawakenedbeforesunrisebythunderandlightningthatlituptheskies.Everyonewasdrenchedintheensuingrainstorm.Thentheskiesclearedandtheheatreturnedasthegroupcontinuedtheirjourney,awareofanotherphenomenon—theyall,alongwiththecamels,sharedthesamesmell.
ThatdayWa’elandYitzhak,whofoundtheirdefensescomingdown,begantotalk.Yitzhaklistened,rockingbackandforthonthecamelasWa’elwalkedbesidetheanimalandtalkedabouthischildhood,livinginaWestBankrefugeecamp.Whenhewasaboy,hishomewasseverelydamagedwhenthehomenextdoorwasblownupaspunishmentforafamilymember’sparticipationinanattackagainstIsraelisettlers.“Wehadnowheretogo,”Wa’elsaid.“Aneighborfamilytookusinuntilwecouldrepairourhome.
“TwoyearslatermymothergotverysickandthoughmybrothersandsistersandIprayedforherrecovery,shedied.Iwasconvincedthatmymotherwasthebestpersononearth,sowhydidn’tGodsaveher?Itwasaverybig
bestpersononearth,sowhydidn’tGodsaveher?Itwasaverybigdisappointmentforme.”
“YouwereaMuslimfamily?”Yitzhakasked.“WewereMuslimsbutnotdevout.WhenIwasateenager,myunclesstarted
takingmetothemosqueforprayers.ButIdidn’tseewhyIshouldworshipGodsinceHedidnotgiveusanyhelpwithourproblems.Istartedreadingphilosophy—Greekclassics,Lenin,Marx.IspentlonghoursindiscussionswithIslamists.IcouldnotjointhosewhosaidtherewasnoGod.SoIbelievedthereisaGod,butIwasnotsurethatitwastheGoddescribedintheQuran.”
Wa’elwalkedsilentlyforafewminutes,untilYitzhakasked,“SowhatturnedyoutoJesus?”
TheyoungPalestinianmanchuckledasherecalled,“AsateenagerIstartedreadingtheencyclopedia.Itgavememuchfactualinformationonmanythings,includingChristianity.Thenforalmosttwoyears,IreceivedaBiblestudybymail.EventuallyIconcludedthatJesusChrististhewaytoGod.ThatwaslikealightthrownbyGodintomyheart.SoIbelievedinChristandIwantedtogrowinHimandknowmoreofHim.”
AstunningrealizationcameoverYitzhakashisnewfriendtalked.HehadmoreincommonculturallyandspirituallywiththisPalestinianthanhedidwithmanyJewishbelieverswhohadimmigratedtoIsraelfromplaceslikeAmerica,Russia,andEurope.HewasamazedattheparallelsbetweenhisowntestimonyandWa’el’s.“IwasborninatraditionalJewishfamily,”hesaid.“Myparentsmovedherein1948fromNorthAfrica.BythetimeIhadfinishedmythree-yearstintintheIsraeliarmy,Iconsideredmyselfanagnostic.ThenItraveledthroughoutEuropeforafewmonths.AfriendgavemeaBiblebeforeIleft,andIcouldn’tstopreadingit.ShortlybeforeIreturnedtoIsrael,Ibecameabeliever.”
“Whatdidyourfamilythinkaboutallthis?”Wa’elasked,awarethat,likeMuslimfamilies,JewishfamiliescouldbedividedwhenonememberprofessedfaithinJesusChrist.
“Mymotherbecameabeliever.Butmyfatherwasextremelyagainstitinthebeginning.ByGod’sgrace,hehasbecomemoreopenbecausehesawwhathappenedtomymotherandme,andhecouldn’thelpadmittingthatitwasgood.Heisnotabelieveryet,buthenowacceptsusandoccasionallyevencomestomeetings.”
WhatYitzhakcouldn’ttellWa’el—itwasmuchtoosoonintheirrelationship—wasthatonhisreturntohishomeinTelAviv,he’dbecomedeeplyinvolvedinaMessianiccongregationthatcelebratedtheirbeliefinJesusasMessiahinthe
contextofJudaism,thenationofIsrael,andZionism.Likehisfellowbelievers,YitzhakhadtotallyignoredArabs,untiloneyearagowhenhe’dmarriedanotherMessianicbeliever.SheworkedwithArabsinahospitalandshockedhimbysaying,“Ikindoflikethem!”
Ontheirfinaleveningtogether,EvanThomasaskedtwomentobuildastonetable,whichhethencoveredwithacleankaffiyeh.[2]AsoneofthefoundingboardmembersofMusalaha,ThomashadsharedSalim’svisionforwhatwasnowhappeninginthedesert.Heandhiswife,Maala,hadimmigratedtoIsraelfromNewZealandin1983.TheyteamedupwithDavidandLisaLodentogiveleadershiptoaMessianiccongregation,BeitAsaf,inNetanya.ThomashadfirstseenthepossibilitiesforMusalahaduringanevangelisticoutreachinHaifawhereagroupofMessianicbelieverswerejoinedbyfifteenPalestinianChristians.Thomassmiledasherecalledthatthree-dayevent.TherewereeightIsraeliswhoprayedtoreceiveJesusastheirMessiah,andsevenofthemwereledtotheLordbythePalestinianChristians.ThathadpromptedhimtovisitArabcongregationsinGalilee,andhefoundhimselffeelingempathyforthosecommunities.Ithadbeenonlylogicalforhimtoexpandintoanactiveministryofreconciliationbetweenthetwogroups.
AlltheparticipantswerenowgatheredaroundthestonetableonBedouinmatsasEvanplacedmatzoandwineonthetable.“ThisisthelastnightofPassover,”hesaidastheservicebegan.BrieflyheexplainedtheoriginsofthesacramentofCommunionwithinthetraditionofthePassovermeal.
ThenhereadslowlyfromEphesians2.Wa’elfeltthewordspoundingwithnewimpactintohismind:“Therefore,rememberthatformerlyyouwhoareGentilesbybirthandcalled‘uncircumcised’bythosewhocallthemselves‘thecircumcision’...rememberthatatthattimeyouwereseparatefromChrist,excludedfromcitizenshipinIsraelandforeignerstothecovenantsofthepromise,withouthopeandwithoutGodintheworld.ButnowinChristJesusyouwhooncewerefarawayhavebeenbroughtnearthroughthebloodofChrist.”
YitzhaktoowasimpactedasEvanreadthewordsofPaul:“Forhehimselfisourpeace,whohasmadethetwooneandhasdestroyedthebarrier,thedividingwallofhostility,byabolishinginhisfleshthelawwithitscommandmentsandregulations.Hispurposewastocreateinhimselfonenewmanoutofthetwo,thusmakingpeace,andinthisonebodytoreconcilebothofthemtoGod
throughthecross,bywhichheputtodeaththeirhostility.”Listeningtothosewords,YitzhakhadtoadmitbeforeGodthathedidhate
ArabsandthatthiscounteredwhatGodhadsaid.GodhadbroughtpeacebetweenArabandJew.AndafterlisteningtoWa’el’stestimony,hehadtorecognizethatGodwasworkingamongPalestiniansjustasHewasamongJewishpeople.
EvanThomasraisedupalargepieceofmatzoandbrokeit.“ThisisthebodyofChrist,brokenforyou.”Thenheliftedupthecupofwine.“ThisisthebloodofChristthatwasshedforyou.Iwouldlikeeachofyoutocomeforwardandtaketheelements,butdonotpartake.Rather,Iamaskingyoutoservetheelementstoanotherbrotherorsister,whomevertheLordispromptingyoutoserve.”
Forthenextfewminutes,therewasasilencethatwasmagnifiedbythearidlandscapearoundthem.Therewasnowind;noinsectnoisesbrokethesilence;therewasonlythesnortofacamelinthecampafewyardsaway.Evanbegantodoubtthewisdomofhisinstructions.Certainly,thesepeoplehadneverparticipatedintheLord’sTableinthismanner,buthecouldn’tthinkofabetterwaytobreakthroughthebarriersandhelpthemseethattheywereoneinChrist.
Wa’elandYitzhakstoodatthesametime,cameforwardtoaccepttheelements,thenfacedoneanother.ManyinthegrouphadtearsintheireyesasthetwoservedCommuniontoeachother.Thepowerofthepicturetrumpedanyneedforwords.Allcouldsee:ThroughChristbothPalestinianandJewhaveaccesstotheFatherbyoneSpirit.Soontherestfollowedtheirexample,intheprocesscatchingthevisionEvanandSalimhadforMusalaha.Anenormousgulfhadbeenbridged;truereconciliationhadbegun.
IfGodcouldbringtogetheroneJewandonePalestinian,whycouldn’tHedoitwithamillionJewsandamillionPalestinians?
17WHATWILLTHISSUFFERINGACCOMPLISH?
WestBankandGaza,December1992
TwoarmedattackshadleftsixIsraelisoldiersdead,andSergeant-MajorNissimToledanohadbeenkidnapped.TheIslamicfundamentalistgroupHamasclaimedresponsibilityfortheseevents.Theydemandedthat,inexchangeforToledano,IsraelreleasefromprisonSheikhAhmadYassin,thefounderandspiritualleaderofHamas.Ratherthancapitulatetotheransomdemand,PrimeMinisterYitzhakRabinorderedamassivesearchandrescueoperationthroughoutIsrael.
ThreedayslaterToledano’sbodywasdiscoveredneartheJerusalem-Jerichohighway.
Retributionwasquicklyplanned.Alistofnameswasdrawnup.Soldiersweregiventheirassignments.Itwouldbealightning-quickoperation.“Thiswillcutoffthehead,”saidoneoftheofficersincharge,“andputanendtoHamas.”
Abdal-Fattahal-Awaisiwasrelaxinginhislivingroom,reviewingnotesforhishistorylecturethenextdayatHebronUniversity,whensoldiersburstthroughthefrontdoor.Twoofthemyankedtheprofessoroutofhisseatwhiletheotherspointedtheirgunsathiswifeandchildrenandorderedthemtomovetothebackofthehouse.“Prepareyourself.Youwillbenext!”saidonesoldierinamenacingvoiceasal-Awaisi’swiferaisedherhandsandbackedaway.Ablindfoldwasroughlypulledoveral-Awaisi’seyes,andathinplasticwirewastightlywrappedaroundhiswristsbehindhisback.Thirtysecondslater,hewas
ledoutofthehouse.Thenextmorning,SheikhAbdulAzizKajukwasinasmallroomawaiting
treatmentatShefaHospitalwhenthesoldierscameforhim.Hetoowasblindfolded,boundatthewrists,andledaway.
AtnoonTaherLulu,apediatricianatNasserHospitalinGaza,waspreparinghislunchwhenIsraelisoldiersinterrupted.Hewouldnoteatanythingforthenexttwodays.
BusinessmanAdlyRifaatYaishreceivedaphonecallthatafternoon.“Wouldyoupleasecomedowntothepolicestation?”hewaspolitelyasked.“Wehaveacoupleofquestions.Itwillonlytakeafewminutes.”Yaishthoughtthatwasstrange.ForaPalestinian,hewasallowedunusualfreedomtotravelonbusinesstoJerusalemandJordan.Hehadneverbeendetainedorinterrogated.Hegrabbedhiscoat,toldhissecretaryhe’dbegoneforafewminutes,anddrovetothestationwherehewasimmediatelyboundhandandfootwithplasticwire,blindfolded,andshovedontoabus.
Yaishfeltanothermanseatednexttohimonthehardbench.“Whatisgoingon?”heasked.
“Silence!”cameaharshorder,accompaniedbytheblowofastickacrosshisback.“Therewillbenotalkinginthebus.”
Afewminuteslater,Yaishheardthedoorofthebusshutandthedieselenginerevup.Why?heaskedhimself.Wherearetheytakingus?WhathaveIdonetodeservesuchtreatment?
Noonespoke.Noexplanationsweregiven.Hewasthankfulhehadgrabbedhiscoat—itwastheonlythingprotectinghimfromthedraftblowingthroughthewindowsofthericketybus.
Hourspassed.Therewerenostopstogotothebathroom,nofoodorwater.Fromthedarkness,al-Awaisijudgedthatthesunhadset.Hetriedtodozebut,forcedtokeephisheadloweredbehindtheseatinfrontofhimandwithhisarmsboundbehindhim,itwasimpossibletofindacomfortableposition.Hewasstillfeelingtheeffectsfromanightconfinedinacoldjailcell.Hisbackmuscleswerecramped.Hewonderedhowhisweakhealthcouldholdupundersuchconditions.
Sometimeinthemiddleofthenight,therewasabriefstop.Al-Awaisiheardvoicesoutside.Thenthedoorclosedandthebuscontinued.Thenextmorning,ashenoticeddaylightbegintoappearfromthebottomofhisblindfold,al-Awaisicouldfeelthebuslaboringupasteephill.Obviouslytheywereheaded
Awaisicouldfeelthebuslaboringupasteephill.Obviouslytheywereheadedintomountains.Still,therewasnoexplanation.Hedesperatelyneededtogotothebathroom,buttherewasnoprovisionforanyphysicalneeds.
Finally—hewasn’tsureifitwasafewminutesorafewhourslater—al-Awaisifeltablastofcoldairasthebusdooropened.Asoldiercutthecordsaroundhisankles.“Everyonestand!”cametheorder.“Move,move!”Thegroansoftheothermenexpressedal-Awaisi’sdiscomfort,ascrampedmusclesrebelled.Hiswristswereswollenfromthewire.Hehadtroublefindinghisbalanceashestoodandstumbleddowntheaisle.Henearlyfellashesteppedoffthebus.
Theblindfoldwasyankedfromal-Awaisi’seyes.Asoldiergrabbedhisarmsandslicedthecordaroundhiswrists,intheprocessaddingafreshcuttohisleftarm.Thenhewasshovedtowardagroupofmenhuddledafewyardsawayfromthebus.
Ittookaminuteforhiseyestoadjusttothelight.Itwasagrayday,withcloudsblanketingthesurroundingmountains.Everywherehelooked,hesawjaggedrocksandnotabitofvegetation.Anothermanbumpedintohimashestaggeredfromtheshoveofasoldier.Heseemedunawareofal-Awaisiandrubbedhisarmstryingtorestorecirculation.Hewaskeepinghishandslowtocovertheshameofalargewetspot—obviouslyhehadbeenunabletoholdhisbladderanylonger.
“Listencarefully!”asoldieryelledinfracturedArabic.“Youhavebeendeportedforaperiodoftwoyears.MaybeoneofyourArabneighborswillhaveyou.Otherwisethisiswhereyouwillstay.”
Thesoldierthensteppedbackontothebus.Pebblessprayedthemenasthebustookoff,roundedabend,anddisappeared.
“Wherearewe?”askedoneofthemen.“I’mfreezing!”saidanotherdeportee.“Ican’timagineamoremiserable,
desolatespot.”“Twoyears,”mutteredal-Awaisi.“HowwillIsurviveherefortwoyears?”
TheNetherlands,December1992
Iwasrestinginthespeaker’sroomoftheInternationalExhibitionCenterinUtrecht,Holland,takingabreakfromtheexhilaratingbutexhaustingchallengeofspeakingtoseventhousandyoungpeopleattheMissions’93conference.AnhourearlierIhadcompletedalectureabouthow,sincethefalloftheIronCurtain,IslamhadrisenasthebiggestchallengefacingChristiansandtheWesternworld.“WhatCommunismwastothetwentiethcentury,Islamwillbeforthenextonehundredyears,”I’dtoldthecollegestudentswhowere
forthenextonehundredyears,”I’dtoldthecollegestudentswhowereevaluatingtheircallstothemissionfield.
Iwasabouttoreviewmynotesformynexttalkwhenthephonerang.“Andrew,thisisLenRodgers.”
“Len,whatasurprise!”RodgerswasanoldfriendfromLebanonwhoheadedupagroupcalledVentureMiddleEast.Iwonderedhowhehadtrackedmedown.“Whereareyoucallingfrom?”
“I’minBeirut.Haveyoubeenfollowingthenewshere?”“Aboutthedeportees?”“Yes.I’mgoingtogoseethemonNewYear’sDay.”Thatwastwodaysaway.
“Iheartheyarebarelysurvivinginabsolutelymiserableconditions.Whydon’tyoucomewithmeandlet’sseewhatChristcandoforthem?”
ViaBBCnews,Ihadlearnedafewfactsofthestory.Atotalof415Palestinians,manyofthemdoctors,lawyers,universityprofessors,businessmen,andotherprofessionals,hadbeenroundedupfromWestBankandGaza—snatchedfromtheirhomesandworkplaces,plusafewfromprison—transportedovertheborderintoLebanon,anddepositedonthesideofamountain.TheIsraeligovernmentdeclaredthatthesemenweretheintellectualleadersofHamas,thegroupthathadclaimedresponsibilityforkillingthesixIsraelisoldiers.However,theworldcommunityhadraisedanoutcryoverthedeportations,claimingtheywereaviolationoftheGenevaConvention.TheUnitedNationshadpassedResolution799condemningtheactionanddemandingthatthePalestiniansbereturnedtotheirhomes.
Withoutyetunderstandingwhy,IsensedthatthiswasatripIneededtotake.“Iwouldlovetogowithyou,”ItoldLen.“Buttomorrowevening,forNewYear’sEve,Ileadaconcertofprayerforseventhousandyoungpeople.Iwillaskthemtoprayforthesemen.ThenI’llgetdowntoLebanonwithintheweek.”
AsIhungupthephone,Itriedtounderstandmycompulsiontovisittheseparticularmen.InrecentyearsI’dmetleadersofHezbollah,theradicalMuslimgroupbestknownforitskidnappingofhigh-profileforeigners.Whiletheiractionswereabhorrent,Icameawayimpressedbytheirdevotiontoboththeirfaithandtheircause.TheyhadadisciplineI’drarelyfoundamongChristiansintheWest.Evenmoresurprising,thesemenwerewillingtoenterintoadialogue.InfactSheikhFadlallahhadinvitedmetodiscussChristianityopenlywithhim.IwonderediftheremightbeasimilaropennessamongtheHamas.
IhadlearnedalittleaboutHamasthroughfriendsinGazain1988.Thegroup’sfounder,SheikhAhmadYassin,waslanguishinginanIsraeliprison,
implicatedinseveralviolentactsagainstIsrael,includingthekillingoftwosoldiers.Duringthe1970s,hehadestablishedabranchoftheSocietyofMuslimBrothers(thefirstIslamicfundamentalistgroup,startedinEgyptinthe1920s)inGazatocallPalestiniansbacktocoreIslamicvirtues.HismethodwastoestablishanIslamiccenterfromwhichvariousmedicalandsocialserviceswereprovidedinGazaCityandthroughoutthestrip.ThushehadbuiltupapowerbasethateventuallycausedIsraeltoconsideritaviablealternativetoYasserArafat’sPalestineLiberationOrganization(PLO).I’devenheardrumorsthatIsraelhadhelpedtofundtheworkinitsearlyyears,untiltheybegantounderstandYassin’sradicalpoliticalagenda.[1]In1987thegroupbecameknownastheIslamicResistanceMovement(orHamas,itsArabicacronym,whichmeans“enthusiasm”or“courage”),[2]withanopenlystatedgoalofconfrontinganddestroyingIsrael.
AfriendatGazaBaptistChurchexplainedthesignificanceofthisgroup:“Theyhaverecruitedthousandsofyoungpeoplethroughtheuniversityandmosques.Theyareattractedtoaradical,passionateIslam,andattendanceatprayershasdramaticallyincreased.They’vemanagedtoimposereformofmoralsinmuchofGaza,shuttingdownmoviehousesandplacesthatsellalcohol.ThenlastMarchtheymountedtheirfirstmilitaryoperation.We’reconcerned,becausethey’retotallycommittedtoIslam,andtheybelievetheuprisingisanexpressionoftheirfaith.”
IlearnedfrommyfriendthatHamashadrecentlyissuedacharter.Iobtainedacopyandreadit.Itwasablatantlyanti-Semiticdocumentthatdeclaredasitsobjective“toraisethebannerofAllahovereveryinchofPalestine,”rejectedallpeaceconferencesandotherpeacefulsolutions,anddeclaredthatthesolutiontothePalestinianproblemwas“jihad.”[3]AtthattimepeacenegotiationswereoccurringinMadrid,butHamaswasdeclaringthatsuchtalkswereuseless.
MyfriendatGazaBaptistChurchhadreasontobeconcerned.TherewerehundredsofthousandsofMuslimsintheGazaStrip,comparedtoperhapstwothousandChristians,withonlyahandfulofthemevangelicals.WhatcouldtheChurchdotocountersuchoverwhelmingoddsiftheMuslimswerethisorganizedanddetermined?IhadmetwithacoupleofthepriestsfromtraditionalchurchesinGaza,andtheyweresoblatantlyanti-IsraelthatIfearedthattheywerenothelpingtheirflocksfindagenuineChristianresponse.
WhyshouldI,aChristianandafriendofIsrael,eventhinkaboutspeakingwiththeseMuslimfanatics?Igotupandpacedaroundtheroom.Somethingbotheredme.Wasitright,evenlegal,toexpelthesemenfromtheirhomes?I
couldunderstandIsrael’sfear.ByattackingIsrael’smilitary,Hamaswascertainlyathreattothecountry’ssecurity,buttheseparticularmenhadbeenaccusedofnothing;Israeliofficialsevenadmittedthatthedeporteeshadnocomplicityinthekillings.Theyhadcommittednocrimeandfacednojudge,yettheyweredumpedonthesideofaruggedmountaininaforeigncountrythatdidn’twantthem,andtheywerelefttostruggleasbesttheycouldinmiserableconditions.Thiswasn’tright.Thiswasn’tjustice!
Butperhapsmoreimportant,Isensedthatbyvisitingthesemen,IcouldopenadooronbehalfoftheChurchinGaza.TherewasnoquestionthatHamaswasalreadyasignificantinfluence.HowshouldtheChurchrespond?Itcouldignorethesemen,butfundamentalistIslamwasn’tgoingaway—itprovidedanattractivealternativetothePLOandapotential“answer”totheIsraelipresence.No,theChurchneededtocomeforwardandrevealanalternativetoviolence.ThefirststepwastogotoHamasandallowthemtoseerealChristianity.That,Ibelieved,waswhatGodwasaskingmetodo.
ThenextnightIledstudentsfromaroundEuropeinanextendedperiodofprayer.Asmidnightapproached,Iannounced,“Yesterday,IhadacallfromtheMiddleEast.ItwasanurgentappealtocomeandspendNewYear’sDaywith415PalestinianswhoareshiveringonthesideofamountaininLebanon.Ichoseinsteadtobeherewithyouandtoaskyoutoprayforthesemen.”
Anunusualsilencedescendedovertheauditorium.Severalofthestudentshadbeenwavingvariousflags,theirwayofprayingforvariouscountries,andInotedsomeblueandwhiteIsraeliflagsamongthem.“Goingtothesemendoesn’tmeanIagreewiththeirpolitics.Idonot.Buttheyarepeople,andpeopleshouldnotbetreatedlikethis.SoIamgoingtovisitthemandbringthemtheloveofJesusChrist.”
Whentheprayertimeended,severalstudentscameuptomewithtearsintheireyesandadmitted,“BrotherAndrew,mayGodforgiveme.I’veneverbeforeprayedforanAraboraPalestinian.”
Therewerealsoafewyoungpeoplewhowereangry.“WhydoyoulovePalestinians?”theydemanded.“Don’tyouknowthatIsraelbelongstotheJews?”Ilookedatoneyoungwoman,shoutingatmeasshewavedanIsraeliflag.Shakingmyhead,Iaskedher,“HowbadisittoprayforthePalestinians?”Idon’tthinksheheardme.
Marjal-Zohour,Lebanon,December1992
Abdal-Fattahal-Awaisifelthemmedin.Hewashavingtroublebreathingat
Abdal-Fattahal-Awaisifelthemmedin.Hewashavingtroublebreathingatthehighaltitude.Whenthecloudsliftedbriefly,hecouldseeMountHermontotheeastblanketedwithsnow.Butmostofthetimethehills,whereheandhisfellowdeporteeshadbeenleft,weresmotheredbyclouds,producingabone-chillingmist.Themenwereagitated,eagertoescapetheirwildernessprison,butwherecouldtheygo?TheLebanesearmyblockedthemfromtravelingnorth.Impassablemountainssurroundedthemtotheeastandwest.Aboutthreemilestothesouth,theIsraeliarmypatrolledtheborder.
Theleaders,especiallyDr.AbdulazizRantisi,triedtobringordertothesituation.Organizedaccordingtotheirhometowns,themenweredividedintosomefortytents.Therewereelevendoctorsinthecamp,andtheywerebusytreatingthemenforlacerationsontheirwristsandanklesandcounselingthemonhealthprocedures.TheInternationalRedCross,whohaderectedthetents,providedthemenwithaminimalamountoffoodandwater.Thusfarnootherreliefagencieshadenteredthecamp.
Fourdaysaftertheirarrival,al-Awaisiawokewithajolt.Hehadrisenearlierforprayers,thennoddedofftosleep.“Everyoneout!”cametheharshshoutsinArabic.ThemenshuffledoutsidethetentstofindmembersoftheLebanesearmypointingmachinegunsatthem.“Youwillmarch!”cametheorder.
Themen,proddedbythesoldiers,trudgeddownadirtroadtowardIsrael.Al-Awaisistruggledtokeepup.Hegaspedforbreath;hischestached.Butastheyapproachedtheborder,asurgeofexcitementfilledhim—theyweregoinghome!Tonighttheywouldsleepintheirownbeds!
Arapidburstofmachine-gunfireshatteredthosehopes.Bulletsflewovertheirheadsasthegroupdroppedontothesoggyground.TheLebanesesoldiersbackedaway,whilefiringafewroundsbacktowardtheIsraeliarmy.Thereturnfiretoreupgroundallaroundtheterrifiedmen.Deeperboomsreverberatedfromtankcannons.Dirtfromtheexplosionsraineddownonthem.
Thenitwasquiet.TheLebanesesoldiershaddisappeared.Withastrongvoice,Dr.Rantisiorderedthementoretreatbacktotheircamp.Astheytrudgedback,al-Awaisisawoneofthemenholdinghisarm,apparentlyinjuredbyabulletorshrapnel.Anotheryoungmanwasbleedingfromhisjawandchin.Ashefellbackintohistent,exhaustedfromthemarch,aterribledespairfelloveral-Awaisi.Heachedforhiswifeandeightchildrenandwonderedifhewouldeverseethemagain.Andhewondered,Whatisthepointofthissuffering?Whatwillitaccomplish?
18EVERYTENTISAMOSQUE
Lebanon,January1993
Includingpassagethroughacoupleofmilitarycheckpoints,ittookaboutthreehourstodriveintherainfromtheBeirutairporttotheforlornmountainsofMarjal-ZohourinsouthernmostLebanon.Earlymorninglightstruggledtobreakthroughthethickcloudsaswepassedthroughavillageandstoppedatacheckpointblockingtheroaduptothecamp.IwasgladthatthebroadcastingorganizationknownasEvangelicalOmroep(EO)hadprovidedmewithacameraandacameraman,givingmeajournalisticcover.
Aftercheckingourpassports,asoldiercarefullyexaminedthecontentsofourcar,lookingforfoodandothersupplies.“Whatthesebooks?”heaskedinbrokenEnglish.
“TheyareBibles,”Isaid.IalsoshowedhimcopiesofmybookGod’sSmuggler,inArabic,andTheHidingPlacebyCorrietenBoom.
Thesoldierspoketohissuperior,andtogethertheycamebacktothecar.“Youcannottakeallthesebooks,”theysaid.Theygrabbedastack,saying,“Pickthemuponyourwayback.”
Howstrange,Ithought,thattheyconfiscatedonlysomeofthebooks.Whynotall?Whyconfiscateanybooksatall?IdeterminedthatIwouldnotpickupthebooksonthewayhome—maybethesesoldierswouldreadthem.
Wedrovealongfourmilesofswitchbackstothebleakcamp,consistingmostlyofarmy-greentents,whichprovidedtheonlycolorinthemidstofjaggedgrayrocks.Igotoutandwrappedmymufflerandovercoattightlyaroundmetorepelthebitingwindandchillingrain.Therewaslittlesignofactivity—mostofthemenwerehuddledintheirtents.Afewemptywaterjugslitteredtheground.
menwerehuddledintheirtents.Afewemptywaterjugslitteredtheground.Scrapsofplasticswirledaroundthecamp.Outsideoneofthetents,laundrywasflappingfromamakeshiftclothesline.
Inamomenttwomeningreenrainslicksmetus.MoreboldlythanIfelt,Isaid,“IamBrotherAndrew,andIhavecometovisityoufromHolland.”
Thecampleaderreachedouthisrighthandtomewhileholdinghiscoatshutwithhisleft.“Youarewelcome!”hesaid.“IamDoctorAbdulazizRantisi.”FrommyreadingIrecognizedthename.HewassecondincommandofHamas,behindthefounderSheikhYassin.Rantisiwasaccompaniedbythecampimam.[1]Togethertheyofferedtogivemeatour.
Wesloshedthroughamuddypath,withrainwaterrushinginastreamalongoneside.Itwasbittercold,andIwonderedifitmightevensnow.Atonepointtheimamstoppedandpulledoffeachofhisbootstopouroutthewater.Myshoeswerefillingwithwatertoo,butIfeltitwouldbefutiletoemptythem.
Howdoesonebeginaconversationwithcold,wetstrangerswhomayalsobeterrorists?“Youknow,inHolland,wedothisonholiday,”Isaid.“Wecollectwoodandweliveintentsandwewalkintherain.Isupposesomethinginmanwantstogobacktoaprimitivelifestyle.”
Dr.Rantisiglancedatme,perhapswonderingaboutmysanity,thenchuckled.“Youactuallydothatbyyourownchoice.Butweareforcedto,andthisinwinter.”
“Idon’tknowhowyoucanmanageintheseconditions,”Isighed.“Butifyouhavenohumor,youcannotsurvive.”
Thecampleadernoddedhisheadandsmiled,andIcouldtellthattheicewascracking.“Wearethankfulthatitisnotsnowing,”saidtheimam.“We’vebeentoldthatitcansnowuptoone-and-a-halfmetersdeep.Ifthathappens,itwouldbetothetopofourtents.”
Outsideonetentwasaboxofpotatoes.“Thisiswhatwehavetoeat!”Rantisisaid,holdingupapotato.“Thisisall.Andbecauseitiswet,wecannotmakeafiretocookthepotatoes.Wewillnothaveanythingtoeattoday.”
Aboysteppedoutofthetent,andIaskedtospeakwithhimforamoment.“Howoldareyou?”IaskedthroughtheimamwhotranslatedintoArabicforme.
“Sixteenyearsold,”hesaid.Ilookedathimandthoughtofmysonsatthatageandwonderedhowthey
wouldhavemanagedinthesemiserableconditions.“Doyouknowwhyyouarehere?”
Heshookhisheadtosaynoandlookedasthoughhemightbreakintotears.Aswecontinuedonourtour,Iaskedtheimam,“Doyouhaveyourprayers
Aswecontinuedonourtour,Iaskedtheimam,“Doyouhaveyourprayerseveryday,fivetimesaday?”
“Yes,ofcourse,”heanswered.“So,wheredoyoupray?Idonotseeamosque.”Theimamstrokedhisscragglybeardforamoment,thenanswered,“Every
tentisamosque.”Theanswershookme.ItsuddenlydawnedonmethatIslamdidn’trelyona
building.FormanyChristians,theChurchcouldn’tfunctionwithoutbuildings.Whatdifferencewoulditmakeinourworldifwebelievedeveryhomewasachurch?
OfDr.Rantisi,Iasked,“AreyouamemberofHamas?”“No.IwasamemberofHamas.I’mnotamembernow.”Iwassurprisedbytheanswerandnotquitesurewhattomakeofit.Perhaps
theydidn’ttrustmeyet.Ormaybetheywereplayingagameofsemantics.Asweslippedundertheawningofatenttoescapetherain,Inoted,“IamreadinginnewspaperarticlesthatyouarehappytobeherebecauseitgivesyouachancetotakeoverfromthePLO.”
Dr.Rantisiwasconfusedandspoketotheimam,whotranslatedmywords.Thetwotalkedforamoment,thentheimamtranslatedRantisi’sanswer:“WearenotseekingtotakethepositionofthePLO.ThePLOrepresentsthePalestinians,andwearepartofthePalestinianpeople.Weareagroupofintellectuals,agroupofphysicians,lawyers,businessmen,professors.WeandthePLOarebrothers—sameasblood.”
“BeforeleavingforLebanon,ItalkedwithaPLOrepresentativeinTheHague.HetoldmethePLOarefastingtwodaysaweekforyou.”
“MondaysandThursdays!”theimamsaidwithalaugh.Ilookedathimwithsurprise.“ThatisourtraditionwhenitisoutsideofRamadan—wefastonMondaysandThursdays.WewanttobeveryclosetoourLordandyourLordandtheLordofheavensandearth,ourcreator.WefeelhereweareclosetoHim.”
“Thisisathousandmetersclosertoheaven,”Isaid,“butit’snotaverypleasantclimate.”Theylaughed,andIsensedthatIwasconnectingwiththesemen.Atleastsomeonewasheretosharebrieflyintheirmisery.“IamhereasaChristiantorepresentJesusChristandtoexpresssympathytoallofyoubecausewethinkit’sterriblewhat’shappened.”
RantisiansweredmedirectlyinEnglish:“Thankyouverymuch.TheChristiansaretheclosestpeopleintheworldtoMuslimsbecauseGodisourLordandtheirLord.Bybeingso,wearereallybrothers.”
“Ihaveaveryimportantquestionforbothofyou.Afterthisisallover,doyou
“Ihaveaveryimportantquestionforbothofyou.Afterthisisallover,doyouthinkyoucouldpossiblyforgiveIsraelforwhattheyhavedone?”
Rantisiandtheimamtalked,andtheimamthengavetheiranswer.“Actually,weasMuslimswouldlikealwaystoforgive.Wecanpunishwhoeverpunishesus.ButQuransaysifyouforgive,thisisbestforyouandforothers.”
“Ihopeyoucan,”Isaid.“Weallneedforgiveness.”“IftheIsraeligovernmenttakesusbacktomorrow,wewillforgive.”Ididn’texpectIsraeltobackdown,andIwonderedhowthesemenwould
respondthelongertheylivedinsuchconditions.Wemovedbackoutintotherain,whichwasfallingevenharderthanwhenI
hadarrived.Ournextstopwasatentwiththeword“clinic”clearlywritteninEnglishontheflap.Noonewasinside.Onabenchlayfourboxesofmedicinesandsupplies.Anotherboxwasonthedampgroundandlyingnexttoitwasasinglewoodencrutch.Itdidn’tlooklikemuchforacampoffour-hundred-plusmen.Meanwhileoneofthemenwhohadjoinedourlittlegrouptolisteninontheconversationrantofindthedoctorincharge.Isuggestedthatwewaitinsidethetent:“Otherwisewewilldrown.”
AmomentlaterIwasintroducedtoDr.MahmoudZahar.Hewasashortman,withaneatlytrimmedblackbeardanddark,piercingeyes.Therainwascausingaracketasitpoundedonthetent,andIpracticallyhadtoshouttobeheard.“Aretherealotofsickpeoplehere?”Iasked.
InclearEnglish,Dr.Zaharprovidedaclinicalassessmentofthesituation.“Wehavechestinfectionsfromthecoldanddamp.Manyofthemenhavedysenteryanddiarrhea,becausethewaterisbad.Therearetenmeninthecampwhohavediabetes,andallwehavetoeatarepotatoes—thatisnotagooddietforpeoplewithdiabetes.Inthisclinic,asyoucansee,wehavenoheat,nolight.We’vedoneanumberofsmalloperationswithlocalanesthetic.”
“Imustsay,thesearemiserableconditions.IwishIcouldhavebroughtmore,butIhaveheresomepillstopurifyyourwater.”
Ihandedthedoctortheplasticshoppingbag.Hewasgrateful:“Bybeinghereyouarespeakingtotheconscienceoftheworld.”
“ThatiswhyIamhere.”“Youareunderstandingoursituation.Youcan’timaginehowlongweare
goingtostayhere.Iamspeakingtotheworld.Whatisourfault?Whatisourfault?Weareinnocent!”
“AreyouamemberofHamas?”Iasked.“No!Wearemembersofassociations.Wearedoctorsandlawyersand
professors—professionalpeople.Whatisourfault?Iftheyhaveaccusations,take
professors—professionalpeople.Whatisourfault?Iftheyhaveaccusations,takeustocourt!”
Iwassurprisedbytheintensityofthisman.Ashespoke,hepointedatme,emphasizing,“Whatisourfault?”
Irespondedbyaskinghim,“Whatgivesyouthestrengthtocarryon?”“Itisourreligion!”heanswered,andthatspunhimintoanotherspeech.“Itis
notforbiddenforaChristiantobeatrueChristian.ItisnotforbiddenforaJewtobeatrueJew.AlsoitisnotforbiddenforaMuslimtobeatrueMuslim.Weareforpeace.Oursolutionispeace.Wearelookingforatruepeacefulmethodtoachievejusticeinourarea.”
ThemethodsofHamasdidn’tseemverypeaceful,butthiswasn’tthetimeforconfrontation.Iwasheretomeetthesemen,toobserve,andtolisten.“Mywishisshalom!”Isaid,intentionallyusingtheHebrewterm.
“Wearelookingforpeace!WebelieveMadridpeacetalkingwillbringforusnothing.Wearelookingforatruepeacefulmethodtoachievejusticeinourarea.”
Whileweweretalking,amanslippedintothetentandhandedmeapieceofpaper,saying“Thisismywife’snameandaddress.IfyouareinIsrael,couldyouvisitmyfamily,please?”Overthenexthour,othersalsogavemepaperswithnames,addresses,andphonenumbersoflovedonesbackhome.
“Ihavebroughtyousomebookstoread,”Iannouncedinthenowcrowdedtent.“Iknowyoumenareintellectuals.Andwhenitisraining,I’msureyouwouldliketohavesomegoodbooks.”IhandedRantisiandZaharcopiesofTheHidingPlaceandquipped,“ThisbookwilltellyouhowyoucanalsobecomefamousbysavingthelivesofJews.”Thetwomenlookedsurprised,butthentheystartedtosmile,thenlaugh.
“Wewanttoorganizealibrary,”saidRantisi.“Thesebookswillberead.”“ThenIhavesomemore.Thisismybook,calledGod’sSmuggler.Itisabout
myexperiencesinRussiaandEasternEurope.TheChristianstherehadnoBibles,andsoImadesuretheygotthem.AndIhavebroughtsomeBiblesforyou.ThisisthemostimportantbookIcouldgiveyou.Itwillshowyouhowtohaverealpeace,peaceinthisworldandpeaceinyourhearts.”
Iwasstartingtofeelthecoldanddampnessinmychestandfearedthat,bythetimeIarrivedbackinHolland,Iwouldbesick.AsIsaidgood-byetothemen,Iknewtheycouldnotescapetheirawfulconditions.Nodoubt,manyofthemwouldsufferfromillness.IdeterminedthenthatIhadtohelptheminsomewayandthatIwoulddefinitelyreturn.
AgustofwindrustledthetentwhereNabilsleptfitfully.Ittookhimaminutetoorienthimselfandrealizethatwhathadawakenedhimwerethegroansofhisyoungerbrother,Ibrahim.“Hey,”Nabilwhispered.“Howareyoudoing?”
Hissingthewordsthroughhisteeth,Ibrahimanswered,“Thepainisunbearabletonight.Thedamp,thecold,therocks...”
Hedidn’tfinishthethought,butNabilunderstood.Therewasn’tmuchhecoulddoforhisbrotherexceptreachoverandsqueezehisarmtolethimknowsomeonecared.IbrahimhadbeenhitbysixIsraelibulletsduringaprotestatRachel’sTombandhadspentseveralweeksinaBethlehemhospital.Twobulletsremainedinhisbody,andhelivedinconstantpain.Thedoctorsincampcoulddonothingtohelphim.
Fullyawakenow,NabilallowedhismindtodrifttolifebeforeMarjal-Zohour.HehadstartedtoearnadecentincomeasawriterforaweeklyPalestiniannewspaperandastringerforacoupleofforeignmagazines.Hisworkhelpedeasethememoryofdarktimes—thearrests,weeksinprison,oftenwithoutanychargesbeingfiled.Nabilhaddabbledinpolitics,evenbrieflyparticipatinginmeetingsofHamas.HelikedtheiremphasisonthereturntoMuslimfundamentals.TheiragendafitwellwithhisaimsofseeingIsraeleliminatedandallthelandreturnedtothePalestinians.However,hewasn’tbynatureafighter.HewoulddohispartbywritingarticlesaboutPalestiniansuffering.
Thesoldiershadcomeoneafternoonwhilehewasawayonawritingassignment.Ibrahimwasarrestedandamessageleftwithhismotherandsister—NabilwastoreporttomilitaryheadquartersinBethlehemnolaterthansixo’clockthatevening.Inhysterics,hissister,Hanan,toldhim,“Ifyouaren’tthere,theywilldemolishourhouse.”
Nabilknewthesoldierswouldfollowthroughontheirthreatifhedidn’tshowupontime.“Quick,givemesomefood!”AsHananhurriedintothekitchen,Nabilwenttohisroomandgrabbedawarmshirt.Thenhehuggedhismotherandsister.“Youmustbestrong,bothofyou,”hesaid,staringintotheireyes.“IbrahimandIwillbehomesoon.”
Ofcourse,theyhadn’tcomehome,andtherewasnowaytocommunicatewiththeirmotherandsister.ThatwaswhyNabilhadgivenanotetotheDutchmanwhohadvisitedcampafewdaysbefore,thoughNabilseriouslydoubtedanythingwouldcomeofthat.Heworriedabouthisfamily.Hismotherstruggledwithprogressivelyworseningarthritis.Hanan,whowastobemarriedsoon,boremostoftheburdenfortheirhome.Howwouldhismothersurvivewithnoincomeandwithouthissistertohelparoundthehouse?
AdeepdespairenvelopedNabil.HelongedtocryouttoAllahbutwonderedifGodwouldlistentohisprayers.Sometimeshewonderedwhyherecitedtheritualprayersfivetimeseachday.Hewantedtoscream:Doesanyonecare?IsraeldespisedPalestinians.Arabnationsdidnothingtohelp.Andtheworldignoredtheirplight.
ForthefirsttimeNabilfeltlifewasutterlyhopeless.Noonewouldcometohisrescue,becausenoonecaredaboutPalestinians.
TheNetherlands,January1993
BythetimeIreturnedtoHolland,myheadwasclogged,mychestfeltheavy,andIwascoughing.Still,IfeltcompelledtoacceptseveralinterviewsaboutwhatIhaddiscoveredatMarjal-Zohour.
Immediatelybeforemyfirsttelevisionappearance,theIsraeliambassadortoHollandwasinterviewedaboutthedeportees.ThenewscasthadjustreportedthatIsraelhadadmittedthatelevenofthemenweredeportedbymistake,includingtheteenageboyIhadmetonmybrieftour.Theelevenwouldbeallowedtoreturnbutnottheothers.Ilistenedintentlyastheambassadorsaid,“Thesearenotinnocentrefugees.Theyarehardenedcriminals.”
Naturally,theintervieweraskedwhy,ifthesewerehardenedcriminals,theyweren’tarrestedandbroughttotrial.Theambassadorstuttered,thensaid,“ThesepeoplewhoareonthehillsinLebanonnowarenotpeoplewithbloodontheirhands,otherwisewewouldnothavedeportedthem.”Sotheywerehardenedcriminals(thoughmostofthemhadneverbeeninprison),buttheyhadnoresponsibilityforthemurdersthathadprecipitatedthisaction?Sowhydidtheydeportthem?Theambassador’sreply:“TherehavebeensixmurdersbyHamasuntilthebanishmentofthisgroup.Therehasnotbeenonesince.”
OnaChristiantelevisionshow,Iwasasked,“Whatdidyoulearnfromthistrip?”
“ThiswasthemostbizarretripI’veevermade,”Ianswered,tryingtoavoidcoughing.“IvisitedapieceoflanddesertedbyGodandAllah.Weliveherecomfortablyinourownhomesandcountries.The415Palestiniansliveintentsinno-man’s-land.Itisabsurdthatpeoplehavetoliveinsuchmisery,intherain,cold,andterriblelivingconditions.”
“Sowhydidyougo?”“TheloveofGodforthemmotivatedmetogo.Iwantedtobethere.Iwanted
toseetheneed.AndIwantedtofindoutwhatwecando.Maybetheyjustneedashouldertocryon.IftheynevermeetamessengerofJesus,theywillnevergetto
shouldertocryon.IftheynevermeetamessengerofJesus,theywillnevergettoknowtheloveofChristandexperiencerealforgiveness.Also,toloveJesustheyshouldbeabletolovemefirst.That’swhywehavetogoandvisitthem,tobuildbridgesbetweenpeopleandGod.”
“Butyouwereonlythereforafewhours.Youcouldcomehome;theycouldn’t.Couldyoureallydoanygood?”
“Youareright.Iwasabletoleavethemiseryofthatcamp.ButatleasttheyhavetheBiblenow.ArabicBibles,Gospels,andsomeofmybooksinArabic.Theyhadnothingtoreadbeforebecauseitwasnotallowed.NowtheycanreadtheBible.”
“ButtheyareMuslims.”“WhenyouofferaBibletoaMuslim,hewillneverrefuseit.Butthesecretis
thatwehavetogotothem.Thisisanopportunitytosharethegospel.”SeveralpeopleweresurprisedthatIwouldevenconsiderreachingoutto
Muslims.TheywonderedifaMuslim,especiallyafundamentalistlikeamemberofHamas,wouldlistentoChristians.AndwhataboutIsrael—thesepeopleIhadvisitedwereavowedenemiesofIsrael.Shouldn’tIstayawayfromthem?
WhenLenRodgersandIcomparednotesoverthephoneaboutourrespectivevisitstoMarjal-Zohour,Lentoldmeabouthisreceptionthere.Asheenteredthecamp,oneofthedeporteessaid,“WeknewthatChristwouldcometous!”Thatwasanamazingstatement,andIreflectedonwhatitmeant.Iknewthatintheireschatology,MuslimsbelievethatChristwillreturntoearth—thatwillbeasignoftheultimatevictoryofIslam.ButIsensedthatthiswasmorepersonal.Maybeitwastheirwayofrecognizingthatwecared.
Regardlessofhowtheyinterpretedourvisits,ourpurposewastointroducethesementothelivingChristwhodwellswithinus.Christsaidtogoandmakedisciplesofallnations.DidthatincludePalestiniansornot?DidthatincludeArabsandMuslims?HowcouldweignoremorethanabillionpeoplewhomGodsaysHeloves?ItistruethatmanyMuslimsareantagonistictowardthegospel,butmanymorearenot.ThesemeninLebanon—yes,Muslimfundamentalists—seemedtorespectLenRodgersandme.MyfriendGeorgeOtisoncesaid,“Islamwillneverrespectachurchthatisinhiding.”IamaChristian,andwithaggressiveloveIwentinobediencetoGodandproclaimedChristtothesemen.
Butitwasn’tenoughformetogotothecamp.Theinterviewerwascorrect—IcouldvisitandreturntomycomfortablehomeinHolland.ButmillionsofpeoplelivedwithouthopeintheMiddleEast.Itdidn’tmatterthatasinglepersononceinawhilevisitedaveryfewofthem.GodneededapermanentpresenceinIsrael,WestBank,Gaza—everywherethattheconflictbetween
presenceinIsrael,WestBank,Gaza—everywherethattheconflictbetweenIsraelisandPalestiniansraged.Notafewforeigners,butaliving,breathing,vitallocalchurchwasrequired.CommittedChristianslivingintheareacoulddemonstratetoMuslims,tofundamentalistsburningwithhatred,thatGod’swayofloveisfarmorepowerfulthantheirhate.ButwereChristianslivingasneighborstoHamasandotherfundamentalistgroupspreparedforthetask?ThatwaswhatIhadtofindout.
Whatwasthenextstep?Onmydeskwasapileoflittlepiecesofpaper,eachbearinganameandaddress.ThesefourhundredmenmaroonedinsouthernLebanonhadwivesandchildren—atleastanotherthreethousandpeoplewereaffectedbytheirdeportation.Didn’ttheyneedtheloveofJesustoo?Imightstartbygoingtothem.Butnotalone—IwouldtakealocalPalestinianChristianleader.AndIknewjusttheperson.
Ipickedupthephoneandcalledmytravelagent.“IneedtobookatriptoIsrael.”
19THEFAMILIESOFHAMAS
Marjal-Zohour,March1993
Abdal-Fattahal-AwaisilistenedaslightraintappedonthetentwhereheandadozenothermenfromHebronlay,waitingforthecalltoprayer.Latetheeveningbefore,thegrouphadcrowdedaroundatransistorradiopoweredbytwoweakbatteries.Asahistorian,al-Awaisimissedthemanynewspapers,magazines,andjournalshestudiedregularlyattheuniversity.HehadtobesatisfiedwithnewsfromtheBBCandalocalLebanesestation.
ThenewswasthatIsrael’shighestcourthadruleditwouldnotreversethegovernment’sdeportationorder.However,italsohadestablishedaprocesswherebyindividualdeporteescouldappealtheircase.Howwillwedothat?al-Awaisihadwondered.Wearen’teveninIsrael.Wehavenoaccesstolawyerswhocanhelpus,evenifwecouldfileanappeal.
Butthatwasn’ttheonlynews.InacompromisewiththeUnitedStates,Israelsaiditwouldallowapproximatelyonehundredmentoreturnimmediatelyandwouldshortenfromtwoyearstoonethetermofexpulsionfortheothers.AU.S.governmentspokesmanhadpraisedthedecisionandstatedthatnofurtheractionbytheSecurityCouncilwasnecessary.Al-AwaisiandhisfriendshadhopedthattheUnitedStateswouldputpressureonIsraeltoabidebyU.N.Resolution799thatrequiredallofthemtobereturnedhome.Nowitappearedthattheinternationalcommunityhadlostinterestintheirplight.Justsixshortweeks,hethought.Howquicklytheworldforgetsusandmovesontosomeotherissue.
Atthefirstcalltoprayer,al-Awaisisteppedoutofhisbedroll,bundledhimselfintohiscoat,andwrappedascarfaroundhisneck,tryingtofightoffthecold
intohiscoat,andwrappedascarfaroundhisneck,tryingtofightoffthecoldmist.Hegrabbedhisprayerrug,whichwasrolledupwiththeothersinthecornerofthetent,andheadedtotheopenareawherethecampgatheredforprayerandupdatesfromthecampleader,Dr.Rantisi.
Attheconclusionofprayers,withthemenremainingontheirknees,Dr.Rantisistoodtoaddressthemen,nownumberingslightlyunderfourhundredafterfourteen“mistakes”werereturnedhomebyhelicopterandfivemorehadbeenevacuatedformedicalreasons.Brieflyhereviewedthesituation,concludingthatIsraelknewtheywereviolatinginternationallawandyetstillrefusedtoletthemallreturntotheirhomes.
Rantisiputtheissuetoavote.“LethewhorejectstheAmerican-Israelidealraisehishand.”Everymanraisedhishand.Theonlysoundwasthemotordriveofaphotographer’scamera,recordingthemomentfortheinternationalpress.“Lethewhoagreestothisdealnowraisehishand.”Nohandswereraised.Rantisiconcludedthemeetingbyshouting:“Godtakerevengeonthosewhosuppressedus.Godtakeourrevengeonthosewhoexpelledus!”
Bethlehem,spring1993
BethlehemBibleCollegehadleasedbuildingsonHebronRoadfromtheBibleLandsSocietyofEnglandandhopedtoeventuallybuythebuildings.HavingformerlyhousedtheHelenKellerSchoolfortheBlind,theywereidealforthecollege.FromnowonIplannedtomakethismybaseofoperationeverytimeIvisitedIsraelandtheWestBank.
Inthekitchenadjoiningtheguestapartments,BisharaAwad,presidentofthecollege,andIdrankcoffeeanddiscussedmymission.IhadtoldhimaboutmyvisittoMarjal-Zohourandshowedhimthestackofnamesandaddresses.“Iwanttovisitasmanyofthesepeopleaspossible,”Isaid.
“YourealizethattheseareprobablyallMuslimfamilies,”myfriendsaid.“Thatistrue,buttheyarepeoplewhoneedencouragement.Thisisan
opportunitytoshowthemtheloveofChrist.”Bisharasmiled.“Doyouknowwhatyouwillfindinthesehomes?”“Probablypeoplewhoareangry,scared,worriedabouttheirfuture.”“That’sright.ThemenyoumetinsouthernLebanonwereprobablythe
primarybreadwinnersfortheirfamilies.Whenthemanleaves,theincomeleaveswithhim.”
“SoshouldIbebringingthemmoney?Icouldn’tdomuch.”“No,thatwouldactuallycomplicateyourmission.Yougoandtellthemwhat
yousawonthemountains.Tellthemhowthemenaredoingandhowtheymiss
yousawonthemountains.Tellthemhowthemenaredoingandhowtheymisstheirwivesandfamilies.”
“WoulditbeallrighttoreadtheBibleorpraywiththem?”“Yes,inmosthomes,thatwouldbeokay.Butwemustbesensitive.”BisharahadsortedthroughtheaddressesIhadcollected.“Thereareseveral
nearhere,”Bisharasaid,thinkingthroughwhatorderwemightvisitthefamilies.“Let’sbeginatDheihsherefugeecamp.”
TherearethreerefugeecampsnearBethlehemBibleCollege.AllwereformedshortlyafterIsraelwasdeclaredanationandhundredsofthousandsofPalestiniansfledfromtheconflictbetweenArabandIsraeliforces,settlingjustovertheborderinLebanonoronlandcontrolledbyJordanandEgypt.ManyhadsettledinBethlehem,whichbelongedtoJordanatthattime.TheAl-AzzacampwasdirectlyacrossthestreetfromBethlehemBibleCollege;Aidajustafewblocksaway.Dheihshe,however,wasthebiggestofthecampsandjustafive-minutedriveupHebronRoadfromthecollege.
Bisharaparkedattheentrance.Therewasasmallnoticethere,recognizingvariousgroupsthathadcontributedaidtothecamp.BethlehemBibleCollegewasincludedonthelist;obviouslythecollegewasinvolvedinthecommunity.Wepassedbyarevolvinggatethatonceservedasthemilitarycheckpointtopreventrefugeesfromleaving.By1993,however,thepeoplewerefreetocomeandgowithinBethlehem.Butthecontrastbetweenthiscampandtherestofthetownwasstark.Hundredsofcinderblockapartmentswerecrammedintoanareahalfakilometersquare.Twoormorefamiliesoftenlivedineachtinyapartment.Aswewalkeddownanarrowstreet,IrealizedthatifIstretchedoutmyarmsIcouldtouchwallsonbothsidesofthealley.
IquicklylostmybearingsandwasgladBisharaseemedtoknowhowtonavigatethesenarrowalleyways.“Hereweare!”hefinallysaidandstoppedtoknockonthedoorofafirst-floorapartment.
Therewasalongwait,thoughwecouldhearwomen’svoicesinside.Finally,weheardfeetshufflingtowardthedoor,whichwasopenedacrack.Awomandressedinaplainbrowncaftanandawhitescarf,ababybalancedonherhip,lookedcautiouslyatus.Bishara,pointingtome,explainedinArabic:“ThisisBrotherAndrew.HehasjustcomefromMarjal-Zohourandwasaskedtovisityou.”
Thewoman’sfacebrightenedandthedooropenedwide.“Comein;comein!”Cautiouslyweenteredthelivingroom.“Come,sitdown.Please!”shesaidtomeinhaltingEnglish.ThenshespokeinArabic,leaningtowardthekitchen,andseveralfacespoppedouttoobserveus.Oneofthewomencalledtoaboy.After
severalfacespoppedouttoobserveus.Oneofthewomencalledtoaboy.Afterreceivinginstructions,hedashedpastusandoutthefrontdoor.
Thelivingroomwassmall.Acoupleofweavingshungfromthewall.Anoscillatingfanstoodsilentinacorner,waitingforwarmerweather.Anoldtelevisionwasinanothercorner,andontopwasafamilyphotothatincludedtwoyoungmennowlivinginatentinLebanon.Aworn-outcouch,afewfoldingchairs,andasmallcoffeetablecompletedthefurnishings.Threewomencrowdedattheentrancetothekitchen.Peeringbetweenthem,ayounggirlcaughtmyeyeandsmiled.Therewasaknockonthedoor,andseveralmenentered,followedamomentlaterbyanotherwhite-scarfedwomancarryingababy.Fromthekitchen,ateenagegirlcametouswithatrayholdingmyfavoritecoffeeandaplateofcookies.
Aswesippedourcoffee,theroomfilledandseveralmencrowdedthroughthefrontdoororlistenedfromthestreet.Bisharaaskedsomequestions,thenexplainedtomethattheoldwomansmilingatmewasthemotheroftwomeninthecamp—NabilandIbrahim.Ismiledbackatthewomanandnotedthatherhandswereswollen,probablyfromhardwork.
“NexttoherisNabilandIbrahim’ssister,Hanan,”Bisharasaid.“Theyhavetwooldersisterswhoaremarried—theyaretheoneswiththebabies.”
“Andwhoaretheothers?”Iasked,referringtothecuriousneighborscrammedintotheapartment.
“Probablycousins,allpartoftheextendedfamily.Theyareeagertohearwhatyouhavetosay.”
“Ivisitedthecampafewweeksago,”Iexplainedandpulledoutastackofpicturesforthemtolookat.Forthenextfewminutes,IdescribedtheconditionsatMarjal-Zohour.Acoupleofbabiescried,andthemotherstriedtoquietthemastheylistenedtothenews.Bisharatranslatedforme.
WhenIfinishedmybriefreport,InoddedtoBishara,whoopenedhisBibleandsaid,“IwanttogiveyouawordofencouragementfromourScriptures.”HeopenedtoMatthewandbeganreadinginArabic:“Blessedarethepoorinspirit,fortheirsisthekingdomofheaven.”HereadthroughtheBeatitudesslowly,withoutanycommentary.Thecrowdlistenedintentlytothepastoralwords.ThenheaskedthefamilyiftheywouldallowmetopraytoIsa—Jesus—forthem.Mostofthepeopleintheroomnoddedtheirheads.
Weallstood.Manyheldtheirhandsattheirwaist,palmsup.Iprayedforallintheroom,thatGodwouldmeettheirneeds.IprayedfortheirlovedonesatMarjal-Zohour,andIconcludedwithaprayerthatallofthemwouldexperiencepeacefromIsa,thePrinceofPeace.
Aswepreparedtoleave,someonenotedmycameraandsuggestedItakea
Aswepreparedtoleave,someonenotedmycameraandsuggestedItakeagrouppicture.“IwilltakethesepicturesbacktoMarjal-Zohour,soyoursons,yourbrothers,yourunclescanseeyou.”Severalofthemenandboyswantedaseparatepicturewithme.AsIkneltonthefloorintheirmidst,ayoungmangrabbedmyhandandputhisotherarmaroundmyshoulder,sayingwithmorethanwordshowmuchheandhisfamilyappreciatedourbeingwiththem.
WevisitedseveralotherfamiliesintheBethlehemarea,thendidthesameinHebronthenextday.Theresponsewasalwaysthesame.Eachhomewevisitedwelcomedusandwithinminuteswasfilledwithfamilyandneighborseagertohearnewsoftheirlovedone.BisharausuallyclosedthevisitwithawordfromScriptureandthenIprayed.
AfterthevisitsinHebron,SalwaandBisharaservedmedinnerintheirapartmentatthecollege.Bisharawasquiet,obviouslythinkingaboutsomething.
“Whatisonyourmind?”Iasked.“ThiswasmyfirstsignificantopportunitytoministerintheMuslim
community,”heanswered.“ButyouhaveMuslimfriends,”Isaid.“InoticedthatBethlehemBibleCollege
waspubliclyrecognizedattheentrancetotherefugeecamp.AndI’vemetseveralMuslimsatcollegeevents.”
“Ofcourse,Ihavemademanyfriendsinthecommunity.Wewanttobegoodneighbors.ButtoactuallyvisitMuslimsintheirhomes,toshowthemhowsadwearethattheirlovedonesaredeported—forme,thatisthefirsttimeI’vehadthiskindofministry.”
Bishara’sthoughtsalsoputmeinareflectivemood.“Whatstruckmetodayisthatthemediaperceptionofthesepeopleisverydifferentfromwhatweseeintheirhomes.WhenIreadaboutHamasinthepaper,it’sasiftheyhaveonlyoneagenda.Youneverthinkofthemhavingfamilies.Theywereallveryhospitable.Everyoneofthemgaveusteaandcoffee,fruits,pastries.”IpausedtoenjoysomebitesoftheroastbeefSalwahadprepared.ThenIadded,“Myfriend,youandIcan’tdothisalone.SurelytherearemanyotherChristianswhocanvisitthehomesofMuslimsandshowthemtheloveofJesus.”
Bisharasatbackandthought.Thenhesaid,“Idoubtwhetherthatkindofoutreachisbeingdoneatall.”
“ThestudentshereattheBibleCollege—surelysomeofthemcoulddothis.Thatispartlywhyyouaretrainingthem,sothatthelocalChristiancommunitycanbealightinthedarkness.”
canbealightinthedarkness.”Myfriendnodded.“Youareright.Thatiswhywemusttrainthem,sothat
theycandowhatyouandIdidtoday.”
20AMEALWITHTERRORISTS
Marjal-Zohour,spring1993
Al-Awaisiknewsomethingwaswrongwhenthesomberdelegationenteredthetent.Severalofhistentmatesslippedoutasthevisitorssatontheground.“Wehavesomebadnews,”saidDr.Rantisi.“WehavejustreceivedareportfromHebron.Yourwifeandchildrenhavebeendeported.”
“Theauthoritiessaidyourwifedidn’thaveproperpapers,”explainedanothermemberofthedelegation.
Feelinghischestconstrict,hisbreathingshort,al-Awaisiasked,“Myfamily,wheredidtheytakethem?”
“ToJordan.Arefugeecamp.Wedon’tknowwhichone,butwe’lltrytofindout.”
Thatnightal-Awaisifeltasearingpaininhishead.Thetentseemedtospinabovehim.Hetriedtospeak,totellhistentmatesthatsomethingwaswrong,buthecouldforceoutonlysomeslurredsounds.Nevertheless,someonerealizedthattherewasaproblem.
Afewminuteslater,MahmoudZaharenteredthetent.Alanternandtwoflashlightsprovidedminimallight.Hecarefullyexaminedal-Awaisi.“Youhavesufferedastroke,”Dr.Zaharfinallyconcluded.“Youneedtogotoahospital.”
Deepdespairenvelopedtheuniversityprofessor.Thoughhisfriendswouldtry,heknewtherewouldbenotriptothehospital.Atthatmoment,hefelthislifeebbingaway,andhewasn’tevensurehewantedtoliveanymore.Firsthe’dbeenremovedfromhishomeandhisprofession.Nowhe’dlosthisfamilyandhishealth.
Hewondered,Isthereanyreasontohangon?Instinctivelyheprayed:“Allah,isthereanyhope?”
Marjal-Zohour,August1993
IreturnedtothecampatMarjal-ZohourwithamemberoftheBibleSocietyinBeirut.Itwasaclear,sunnyday,andIwasamazedathowthecamphadchangedsincethetimeIsawitinthedeadofwinter.Thecampwasabeehiveofactivity.Menwerewashingtheirclothesinlargeplastictubsandhangingthemonlinesstrungbetweenthetents.Othersweretendingtofires,cookingriceandmeatforthemainmiddaymeal.Severaltentsalsoservedasshops,andtheyweredoingabriskbusiness.InotedthatthecigarettesandfilmwerecheaperthaninBeirut.
Still,alltheeffortsofthemencouldn’tchangethelocation,whichremaineddesolate.Thedry,golden-coloredrocksreflectedthesun,causingmetosquint.However,themountainairwascool,andmostofthemenworelightjacketsorsweaters.TherewasahintofsnowonMountHermoninthedistance.Theonlysignofplantlifeinthecampwasinoneprotectedcorner,athree-foot-squaregardenwheresomeonehadplantedmintandspices.Thepreciousplantswereprotectedfromthebrightsunbyasmallburlapawning.
Thepopulationofthecamphaddroppedsincemyfirstvisit.Underworldpressure,theIsraeligovernmenthadtakenaboutonehundredmenback.Therest,itwassaid,couldcomehomeafteroneyear—areductionofoneyearfromtheoriginaldeportationsentence.Itwasclearthatintheeightmonthssincethey’dlandedhere,themenhadfiguredoutwaystocreateaneconomy,tradingwithnearbyvillagesforfoodandotherneeds.Thesemenhadnotgivenuponlife;indeedtheywereproud,hardworking,determinedtomakethemostofabadsituation.
Whilethedeporteesstillcouldn’tleave,Lebanesesoldiersatthecheckpointdowntheroadallowedmostvisitorstoenterthecamp.ThistimetherewasnolimitonthenumberofbooksIcouldtakein.MyfriendfromtheBibleSocietyandIhadplentyofScripturestohandout.However,itwasmystackofpicturesoffamiliesinWestBankandGazathatdrewabigcrowd.Ihadwrittenthenamesonthebackofthephotos,andIhandedthemtoeachmanasherecognizedhisfamily.Ayoungman,speakingexcellentEnglish,introducedhimselfasNabilandgazedforalongtimeatthephotographstakeninhisapartment.Frequentlyamanwouldruntofindafriendtotellhimhehada
photographfromhome.Somehowthesemenhadobtainedavideocamera,andIwasgivenvideotapestodeliverbacktotheirfamilies.
Beforetouringthecamp,ItalkedwithDr.Rantisi.Histentwasaboutfiftyyardsoutsideofcamptoallowhimprivacyashemetwithleaders,mediateddisputes,andplannedforthedaywhentheywouldallreturnhome.Igavehimacopyofabrand-newArabictranslationoftheBible.
“Wehaveanicelibrary,”hetoldme.“Iwillshowyou.”Aswewalkedbackintocamp,Rantisiexplainedthatthemeninthecamphad
madegooduseoftheirtime.Hepointedtoaboldsign:MarjazZohourUniversity.Oppositeitwasalargetent.“Thatisourassemblyhallandourmosque.Andhereisourlibrary.”
Isteppedthroughtheflapandintoabeautifulroomlinedwithshelvesonbothsides.Asmalltablewasinthemiddle.Theshelveswerefullofreferencebooksofallkinds.
Iwasamazed.“Howdidyouobtainallofthesebooks?”IaskedthelibrarianfromHebron.
Themangaveabigsmileashesaid,“AtfirstthepeopleinLebanonbroughtusfood.Thenwetoldthemweneededbooks.Sowetradedforbooks!”
“Itlookslikeawidevarietyofbookshere.Whatsubjectsareyoustudying?”“Manysubjects—mathematics,languages.WehaveEnglish,Spanish,German,
Russian,Italian,Hebrew.”“Thereareseventeenprofessorshere,”Rantisiexplained,“andcurrentlysixty-
sixofficial,registeredstudents.”“Yougiveexamsandgrades?”“Yes,thestudentswritepapersandtakeexamsandtheprofessorsgradethem.
Theresultsaresenttotheuniversitybackhome,andthestudentsarethengivencredittowardtheirdegree.Therearemanyothersstudyingbutnotforacademiccredit.”
“Whatisthemostpopularsubject?”Iasked.Achillwentdownmyspineasheanswered:“Sharialaw.”SharialawistheIslamiclegalsystem.IknewseriousMuslimsbelievedthat
thereshouldbenoseparationofgovernmentandreligion.Sharialawwasintendedtogoverneveryaspectofdailylife.Andwhatwastheendresultofsuchasystem?IfIwastobelievetheHamasCharter,thenthesemenwereplottingtodriveIsraeloutofthelandandestablishastategovernedbyIslam.Theimplicationswerestaggering.Didtheworldrealizewhatwashappeninghere?Thesemenhadtakenaterriblesituationandusedittostrengthentheirresolve.
TherewasnoquestionthatratherthandestroyingHamas,Israelhadmadethemstronger.PerhapsthesemenwerenaivetothinktheycoulddefeatIsraelanditspowerfulmilitarymight,buttheyandtheirfollowersbackhomewerecertainlygoingtochallengethosetheyconsideredoccupiers.IwassurethenthatIsraelhadcreatedatimebomb![1]
ThenDr.RantisisaidhewantedmetomeetoneoftheprofessorsfromHebronwhowasconfinedtohistentbyillness.IwasintroducedtoDr.Abdal-Fattahal-Awaisi.Hewaslyingonacot—theonlybedI’dobservedinthecamp—paralyzedbyastrokefourmonthsearlier.Hewaswearingablack-and-white-checkedkaffiyehonhisheadandwascoveredwithalightblanket.Hestaredatmethroughhisglasseswithintelligenteyes.HespokefairlygoodEnglish,soIkneltbyhisbedtotalk.
“Howareyoufeeling?”Iasked.“I’mdoingalittlebetter.Forthefirsttwomonths,Icouldn’ttalk.Iamstill
paralyzedonmyleftside.”“Wouldyouliketotellmealittleaboutyourself?”Heseemedtowelcomethechancetotalk.“Iwasbornin1959.IgotmyPh.D.
fromExeterUniversityinBritain.IamanassistantprofessoratHebronUniversity.Iammarriedandhaveeightchildren.”
“Wereyoutakenfromyourhome?”“Yes,frommyhomeonthefourteenthofDecember.”“Didtheauthoritiessayanythingtoyourwifeandchildrenaboutthe
situation?”“Whentheycametoarrestmefordeportation,theytoldmywife,‘Prepare
yourself;youwillbenext.’AtthetimeIcouldnotunderstandwhattheymeantbecauseIdidn’tknowwheretheyweretakingme.ButwhenIheartheydeportedmywifeandeightchildrentoJordanontwenty-sevenMarch,IrememberedthiswordandIunderstooditverywell.”
“DoyouknowwhyyourfamilywassenttoJordan?”“Theyhaven’tIsraeliidentity.Theyarecalledvisitors,andsotheyhaven’t
permissiontostayinHebron.SoallofthemarenowlivinginJordan,incircumstances...”Al-Awaisi’svoicecaughtfromemotion.Ittookhimamomenttofinishhisthought:“...myself,Icouldnotimagine.Mywife,shehasaJordanianpassport.Mychildren,theyhaven’tJordanianpassports.TheyareholdingEgyptiantraveldocuments.SotheyarenotallowedtoliveinJordan.TheIsraelisdidnotallowthemtostay,andtheJordaniansdonotallowthemtostay.SowearewaitingthehelpofAllah,toseewhatwillhappennext.”
“MayIaskaverypersonalquestion?Howaretheybeingsupportednow?”
“MayIaskaverypersonalquestion?Howaretheybeingsupportednow?”“Sincetheydeportedme,mywifehastakenmysalaryfromHebron
University.ButsincetheydeportedhertoJordan,nothingcomestoher.ShetoldmesotwodaysagowhenIphonedher.”
Iwonderedwheretherewasaphoneinthecamp,butIdidn’ttakethetimetoask.Obviouslythesemenwereveryresourceful.“Doesshelivewithrelativesorissheonherown?”
“Sheandtheeightchildrenarelivingwithherbrother,whoismarriedwithtwowivesandhasseveralchildren.TheyallliveinonesmallhouseinAlWahdaatrefugeecamp,nearAmman.Mychildrenhavenotbeenallowedtogototheschools.”Asaneducatedman,hewasobviouslytroubledbythisfact.
“Whenyouareallowedtogoback,willyourwifebeabletoreturntoHebron?”
“No,theyissuedtoherapaper,showingthattheIsraeliswillnotallowhertogobacktoHebron.”
“SodoyouplanthentojoinherinJordan?”“Iamnotplanningforanything.Iamwaiting.Ihavespentmorethantwo
monthsasyouareseeingmenow.ThedoctorssayIneedtogotoahospital.”“Sothatissomethingwecanprayfor,thatyoucangetmedicalattentionand
thatyouwillbereunitedwithyourfamily.”Igrabbedhishand.“Icannotmakepromisesinthiscrazyworld.ButI’llseewhatIcando.I’lltryhard.”
Imeantthosewords.Dr.Al-Awaisi’sconditionwasdeplorable.Inanormalprison,hewouldhavereceivedmedicalattention.Buthere,evenwithelevendoctors,therewaslittlethatcouldbedoneforhimwithoutaccesstoahospital,andsinceanairliftearlyinthedeportation,noneofthemenhadbeenallowedtogotoahospital.
AsIsteppedoutofal-Awaisi’stent,myeyesblinkedinthebrightsun.ThenInoticedtheyounglibrarianrunningtowardme.Hecaughthisbreathandsaid,“Doyouwanttohaveamealwithus?”
“Ofcourse!”Ianswered.“I’dlovetohaveamealwithterrorists!”ThemanlaughedwhilemycompanionforthedayfromtheBibleSociety
lookedatmeinshock.“Andrew,youcan’tsaythat!”“Sureyoucan,”Ianswered.“Ifyousmile!”“Comewithme!”saidtheyoungman,eagertoshowmetraditional
Palestinianhospitality.Heledmetothe“Hebrontent.”Thereafeastwaslaidoutonablanketonthefloor—lamb,chicken,rice,various“salads,”andstacksofpitabread.Aboutadozenmenstoodtogreetme,andthenwesattogetheronthetentfloor.IwasofferedaloafofflatbreadandItoreoffapieceanddippedit
intoaplateofhummus.ThefoodwasdeliciousandIcomplimentedthem.Theyseemedveryproudof
theirfeast,andtheyjoinedmeintearingtheirbreadanddippingitintothevariousdishes.Theconversationwaslivelyandvaried.OneyoungmantoldmehewasworkinghardonhisstudiesandplannedtoreturntoJerusalemUniversity,adding,“AlsoIamsearchingforawife.”
“Youwon’tfindonehere!”IsaidasIswallowedabiteofkibbeh,thetraditionalArabdishofmeat,crackedwheat,nuts,andraisins.
“Idon’tknowwhytheyarrestedme,”hesaid.“Betweenmyjobandstudiesandcaringformyillmother,therewasn’ttimeforanyotheractivities.Mymotherwasinintensivecarewhentheytookmeaway.Ididn’tknowformanydayswhethermymotherwasdeadornot.Oneperson,heisworkingforBBCWorldService,hemadeatelephonecalltomyfamily,andtheysaidsheisnowwell.”
Lookingaroundthetent,Isawmanybooks—thesewerestudiousmen.WhenIobservedthebooks,thelibrariansaid,“Everytenthasbooks.Yourbooksthatyoubrought,especiallytheBibles,theyarealwayscheckedoutfromthelibrary.”
Aswefinishedthemeal,Ithankedthemforinvitingme.“Thiswasabsolutelywonderful.Whenyougobackhome,Iwanttovisityouandyouwillbemyguestsforameal!”
Thatwasthesparkforanidea.Thesemenhadrespondedsowarmlytomyvisits.MaybeIcoulddosomethingforthem.Ihadjokedabouteatingamealwithterrorists.Whattheydidn’trealizeisthatwithoutChristinmylife,Imighthaveendedupasaterroristmyself.Icouldn’thelpbutrecallmyownlifeasaboyunderGermanoccupation.LikesomanyPalestinianboys,Ihadthrownstonesatsoldiers—theGermansoldiersinmytown.WhatiftheGermanshadn’tbeendefeatedin1945?Whatiftheoccupationhadlastedfordecades?Thatwasn’tthecaseinHolland,butPalestiniansbelievetheyhavelivedunderoccupationsince1967,andforsomeMuslimfundamentalistsitwasmotivatingthemtotakedrasticactions.
Wewereallreligious.ThesemenwerecommittedMuslims;IwasacommittedChristian.Sowhatwasthedifferencebetweenus?WhyweretheycommittedtowipingoutIsrael,whileIwascommittedtostrengtheningtheChurchinthelandsothatIsraelisandPalestinianscouldfindtheirtrueidentity?
Inasingleword,thedifferencewasJesus.WhynotgivethemallamealandtellthemaboutthehopeIhave,theonly
hopeforrealpeaceintheMiddleEast?
OnDecember17,1993,exactlyoneyeartothedayafter415“leaders”ofHamasweredeported,thosewhoremainedinthecampatMarjal-ZohourwerereturnedtoIsrael.Somewereimmediatelysenttoprison.Otherstriedtopickuptheirlives,reconnectingwithfamily,returningtotheirwork.However,thatwasdifficultbecauseallofthemwereconfinedbycityarrest—theywerenotpermittedtotraveloutsidetheircommunity.
Abdal-Fattahal-Awaisiwasinadilemma.IfhereturnedtoHebron,hisfamilywouldnotbeabletojoinhim.TheyremainedtrappedinaJordanianrefugeecamp.Unfortunately,noMiddleEastcountryseemedwillingtotakethem.Soheturnedtofriendshe’dmadeinEnglandduringhisyearsofstudy.HewastransportedtoLondonwherehisfamilyeventuallyjoinedhim.Iphonedhimacoupleoftimes.Thereunionwithhisfamilyseemedtorevivehimphysicallyandwithmuchneededmedicalattention,hisconditionimproved.ButhelamentedthatheandhisfamilywouldneveragainseetheirhomeinHebron.
21HOWFARDOIGO?
Hebron,February1994
EarlyonthemorningofFebruary25,1994,aBrooklyn-borndoctorwalkedresolutelytotheIbrahimiMosqueinHebron.HelivedinthenearbysettlementofKiriatArba,havingmovedtherein1983aftergraduatingfrommedicalschoolinNewYork.HehadgrownupinastrictZionistfamilythatmandatedseparationfromallnon-Jews.HepridedhimselfinneverhavingtreatedanArabpatient.
ToDr.BaruchGoldstein,themereexistenceofthePalestinianswasaproblem,forheardentlybelievedthatalloftheHolyLandbelongedonlytotheJews.Byhislogic,eveniftheywerepeaceful,allPalestiniansmuststillbedrivenoutofIsraelandthedisputedterritories,andhewaspreparedtodohispartinthatcause.Hehadoftenvisitedthisparticularmosque,builtoverthecavewhereAbrahamandhiswife,Sarah,aswellasthepatriarchsIsaacandJacob,weresupposedlyburied.SeveraltimesheandothersettlershadverbalconfrontationswiththePalestiniansthere.Onthisdaytherewouldbemorethanshouting.
BecausethiswasthemonthofRamadan,themosquewasfull.ThedoctorenteredthebackofthemosqueandmovedforwardquicklywhilethemenwerebowingtogethertowardMecca.Heopenedhiscoat,tookoutagrenade,pulledthepin,andtosseditamongtheworshipers.Thenthemachinegunemergedandhebeganshooting.
Amidthescreams,smoke,andechoingsoundofgunshots,itwashardtofindthesourceoftheattack.Preciousmomentswerelostasmenscrambledforexitsorstumbledoverbodies,whileotherstriedtolocatetheassailant.Finally,throughthesmoke,theysawthemurderer.Agroupofmenchargedhimand
throughthesmoke,theysawthemurderer.Agroupofmenchargedhimandpummeledhimtodeath.
Intheensuingconfusion,itwashardtoknowexactlywhathappenedinthenextfewhours.Ambulancesscreamedthroughthecity,tryingtogetthewoundedtohospitals.Gunshotsandexplosionssoundedaroundthetown.AtAlAhliHospital,thereweregunshotsaspatientswereunloadedanddoctorstriedtodotriage.MorePalestinianswerewoundedandkilledatthedoortothehospital.
Theofficialreportwasthattwenty-ninemendiedthatmorning,killedbyDr.BaruchGoldstein,andatleastanotheronehundredwerewounded.Theunofficialnumbersweremuchhigherwhencasualtiesoutsideofthemosqueweretallied.[1]
Hebron,March1994
Hebronwassealedoff.Still,wemadetheshortdrivesouthfromBethlehem.“Areyousureyouwanttodothis?”Bisharaaskedmeagain.“Thecityisundertwenty-four-hourcurfew.Nobodyisallowedtoleavetheirhomes.”
“Iappreciateyourconcern.”IrepeatedtheanswerI’dgivenhimearlierthatmorning.“ButIgavemywordthatIwouldbeinHebrononWednesdayat11:00.TheyknowIamcoming.Evenifnobodyturnsup,I’vegottobethere.”
Bisharashookhishead,smilingslightly.Heknewmewellenoughtoknowtherewasnodissuadingme.AboutthreemilesfromHebron,heturnedoffthemainroad,droveabouthalfamile,andthenturnedontoanarrowtwo-laneroad.We’ddrivenabouttwomoremileswhenwecametoahugepileofrocksandrubble,dumpedinthemiddleoftheroadtopreventpeoplelikeusfromenteringthecity.Bisharaparkedandannounced,“Fromhere,wewalk.”
WeclimbedupthepileofrubbleandsawanIsraelitroopcarrierparkedabouttwohundredyardsahead.Obviously,thiswaywasblocked.IwasbeginningtothinkthattherewasnowayintotownwhenInoticedagroupofboyswatchingus.Wescrambledbackdowntherockpileandaskedtheboyswhattheyweredoingthere.Theygrinnedandshruggedtheirshoulders.
Bisharawasobviouslyworried.Itriedtocalmhim.“Youshouldnotgoanyfarther.It’stoodangerousforyou.Me,ifI’mcaught,alltheywouldprobablydoisdeportme.”
Ipulledoutsomeshekelsandshowedthemtotheboys.Theireyeslitup.IpointedtowardHebronandsaid,“Ineedtogointotown,toaveryimportantmeeting.Canyouhelpme?”Bisharatranslated.
Onebraveboysteppedforward,tookmymoney,andmotionedformeto
Onebraveboysteppedforward,tookmymoney,andmotionedformetofollow.IgrabbedmybagofBiblesandvideosfromthecarandtookoff.TwomoreboysandBisharataggedalongbehindme.“Youdon’thavetocome,”Itoldmyfriend.“I’llmanagetofindsomewaytogetback.”
“Ifyougo,Igotoo,”heansweredashehurriedtocatchupwithme.Wescrambledthrougharubble-strewnfieldtowardasmallgroupofhouses,
dartedthroughthatvillageandthenalongafootpaththatledtothecity.Afewminuteslater,wewereintheoutskirtsofHebron,butIwashopelesslylost.Ihadnoideahowwewouldreachthemeetingplace.Theboyknockedonadoor.ItopenedacrackandawomanlistenedtotheboyspeakrapidlyinArabic.Sheclosedthedoorandwewaitedastheboysteppedaway.Aminutelater,thedooropenedandamanlookedatBisharaandmeandmotionedforustocomein.WhenIlookedback,thethreeboyswerescamperingaway.
“Whatistheaddresswhereyouneedtogo?”themanaskedinclearEnglish.Ihandedhimapaper.Helookedatit,noddedhishead,andsaid,“Waitherea
minute.”Thenhewentandmadeseveralphonecalls.Itwasalready11:00,thetimeI’dpromisedtoarrive.Ihadplannedtobuyfoodontheway,buttherewouldbenostoresopen.IfiguredthatjustshowingupwasthebestIcoulddo.Aswewaited,thewoman—Iguessed,becauseofherage,shewastheman’smother—serveduscoffee.
Fiveminuteslater,ourhosttoldme,“Itisarranged.Ifyouhavefinishedyourcoffee,wewillgo.”
Westayedoffthemainstreets,scurryingdownalleywaysandhidingindoorwaysasmynewfriend—Ididn’tevenknowhisname—checkedaheadtobesurethewaywassafe.Somewherealongtheway,heknockedonadoorandanothermanurgedustogetintohiscar.Ourimpromptutaxiwoundthroughmorenarrowbackstreets,avoidingmainthoroughfareswheretanksandarmoredpersonnelcarrierspatrolled.
Ithoughtaboutthemanwhowasdrivingus.Whatwouldhappentohimifhewerecaught?Theanswerchilledme.Hecouldbeshotonsight.AndIwouldbearrestedanddeported.IhatedtothinkaboutBishara.TheBibleCollegedependedonhisleadership.Tofightthefear,Iprayedanotherversionofthesmuggler’sprayerI’dusedsomanytimesatcheckpointsintoCommunistcountries.“Lord,Youmadetheblindtosee.TodaypleasemaketheIsraelisoldiersblindtothiscar.Protectthesemenwhoareriskingtheirlivestogetmetothismeeting.”
Afewminuteslater,havingdrivendownmorenarrowstreetsandevennarroweralleyways,wereachedabuildingthatappearedtobeameetinghall.My
narroweralleyways,wereachedabuildingthatappearedtobeameetinghall.Mydriverjumpedoutandknocked.AssoonasBisharaandIwereoutofthecar,hedroveaway.
Thedooropenedandthere,grinning,wasthecampimamI’dmetatMarjal-Zohour.“Quick,comein!”Hewelcomedmewithabighug.“Honestly,wedidnotthinkyou’dgethere.”
Asmyeyesadjustedtothedarkroom,I’msuremyjawdroppedinastonishment.Therewerefortymenwaitingforme.Istruggledtokeepmyemotionsincheck.Thesemenhadliterallyriskedtheirlivestocomeandseeme!
Buttheimamkeptapologizingfortheconditions:“Theseareveryharddays.Wehavenofreedom.Noonecanwork.Noonecanbuyfood.WewantedtogiveyouanicepresentfromHebron.”
“Iwantedtoserveyouanicemeal,”Isaid,matchinghisapology.“Butitwasimpossibletocarryoneinortohaveonepreparedhereforus.”
Ilookedaroundtheroomformyfriend,thelibrarianwhosehospitalityhadpromptedmetoholdthismeeting,butIdidn’tseehim.IrecognizedoneoftheelevendoctorsfromMarjal-Zohour,whospokeup:“Hebronisatthepointofmassstarvation.AfterthemassacreatIbrahimiMosque,theyshutdownthecity.Forthreeweekstheyhavepunishedus.Andwearethevictims!Onceaweek,fortwohours,weareallowedtogoshopping.Howcanwesurvive?”
ItwasatypicalAraboutburst.Iunderstoodtheemotions,butIalsonoticedthatthedoctorwhocomplainedlookedwellfed,judgingbythesizeofhisbelly.Still,theseweretryingdays.PerhapsIcouldn’tprovideameal,butIcouldstillfeedthesemen.“Iamsosorrythatwehavetomeetundertheseconditions,”IsaidtothemenasthedoctortranslatedintoArabic.“WhileIhavenophysicalfoodtogiveyou,Ihavebroughtyougifts,whichIhopeyouwillconsiderspiritualfood.”IbroughtoutBiblesandcopiesofthemovieJesusthathadbeendubbedinArabic.
HoldingupaBible,ItoldthestoryofaDutchboywhohadnoticedaBiblegatheringdustdayafterdayinthelivingroom.Finally,hepickeditupandtookittohismotherandasked,“IsthisGod’sbook?”Themothersaiditwas.Theboysaid,“Whydon’twesenditbacktoGodbecausewedon’tuseit!”
“Iurgeyou,don’tletthedustsettleontheseBibles,”Isaid.ThenIproceededtotellthemenaboutmyspiritualjourney.TheheartofmymessagewasthecrossandhowJesusforgavemysinsbydyingforme.
AsIstartedtorelatehowthecrossappliedtoeverylife,aman,dressedinawhitecaftan,stoodand,wavinghisarms,shoutedtomeinArabic.
NowI’vegonetoofar,Ithought.Ihesitatedforamomentasthesheikhsat
backdown.Therestofthemenwatchedmeintently.Well,Ihavetheirfullattention.Imightaswellfinishmymessage.AndsoItalkedabouthowmuchGodlovesthewholeworld,somuchthatHesentJesustodieforeachoneofus.
AfterIwasfinished,theimamgotupandsaid,“Idohaveagiftforyou!”Proudlyheheldupapocket-sizeQuran.Itappearedworn,mostlikelythepersonalcopyhecarriedaroundwithhim.
Thenthedoctorsaid,“Andrew,don’tletthedustsettleonit!Useit!”EveryonelaughedwithmeasIacceptedthegift.
Aftervisitingwiththemen,theimammadeaphonecallandarrangedforataxi,whichwouldtravelthebackstreetstopickusupanddropusoffattheedgeoftown.Aswewaited,Iaskedthedoctor,“WhywasthesheikhshoutingatmewhenIspoke?”
“Oh,that’ssimple,Andrew,”heanswered.“YousaidthatJesusdiedonthecrossbutyoudidnotspeakabouttheresurrection.”
Iwasstunned.Thesheikhwasright.HadIcompromisedthegospel?Theironlyhopewasintheunpolluted,radicalpresentationofJesus—diedandrisenforoursins.IknewthatMuslimdoctrinebelievedthatJesusdidn’tdieonthecrossbutwasinsteadtakenintoheaventoreturnanotherday.Still,thesemenhadriskedtheirlivestohearmespeak.SowhydidIwaterdownmymessage?TheyknewIwasaChristian,andjustastheywereuncompromisingintheirfaith,theyexpectedmetobeuncompromisinginmine.
IhadbeenrightlyrebukedbyHamas!Ideterminedthenthatinfuturemeetings,Iwouldpresentthewholegospel.
Afewdayslater,agroupofusheadeddowntoGazaforthenextmealIwashostingforthemenI’dmetinsouthernLebanon.BisharahadinvitedayoungmannamedLabibMadanat,whohadrecentlybeennameddirectorofthePalestinianBibleSociety.Labibhadamostinvitingpersonalitythatmademewanttogettoknowhim.Sincewehadmorethananhourinthecar,hestartedtotellmehisstory.
Mosul,NorthernIraq,1985
LabibMadanatsatonhisbedlateatnight,readinghisBible.Histhreeroommateswereasleep.Ithadbeenatoughdayemotionally.TheIran-IraqWar,whichhadragedformorethanfouryears,hadmovedintoanewphase,with
majorpopulationcentersbeingtargetedonbothsides.WhileMosulUniversity,250milesnorthofBaghdad,seemedoutsidetherangeofthefighting,everyonewasonedge,worriedabouttheirfamilies.Oneofhisroommateshadjustlearnedofthedeathofacousin,whowasintheIraqiarmy.TheeveningprayersbytheMuslimsthatnighthadbeenunusuallyintense.
ThoughborninJerusalem,wherehisfatherhadbeenpastorofEastJerusalemAllianceChurch,LabibandhisfamilyhadlivedinJordansince1977.LabibwasverycomfortablearoundMuslims.AllofhisschoolfriendswereMuslimasweremostofhisfellowstudentsattheuniversity.SomeweredevoutandmanysimplyculturalMuslims.Thefive-times-dailycallstoprayerfromthenearbymosqueswereasnormaltohimasthechirpingofbirdsatdaybreak.Thenearestevangelicalchurchwassofarawaythathe’dworshipedthereonlytwoorthreetimesduringhisyearsattheuniversity.
ButLabibneverhidhisChristianityfromhisfellowstudents.Heopenlyprayed,readhisBibleandcollectionofChristianbooks,andtalkedfreelyabouthisfaith.NoonehatedhimforbeingaChristian.Infactitseemedhewasrespected.AmemberofPresidentSaddamHussein’sBaathpartyhadevenapproachedhimaboutbecomingamember.“I’mpleasedthatyouwouldconsiderme,”Labibhadanswered.“However,Imustdecline.Icannotservetwomasters.MymasterisJesusChrist.”
Labibfeltathomeamongthesepeople.HeidentifiedhimselfasanArabandasaChristian,andwasn’tbotheredthatmostofhisfellowArabswereMuslim.Butitwasattimeslikethisnight,withsomuchpainandemotionalsufferingaroundhim,thatheyearnedforhisfriendstoknowJesus,theOnewhocouldgivethemgenuinepeace.HefeltinhishearttheloveChristhadforthesepeople.Whilehewasstudyingirrigationandwatermanagement,heknewthatwhateverhedidprofessionally,hisrealmissionwastospreadtheloveofChristasfarandwideaspossible.
Jerusalem,1992
Labibwasrunninglate.HewasmeetingafriendintheOldCity,justontheothersideoftheDamascusGate.“MayIseeyouridentification?”AnIsraelisoldierbarredhisway,andLabibsilentlyrebukedhimselffornotallowingtimeforthisinevitableintrusion.
“Ofcourse,”Labibanswered,pullingouthisJordanianpassportandIsraelivisa.
“Standagainstthewall,”thesoldierordered,indicatingwithanodofhisheadthatheshouldlineupwithseveralotherPalestiniansandwait.Themessagewasclear—thesoldierswereincontrol.
Orwerethey?Labiblaughedsilentlyatthesituation.Surehewouldbelateforhismeeting,butthatdidn’tmeantherewasn’tahighercalling.“MayIsaysomethingtoyou?”hesaidinpassableHebrewtothesoldierwhowasporingoverseveralsetsofpapers.“IamaChristian.”
SeveraloftheotherPalestinians,alsobeingchecked,lookedathiminsurprise,butLabibspokeloudlyenoughsothatthesoldiertryingtoignorehimcouldn’thelpbuthearthewords.“WhatImeanisthatIamabelieverinJesusChrist,notjustaChristianbyreligiononly.DoyouknowaboutJesusChrist?IwilltellyouaboutHim!”AndsoLabibbegantotellthestoryofhisLord.
SuddenlythesoldiersnappedLabib’spassportshutandturnedtofacethepreacher.Labibstaredintotheman’seyesashereceivedhispapers.“Iwillprayforyou,”hesaidwithsincerity.“Iknowyouareawayfromhome.IpraythatwhenyouarefinishedwithyourservicethatGodwilltakeyoubacksafelytoyourfamily.”
“Youmaygo!”thesoldierspoke,turningtointerceptanotherPalestinianheadedthroughthegate.
Labibgrinnedashepassedthroughthegateandintothesouk,themarketplaceoftheArabquarter.Thesoldiersthinkthey’reincontrol,hethought.ButwhenIstartpreachingChrist,Iamincontrol.WhilemostPalestiniansdreadedtheseinevitablecheckpointsthatseverelyrestrictedtheirmobility,Labibhadcometoenjoytheencounters.AndheknewthefreedomheexperiencedatthesemomentswassomethingworthsharingwithfellowPalestinians.
Labibwouldsoonbepresentingthatmessagetoafargreateraudience.HehadreturnedtoIsraellookingforworkinhisfieldofexpertise—irrigation.Thiswasalandthatcouldnotsurvivewithoutirrigation,andhefiguredthatjobswouldbeplentiful.Buteveryopportunityseemedtobeblocked.Instead,afterafewmonthsasinterimpastoratEastJerusalemAllianceChurch,hehadbeenapproachedaboutdirectinganewdivisionoftheBibleSociety.Since1967theBibleSocietyofIsraelhaddistributedbooksandBiblesthroughouttheentireregion,butnowpeopleattheheadquartersinEnglandhaddecidedtodividetheworkintotwodivisions—onefordistributioninIsraelproper,theotherfordistributioninWestBankandGaza.LabibwouldbethefirstexecutivesecretaryofthePalestinianBibleSociety.
Gaza,March1994
DrivingtowardGazawithBisharaandmynewfriendLabib,IwasacutelyawarethatIwasenteringthecradleofHamas.ThiswasthelastoffivescheduledmeetingsinwhichIwasreturningthefavorofthatserendipitousmealinthetentatMarjal-Zohour.Thefirstfour,inBethlehem,Nablus,Hebron,andRamallahhadaveragedtwentytofortymeninattendance.SincemostofthedeporteeslivedinGaza,Ianticipatedperhapsfiftyatthismeeting.
Thesemenhadbeenhomeforaboutthreemonths.Some,likethecampleaderAbdulazizRantisi,wereinjail.Others,likeMahmoudZahar,hadresumedtheirprofessionsandleadershipofthemovement.
Dr.Goldstein’sattackinHebronhadproducedaheightenedtensionintheWestBank.Atthefirstfourmeetings,therewasaresolveamongthesementhatfeltlikeatickingbomb.IwascurioustofindifI’dsenseasimilartensioninGaza.Foronething,thepeaceprocesswasfiercelyopposedbyHamas.JustonemonthaftermysecondvisittoMarjal-Zohour,IsraelandthePLOhadsignedanagreementallowingforlimitedPalestinianself-ruleinWestBankandGaza.TheOsloAccords,namedforthesecretnegotiationsthathadoccurredinOslo,Norway,wereabreakthroughbecauseIsraelformallyrecognizedthatthePLOwasrepresentingthePalestinianpeople,andthePLOrecognizedtherightofIsraeltoexist.Manyquestionsremainedtoberesolved,buttheagreementlaidoutseveralconfidence-buildingstepsbybothsidesthatcouldleadtofurthernegotiations.
However,Hamaswasn’tbuyingintotheprocess.TheymadeclearthatYasserArafatandthePLOdidn’trepresentthemandmanyotherPalestinians.Itwasn’tsomuchthattheOsloAccordsdidn’tanswerthecriticalquestions,suchasstatehoodforPalestine;returnoftherefugeeslivinginWestBank,Gaza,Jordan,andLebanon;orthedispositionofJerusalem.Theproblemwasmuchmorefundamental.Hamasdidn’tbelievethatthereshouldbeanynegotiationswithIsrael.Theydidn’tbelievethatIsraelshouldevenexist.
TherewasanotheraspectofHamasthatfewpeopleseemedtounderstand.Itwasthesenseofshamethathadbeeninflictedonthesemen.Mostofthemweretheprimarybreadwinnersfortheirfamilies,andtheywereunabletofeedorprotecttheirchildren.ThedeportationswereanachingreminderthatthePalestinianshadnonation,nolegalrights,andthusnofuture.ManyheldontodeedsforpropertythatwasnowoccupiedbyIsrael.Invaintheybelievedthatsomedaytheymightbeallowedtoreturntothatland.Worse,thecontinualencroachmentbyIsraelisettlementsmadethemfeelthatthelandtheynow
occupiedcouldbewrestedawayatanytime.Thesewereproudmenwhorefusedtoacceptsuchhumiliation.
Further,thesemenfeltisolatedbecausetheArabworlddidn’triseupanddefendthem.Sure,thosecountrieslentverbalsupport,buttheworkofsecuringtheirownstatewastheirsalone.Theworld’sonesuperpower,theUnitedStates,firmlysupportedIsrael.Andtheycouldn’ttrusttheUnitedNations,whichissuedresolutionafterresolutionthatIsraelignored.Theywereconvincedthatnoonewouldhelpthem,sotheywouldhavetoactalone.
TheproblemswerecompoundedbytheintransigenceofIsraelisettlers.AlreadysomewerehailingDr.GoldsteinasoneofthegreatheroesofIsrael.AftermyvisittoHebron,IhadgonetoKiriatArba,theJewishsettlementnexttoHebron,andsawthatGoldstein’sgravesitewasbecomingashrine.Cabinetsholdingprayerbookshadbeensetupforspontaneousmeetings.Severalvisitorswerethere,worshiping.OnewasanAmericansettler,andheexplodedinangerwhenIgreetedhimbysaying,“Shalom.”
“Youhavenorighttosayshalomtous!”heshouted.WhileIclearlywasn’tJewish,Iwonderedathisanger.Perhapshe’dheardme
talkinginDutchandthoughtIwasGerman.“Waitaminute,”Isaid.“Imeannoillwilltowardyou.”
Themanstaredatmewithpalpablehostility.Withanicyscorninhisvoice,hetoldme,“Wepolishourgunseveryday.WearewaitingforthedayofPurimwhenwewillgooutandkillallArabs.”
Iknewwhathemeant.TheDayofPurimwascelebratedeachyear,recallingthedayrecordedinthebookofEstherwhentheJewslegallygainedtheirrevengethroughoutthePersianEmpireagainstthosewhohadtriedtodestroythem.SomeJewishsettlerswereanticipatinganotherDayofPurimwhentheywouldfinallyberidoftheArabsandthelandwouldbetotallytheirs.
IrealizedthatmanyJewsdidn’tsharethisman’sfeelings.Still,IwasshakenbythehatredI’dseeninthesettlements.WhileIcouldneversupportHamas,Icouldunderstandwhytheyconcludedtheyhadnochoicebuttofight.Butfightwithwhat?Theyhadnoarmy,noheavyweaponstocounterthefirepowerofIsrael.Sotheymightshootafewsoldiers—whatwouldthataccomplish?Theirteenagerswouldthrowafewrocks—whichmightbecomicalbutforthetragedyofsomanyyounglivesbeingsnuffedoutandbodiespermanentlydisabled.WhileIcouldn’tseeanymilitaryresources,IfeltcertainHamaswouldstrikeback.Theywerenotcompromisers.Theyweretoocertainabouttheirfaithandabouttheirperceivedrighttotheland.
SohereIwasgoingtospeaktotheirleaders.WhatshouldIsay?WhatcouldI
SohereIwasgoingtospeaktotheirleaders.WhatshouldIsay?WhatcouldIofferthem?Ihadnopowertomanufactureapeacedealortogivethemanationoftheirown.Tothesemen,IrepresentedtheChurch.Sincetheywerecompletelyopenaboutwhotheywereandtheirintentions,whyshouldn’tIbeequallyopenaboutwhoIwasasaChristian?Icouldn’tsolvetheconflictbetweenthemandIsrael,butIcouldintroducethemtothePrinceofPeace.
LabibMadanathadbeeninGazaonlytwiceandbothtimesithadmadehimhomesick.Hisprimarythoughthadalwaysbeentofinishhisbusinessandescapeasquicklyaspossible.AshewaitedforthesoldiertoprocesshispapersattheEretzcheckpoint,hethoughtofhiswife,Carolyn,whohadlivedinGazaCitywithaMuslimfamilyforafewmonthsbeforetheymarried.Ican’tunderstandwhyshelikesthisplace,hethought.Ihatethisplace!
SinceassumingleadershipofthePalestinianBibleSocietytenmonthsearlier,Labibhadconcentratedontwoareas.First,hewastryingtorebuildrelationshipswiththehistoricalchurchesinthearea,includingtheGreekOrthodoxandCatholicchurchesinGaza.HissecondefforttargetedhundredsofthousandsoftouristswhoflockedtoIsrael.Inanefforttoimprovecashflowforthesociety,hewassellingBibleswithbeautifulolive-woodcovers,whichpilgrimscouldtakehomeasgiftsandsouvenirs.
LabibwasmakingthisvisittoGazaattheinvitationofBisharaAwad,whowasgoingtotranslateforBrotherAndrewashespoketoagroupofHamasleaders.LabibhadcometoBethlehemBibleCollegetomeetAndrewandhearhimspeak.HehadreadAndrew’sfirstbookasaboyandstillrememberedtheimpactithadonhislife.InArabic,thetitlewasn’tGod’sSmugglerbutanArabicphrasethatmeant“inspiteoftheimpossible.”Well,thismissionsureseemedimpossible.AndyetLabibwascurious.WouldmembersofHamasreallyshowupforthismeeting?WhatwouldAndrewtellthem?Andhowwouldthesemenrespond?
Inspiteofhiscuriosity,assoonasthemeetingwasover,hewouldgladlyescapethisplaceandreturntoJerusalem.
22WHATISAWTODAYAREGODSEEKERS
Gaza,March1994
Forourmeeting,mycontacthadsaidthattheHamaswouldrentafacilityandorderthemealsandthatIwouldpaythebill.SincetheIsraeliborderguardswouldn’tallowmetodriveintoGaza,myfriendsandIcarriedtheheavysuitcases,loadedwithBiblesandJesusvideos,acrosstheno-man’szoneandhailedataxi.
WewereletoffattheculturalcenterintheheartofGazaCity.Dr.MahmoudZaharmetusandescortedusintothemainauditorium,alargeroombathedinsunlightfromaskylight.Iblinkedforamoment,amazedatthesight.OnrowafterrowoffoldingchairswereseatedPalestinians,somedressedinsuits,manyinthetraditionalArabrobeswithwhiteorwhite-and-red-checkedkaffiyehthatwereboundbyblackropes(iqals).Atthefrontoftheroom,nexttothepodium,wasatabledrapedwithagreencloth.Eightofuswereseatedthere.Asmencontinuedtoentertheroom,Ilookedoutovertheaudienceanddidaquickcalculation.Therewereaboutfourhundredmeninattendance(andnotasinglewoman).Ihadinvitedthemasmyguests,andIdidn’thavenearlyenoughmoney!
Thiswasajoyfuloccasion.FourmenwhohadlearnedtosingtogetheratMarjal-Zohourperformedforus—anArabformofbarbershopquartet,Ithought.Amanwhohadbeenreleasedfromprisonjustthedaybeforewasrecognizedwitharousingovation.Animamaskedusalltopray.HeturnedtowardMeccaandbeganchantingfromtheQuran.Hehadabeautifulvoice,andIwasdeeplymovedasIheldmyhandsopenandprayedsilentlytomyheavenlyFather.I
couldn’tunderstandtheimam’sprayer,butIcouldsensethepainandanguishinhismelodicwords.SuddenlyIrealizedthatIdidn’thavetoagreewithMuslimstoidentifywiththeirdeep,heartfeltcriestoGod.
Somethingmeltedinmeatthatmoment.IrealizedthatIgenuinelyenjoyedbeingwiththesemen.IhadmetthemintheirdireneedandnowIsatwiththem,asmallBibleinmyhand,readytoofferthemhope.Iwasn’ttheretofightIslambutIidentifiedwiththembecausetheyweresuffering.Manyofthemhadnojobandcouldn’tprovidefortheirfamilies.Theywereangry,andIknewtheirangerwasaprisonasrealasanyphysicalprisoninwhichthey’dbeenlocked.Theyneededtobesetfree.Lord,Iprayed,enablemetoopenthedoorsothatthesemenmayfindrealpeaceinYou.CalmenvelopedmeandIrecognizedthatthismeetingwasasacredmoment.
Therewereseveralspeeches,mostofthemconcentratingonpolitics,beforeIwasinvitedtospeak.MahmoudZaharintroducedme,saying,“Ourspecialguest,Andrew,cametovisitusinMarjal-Zohour.Hecametobewithusandtofeelwithusinourtrouble.Hecomfortedusbyhispresence.WhereverthestoryofMarjal-Zohouristold,BrotherAndrewwillbeinit.AndnowheandateamhavecometovisitushereinGaza.Hehasinvitedustocometogetherandcelebrateandhaveamealtogether.”Heturnedtomeandadded,“Weappreciateyourworktoallpeoplesindistress—ChristiansandMuslims.Weappreciateyourvisitandthankyou.”
Istoodupandforamomentwasdeeplymovedbyallofthemenwaitingtohearmywords.ThelasttimeIwaswiththem,I’dbeensittingonatentfloorsharingameal.NowIwasfeedingthemandhopingtoleavethemwithsomethingofmuchgreaterworththanphysicalfood.
“WhenIfirstgotthecallaboutyouandthehorriblesituationatMarjal-Zohour,mydesirewastocomerightawayandbewithyou.ButitwasNewYear’sEveandIwasspeakingtoseventhousandyoungpeople,leadingtheminprayer.Thatnight,Itoldthemaboutyou,andthoseseventhousandmenandwomenprayedforyou.”Theaudienceinterruptedwithenthusiasticapplause.
“I’mnothereasapolitician.Rather,Iamhereasonewhoseekstounderstandwhatyouarefeeling.”IknewIcouldprobablyelicitastandingovationbytellingthemthatasaboyIhadthrownstonesatGermansoldiers,butIresistedthetemptation.Thatwasn’tmypoint.Iwasn’tlookingfortheirapproval.IfeltitwasmoreimportantthatsomehowthesemenunderstandthatIidentifiedwiththem,sothatIcouldpresentthegospel.Withthisinmind,Ibegantotellthemmyownstory.
“Manyyearsago,whenIwasonlytwentyyearsold,Ilayinahospitalbedin
“Manyyearsago,whenIwasonlytwentyyearsold,IlayinahospitalbedinIndonesia,whereI’dbeensentasasoldiertoputdownanuprising.Abullethadtornapartmyankle.Iwasalone,inpain,achingtogohometomyfamily.Ihadnoonetoturnto,noonetofillthelonelydaysandevenloneliernights.”Iknewthesemenhadfeltthesameemotions.“ItwasthenthatIbegantoreadalittlebookmymotherhadgivenmewhenIlefthome.”
IheldupacopyoftheBibleandadmittedthatIhadnotwantedtoreceivethatgift,andinfactIhadburieditatthebottomofmytrunk.“Butnow,inthehospitalwithnothingelsetodo,Ibegantoread,startinginGenesiswiththestoryofcreation.Ireadallofthestoriesandskippedoverthelawsandprophets.AfteracoupleofweeksIstartedreadingtheGospelsandwasstruckbytheirdeepsignificance.ThepersonofJesuswasunlikeanymanwhohadeverlived.HisstorywassoincrediblethatIwondered,‘Couldthisreallybetrue?’”
MuslimsreverethemanJesusasoneofthegreatestofallprophets.IbuiltonthatrespectasItoldthemthatitwasn’tjustwhatJesustaughtthatimpressedmebutalsohowHelived.IwasastoundedbyhowHehandledcontroversy,howHeansweredcritics,andhowHeenduredsufferingatthehandsofunjustrulers.ThenItoldthemenabouthowJesusdiedonthecross.ThistimeIalsotoldthemabouttheresurrectionandtheofferHemadetocomeintomylife,toforgivemysins,tochangemeintoanewman.“IfinallycriedouttoGodinthissimpleprayer:‘LordJesus,ifYouwillshowmetheway,IwillfollowYou.’
“Icouldn’tchangemycircumstances,”ItoldthemenasIconcludedmytestimony.“Istilllimpedfrommywarwound,andIknewImightneverwalknormallyagain.Ididn’tknowwhatmyfutureheld,butforthefirsttime,Ihadpeace.AndIlearnedthatanyonewhocomestoJesuscanhavethatpeace.It’sapeacethatrisesabovethecircumstances.
“Ican’tchangethesituationyoufacehereinGaza.Ican’tsolvetheproblemsyouhavewithyourenemies.ButIcanofferyoutheOnewhoiscalledthePrinceofPeace.YoucannothaverealpeacewithoutJesus.AndyoucannotexperienceHimwithoutforgiveness.Heofferstoforgiveusofalloursins.Butwecannotreceivethatforgivenessifwedon’taskforit.TheBiblecallsthisrepentanceandconfessionofsin.Ifyouwantit,thenJesusforgives.Heforgavemeandmademeanewperson.NowI’mnotafraidtodiebecausemysinsareforgivenandIhaveeverlastinglife.”
Themenlistenedtomywords.ThoughIcouldn’ttellhowmymessageaffectedthem,Ihadatleastearnedahearing.IhadtotrustGodtousemywordsinwhateverwayHesawfit.
Theprogramwasn’toverafterIfinishedtalking.Anotherleader,animamI
assumed,rosetospeak.Bisharawhisperedthetranslationinmyear.Thiswasanextendedpleatome:“Whataresomeofourdemands?First,weaskBrotherAndrewtotaketohispeopleinHollandandtheWesttherealpictureofthesufferingofPalestiniansinPalestine—underIsrael,whohavetakenourlandanddisplacedhundredsofthousandsandputtensofthousandsinprison.Theydefiledourholyplaces,destroyedourhomes,destroyedourtrees.”Thenhemovedintoarebuttaltomymessage,sayingthattheBiblesaystheJews“killedtheprophetswithoutfairtreatment.WebelievetheydidtrytocrucifyJesus,butaccordingtoourbeliefGodtookHimandasubstitutewascrucified.Please,takethisstorytoyourpeople.”
Forseveralmoreminutes,thespeakertoldmethatthemeninthisroomwerenotterrorists,extremists,orfundamentalists.“WeareMuslimsingeneral.Wedespiseextremismandseparation.WefollowtheWordofGod.”HewentontoquotefromboththeQuranandtheBibletoexplainhowChristianshadnotfollowedthecommandsofJesustolovetheirenemies,whiletheMuslimshadprotectedChristianholysitesinJerusalem,particularlytheChurchoftheHolySepulcher.“TherearenorealsolutionsuntilpeoplecometoGod.Allofhumanityissufferingbecausetheyworshipmorethanonegod—work,money,materialism.That’swhyGodsentprophetslikeAdamandMosesandJesus.WeMuslimsstretchourhandstoeveryonewhobelieves,tobringpeaceandhappiness.Again,wewelcomeyouandyourteam.”
Finally,itwastimetoeat.Themeal,consistingofkebab,yogurt,pitabread,andsweets,waslaidoutineveryroomofthebuildingandeveninthecorridorstoaccommodateeveryone.OnseparatetableswereourBiblesandvideos.ButIhadadifficulttimeenjoyingtheparty—Istillhadtopaythebill.Forrentalofthecenterplusthemeal,thetotalduecameto$2,500.Lord,Iquicklyprayed,Yourreputationisatstakehere.Icommittedtopayforthemeal.WouldYoupleaseprovidemewithwhatIneed?
IpulledLabibandBisharaasideandquietlyaskedthemhowmuchcashtheyhadonhand.“MayIborrowit?Ididn’texpectsomanypeople.”Theyweregracious,butitwasn’tenough.
ThenBisharatalkedtomycontactpersonandarrangedtosendhimtherestofthemoney.IthankedmyfriendandpromisedtoreimbursehimthoseexpensesassoonasIreturnedtoHolland.
Bythetimethatcrisiswasaverted,themenwerebeginningtodisperse.Rightthen,afilmcrewfromABCnewsdashedintothecenter.“Iheardsomethingbigwasgoingonhere,”thereportersaid,catchinghisbreath.Helookedatme,andIsmiledbutsaidnothing.“DidImissit?IheardtherewasameetingofHamas.”
smiledbutsaidnothing.“DidImissit?IheardtherewasameetingofHamas.”“Yes,thatisright.We’refinished.”“Well,canIinterviewyou?Weneedsomethingfortheeveningnews.”Ilaughedandshookmyhead.“No,Ihavenothingtosaytothepress.”Beforeweleft,MahmoudZaharthankedmeforcomingandhostingthe
meeting.“Andrew,IbelieveyouknowthatIteachattheIslamicUniversity.Tomyknowledge,wehaveneverhadanylecturesaboutChristianity.Whileyouweretalking,IwasthinkingthatitwouldbehelpfulforourstudentstoknowaboutrealChristianity.WouldyouconsidercomingtotheuniversityandgivingalectureaboutthedifferencesbetweenChristianityandIslam?”
Iwasstunnedbytheinvitationbutfeltinadequate.SuchanopportunityneededtogotosomeonewhospokeArabic.IfeltlikePaul,the“weakestvessel”forthisassignment.“Mahmoud,Iampleasedthatyouwouldwantmetospeaktoyourstudents.Letmethinkaboutit.MyconcernisthatIdon’thavetheacademicdegrees.PerhapsIcouldarrangeforsomeonetocomewhohasstrongercredentialsthanIdo.”
MyfriendsandIwereeuphoricasweclimbedaboardourvanattheEretzparkinglotforthereturntriptoBethlehem.NoneofusinourwildestfaithhadimaginedthatfourhundredHamasleaderswouldshowupatthismeeting.Butnow,asIsatdownandloosenedmytie,Iwasconcernedaboutwhatwouldhappennext.Itwasgreattopresentthegospeltothesemen,butmorewasneeded.Muchmore!Itwasn’trighttogoin,haveagreatmeeting,andthenmoveonasthoughnothinghadhappened.Weneededafollow-upplanofsomekind.
“Sowhatdidyouthinkofthemeeting?”IaskedmynewfriendLabibaswepulledawayfromtheEretzcheckpoint.
“IthinkmyGodistoosmall,”hesaid.Iturnedtolookathimandsawhehadabiggrin.“BrotherAndrew,IneverthoughtthataChristiancouldspeaktoradical,fanaticfundamentalists.Butevenifsomeonedidhavethatchance,itneveroccurredtomethattheywouldactuallywanttositandlistentothegospel.TodayGodshowedmehowbigHeis.”
Aswetalked,LabibtoldmeabouthisyearsofstudyatuniversityinIraq.“Thatexperiencewasawakenedtoday,”hesaid.“IrememberedhowmuchIlovedwitnessingtoMuslims.Butforthemostpart,theChurchhideshere.Itdoesn’treachouttoMuslims.YetIbelievetheywouldlistenifwecouldonly
findawaytoreachouttothem.”“Well,let’sthinkofaway,”Isaid,sensingthiswasasignificantmomentinmy
newfriend’slife.“Ihadonemeeting.Thatwastheeasypart.Nowwhatdowedo?Theremaybementherewhowanttoknowmore.Howwillwegetthemthatinformation?Andtherewillbeotherswholearnaboutthemeetingandwillwanttohearthemessagetoo.”
“LocalchurcheshavegenerallyavoidedspeakingtoMuslimsaboutChrist,”Labibsaid.“SomeWesternmissionagencieshavecomeandtriedtowitnesstoMuslims,butmanyoftheirconvertshavebeenfromthetraditionalchurches.PeoplethinkthatMuslimsaren’topentoChrist,butfranklyIthinktheyareclosertoChristthansecularEuropeansorAmericans.WhatIsawtodayareGodseekers.”
“Exactly!MostEuropeansarenaturalistic.TheyarenotgenerallyGodseekers.Butifyou’retalkingwithoneofthesemembersofHamasandit’stimeforprayer,hewillnotbeavailabletoyou.Hewillpray.He’snotthereforyouanymore.He’sthereforGod.WerarelyseethatkindofdevotioninChristianity.Ifwe’reinprayerandthetelephonerings,wepickupthephone.Manyofthesemenwouldn’t.That’swhyit’seasiertotalktothemaboutJesus.ForMuslims,thetimeofprayerisatimeofobediencetoGod.Wedon’twanttochangethemfromseekingGod.WewanttopresentthemwiththewayofChrist—whichisGodseekingthem!”
Labib’smindwasobviouslychurning,andIwasquietsohecouldthink.Finally,hesaid,“Andrew,IwouldliketotrytoopenabookstoreinGaza.”
Myheartleapedwithexcitement.“I’velimitedmyvisionuptonow,”hesaid,lookingatmewithgreat
excitement.“I’vebeenthinkingonlyabouthowtomakethemostoftheBiblebookshopinJerusalem.Afterall,that’swheremanyoftheChristiansare.ButthemenIsawtodayneedtheWordofGodtoo.”
“Andwedidn’thaveenoughcopiesatourmeeting,”Iremindedhim.“Ifwe’dhadashopinGaza,Icouldhavemadesuretheyeachreceivedacopy
oftheBible.”IknewthenthatthiswasamomentousdaybecauseofwhatGodhaddone,
notonlyinthemeetingbutalsointheheartofmyfriend.“Labib,IwilldowhateverIcantohelpyoufulfillthisvision.”
WeparkedatBethlehemBibleCollege,andLabibheadedforhiscar,thenstopped,turnedtome,andputanexclamationpointonmyday.“IwillalwaysrememberthisdayasthedayIfellinlovewithGaza!”
AspositiveasmymeetingsinHebronandGazawere,Icouldn’tshakethenaggingsensethattheHamastimebombwasabouttoexplode.AfterourmealinGaza,MahmoudtoldmecalmlythattheGoldsteinmassacrewouldberevengedfivetimes.Intheensuingmonths,therewereexactlyfiveattacks.OnApril6,attheendoftheMuslimforty-dayperiodofmourning,IheardthenewsonBBC.Atwenty-five-year-oldmanhadblownhimselfupwithacarbomb,killingeightandwoundingforty-fourinAfula,atownjustsouthofNazareth.Hamasclaimedresponsibility,sayingitwasrevengeforthemassacreintheIbrahimiMosque.
Oneweeklater,amandetonatedabomb,killinghimselfandfiveothersonabusintheseacoasttownofHadera.AgainHamasclaimedresponsibility.WithhorrorIrealizedthattheconflicthadescalatedtoanewlevelwithhumanbeingswillingtogointoIsraelandkillthemselves,takingwiththemasmanyciviliansaspossible.ForthefirsttimeIheardreportersusethetermsuicidebomber.[1]
Thenewsmademeill.Surely,Ithought,mywordsshouldhavepreventedthesebombs.Didthesemenreallylisten?Ifeltlikeafailure.
Icouldn’thelpbutwonderwhatdrovethesementotakesuchdesperateaction.Oneexplanationwasthesophisticatedperspectiveofshameandhonorthatpermeatedtheirculture.OnePalestinianhadexplainedittomethisway:“Wecanlivekneelingordiestandingup.”Hamashaddecidedthattheypreferredliterallydyingasopposedtolivinginsubmissiontoahatedconqueror.Icouldn’tsympathizewiththem—Ibelievedtheyweretotallymisguided—butItriedtounderstandthatHamas,fromtheirperspective,wassendingsoldiersintobattle.Everysoldierrealizeshemaynotreturnhome.Thegeneraltellshimyoudon’thavetocomeback;justgoandkillasmanyoftheenemyaspossible.Thatwasthelogicofasuicidebomber.Addedtothatwasthereligiouscomponent,thebeliefthatdeathinjihadsentthesoldierimmediatelytoparadise.
CouldIhavedoneanythingtostopHamas?IthoughtofGenesis4,thestoryofthefirstterroristattackinhistorywhenCainmurderedhisbrother,Abel.GodspoketoCainbeforehecommittedhiscriminaldeedandtriedtoconvincehimtodowhatwasrightandtoresistthesincrouchingathisdoor.ButCainhadignoredGodandcarriedthroughwithhisrevenge.Iwondered:DidGodwanttospeaktoHamas?GodhadnoonetosendtoCain,soHewentHimself.ButhowwouldHedeliversuchamessagetoday?Probablythroughawillingmessenger.
ForsomereasonGodhadsentmetospeaktoHamas,toofferthemawaytodealwiththerageintheirhearts,toshowthemGod’sanswerthroughthepersonofHisSon,butIcouldn’tforcethemtolisten.IfGodcouldn’tturnCainaway
ofHisSon,butIcouldn’tforcethemtolisten.IfGodcouldn’tturnCainawayfromhismurderouscourse,thenIcertainlyhadnopowertochangeHamashearts.
AtleastIhadgonetothem,takingthewaythatwasopentome.IhaddonewhatIcould,butitwasn’tenough.
23INASMALLWAYWE’REMAKINGADIFFERENCE
Jerusalem,fall1994
Thehatredcouldreturn.Yitzhakrealizedthatashewatchedthenewsofthelatestsuicidebombingattack.“ItwaseasywhenwewereoutinthedesertwithMusalaha.Nobodywaswatchingus,andwecouldsaywelovedeachother,”hespoutedtohiswife.“Butnowwe’rebacktoreality.”
GentlyhiswifetriedtoremindhimthatonlyaminorityofArabswereterrorists.“Remember,letthetruthofYeshua’swordgodeepintoyourheart.”
Yitzhakknewthathehadbeengenuinelytouchedduringthedesertencountertwoyearsearlier.Butpermanentchangewasharderwhenhewasbackhome.WithpainherecalledarecentincidentwhenhewasplayingfootballwithfellowMessianicJewishbelieversatafieldinTelAviv.Onanadjoiningfieldanothergamewastakingplacewhenseveraltroublemakersshowedupandstarteddrivingtheplayersaway.YitzhakhadstoppedtowatchandsawthattheaggressorswerekickingandbeatingtheplayersandfurtherrealizedthatthethugswereJewishandtheplayerswereArab.Theantagonistshadshoutedattheplayersthattheywerenotallowedatthepublicpark.Yitzhakknewthatwasn’ttrue,buthesimplystoodthereandwatchedastheArabsweredrivenaway.
Eversincethen,theincidenthadplaguedhisthoughts.Howcouldhe,whohadbeeninvolvedinMusalaha,whocaredabouttheArabandpursuingrighteousness,whoknewthatthesemenhadrights,simplystandbyanddonothing?Itdidn’thelpthathebelongedtoacongregationthatwasveryright-wing.ManyofhisfellowbelieverswerefarmoreinterestedinpromotingZionismthaninreconciliation,andtheydidn’tunderstandhisinvolvementinMusalahaactivities.Theycouldn’tunderstandhowapersoncouldhavefaithin
Musalahaactivities.Theycouldn’tunderstandhowapersoncouldhavefaithinYeshuaandalsoloveArabs.He’dhadseveralargumentsandevenlostsomefriendsbecauseofhisstance.Buttheincidentonthesportsfieldsshowedhimthathistransformationwasn’tcomplete.Itwasn’tsimplyamatterofsaying,“Loveyourneighborasyourself.”Hereallyhadtodoit.
Thentheterroristattackshadincreased,andthesuicidebombingshadstartedoccurringregularly.HewashorrifiedbythecarnageandhisnaturalreactionwastorecoilfromanythingrelatedtothePalestinians.Ashewatchedthenewsreports,hefelthisoldhatredpushingitswayintohisheart,andhemadenoefforttoextinguishit.
Thenthephonerang.YitzhakheardthefamiliarvoiceofWa’elontheotherend.“IjustsawthenewsandIwantedtoknowifyouareokay.”ImmediatelyYitzhakfeltashamedforentertaininghisoldhatred.
Afterthecall,Yitzhakadmittedtohiswife,“Wa’elremindsmethatwehavetoshowtherealgospel.Wearesavedbythebloodofthenewcovenant,whichmeanswearesavedtobealighttotheworld.Andyoucannotbealighttotheworldifyoustandforonepeopleandyou’renotalsostandingfortheother.”
Afewweekslater,YitzhakpassedthroughtheBethlehemcheckpointtovisitWa’el’schurch.Aroominthatchurchwasbeingrenovatedforuseasachildren’scenter.Latethatmorning,asthetwofriendswieldedtheirpaintbrushessidebyside,Wa’elexpressedthanksforhishelp.“Iwasn’tsurewhetheryouwouldcome,whatwithourdifferencesandall.”
Yitzhaklaughed.“YouthinkyouandIhavedifferences!Youshouldheartheargumentswehaveabouttheologyjustinourchurch.Wehaveasaying:IftherearetwoJewishbelievers,therearethreechurches!”
Duringlunch,Wa’eladmittedhewasthinkingofleavingthecountry.“Thishasbeensohard.Thereisnothingherebutfrustration.Ijustwanttoleavebecausethesituationhereistoodifficult.But...Idon’tknowwhereIwouldgo,whereIwouldfit.”
Foramoment,YitzhakrecalledwithshamehispastfeelingsthatagoodArabwasadeadArab.HehadoftenthoughtitwouldbebestifthePalestiniansjustleft,andmanyinhiscongregationopenlyespousedthatview.Butthiswasdifferent.Thiswasn’tanamelessArabbutabrotherinChristandafriend.“Ihopeyoudon’tleave,”hesaid.
Wa’ellookedsoberlyathisfriend,notknowingwhattosay.“Iknowit’shard,butmaybeinasmallwaywe’remakingadifference.Maybe
“Iknowit’shard,butmaybeinasmallwaywe’remakingadifference.Maybewecanshowthosearoundusthatthereisabetterwaythanfighting.”
“Idon’tseehow.”“Idon’tknowiftheanswerisaPalestinianstateorautonomyorjustliving
together.I’mnotinapositiontosolvetheproblem.IknowIcannotsavethewholeworld,butIcansavetheworldforoneperson,theArabinfrontofme—reconcilingourselvestooneanother,listeningtoeachother’sproblems,understandingourfearsofeachother,ourbitterness.”
Anhourlater,whenYitzhakhadtoreturnhome,thetwomen,brothersinChrist,embraced.Itwouldbealongtimebeforethesituationwouldallowthemtomeetagain,buttheywerecommittedtostayingintouchandprayingforoneanother.
AsYitzhakreturnedtohishomeinWestJerusalem,hethoughtaboutthedeepchangeGodwasmakinginhisheart.HerealizedthatasaChristianhewasrisingabovethepoliticsoftheconflicttotheperspectivethateveryoneiscreatedinGod’simage.Therefore,everyonedeservestolearnaboutGod’ssalvation.HewantedtospendhisenergyspreadingthatmessagetoJews,Arabs—itdidn’tmatterwho,hewantedalltohear.
24WHATKINDOFPEOPLEDOESTHEBOOKPRODUCE?
Bethlehem,spring1996
TherewasaneighborintheroomnexttomineattheguesthouseofBethlehemBibleCollege.Wemetatbreakfastinthesmallcommonkitchen/diningareaoppositeourrooms.HeintroducedhimselfaspastorofachurchinNazareth.“I’mheretofindsomequietandrest,”hesaid.
Ilookedintohisface,andhelookedexhausted.“You’vecometotherightplace.It’sgoodtohaveaplacetobequiet,topray,andifyouneed,totalkwithfriends.”
Hesmiledawearysmileandsaid,“I’mafraidIcan’tcopewiththeproblemsanymore.”Ilistenedasherecitedthelist.Ihadheardmostofthembeforeinmyconversationswithpastorsovertheyears.HiscongregationwasdwindlingasseveralfamiliesemigratedtotheWest.Therewasconflictbetweenolderleadershipandyoungermembers.AdisputewasbuildinginthecitybetweenMuslimsandtheChurchoftheAnnunciation,accordingtotraditionthelocationwheretheangelGabrielvisitedMary.TheMuslimshadatentacrossthestreetandwereplanningtobuildamosque.Inaddition,therewastheongoingstressoffeelinglikeasecond-classcitizeninhisowncountry—acommoncomplaintIheardamongArabswholivedinIsrael.
ThepastorfromNazarethwasdoingmuchbetterthenextday.Hehadbeentovisitacoupleoffriends,andinoneoftheirhomeshesawmybookinArabic:ATimeforHeroes.“Ireadthefirstchapter,”hesaid.
“TheoneonJob!”“Yes.IcanrelatetoJob,butIdon’tthinkmyproblemsareasbadashis.”“SowhathaveyoulearnedfromourfriendJob?”
“SowhathaveyoulearnedfromourfriendJob?”“ThatGodiswithusinthemidstofourtrials.Ineededtoberemindedof
that.Faithdoesn’tmeanthatGodwilleliminatemyproblems.Rather,IrealizethatGodiswithmeandwithmycongregationinthemidstofourproblems.”
“AndHeissufficient.”“Jobdidn’thaveallofhisquestionsanswered,buthemetGod.Heheardfrom
God,andthatwasenough.”Atthecore,thisencounterwastheemphasisofmywork,tobewithmy
brotherswhosuffer.IcouldstillhearthewordsofthepastorinPolandin1955whohadsaid,“Yourbeingheremeansmorethantenofthebestsermons.”SinceIdidn’tconsidermyselfagreatpreacheranyway,“beingthere”wouldalwaysbemyprimaryministry.
Inpartbecauseofencounterslikethis,BethlehemBibleCollegehadbecomemybaseofoperationwheneverIvisitedthearea.TheschoolhadgrownsteadilysincethedayswhenitoccupiedoneroominBeitJala.Thecurrentfacility,purchasedfromBibleLandsSocietywithhelpfromOpenDoors,wasjustafewblocksfromRachel’sTomb.Thebuildinghadmadeahugedifferenceinthecollege’seffectiveness.Thestudentbodynownumberedfortyandwasgrowing,andtherewasafullytrained,academicallyqualifiedstaff.OpenDoorsassistedinseveralways,includingfundingoneoftheteachingpositions.Newprogramshaddeveloped.OneofthemtrainedPalestiniantourguides.Anotherwasamedicaloutreach.OccasionallymedicalpersonnelwouldcomefromtheWestandthreetofourhundredpatientscouldbeservedperday.Planswerebeingmadetoopenapubliclibraryonthegroundflooroftheschool’sclassroombuilding;itwouldbetheonlypubliclibraryinBethlehem.
Ilovedhangingaroundthestudents.Itisaclichétosaythattheywerehardworkingandfullofyouthfulenthusiasm,butIfelttheireagernesstolearnandthatgavemehopefortheChurch.IftheChurchamongPalestiniansinIsrael,WestBank,andGazawastobeabrightlight,itneededhundredsofdedicatedleaders.Justwhatwouldtheybedoing?ThatwaswhatIdiscussedwiththemwhenBisharaaskedmetospeakatchapelservice.
SincemanyofthestudentshadenrolledaftertheexcitingtimeinGaza,whenBisharaandIspokewithleadershipofHamas,Ibeganbytellingthatstory.Afterthathistoricmeeting,oneoftheBethlehemBibleCollegeprofessorshadgrabbedmeandurged,“WillyoustayhereandevangelizeArabs?Allofthem—Muslims,
radicals,Hamas,PLO!”Theenthusiasmwasappreciated,buttheimplicationofhisstatementdisturbedme.“Isitmycallingtostayhereandevangelizefundamentalists?”Isaidtomyattentiveaudience,withBisharainterpreting.“Idon’tthinkso.Mycallistostrengthenthelocalbodyofbelievers.Thatincludesyou—sothatyoucanfulfillthatcriticalcalling.”
Toillustrate,ItoldthemofoneofmyfivemeetingswithAyatollahFadlallah,thespiritualleaderofHezbollahinLebanon.“‘BrotherAndrew,youChristianshaveaproblem,’hetoldme.Well,IknowChristianshavemanyproblems,butIwascuriouswhatthisMuslimleaderwouldtellme.‘Whatdoyouthinkourproblemis?’Iasked.Heanswered:‘YouChristiansarenotfollowingthelifeofJesusChristanymore.’Thatwasaninterestingobservationfromafundamentalistleader.Itreallyhitmehard,soIaskedhim,‘Whatdoyouthinkweshoulddoaboutthat?’Hesaid,‘YoumustgobacktotheBook.’
“That’saterrificsermon,don’tyouthink?EspeciallyhereataBiblecollege!Acoupleofcupsofcoffeelater,theayatollahsaid,‘Andrew,weMuslimshaveaproblem.’SoIsaid,‘Whatdoyouthinkyourproblemis?’Heanswered,‘WeMuslimsarenotfollowingthelifeoftheprophetMuhammadanymore.’Hewassosadandterriblysincere.Iaskedhim,‘Well,whatdoyouthinkyoushoulddoaboutit?’Hisanswer:‘Wemustgobacktothebook.’Ofcourse,hemeanthisbook,theQuran,nottheBible.
“ThelasttimeFadlallahandImet,hetoldmethathewantedtoopenadialoguebetweenMuslimscholarsandChristianscholars.Iwanttoencouragesuchadialogue.Letuswitnesstoeachother;wemaybesurprised.ButItoldhimIwantedtonarrowthediscussiontoaspecificquestion:Whatkindofpeopledoesthebookproduce?Iwanttochallengeyouwiththatquestionthismorning.WhatkindofpeopledoestheQuranproduce?WhatkindofpeopledoestheBibleproduce?YouarestudentsoftheBible.WhatdifferenceistheBiblemakinginyourlives?Areyouwalkingthetalk?InJesus’finalwordstoHisdisciples,Hesaid,‘Youwillbemywitnesses.’Thatincludesnotjustwhatwesay,buthowweliveandwhatweare.
“Godhasgivenyouajobtodo.It’saverychallengingtask.Lookatallofthepeoplearoundyouinyourcommunity.WhetherMuslimsorChristians,allofthemarepeoplecreatedinGod’simage.Whatkindoflifeareyoushowingthem?DoyourealizethatyoumaybetheonlyJesustheywilleversee?Thatiswhyyourworkhereissoimportant.”
HoldingupmyBible,Iclosedbysaying,“AllowthisBooktomoldyouintotheimageofJesusChrist.”
Bethlehem,fall1996
“Andrew,turnonthenews,”saidBisharaoverthephone.“ThereisanimportantdevelopmentonBBC.”
ImmediatelyIwenttothecommonroomandturnedonthetelevision.TherewerescenesofangryPalestiniansontheTempleMountshoutingatthecameras,obviouslythreateningviolence.Then,beforeIunderstoodwhatwashappening,thenewsanchormovedontoanotherstory.
Bisharashowedupafewminuteslater.HeexplainedthattheIsraelishaddugmanytunnelsundertheDomeoftheRockandAl-AqsaMosque.“NaturallytheMuslimsareverysensitiveaboutthis.Therewasanearriotwhenthetunnelswerediscoveredin1982.Meanwhile,theJewshavequietlycontinuedwork.TheyclaimtheyarenotactuallyworkingbeneaththeTempleMount,butIhaveitongoodauthoritythey’vebeenlookingfortheHolyofHolies.TodaytheyopeneduponetunnelontotheViaDolorosa,[1]which,asyouknow,isintheMuslimquarter.”
“SotheMuslimsareoffended.”“I’mconcernedthattheremayberiots.”ThenextdayIhadameetingdowntowninBethlehemandwalkedbacktothe
collegewhenitwasover.TherewastensioninthestreetsasIarrivedatJerusalem-HebronRoad.IsawmanyyoungmenandboyswalkingorrunningpastthecollegetowardRachel’sTomb.Mostofthemalreadyhadrocksintheirhands.Theywereangryanddidn’tcarewhoknewit.
MysensibilitiestoldmeIshouldquicklygetintothecollegeandtakecoverinBishara’sofficeoroneofthebasementrooms.ButcuriositygotthebetterofmeandIcontinuedwiththeboystowardRachel’sTomb,whichhadbeentransformedintoamilitarypostbytheIsraeliDefenseForce.Someoftheboyspulledoutslingshotstoflingtheirstonesatthewell-protectedsoldiers.Othersfoundemptylotsandloadedupwithmorerocks.
Thedemonstrationseemedsofeeble.Boysthrewrocksatthesoldiers,whowerewearinghelmetsandhidingbehindlargeshields.Therewasdeep-seatedanger,butitdidn’tappearthatthesoldierswereinanylife-threateningdanger.ThenIheardathump,sawawhiffofsmoke,andrealizedacanisterhadbeenthrownintoourmidst.Teargasbeganpouringout.Severalmoreteargasbombsfollowed.Onelandednearmyfeet.Ikickeditawayandmovedupwindsothatthenoxiousfumesblewawayfromme.Butthekidsweren’tthinkingclearlyaboutthedanger.Manystartedcoughingandretreating.Imotionedtosomeofthekids,indicatingtheyshouldmoveupwindfromthesmoke.
ThenIwasawareofanothersound.Acoupleofboysscreamedandclutched
ThenIwasawareofanothersound.Acoupleofboysscreamedandclutchedanarmorhead.Ifigured,alongwiththem,thatIhadbettermoveaway.Thesoldierswerefiringrubberbullets,buttherewassteelinsidethatrubber,andthosebulletscouldinflictagreatdealofdamageandpain.
Laterthatafternoon,afterthecrowdhaddispersed,IcautiouslywalkedbacktowardRachel’sTomb,stayingclosetothebuildingsonthesidewalksoasnottoattractattention.Aneeriesilencehaddescendedonthetown,asthoughtheangerhadsimplymovedindoors.Therewerehardlyanycarsontheroad.IstoppedatthespotwhereI’dobservedtheconflict.Inthestreet,leaningagainstthecurb,wasoneoftheteargascanisters.Itwascooltothetouch,soIpickeditup.Isniffeditandjerkedmyheadback.Foramoment,tearsrushedtomyeyes.Holdingitatarm’slength,Ireadaseriesofnumbers,followedbythewords:“Foroutdooruseonly.MadeintheUSA.Donotfiredirectlyatpersonsasseriousinjuryordeathmayresult.”
Scatteredonthestreetwereblackrubberbullets,inch-longsolidcylindersthatwereflatoneachend.Ipickedupacouplefor“souvenirs”andwalkedbacktothecollege.
Bisharawaswaitingforme.“SoyouseewhatourfriendsfromAmericahavegiventous,”hesaidwithawrysmile.“I’vebeenontheroofwhentheyfiredteargasintotheplaygroundoftheschooldownbelowusandthewindwasblowinginfromthewest.Icouldn’tstayontheroof—thefumesweresostrong.Andthose‘rubberbullets.’Theycanbreakyourribs.Severalkidsnodoubtwoundupinthehospitaltoday.Andwhenonehitsayoungchildinthehead,itcankillhim.”
“Theysoundsohumane.Rubberbullets.”“Whatyousawtodayistypical.Thesedemonstrationsstartwithboys
throwingrocksandendwithteargasandrubberbulletsandoftenoneortwokidsdead.Unfortunately,thesedemonstrationsarehappeningallovertheWestBankandGaza.”Heshookhishead.“I’mveryconcerned.”
IaskedBisharawhatthisprotesthopedtoaccomplish.Icouldn’tseetheconnectionbetweenthedemonstrationI’dwitnessedandthenewsfromJerusalem.
“Theoccupationisthemaincauseofviolence,”heexplained.“ThetunnelundertheDomeoftheRockwassimplythelatestexcuse.Peoplewishtobefree,andthisistheonlywaytheyknowhowtoexpressit.”
Whentheunrestsubsidedafewdayslater,ninety-onePalestiniansweredead(andnoIsraelis).Itwasfrustrating,becausethesekidswerethrowingawaytheir
lives,andforwhatpurpose?Wasitbecausetheyreallyhadnohope?Thiswassoutterlyfutile.IthoughtagainofthestrategicplacementofBethlehemBibleCollege.Herewewere,alightproclaimingthePrinceofPeaceasthecrowdpassedby.ButthesekidsweretooangrytostopandinquireaboutJesusChrist.Tragicallyninety-onewoulddiewithoutlearningofHim.
BeitSahour,1996
NawalQumsiehwasreadyandeagertogointoministry.Butwhere?Andhow?AtaseminarinBethlehem,Nawalrespondedtothechallenge.“IfanyonewantstodedicatehislifetoministryforJesus,”theguestspeakerintoned,“nowisthetimetocomeforward!”Themansteppedbackfromthepodiumandbowedhisheadinprayer.Nawalslippedoutofherseatandhurriedtothefrontoftheroom.Outofsomefiftyinattendance,shewastheonlyonetoanswerthecall.
Thespeakeropenedhiseyesandlookedaroundtheroom,thendownatNawal.HeshookhisheadandsaidquietlysoonlyNawalcouldhear,“Gobacktoyourseat,please.Womencannothelpinthissociety.Weneedmen.”
Againthespeakerchallengedtheaudience.“WeneedmentostandupforChristinthisculture.Willyoucomeforward?Willyoubepartofthesolution?”
Fightingbacktears,Nawalwalkedslowlybacktoherseat.Shefeltlikeshe’dbeenhitinherheartbyarubberbullet.Notonemantookherplaceinthefront.Nowweeping,sheprayed,“Lord,whowillministertomypeople?”
Andwithinherheart,sheimmediatelysensedtheanswer:“Iamcallingyoutobeinministry.”
25HAMASWOULDLIKEACEASE-FIRE
Gaza,1996
Whilewalkingthroughno-man’s-land—ahalfmileofcement-pavedcorridoratEretzcheckpointbetweenIsraelproperandthenowPalestinian-controlledregion—IthoughtofmydiscussionadayearlierwithLabib.ThedirectorofthePalestinianBibleSocietyhadeagerlytoldmeofhisexpandingvisionasweatelunch.
“AsI’vethoughtaboutwhatwewanttodoinGaza,IrealizedthatthereareotherplaceswherewealsocoulduseaBiblebookshop:Nablus,BeirZeitUniversity,Bethlehem—thatcouldbeawonderfulplaceforoutreachwithallofthetouristsvisiting!”
IlovedLabib’senthusiasmandvision.ThenhetoldmeaboutthepropertyhehadfoundinGazathatwouldserveas
aperfectlocationforthebookshop.“ButI’mhavingproblems,”hesaid.“ThereissomuchbureaucracyinthePalestinianAuthority.I’msimplynotmakingprogressasfarasgettingpermissiontoopenashop.”
“PerhapsIcanhelpyou,”Isaid.Labiblaughedandsaid,“How?Canyoucutthroughtheredtape?”“No.ButIdoknowsomeonewhoIthinkcan.”“Who?”“YasserArafat.”Labibpausedforamoment,thensmiledashesaid,“You’reright.His
approvalwouldhelpalot.”“Whydon’tyougivemeacopyofyourbeautifulchildren’sBibleinArabic.I’ll
giveittoMr.Arafatforhisdaughter’sfirstbirthday.”
giveittoMr.Arafatforhisdaughter’sfirstbirthday.”Justthismorning,LabibhadhandedmealetterforthePalestinianpresident,
plusaletterofendorsementfromtheOrthodoxpatriarchinJerusalem.Ifeltinsidemycoatpockettomakesurethelettersweresafe.
ItwassurprisinglyeasyformetoarrangeanappointmentwithArafat,newlynamedpresidentofthePalestinianAuthority.Aftermakingtheappropriatephonecalls,IlaydownonmybedattheMarnaHouse,wheremostinternationalvisitorsstayedinGaza,andreflectedonhowmyfirstmeetinginthemid-1980shadbeenarranged.
IthadstartedwithaphonecallfromaBaptistpastorfromtheUnitedStateswhowaslivinginTheHague.“BrotherAndrew,wouldyoujoinmeinvisitingaverysickman?”HeexplainedthatthismanwasaformerheadmasterofaChristianschoolinNazareth,buthewastoosicktotravelhometoGalileenow.Hehadaskedforprayerbeforehedied.
Ofcourse,Iwentwiththepastorandwevisitedtheoldman,whowaslivinginalarge,nicelyfurnishedhome.WereadtohimfromtheBibleandprayedforhim.Afteraboutanhour,welefthisroom,andamaninhismid-fortieswaswaitingforus.“I’mMr.Khoury,”hesaid,extendinghishand.“Thankyoufortakingthetimetovisitmyfather.Itmeansagreatdeal.Please,mayIofferyousomecoffee?”
AswesatsippingArabiccoffeethatIrarelyenjoyedinHolland,Iobservedtheverynicesurroundingsandasked,inmybluntmanner,“Whoareyou?”
Mr.Khouryanswered,“IamChairmanArafat’sright-handman.IrepresentthePLOinEurope.”
Alwayslookingforanopendoor,Iblurtedout,“CanyougetmeintouchwithArafat?”
“Allittakesisonephonecall.”Hemadethephonecall,andafewdayslaterIwasonaplanetoTunis,where
ArafatandthePLOwereinexileafterbeingdrivenoutofLebanon.IbroughtArafat,labeledbyonereporter“theTeflonGuerrilla,”[1]aBibleandacopyofGod’sSmugglerandtoldhimaboutmywork.Ihadwonderedatthetimewhatsignificancetherewasinthatmeeting.
ThistimeIwouldbegoingtohimwithanagenda—averyimportantrequest.“Lord,gobeforeme,”Iprayedaloud,myvoicereverberatinginthestone-walledroom.“Givemefavorinhissight.”
Arafat’sofficeandthoseofmanyleadersofthePalestinianAuthoritywereina
Arafat’sofficeandthoseofmanyleadersofthePalestinianAuthoritywereinarowofbuildingsborderingthebeachoftheMediterraneanSea.Thecomplexlookedsurprisinglyplainforamanwhowasleaderofthreemillionpeople,whomightsoon,iftheOsloAccordsplayedoutaspromised,beaheadofstate.Thetaxidroppedmeoff,andIwalkedablockpastthecheckpointtothemainoffice.Duringtheday,Arafat’swaitingroomwastypicallypackedwalltowallwithnewspeople,foreignfigures,andbusinessmenlookingforinvestmentopportunities.Butthisevening,onlythepresidentandoneofhisadvisors,NabilabuRudeineh,wereworkinglate.
“I’vecometoseemyfriendAbuAmar!”Isaid,announcingmyarrivalasIenteredthebuilding.
AlmostimmediatelyanofficedooropenedandIheardArafat’svoice.“BrotherAndrew!”Heemerged,wearinghisfamiliarkaffiyeh,carefullyfoldedoverhisrightshoulderintheshapeofthelandofPalestine.Grabbingmyshoulders,hekissedmeonbothcheeksandsaid,“Comein;comein!”
Thefamousmanwiththepersistentthree-daygrowthofbeardwassurprisinglyshort,onlyfivefootfourtall,andhisappearancedidnotbespeakhispowerfulpresenceinMiddleEasternaffairs.Butbehindhisunassumingappearancewasacharismaticpersonality.InhisofficeIasked,“DoIcallyouMr.Presidentnow?”
“No,no!”helaughed.“ToyouIamalwaysAbuAmar.”[2]“Ihearyouarealsoaproudfatherofababygirl.Ihavebroughtyougift—a
children’sBibleinArabicthatyoucanreadtoherwhenshesitsonyourlap.”Arafatreceivedthebookandlookedatitreverently.“Thisisabeautifulbook.
Thankyouverymuch.”“Ialsohavearequestformyfriend.”Ipulledthelettersfrommyjacket
pocket.“InthisenvelopeisaletterfromLabibMadanat,whodirectsthePalestinianBibleSociety.ItispartoftheUnitedBibleSocietiesthatproducedthisbeautifulbook.ThisparticularvolumewasprintedinBeirut.”
Thepresidentstartedcarefullythumbingthroughthepages,lookingattheartwork.SeveralminutesofsilencepassedasArafatseemedmesmerizedbythebook.Finally,hesaid,“Weneedmorequalitybookslikethis.”
“That’swhyIamhere,”Isaid,seizingmyopportunity.“TheBibleSocietywouldliketoopenabookshophereinGaza.LabibMadanathasfoundsomeemptyofficespacethatwouldworkwell,acrossthestreetfromAlAhliHospital.Wewouldliketogetyourpermission.”
“Ofcourse,ofcourse,”Arafatsaid,lookingupatme.“Youhavepermission!”Hereadtheletter,thengrabbedhispenandwroteanotetoNabilabu
Rudeineh:“PleaseproceedwiththeregistrationoftheBibleSocietyandthelicenseofthebookshopinGazaaccordingtoPalestinianlaw.”
AbuRudeinehlookedattheinstructions,thensaid,“Mr.Andrew,IwillmakeacopyofthisforyoutotakebacktoMr.Madanat.”
OnSundaymorningIwalkedovertotheGazaBaptistChurch,justafewblocksfromMarnaHouse.ThechurchwaslocatedacrossthestreetfromthePalestinianparliamentbuilding,wherethelegislativecounselmet.Eastoftheparliament,acrossthestreet,wasalongpark.WhenI’dfirstarrivedhereafterthe1967war,ahugestatueoftheUnknownSoldierhaddominatedthearea.ButithadbeentorndownbyIsraelis,leavinganemptypedestal.AfterthesigningoftheOsloAccords,thePalestinianAuthorityhaderectedanewstatue,onefarsmallerthanitspredecessor,anditlookedoutofplaceonthelargepedestal.Alreadyabulletholemarreditsleftshoulder.Iwassurethiswassymbolic,butofwhatIdidn’tknow.
IwalkedacrossthestreettotheBaptistchurchthatmetintworentedvillasbehindacementwall,whichwascoveredwithgraffiti.Jaber,oneoftheleadersatthechurch,greetedmeattheentrance.Hiswifewassettinguprefreshmentsinthesocialhallnexttothesmallsanctuary.Twotoddlersranfreelyamongtherowsoffoldingchairsputoutfortheservice.Anoldladywithgnarledhandspracticedonapianothatbadlyneededtuning.
Bythetimetheservicestarted,afewminutespast11:00,onlytwelveadultswerescatteredamongthefoldingchairs.Wesangthehymn“AllHailthePowerofJesus’Name,”butdespitethepianist’senthusiasticpoundingoutofthechords,therewaslittleconvictioninthecongregation’ssinging.AfewyearsearlierIhadpreachedinthissamechurchwithseventy-fiveoreightypeoplefillingtheroom.ButeachyearasIreturned,thenumberhaddwindled.Despairhungovertheroom,asthoughthememberswereattendingadeathwatchanditwasonlyamatteroftimebeforethedemiseofabelovedfamilymember.
Iknewthismustnothappen.Thislittlebody,theonlyevangelicalchurchinGaza,mustnotdie!Ipreachedwithpassiontothissmallflock.Afterward,asIdrankabottledsoda,ItalkedwithJaberandtwootherlong-termmembersofthecongregation—Isam,abusinessman,andDr.Attala,arespectedphysician.Attalarecalledhisearlyexperienceinthechurch.“ImovedherefromEgyptin1976andworkedattheBaptisthospital.”HewasreferringtoAlAhliHospital,whichsince1982hadbeenrunbytheAnglicanChurch.“Iwasbaptizedinthe
chapelofthehospitalin1979andhavebeenpartofGazaBaptistChurcheversince.”
Icouldn’thelpbutnoticethesorrowinhisvoice.“Gentlemen,youmustnotgiveup!”Isaid,wonderinghowconvincingIsounded.“Godhasaveryimportantworkforthischurch.”
Thethreemenlookedatme,sayingwithoutwordsthattheywantedtobelieveme.Thenoneofthemspokehaltingly,“BrotherAndrew,we’vebeenthinkingthatweneedtoholdanevangelisticcrusade.Ifweorganizeit,wouldyoucomeandpreach?”
Ononelevel,thisrequestmadesense.TheBaptistswereknownfortheirevangelisticmeetings,andwhatbetterwaytogrowtheflockthantobringinahostofnewconverts?However,thischurchwasn’tready.“Gentlemen,Iunderstandyourrequest,andIwouldlovetocomeandpreachhereinGaza.Butyouaren’tready.Whatwouldyoudowiththosewhorespondtothemessage?Theywillneedcounseling,teaching,Bibles,books.Untilyouhaveaplanforfollow-up,youaren’treadyforacampaign.”
“I’veheardtheBibleSocietywantstoopenashopinGaza,”saidIsam.“That’sexactlywhatImean—weneedresources,”Isaid.“Weneedaplacefor
menandwomentogoandbetaughttheBible.Otherwise,asJohnWesleysaid,it’slikegivingbirthtoababyandleavingitintheSaharaDesertwithoutfoodorwaterornourishment.”
“Whenwillthebookshopopen?”Jaberasked.“Idon’tknow.We’reworkingonit.Pleasepray.”Themenwerediscouraged,andIknewIcouldn’tleavethemthatway.“There
isgreatdarknesshereinGaza,istherenot?”Myfriendsnodded.“Whatconquersdarkness?Light!AndthatlightisineveryoneinwhomChristdwells.Thischurchisalight,perhapsnotaverystronglight,butithasnotgoneout.Itmustnotgoout!Youmustpray,andIwillpray,thatGodwillstrengthenthislittlecongregationsothatitbecomesabrightlightshininginthedarkness.ThischurchisthehopeforGaza.Iwillprayandaskotherstopraythatthischurchwillberevivedandgrow.”
Isamsmiledandthankedmeforthosewords.“Andrew,everytimeyouvisit,weareencouraged.”
“ThatiswhyIcome.And,theLordwilling,IwillcomebackeveryyearanddowhateverIcantohelpyouandthischurchgrow.”
“Andoneday,wewillbereadytoholdacampaign,”saidIsam.
SouthernCalifornia,1996
HannaMassadstaredattheopenBibleinfrontofhimonthetableoftheFullerTheologicalSeminarylibrary.Scatteredaroundhimwerecommentariesandotherlibrarybooks—mostdealingwithvariousperspectivesoneschatology.Whenhe’dstartedstudyingtheologyasacuriousteenagerrecentlybaptizedintheBaptistchurch,he’dbeenintroducedtothedoctrineofdispensationalism,whichdistinguishedbetweenGod’splanforIsraelversusHisplanfortheChurch.ThethinkingspelledoutGod’sintentions,accordingtoScripture,forvariousperiodsinhistory.Accordingtothatpropheticview,thebirthofIsraelin1948signaledthebeginningoftheendoftheagethatwouldculminateintheraptureandthereturnofChrist.
Nowasastudentinseminary,workingonhisPh.D.dissertation,Hannastruggledwiththatdoctrine.HewassurprisedtolearninhisearlyclassesatFullerthattherewereotherperspectivesabouttheHolyLandandGod’splanfortheJewsandtheChurch.Hehadlivedawayfromhomeforseveralyearsnow.Hisfather,whohadinitiallyresistedhisattemptstostudyintheUnitedStates,hadpassedaway.Hismotherandtwosisterswerebothinpoorhealth.Hemissedhishomeandhisfamilyandthecongregationhehadpastoredforfouryears.HewonderedaboutGod’splanforhisfamilyandthatchurch.
HewonderedtooifitmatteredtoGodthathewasaPalestinian.Beforebeginninghisdoctoralstudies,HannahadreviewedthehistoryoftheconflictbetweenIsraelandthePalestinians.Atthestartofthetwentiethcentury,themajorityofthepeoplelivingintheHolyLandwerePalestinians,andallofthemspokeArabic.In1917GreatBritaindeclareditsdesiretoseetheformationinPalestineofanationalhomelandfortheJewishpeople.[3]However,thisfamousBalfourDeclaration,asitwascalled,alsostatedthatthisnewnationwouldnot“prejudicethecivilandreligiousrightsofexistingnon-JewishcommunitiesinPalestine.”Hewondered,then,atthefairnessoftheUnitedNationsin1947,giving52percentofthelandtoIsraelandallowingonly48percentofthelandforthefargreaterpopulationofArabslivinginthearea.
Therefugeeproblemalsotroubledhim.OfthesevenhundredthousandArabswhofledorweredrivenoutofPalestine,atleastfiftythousandwereChristians.Hisparentswereamongthosewhohadsuffered.HewonderedwhytheChurcharoundtheworlddidn’tseemtocareaboutthem.ManyChristiansseemedfarmoreeagertorejoiceinthebirthofIsraelthantounderstandthesufferingoftheirfellowbelievers.AsoneArabpastorhadsaid,“ItishardtobetoldthatforthereturnofmyLordJesustotakeplace,Imustfirstbeexpelledfrommy
ancestralhome.”[4]HannaunderstoodwhysomanyPalestinianshadrespondedviolently.ButasaChristian,thatbotheredhimtoo.Heknewthatviolencewasnottheanswer.
WhatdidallthismeanforhimasaChristianandasaPalestinian?HowshouldherelatetotheJewishpeople?TheScripturesspokeaboutJewsandGentilesbeingunitedintoonebody,butinactualitythetwosideswerenotyetreconciled.Forgivenesswasneededonbothsides.ManyoftheChristianshe’dmetintheStatesdidn’tseethetwosidesofthiscoin.TheyblindlysupportedeverythingthestateofIsraeldid,whethergoodorbad,rightorwrong.HeunderstoodthatmanyreactedthiswayasaresponsetothehorroroftheHolocaust—hestillcringedatthepictureshe’dseenandstorieshe’dheard.Butshouldjusticeforonepeoplecomeattheexpenseofanother?WhydidsofewevangelicalChristiansseemtoknoworcareabouttheirbrothersandsistersonthePalestinianside?
ThatpersonalstrugglehadcausedhimtochooseasthetopicofhisPh.D.dissertationthetheologicalfoundationforreconciliationbetweenPalestinianChristiansandMessianicJews.Somanyhadattemptedtofindapoliticalsolutionintheregion.Perhaps,heconcluded,itwastimefortheChurchtodemonstrateadifferentway.
Gaza,1996
Sundayevening,afterspendingmuchofthedaywithmyfriendsatGazaBaptistChurch,Itookataxifrommyhotel.Thedriverstoppedonanarrowdirtroadacrossfromamosqueandspoketoaboywhoguardedagate.Ipaidthedriverandgotoutandwalkedthroughthegate.
EversincemytalkstotheHamasin1994,IhadstayedintouchwithMahmoudZahar,tryingtovisitwithhimeverytimeIwasinGaza.Wehadmetathismedicalclinicinoneofthepoorestsectionsoftownandattheuniversitywherehelectured.Mydesirewastounderstandthisman,whatmotivatedhim,andhowhethought.IalsowantedhimtoknowaChristianmanwhowasascommittedtoJesusChristashewastoMuhammadandIslam.Twodaysearlier,whenI’dcalled,hehadsurprisedmebyinvitingmetohishomefordinner.
Mahmoud’shomewasverysimple,withlittlefurnitureandalmostnoornamentation.Wesatintworedoverstuffedchairs.Thewallswereplainwhite,buttherewereacoupleofholes—theylookedlikebulletholesbutIdidn’task.Icouldhearvoicestalkingsoftlyinthekitchenbehindacurtain.ButwhenMahmoudinvitedmetothediningtable,itwasonlythetwoofus.Iassumed
Mahmoudinvitedmetothediningtable,itwasonlythetwoofus.Iassumedthathiswifeoradaughterfixedthemeal,butIdidnotmeetthem.
Ididn’tknowmuchaboutMahmoud’sbackground,becausehedidn’tspendmuchtimetalkingabouthimself.I’dlearnedthathewasbornin1943andearnedhismedicaldegreeinEgypt,specializingindiseasesofthethyroid.Inevitablywebeganourtalkswiththecurrentpoliticalsituation.Mahmoud’sintensityshowedinthewayheleanedtowardmetomakesureIunderstoodhispoints.Hewasarticulate,andIcouldunderstandwhyCNNandothernewsservicesoftencametohimforinterviews.“Wearefightingagainstoccupiers,”hesaid.“Wearefightingagainstarmies,againstpeoplewhoareoppressingcivilians.Butit’sveryimportanttoseethestrengthofthePalestinianside.AllPalestinians,MuslimorChristian,areoneunitfacingtheIsraelis.”
“Butnowyouareautonomous,”Iprotested.“UnderOslo,thePalestinianAuthorityisincharge.Youmakeitsoundlikeyouarestillfighting.Aren’tthetwosidesmovingtowardpeace?”
“Werefusetoparticipateinthepeaceconference.WerefusetobepartofPA[PalestinianAuthority]becausetheyarenotrepresentingthemajority.PAindicatedthatIsraelisowneroftheland,andweareanationalminority,whichisnotthecase.Wearetheowneroftheland.WearepartofthePan-Arabicstatehistorically,geographically.WerefusetoacceptIsraelasastate.WeareacceptingofJewsascitizens,havingthefullright,fulldutiesasMuslim,asChristian,asanycitizen.ButasaZionist-fabricatednation—itisnotacceptable.”
“SowhatistheroleofHamasinthisbattle,whereyoualsohavethePLOandtheradicalIslamicJihad?Howdothepeopleknowwheretoturn?”
“Officiallyweareone,arespectableone.ButnobodycandecidewithouttheacceptanceofHamas,becauseonthepopularlevel,ifHamascallsfordemonstration,therewillbedemonstration.IfHamascallsforcease-fire,therewillbecease-fire.IfHamascallsforescalationofresistance,therewillbeescalationofresistance.ThepowerofHamasisfromthepowerofpopularsupport.”
MahmoudchosehiswordscarefullywhenspeakingaboutthePLO,butIcouldtellhistruefeelingsaboutthegroup.ThefactwasthatHamasandArafatwereenemies.Whentheheatofsuicidebombingattacksbecametoomuch,theIsraeligovernmentputpressureonArafat,whothenarrestedmembersofHamas.FourtimesMahmoudwasincarceratedinaPalestinianprisonbecause,hesaid,“ItreatedpeoplewhowereshotbyIsraelis.”Prisonwasabrutalexperience.Hetoldmehowtheyhadshavedoffhisbeardandallhishair,ashamefulinsult,andbeathim.Herolleduphisshirtsleevetoshowmewherehisarmwasbrokenintwoplaces.Iwassurprisedthathewasn’tbitteraboutthe
armwasbrokenintwoplaces.Iwassurprisedthathewasn’tbitterabouttheexperience.
HeinsistedthatHamaswasnottaintedbycorruptionlikethePalestinianAuthority,ofwhichitwascommonknowledgethatofficialsweremoreinterestedinpersonalpayoffsthaninservingtheneedsofthePalestinians.Ichallengedhim:“Mahmoud,doyoureallymaintainthereisnocorruptioninHamas?”
“Ifwehavecorruption,itisoneortwo.Buthere[thePA]youcanseethisman[Arafat]iscorrupted,deeplycorrupted,andheisstillinauthority.WearenotspeakingaboutangelsinHamas.Butwearespeakingaboutsystem.Whoispunishingthecriminals,andwhoishelpingthepeople?SohereinthePA,theyarecorruptingpeopleandnoneofthemareinjail.Ifwehadthepower,wewouldneverbecomecorruptbecauseAllahforbidsit.That’sthedifferencebetweenusandthesecularsystem.”
Afterdinnerwedrankcoffeeinthelivingroom.Mahmoudwasthoughtfulforafewmomentsaswerelaxed.Thenhestunnedmebysaying,“Andrew,please,weHamaswouldliketomakeacease-firewithIsrael.Couldyoumediate?”
Istammeredforamomentbeforesaying,“WhydoyouthinkIhaveanyinfluence?”
“YouhavecontactsintheAmericanStateDepartment.YouhavemetHenryKissinger.”Inodded.“Wouldyoutellthemofouroffer?”
“OfcourseIwill.ButwhatdoItellthem?”“Tellthemthatweguaranteethatnobombwillexplode.Nosuicidebombing,
noshooting,nosabotageforaslongasweagreewithIsrael—twoyears,threeyears,fiveyears.Theycansetthetime.Nothingwillhappenduringthatperiod.Wewantacease-fire.”
IwasshakingasIlefthishome.Itwasonethingformetobearepresentativeofthegospel,butIfelthelplessintheworldofstatecraft.However,Icouldn’tavoidthis;Ihadtotryanddosomething.IwasconfidentthatwhenMahmoudguaranteedHamaswouldnotstrikeatIsrael,hewoulddeliveronthatpromise.ItwastruethatIhadmetHenryKissinger,theformerU.S.SecretaryofState,onanairplanefromTexastoLosAngeles.Ihadtoldhimaboutmywork,andhehadgivenmehisunlistedphonenumber,saying,“Andrew,ifeveryouneedme,givemeacall.”
Well,thissituationqualified.Dr.KissingerstillmaintainedcloseconnectionswithintheStateDepartment.Itwastimetogivehimacallandturnthisofferovertotheexperts.
26CALLEDTOAHIGHERSTATECRAFT
Harderwijk,Holland,1996
Theletterarrivedviafax.ItwasfromoneofKissinger’sassociatesinNewYorkCity.“IamsorryIwasunabletoreachyou...butIgotnoansweronyourphoneandIamleaving...”wrotetheassociate.Hewasawell-knownmanwhomIrespectedasaChristiantryingtolivehisfaithintheworldofdiplomacy.
PerMahmoud’srequest,IhadcalledHenryKissinger’sofficeassoonasI’dreturnedhome.Thereplydidn’ttakelong:“IspokewithpeopleinourgovernmentaboutyourdiscussionswithMahmood(sic)Zahar,”wrotetheassociate.“ItturnsoutthatourgovernmentdoesnotbelievethatZaharhasanyneedforintermediariesifhewishestodiscusshisideaswiththeIsraelis.Moreover,ourgovernmentisunderastrictpolicyofnothavingcontactswithHamasitself.IamsorryIwasunabletoreachyoudirectlywiththisinformationbutwantedyoutohaveitbeforeIleftonmytrip.”
IleanedbackinmyofficechairandreflectedthatIdidn’tseemtohavemuchsuccessinstatecraft.InmyspiritIknewthatthiswasnotmyprofessionandthatIwascalledtoahigherstatecraft.IwasrepresentingtheKingofKingsandLordofLordstopeoplewho,thoughtheydidn’trealizeit,desperatelyneededtoknowHim.AndIwasencouragingotherstodothatwork,peopleintheMiddleEastwhocouldbefarmoreeffectivethanI.
Gaza,December1996
Theironywasunmistakable.Ithadbeenexactlyfouryearssince415PalestinianshadbeendeportedtosouthernLebanon.Andnow,asaresultofmy
PalestinianshadbeendeportedtosouthernLebanon.Andnow,asaresultofmycontactwiththesemen,IwouldsoonspeaktoanaudienceatIslamicUniversityinGaza(IUG),oneofthemostfundamentalistMusliminstitutionsintheworld.
Formorethanayear,ItriedtofindsomeonewithstrongacademiccredentialswhocouldgivethelectureatIslamicUniversity.Ifeltthiswasasignificantopportunity,andIwantedtherightperson,someonesensitivetothecircumstances,todoit,preferablyinArabic.Imadeseveralcallstofriends,butforvariousreasonstheanswerwasalways,“No,Andrew,Ican’t.”
Finally,whenMahmoudremindedmethattheinvitationremainedopen,Isaid,“Okay,Iwilldoit.”
“Good!”hesaid.“Wewilllookforagoodopportunity.”TheoccasionwasthededicationofanewauditoriumwhereIwasinvitedto
givetheveryfirstlecture.Mahmoudmetmebeforetheeventandwetalkedforafewminutes.IgavehimacopyoftheletterI’dreceivedfromtherepresentativeatKissingerAssociates.“I’msorry,”Isaid.“Asyoucansee,theydon’twanttotalk.”
Mahmoudemphaticallydisputedthat:“It’snottrue.TheStateDepartmenttalkedwithusinAmmanduringthetimeweweredeportedtoLebanon.”Still,Mahmouddidn’tseemterriblysurprised.Apparentlyhehadexpectedthisresponsebutfeltitwasstillworththetry.
“Whydon’tyoucontactIsraeldirectly,asthelettersuggests?”Iasked.Mahmoudshookhishead.“Theywillnottalkwithus.Thereisnochannel
available.ThatwaswhyIthoughtyoumightbeabletoopenawayforus.”Inmostconflictsaroundtheworld,thereisabackdoorforcommunication
betweenthetwosides.Evenifofficiallythecombatantsaren’ttalking,itmakessensetoprovidesomeunofficialwaytoworktowardpeace.Apparentlythiswasn’tthecasehere.
TheexperienceconvincedmethattherewaslittleIcoulddotohelpinthepeaceprocess,atleastpolitically.Mysimpleattemptwasrebuffed,whichaffirmedthatmycallwasnottoworkinthepoliticalrealmbutrathertobringChristtoindividuals.ThatwasexactlywhatIintendedtodoatIUG.
TheIUGcampussitsnexttoaseconduniversity,Al-Azhar,whereIslamisnotsorigidlypracticed.Inmanywaysthesetwouniversitycampuseslookedlikeanyofthousandsaroundtheworld.Studentscrisscrossedbetweenbuildings,hurryingtoclass.
AsMahmoudescortedmetotheauditorium,atrioofcoeds,bytheirdressobviouslyfromAl-AzharUniversity,passedinfrontofus.Mahmoudobserved,“Andrew,doyouseethat?SeewhatthenonstrictobservanceofIslamiclawleadsto?”Theironyisthatthesegirlswerefarmoremodestindressthanyou’dseeonmostWesterncampuses,buttheydidn’twearthetraditionalblackjilbab(longcoat)andhijab(headscarf)favoredbythefundamentalists.
Theauditoriumwasanice,modernfacility,anditwasabouthalffullwithamixoffacultyandstudents.Allofthewomen,dressedinjilbabandhijab,sattogetherinonesection.RepresentativesofHamassatinthefrontrows.AfterMahmoud’sintroduction,Iexpressedmyappreciationforthisopportunity:“I’vebeengiventheprivilegeofspeakingtoyou.Maybewecanclearupafewmisunderstandingsthatarebetweenus.Maybewecanalsoacknowledgeacommonneedweallhave.AndsincemostofyouareMuslimsbychoice,IwantyoutounderstandthatIamaChristianbychoice.”
UsingtheInjil,IreadfromMatthew25:34–36.Thisisapassageaboutjudgment—thegreatestfearofeveryMuslim.“ThentheKingwillsaytothoseonhisright,‘Come,youwhoareblessedbymyFather;takeyourinheritance,thekingdompreparedforyousincethecreationoftheworld.ForIwashungryandyougavemesomethingtoeat,Iwasthirstyandyougavemesomethingtodrink,Iwasastrangerandyouinvitedmein,Ineededclothesandyouclothedme,Iwassickandyoulookedafterme,Iwasinprisonandyoucametovisitme.”
Lookingupandpointingatmyaudience,Isaid,“YouHamasknowthatallthesethingsIhavedoneinyourmidst.”Themeninthefrontrow,includingMahmoud,nodded.“IdidthesethingsinthenameofJesus.”
IwentontoreadfromMatthew26:“Nowitcametopass,whenJesushadfinishedallthesesayings,thatHesaidtoHisdisciples,‘YouknowthataftertwodaysisthePassover,andtheSonofManwillbedelivereduptobecrucified.’”[1]AsIhadatothermeetings,Ispokeaboutthecrucifixion,howJesushaddiedformysinsandtheirsins.
Therewasacommotionintheaudience,andIsawseveralyoungmen,apparentlyobjectingtomyremarks,getupandwalkout.Thiswasn’tgoingtobeeasy.SomefriendshadtoldmethatweshouldnottalkaboutthecrosstoJewsorArabsbecauseitisoffensive.Ihadcounteredtheirargumentsbysaying,“Soweletthemgotohell.”Iwasgoingtomakesurethisaudienceheardthegospel.
ButduringthislectureIalsowantedtotalkabouttheeffectofthegospel.IreadfromthebookofActsabouttheparalyzedmanwhohadanencounterwithPeterandJohn.“Theparalyticwaslookingforahandout,”Itoldmyaudience.“Buthandoutsneverchangesociety.However,PeterandJohnhadspentthree
“Buthandoutsneverchangesociety.However,PeterandJohnhadspentthreeyearswithJesus,andtheyknewwhatHewoulddointhissituation.Theylookedatthemanandsaid,‘Wedon’thavegoldorsilver,butwhatwedohave,wegivetoyou.InthenameofJesusChrist,riseupandwalk.’Amiraclehappened;themanjumpedupandrejoinedsociety.
“IreadastorysometimeagoaboutamanwhovisitedthePope.HelookedaroundandobservedthesplendorandwealthoftheVatican.ThePopenoticedhisamazementandsaidlaughingly,‘Wecannotsayanymorethatwehavenosilverandnogold.’Andthemananswered,‘Neithercanyousay,“Riseupandwalk!”’”Therewaslaughterfromsomeintheaudience,andIhopeditwouldbreakthetension.
“Wefacethisproblemthatwehardlyknowwhatwebelieveanymore.That’swhyweneedtocometogetherforadialogue.Thewholeworldisinacrisis.IfthereisnowaythatGodcanchangepeople,thenthereisnofutureformankind.Ipleadforverbalizationofwhatwereallybelieve,whatweareconvictedandconvincedof.That’swhyIdonotmakeanyapologiesformyfaithinJesusChristandforthespreadingoftheWordofGodinalltheworld.”
Therewasashoutfromoneofthestudents,andheandanotherstudentgotupandchargedoutofthehall.Therewasamurmuramongsomeoftheuniversityadministrationseatedinfront.Acoupleofthemwhispered,thenonegotup,walkedtothedoors,andlockedthemsonooneelsecouldenterorleave.
Itookadeepbreathandcontinued.“Destinyhasthrownustogether.ItisnotbychancethatIamhereatthisuniversity,becausethetwomaininfluencesintheworldtodayare,andwillcontinuetobe,IslamandChristianity.”Iproceededintotheheartofmymessage,thecontrastbetweenrealChristianityandrealIslam.“RealChristianityisfollowingJesusChrist.HesaysthatifyoureallywanttofollowHim,thenyoumustdenyyourself.RealChristianityisutterselflessness.JesussaidtakeupyourcrossdailyandfollowMe.”Ipointedtomyaudienceandsaid,“YouMuslimswillneverunderstandtherealmeaningofthecrossuntilweChristianstakethewordsofJesusseriously.”
Aftermylecturetherefollowedatimeforquestions.ThefirstquestiondealtwiththeconflictbetweenChristiansandMuslimsinBosnia,towhichIsaid,“IthasnothingtodowithChristianity.IfyouthinkthatSerbiaastheaggressorisChristian,thenIwouldaskyourforgiveness.”AnotherstudentwantedtoknowwhyChristiansseemedtobeZionists.ItriedtoexplainthatnotallChristiansareZionists.“MypointisthatfirstandmostimportantwearefollowersofChrist.”
AnotheraskedmetoaddresstheChristianviewofjustice.Ihadtoadmitthatthereishardlyanyjusticeintheworldtoday.Further,Christianshavenever
learnedtospeakwithonevoiceagainstinjustice.“ButthenIslamisnotunitedeither,”Iconcluded.“Solet’sacknowledgethatandseekpersonalcontactssorelationshipscandevelopandgrow.Realchangesintheworldnevercomefromthetopdownward.Realchangesalwaysgrowfromthegrassrootsupward.That’swhythereishope.IfweletHim,Godcanchangethingsthroughyouandme.”
Theuniversityleadershipwasgraciousaboutthelecture,butIknewtheywouldnotwanttoembarrassmeeveniftheyweredispleased.Personally,Ididn’tfeelgoodabouttheevent.Somestudentshadwalkedout,andIassumedothershadwantedtodothesame.Iwonderedwhatgood,ifany,thishaddone.
Gaza,1997
Nearlyayearlater,duringanothertriptoGaza,LabibMadanatandIwenttomeetwithMahmoudZaharathisclinic,justastheneighborhoodmosquewasbroadcastingtheafternooncalltoprayer.Insidethefrontdoorwasalargewaitingarea,andthewoodenbencheswerefullofpatients.Offtoonesidewasanareastrewnwithprayerrugs.Mahmoudemergedfromhisexaminationroom,dryinghishands,whichhe’djustwashedaspartoftheIslamicritualablutions.Henoddedtomeandheadedtothedesignatedprayerareawithhisstaff.Isatandwaitedwiththosepatientswhoweren’tprayingasMahmoudandhisteamrecitedfromtheQuran,thenbowedtowardMeccaandprayed.ThisisthestrengthofHamas,IthoughtasIobservedtheritual.Mahmouddidn’tapologizeformakingmeoranyofhispatientswait.Perhapsthatwasonethingthatdrewmetohim—hewasconsistentinhisfaith.IfonlythereweremoreChristiansasfaithfulinthepracticeoftheirfaith,thentheworldmighttakeusmoreseriously.
Aftertheprayers,MahmoudinvitedmeintohistinyofficeandaskedifIhadtimetogowithhimtomeetwithSheikhAhmadYassin,thefounderofHamas.Iimmediatelyagreed.ThesheikhhadbeenreleasedfromprisonjustafewdaysearlierinadramaticdealbetweenJordanandIsrael,afterIsraeliagentsbungledanattempttoassassinateHamasleaderKhalidMisha’alinAmman.
MahmouddrovemetoasimplehouseinSabra,averypoorsectionofGazaCity.WhenYassinreturnedtoGaza,hishomebecameHamasheadquarters,andmanyvisitorswerecrowdedinthefoyerawaitinganaudience.Mahmoudescortedmepastthecourtierstothereceivingroom,whileexplainingthatYassinwasnearlyblindandhadtroublehearingbutthathismindremainedveryclear.WhenMahmoudintroducedme,explaininghowIhadbecomehisfriend,
Yassinnodded,thengreetedmeinahigh-pitched,almostsqueakyvoice.Yassindidn’tlooklikethekindofpowerfulcharismaticleaderwhocould
motivatethousandsoffollowers.Hesatinawheelchair—attheageoffifteenhe’dsufferedanathleticaccidentthatlefthimparalyzed.Thoughitwasacomfortablywarmday,heworeaheavysweater,withawoolblanketoverhislegs.Hehadafullwhitebeardaboutsixincheslong,andawhitescarfcoveredhishead.Itwashardtoimaginehowthisfrailmanhadsurvivedeightyearsinprisonduringwhichneitherhiswifenoranyofhiselevenchildrenwereallowedtovisithim.
LabibandIpresentedthesheikhcopiesofanArabicBible,achildren’sBible,andoneofmybooks.Iplacedeachbookonhislap.Hethankedme.Anassistantthenremovedeachbookandputitonthelowtableinfrontofhim.Immediatelyanotherassistantgrabbedthebooksandremovedthemfromtheroom.Ithoughtthatwasstrange.Neverbeforehadanyoneseemedembarrassedtohavecopiesofthesebooks.
Whilewevisited,Yassinsignaledthathewashungry.Hisassistantfedhimabanana,thenheldacuptohislipssohecoulddrink.Yassinspoketomeinnearlyawhisper,sayingthatprisonhadmadehimamuchstrongerman.“Mygoalisnotpower.Mygoalistheendoftheoccupation.”IftherewasanyweakeningofresolveamongHamas,itwasclearthatthismanwouldrestorethefocus.Indeed,youcouldtellthattherankandfilereveredhim.
Oneotherthingstruckme.Manyofthecallersinthenextroomwaitingfortheiraudienceneededhelp—medical,financial,orfood.Yassinwouldmakesurethoseneedsweremet.ThiswasthepopularappealofHamas.Numerouscharitieswerefundedandstaffedbytheorganization,providinglow-costorfreeservicesforapopulationwithanunemploymentratepushing70percent.ThePAwasrighttofearHamas—theyhadearnedthepopularsupport.[2]
ThenextdayIvisitedthecampusofIslamicUniversity,andayoungmancameuptomeandsmiled,sayingingoodEnglish,“Iknowyou!”
Ismiledbackandsaid,“I’mafraidIdon’tknowyou.”“Iwasatthelectureintheauditoriumlastyear.”“Thenwhyareyousmiling?Ididn’tthinkyouacceptedwhatIsaid.”“No,itwasgreat!”“Whydoyousaythat?”“Becauseyoudidnotputusdown.Youleftusinourdignity.Thatiswhyme
andmyfriendsadmiredyouandwhatyousaid.”
andmyfriendsadmiredyouandwhatyousaid.”Later,Italkedwithawomanwhohadsatamongthefemalestudents.Shesaid
thattheywereextremelyattentive.“WehaveneverhadtheopportunitytohearaboutChristianitybefore.”
Somaybemylecturehadservedsomeusefulpurposeafterall.Perhapsafewstudents’skewedpictureofChristianityhadchangedbymybeingthere.
27THETEACHER’SBOOKSHOP
Gaza,March1999
ThepartystartedonboardthebusfromJerusalem.“GetintothespiritofprayerforGaza!”Labibcheerfullyshoutedasheboarded.ApplausecamefromthevariousinternationalvisitorsrepresentingministrieslikeUnitedBibleSocietiesandOpenDoorsthathadhelpedpray,counsel,andfundthisproject.
IthadbeennearlyfiveyearssincethevisionforthebookshopinGazawasborn.BureaucraticredtapehadslowedtheprojectevenafterYasserArafatgrantedhispermission.Asabrand-newgovernment,thePalestinianAuthoritymanagedtocreatemanyhurdlesoverwhichLabibandhisteamhadtojump.Inaddition,becauseGazawasoneofthemostcrowdedpiecesoflandintheworld,itwasfarmoreexpensivethaninitiallyexpectedtopurchasethepropertyandopentheshop.
WhileworkingtofulfillthedreamforGaza,LabibwasalsoaggressivelyexpandingtheBibleSocietyworkintocommunitiessuchasBeirZeit,thelocationofthemostprestigiousPalestinianuniversity.Theactualvillage,abouthalfanhour’sdrivenorthofJerusalem,washometoaboutfifteenhundredChristians.AlocalCatholicpriest,FatherEmilSalayta,wastheprimaryforcebehindlaunchingaBiblebookshopinthearea.Ithadtakenayeartoestablish,withdoorsopeninginDecember1995.
LabibhadenthusiasticallythankedmeforthesupportofOpenDoorsinthatproject.Hereportedonthefirstmonthofministry:“WehavedistributedthousandsofBiblesovertheChristmasholidays.LetuspraythatfamilieswillreadittogetherandturntotheRock.”
FatherEmilplannedtogiveaBibletoeveryfamilyandaJesusfilmtoeveryChristianfamilyintheregionofBeirZeit,Abud,Jifna,andTaybeh.Next,LabibwasworkingtoopenabookshopinNablus.
WeweregivenVIPtreatmentattheEretzbordercrossingintoGaza.ThePalestinianAuthorityfeltitnecessarytoprovideuswithapoliceescort,andtheflashinglightsandarmedguardsateveryintersectionseemedtomelikeawonderfulmarketingdevicetocallattentiontothegrandopening.Toaccommodatemorethan150guests,theopeningceremonieswereheldattheAnglicanchapelonthegroundsofAlAhliHospital,acrossthestreetfromthenewbookshop.
Itwasajoyfulcelebration.Aftersinging,Scripturereading,andprayers,theRev.MillerMilloy,regionalsecretaryfortheUnitedBibleSocieties,andIaddressedthegathering.IobservedthattheofficialnameofthestorewasTheTeacher’sBookshop.Why?“BecauseJesus’owndisciplesrepeatedlycalledHim‘Teacher,’notbecauseJesuswasthegreatestprophet,norbecauseHewroteabook,butbecauseHewasthebiggestmessage.HewasthefulfillmentofJohntheBaptist’smessage,‘BeholdtheLambofGodwhotakesawaythesinsoftheworld.’”
Thenthepartymovedacrossthestreettotheshop,andpeoplewanderedthroughtheupstairsandthemainfloorandspilledoutontothesidewalk.“Fromtodayon,anybodyinGazacanwalkintothisstoreandbuyaBibleforhimself!”Labibdeclaredasheledagroupofusonatour.Heexplainedthatbecauseoftravelrestrictions,manyofthestrip’smillion-plusresidentswereunabletocrossintoIsraelandpurchaseaBible.Overtheyears,BiblesocietiesaroundtheworldhadreceivedlettersfromGazaaskingforcopiesoftheBible.Evenduringthelastmonthsofpreparation,thebookshopmanagerreportedthatanumberofpassersbyhadsteppedintothebuildingtoaskforBibles.
Therewerefloor-to-ceilingshelves,filledwithArabicBibles,children’spictureBibles,biblicalencyclopedias,commentaries,andbooksonchurchhistory,liningthewallsofthefirstfloor.Thesecondfloorcontainedachildren’sbookcorner,facilitiesforcomputeraccesstotheInternet,andtablesandchairsforthestudiesLabibhopedwouldbehelddaily.
InoticedDoronEven-Ari,thefirstMessianicJewtoheadtheBibleSocietyofIsrael,beamingproudlyasheexaminedthefacilities.HeandLabibhadbecomefriendsandwereworkingcloselytogetheronseveralprojects,includingasoon-to-be-publishedcolorbrochureinArabicandHebrewthatwouldpresentGod’splanforpeaceintheScriptures.
Asayoungman,Doronwouldneverhaveimaginedhimselfinthisposition.
Asayoungman,Doronwouldneverhaveimaginedhimselfinthisposition.HisparentshadmovedtoPalestinefromGermanyinthe1930sandhegrewupduringtheexcitingyearsfollowingIsrael’sbirth.TrainedbytheMinistryofDefense,DoronhadservedhiscountryforfifteenyearsinvariouspartsofAfrica,until“Godfoundme,”ashelikedtotellpeoplewhowantedtohearhisstory.AtanoutdoorstadiumeventinPretoria,SouthAfrica,“GodrevealedHimselfpersonallytomeandintroducedHisSonYeshua.”
Ialsonoticedrepresentativesoftheliturgicalchurches—GreekOrthodox,Anglican,andCatholic—aswellaseldersfromtheBaptistchurch.LabibestimatedthereweretwothousandChristianslivingamongmorethanonemillionMuslimsinGaza.Labibwantedthistobeacenterforthemaswellasforthecommunity—aplacewhere“affordablecopiesoftheWordofGodareavailableforeveryperson.”Heenvisionedthisbeingthestartingpointforoutreachintoschoolsanduniversities.“AndIhopethiswillprovideforbetterrelationsbetweenChristiansandPalestinianauthorities.Wewanttoblessthem,andwewanttostrengthentheChurchinGaza.”
ArepresentativeoftheNorwegianBibleSociety,observingthefestiveatmosphere,commented,“Afterthis,wewillnolongerassociateGazawithjustviolenceandproblems.Nowwewillassociateitwithhope.”
Theonlygroupnotvisibleatthepartywastheonethathadunknowinglyprovidedtheimpetusforthestore.ImentionedtoLabibthatIdidn’tseeanyrepresentativesfromHamas.“Oh,Iwouldn’texpectanyofthemtocometothededication,”Labibanswered.“Butyouwait.Iexpectsomeofthemwillvisitquietlyinthecomingweeks.”
Iprayedthatindeedthesemenwouldbedrawntothestore,andmanyothers—students,governmentofficials,military.TheyallneededtheGoodNewsfromtheTeacher.[1]
Gaza,1999
HannaMassadwasgladtobebackinGazaafterearninghisPh.D.Andwithawifetoo!HannaandSuhadhadmarriedjustafewweeksearlierinJordan.HebeamedwithprideasSuhadservedcoffeeandpastriestotheirguests.
Oneofthem,AbuYahya,wasmanagerofTheTeacher’sBookshop,andhehadrecruitedayoungman,Kamal,whowaslearningtheropesofministryunderhisdirection.“Theshophasbeenopenforsixmonths,”Abureported.“Whatisamazingishowmanystudentsfromtheuniversityarecomingin.Wehaveonaverageadozennewvisitorseveryday.Wehavediscussiongroupsalmosteverydayonthesecondfloor.It’sachanceforstudentstoaskquestions
almosteverydayonthesecondfloor.It’sachanceforstudentstoaskquestionsaboutChristianityandtheBible.”
“We’realsoshowingtheJesusfilm,”saidKamal.“AndweplansoontostartteachingcoursesinEnglish.Botharegoodevangelistictools.”
HannareflectedonhowdifferentthesituationwasfromwhenhewaspastoroftheGazaBaptistChurcheightyearsearlier.Thistimeheknewhewasn’tgoingintotheworkalone.Hiswifewasopeningupopportunitiesforworkwiththewomen.Andthesetwomenneededsomeplacetosendtheconvertswhowerealreadyemergingfromtheirbookshopministry.
Abu’swifeaskedHannawhathisprioritieswereasheresumedhispastoralresponsibilities.“First,SuhadandIhavealreadystartedvisitinghomes,”hesaid.“Wewanttovisiteveryfamilyandindividualrepresentedinthischurch.”
“Whataboutbringinginnewfamilies?”Abuasked.“That’sonereasonIwouldliketoworkwithyouandKamal.Iwouldliketo
plansomeevangelisticevents.Outofthoseeventswillcomemoredisciples.Ican’tdosomethinglikethatalone.”
“Andwearefarmoreeffectiveworkingwithalocalchurch,”saidAbu.“Ourphilosophyisoneofmultiplication.Wewanttomakediscipleswhointurnwillmakeotherdisciples.”
“Ihaveanidea,”Hannasaid.“WhileIwasstudyingintheStates,Ilearnedaboutaspeakerandwriter,JohnMaxwell,whospecializesintrainingleaders.”Hannahelduponeofthebooks,The21IrrefutableLawsofLeadership.“IthinkthismightbehelpfultoleadersinthePalestinianAuthority.”
“I’dliketoknowthoselawsofleadershipmyself,”saidAbu.Thatwasthestartofacohesiveteamthatmetregularlytopray,study,and
strategize.Thislittlechurchwasgoingtoshineitslightintothegovernment,schools,andtheculture.Hannarealizedthatthistimetheministrydidn’tfallonhisshouldersalone.Godhadprovidedhimwithateam.Asaresult,theimpactofGazaBaptistChurchwouldbesignificant.
28DIDYOUTRYTOPRAY?
BeitSahour,1999
NawalQumsiehsawmanyneedsinherneighborhood,butshecouldn’tjustannounceaBiblestudyorprayermeetingandinvitewomenintoherhome.Therewerelimitations.Ifshewastoteachawomanordoanycounseling,shefirsthadtogetpermissionfromthewoman’shusband.MuslimorChristian,itdidn’tmatter—thoseweretherulesinthisculture.
Forseveralyears,shehadvisitedhomes,talkedtohusbandsandwivestogether,presentedthegospel,butnoonehadresponded.Itwaswellandgoodtobecalledtoministry,butiftherewasnofruit,whatwasthepoint?OnedayNawalpouredoutherfrustrationtoapastorfriendinJerusalem.
“Godhaspreparedyouforministry,”thepastorgentlytoldher.“AndGodisreadytomoveinhearts.”
“Ibelievethat,”Nawalaffirmed.“ButtowhomshouldIminister?NooneI’veapproachedhasresponded.”
“Youneedtomoveout.Godcan’tdoanythinguntilyoumove.”“GodknowsI’mready!”Nawalprotested.“I’vetriedmovingout.Thatdoesn’t
work.It’stimeforGodtoshowmewheretominister.I’mgoingtoknowHeisleadingmewhensomeoneasksmeforhelp.”Itwasspokenwithdetermination.LikeGideon,Nawalhadsetoutafleece.
Acoupleofdayslatershewenttoherhairdresser.Unlikemosttimes,themanwasquietasheworkedonherhair.Shesensedadeepsadnessinherfriend,sosheasked,“What’swrong?”
“Don’tworry,”heanswered.IntypicalArabfashion,amanwasn’tgoingtoopenuptoawomanwhowasn’tamemberofhisfamily.
openuptoawomanwhowasn’tamemberofhisfamily.Shepersistedanyway:“I’dliketoknow.Thatis,ifyouknow,ifyoucansay.”Shewaitedasthemancombedoutherhair.Finally,hesaid,“Mywifehashad
manymiscarriages.”Heranthecombthroughherhairafewmoretimes,thenstopped,saying,“I’vespentallofourmoneytryingtofindoutwhy.We’vetriedmanydoctors,butnoneofthemhavehelped.”Nawaldidn’tinterrupt.SheunderstoodthatanArabmandidn’tfeelcompleteuntilheandhiswifehadchildren.Finally,hesaid,“Mywifeispregnant.Andshe’sbleeding.Atanyminuteshemightlosethebaby.”
“Howfaralongisshe?”Nawalasked.“Sheisdueintenweeks.Mostofthemiscarriageshavebeenrightaboutthis
time.”“Haveyoutried...”“We’vetriedallthedoctors,allthemedicines,everything!Nobodyknows
why.There’snotanyreason.”Themansteppedback.Hisangerwaspalpable.“Didyoutrytopray?”Nawalaskedquietly.“What?”Nawalwasshaking,hersenseshyperalert,herspiritinferventprayer.“Did
yougotoJesus?Didyouprayforyourwife,orhavesomeoneprayforyourwife?DidyoutryJesus?”
Themanstoodfrozen,buthisangersubsided.“No,Ineverheardaboutthat.I’veneverthoughtaboutwhatJesuscando.”
NawalknewthismanhadbeenborninanOrthodoxfamilybuthadn’tbeentochurchinyears.“Whydon’tyoutry?”shesaid.
“Idon’tknowhowtodoit.”“Okay,asksomebody.”Themanpaused,thensaid,“Wouldyouprayformywife?”Sheknewthiswasthemomentshehadwaitedfor.“Yes,butyourwifehasto
agreewithyouformetocomeandpraywithher.”Thehairdressersilentlyfinishedhiswork.AsNawalpaidhimandheadedout
thedoor,shesaid,“I’llbeathome.Ifyouneedme,Iwillbeready.”Themancametoherhomeat7:00thatevening,dashingupthestairstoher
doorinthepouringrain.“Wouldyoucomenowtoprayformywife?”Allshehadtodowasgrabherraincoat,butshedidn’tmove.“Whynow?”she
asked.“I’llcomeinthemorning.”Themanwasinapanic.“Shewilllosethebabyinthemorning.”Whyshouldn’tshegonow?Nawalwondered.Butshesensedthatthiswasnot
yettherightmoment.“No,shecan’t.Shewillnotlosethatbaby.Shewillkeepthebabyuntilmorning,andIwillcomeandprayforher.”
Nawalbarelysleptthatnight.Why,Lord?Shewondered.WhyshouldIwait?Buttherewasapeace,adivineconfidencethatshewasdoingexactlyasGodwanted.Sosheprayedforthewomanandherhusband.“Lord,pleasekeepthatbabyuntilmorning.AndwhenIpraywiththiscouple,maytheyfeelYourpresence.”
Inthemorning,afteraverybriefnightofsleep,sheprayedagain:“MayIbeledbyYourSpirit.”Thenshe“heard”herfinalinstructions:“SpeakMyWord,andIwilldotherest.”
Shearrivedatthecouple’shomeat8:30inthemorning.Franticallythemanopenedthedoor.“Wewenttothedoctor,buthesaidthereisnothinghecando.Theholeisopenandthebabywillcomeanyminute.”
Nawalwalkedpasthimtohiswife,whowaslyingonacouch.Shekneltdownnexttothewomanandgrabbedherhand.Thewifeopenedhereyes,whichwereredfromcrying.“Idon’tdeservethebaby,”shewhispered.
“Whydoyousaythat?”Nawalasked.“BecauseI’masinner,andGodispunishingme.”Sensingthehusbandhoveringoverher,NawalstoodandtookoutherBible.“I
havegoodnewsforbothofyou!”Shepulledupchairsforherandthehusbandnexttothecouch.ThenshereadpassagesofScripture,showingthemthat,whileallhavesinnedandfallenshortofGod’sstandard,GodhadplacedalloftheirsinsonHisSonJesusChrist.Then,withallthreeofthemintears,Nawallaidherhandsoverthewoman’swombandprayed:“Ibindthespiritofmiscarriageandthespiritofdeathoverthiswomb.Lord,Ireleasethespiritoflifeinthisbaby.”
Thenitwastimetoprayfornewlifeforthiscouple.Withherguidance,theyprayedandsurrenderedtheirlivestoJesus.Anhourlater,shehuggedthewomanandleft.
Thewomanphonedthatafternoon,inapanic.“I’mbleedingbadly!”shesaid.“Don’tbeworried,”Nawalcounseled.“Together,let’skeepsayingthatwe
trusttheWordofGod,thatGodgaveyouthisbaby,andthatHewillkeepitforyou.Satancan’ttakeitfromyou.”Nawalreadhersomeversestoconcentrateonasherhusbandtookhertothehospital.
Laterthatnight,thewomancalled.“Thebleedinghasstopped!”shepracticallyyelledinexcitement.“Thedoctorexaminedmeandsaidtheholehasclosed.He’samazed.Hesaidit’samiracle.”
Averyhealthyboywasborntenweekslater.ThecouplenamedhimJacobandstartedtellingeveryonetheirstory.Nawalstartedreceivingcalls:“Weheardwhat
startedtellingeveryonetheirstory.Nawalstartedreceivingcalls:“Weheardwhathappened.Wouldyoupleasecomeandprayforus?”
Harderwijk,2000
In2000Iturnedseventy-two.Since1955I’dworkedtostrengthentheChurchindifficultsituations,firstintheformerSovietUnionandEasternEurope,theninChina,Cuba,Africa,andmanypartsoftheIslamicworld.In1993JohanCompanjenassumedthepresidencyofOpenDoors.Hewaswellsuitedforthatrole,andtheministrythrivedandgrew.I’dneverdreamedofstarting,muchlessrunning,abigorganization,andwhenIwasfreedofthosedailyresponsibilities,Iconcentratedmyeffortsonafewkeyareasoftheworld,particularlytheMiddleEast.
NowAl,aprofessionalwriterwhoservedontheboardofdirectorsforourU.S.base,satwithJohaninmyoffice,askingmetotalkaboutwhatI’dlearnedoverforty-fiveyearsofservicetotheChurch.
“Nothingwasplanned,”Isaid.“IcameacrossopportunitiesandIgrabbedthem.Ortheygrabbedme.”HowelsecouldIexplainmyworkwithBisharaAwadandBethlehemBibleCollegeorreachingouttoIslamicfundamentalistgroups?Onedoesn’tsetouttodosuchthings.YourespondinobedienceasGodopensdoors.
WhathadIlearned?Well,therewereafewimportantlessons.Iverbalizedoneofthem:“Therearenoterrorists—onlypeoplewhoneedJesus.”
Johanhadheardmesaythingslikethismanytimes,butthatwasashocktomyAmericanfriend.“I’mserious,”Isaid.“IfIseethemasenemies,howcanIreachthem?I’veoftensaid,ifyouseeaterroristwithagun,getclosetohim,putyourarmaroundhim,andthenhecan’tshootyou.Aslongasweseeanyperson—Muslim,Communist,terrorist—asanenemy,thentheloveofGodcannotflowthroughustoreachhim.Eachofushasachoice.Icangototerroristsandlovethemintothekingdom.AndthemomentIlovethem,theyarenolongermyenemy.Youdon’thateafriend.”
Alasked,“Sowhoistheenemy?”“Thedevil!Neverpeople!”AsAlchewedonthatradicalandbiblicalidea,Igavehimasecondlesson:
“Whoeverisreachableiswinnable.Ithinkthat’swhatmyworkhasdemonstrated,”Iexplained.“TheHamasarereachable.AnyonecouldhavegonetoseethosemenatMarjal-Zohour.IdidwhatJesusdidinHisministry—Imetthemattheirpointofneed.Whenthey’resick,I’mwiththem.Whenthey’reinthehospital,I’mwiththem.Whenthey’reinprison,I’mwiththem.Howelsecan
thehospital,I’mwiththem.Whenthey’reinprison,I’mwiththem.HowelsecantheyknowmyJesus?TheycanonlymeetJesusifsomeoneinwhomHedwellsgoestothem.”
ObviouslyAl’sheadwasspinning.Heaskedcautiously,“Whatresultscanyoushow?DoyouknowhowmanyHamashaverespondedtothegospel?”
AlwasonlyverbalizingthequestionsmostChristianswantedtoask.“Ithinkwe’reonthewrongtrackwithallofourstatistics.Wearetooresults-oriented.Iaimtobedestiny-oriented.IwaswithaChristianpeaceteamrecentlyinHebron,andtheyaskedme,‘HowmanyfundamentalistshaveyouledtoChrist?’Itoldthem,‘Idon’tthinkthere’sanyone.’Theyrejoiced,becauseoneoftheirsupportersfromtheStateswantedtoknowhowmanyMuslimstheyhadledtoChrist.NowtheycouldwritebackandsayevenBrotherAndrewcouldn’tdoit.It’sourjobtogo.Wedon’tjudgeevangelismbyresults,certainlynotfriendshipevangelism.”
JohanremindedAlabouttheuniquecalltoOpenDoorsandme.“Wedon’tgointoacountrytoevangelize.Wegotostrengthenwhatremains.Wherethereisachurch,westandwiththem.Weletthemknowwecare.Wefindoutwhattheyneed—Bibles,materials,training.Weequipthemtobethechurchinthatarea.Hopefullythechurchbecomesaliveintheircommunity,andtheystartevangelizing.”
“ButAndrew,itsoundslikeyouareevangelizing,”Alprotested.“No,Ishowthemhow!”Ianswered.“ThesevisitswithHezbollahandHamas
aren’tstunts.ItakelocalChristianleaderswithme,becauseIwanttodemonstratethattheycandoit.IfIcandoit,amillionpeoplecandoit!AsJohansays,OpenDoorsstrengthenswhatistheresotheycanevangelize.
“ThePalestinianChurchisthreatenedwithextinction.That’swhyIconcentrateonthePalestinianChurch.PeoplewronglyinterpretthattomeanIhavechosenforthePalestinianside.Thisisnotthecase.IhavechosenforthebodyofChrist.That’swhyIworkwithBisharaandBethlehemBibleCollege.Everyoneknowshe’samanoffaithandintegrity,andIsupporthisvisiontoraiseupandtrainleadersforthePalestinianChurch,soitwillnotjustsurvivebutthrive.Takeanotherexample—SalimMunayerandMusalaha.Thatministryofreconciliationwasn’tmyidea.ItwasbornoutofthelocalchurchtoaddresstheconflictbetweenPalestiniansandJews.Wesupportitbecauseweagreethisistheonlysolution,andwewantittohaveachancetosucceed.”
IrealizedIwaspreaching,butIwantedAltounderstandthedistinctivenessofthismission.“Letmegiveyouanotherexample.TwooftheHamasdeportees
cametoseemewhenIwasstayingatBethlehemBibleCollege,butBisharaandIwereaway.Whiletheywaited,severalstudentstalkedtothemandgavethemeachaBible.BisharaandIwerethrilledwhenwelearnedthat!Thosestudentsnowrealizethattheycanreachfundamentalists.Thisistheprocessofdiscipleship.Admittedly,itisaslowprocess.Onebecomestwo,thenfour,theneight.Ittakesawhiletomakeanimpact.Butitdoesn’tmeanweshouldn’tstartwiththatone.IstartedwithBishara.Overtwentyyears,hehasmultipliedthenumberofdisciplesthroughBethlehemBibleCollege,andIdon’tbelieveanyonefromoutsideoftheculturecouldhavedonethat.”
Thethreeofustookadeepbreath,andourdiscussionmovedtothefutureoftheChurchintheregion.“WehavetopreparetheChurchforhardtimes,”Isaidsoberly.
JohanobservedthattimesalreadywerehardintheHolyLand.Iresponded,“Nobodyseemstounderstandhowtoughit’sgoingtobecome.”I
hesitatedforamoment,becauseI’mgenerallyapositivepersonandIdidn’tlikewhatIhadtosay,butmyyearsintheregionleftmenootherconclusion.“DespitethepledgesmadeatOslo,therewillnotbepeace.ThePalestiniansareterriblydisappointed.Iforeseeaneruptionofviolence.”
Withinayear,thevolcanodiderupt,anditwasworsethanmostanyonecouldhaveimagined.Forme,therewasonlyoneconsolation.NowtherewerepeopleintheChurch,trainedandready,whowouldbelightsinthedarkness.PeoplelikeSalim,Labib,Hanna,Nawal,andmanyothers.
Allofthemwouldbedeeplyimpactedbytheconflict.Earlyinthenewintifada,muchoftheconflictswirledaroundBethlehemBibleCollege.
PART4THESECONDINTIFADA
AReligiousUprising
September2000
Hopesforapermanentpeaceweredashedinthesummerof2000.FortwoweeksPresidentClintonmetwithPalestinianPresidentYasserArafatandIsraeliPrimeMinisterEhudBarakatCampDavidtotrytonaildownanagreement,whichwoulddefinehispresidency.ThiswastobetheculminationoftheprocessstartedinOsloin1993.Whiletherehadbeenmanysetbacksduringtheinterveningyears,hopeswerehighthatfinallythetwosideswouldsettletheirdifferences.
Unfortunately,thatdidn’thappen.Millionsofwordshavebeenspokenandwrittentryingtounderstandwhatwentwrongandassessingblame.TherewastensioninIsrael,WestBank,andGaza.AmongPalestinianstherewasfrustrationnotjustwiththepeaceprocessbutalsowithcorruptionamongthePalestinianAuthoritywhoshowedlittleabilitytogoverntheterritoriestheycontrolled.Therewasaneconomicmalaisethatleftmoreandmoremenunabletoprovidefortheirfamily.One-fifthofthePalestinianpopulationwasbetweentheagesoffifteenandtwenty-four,andamajorityofthemwereundereducated(generallybecauseoftimelostwhenschoolswereclosedduringthefirstintifada)andunemployed.Ihadseenthemloungingaroundthestreetswithnothingtodoandhadthoughtthattheywerethefuelforanuprisingthatneededonlyasparktoignite.
ThatsparkoccurredonSeptember28,2000,whenArielSharonvisitedtheTempleMount.Withabigsmileforthetelevisioncameras,hestated,“Iamamanofpeace.”Mostcamerasdidn’tshowtheonethousandpolicemenandsoldierssurroundinghim.Theydidn’tshowthehumiliationfeltbyMuslimsatthepresenceofJewishmilitaryontheirholyground.ThenextdayafterFridayprayers,youngmenbeganthrowingrocksatthepolice.SevenPalestiniansandoneIsraelidiedthatday.ThirteenmorePalestiniansdiedthenextday.Theprotestsspreadlikeadrybrushfire.Duringthefirsttwoweeks,eighty-fivePalestiniansandsevenIsraeliswerekilled,andtherewasnoletupinsight.[1]
Formany,onepicturedefinedtheconflict.OnSeptember30Mohammedal-Dura,atwelve-year-oldboy,wasshotandkilledduringanexchangeofgunfirebetweenIsraelisoldiersandPalestiniandemonstratorsinGaza.Momentsbefore
betweenIsraelisoldiersandPalestiniandemonstratorsinGaza.Momentsbeforehisdeath,aphotographertookaphotooftheboy,alookofterroronhisfaceashecrouchedbehindhisfatherforprotection.Palestinianswereinshock,wonderinghowtoprotecttheirchildren.Forsome,thereactionwasanintensedesireforrevengethatseemedinsatiable.Manyothersfeltthattheruleshadchangedandnobodyhadtoldthem.Alwaysbefore,demonstratorshadfacedrubberbulletsandteargas;nowthebulletswerelethal.
ThisuprisingquicklyacquiredadifferentcharacterfromthefirstintifadathatbeganinDecember1987andragedonandoffuntiltheOsloAccordsweresignedin1993.TheprimaryimageofthatuprisingwasofchildrenthrowingrocksagainstthemilitarymightofIsrael.Muchoftheworldsympathizedwiththem.Therewerealsovariousformsofnonviolentprotests.Deathtotalswerefarlowerthanduringtheseconduprising.[2]
ThistimetherewerefortythousandarmedsecuritypersonneloperatingunderthePalestinianAuthoritywithintheterritories,thoughtheirfirepowerwasfarlessthanthatoftheIsraeliarmy.PlustheIslamicfundamentalistgroupswereplayingahugerole;thesuicidebomberquicklybecameaprominentimageoftheseconduprising.Itwasharderfortheworldtosympathizewiththisrebellionwhenitsawhorrificimagesofdestructionbyjihadi“martyrs.”
ForthePalestinianChristiancommunity,thissecondintifadahadseriousreligiousovertones.SincetheincitingincidenthadoccurredonthethirdholiestMuslimsite,theuprisingbecameknownastheAl-AqsaIntifada,namedafterthemosqueontheTempleMount.ManyChristianstoldusemphaticallythattheyhadnopartinthisviolence.ButIsraeldidn’tdifferentiatebetweenChristiansandMuslimsintheireffortstoquelltheuprising.CertainlybelieversunderstoodandfelttheangerandfrustrationoffellowPalestinians.TheysufferedfromthesameproblemsandhumiliationsasMuslimsinWestBankandGaza,andunderthesecircumstancestheystoodwiththeirfellowPalestinians.Whiletheydidn’twanttobeconsideredtraitors,theyalsobelieveditwaswrongtotakeuparms.Theywereangryatthemilitantsforchoosingviolence,angryatthePAandYasserArafatfornotdoingabetterjobofrunningtheirgovernmentornegotiatingthepeace,andangryatIsraelforexacerbatingtheconflictwiththeexpansionofsettlementsandwithconstantrestrictionsplacedontheirmovement.
Thenitgotmorecomplicated.PalestinianmilitantsstartedshootingfromBeitJalaattheJerusalemsuburbofGilo.Itwasmostlyasymbolicgesture,fortheirgunsdidlittledamage.ButIsraelretaliatedwithmassivefirepower,shootingfromtheirtanksandApachehelicopters.Hundredsofhomesweredestroyed.
ChristianssetuproadblocksinBethlehemandBeitJalaatnight,tryingtopreventmilitantsfromgettinginpositiontoshootatGilo,butwithoutmuchsuccess.[3]FightingescalatedastheIsraeliarmyenteredBethlehem.Oneseven-storybuildingacrossthestreetfromBethlehemBibleCollegewascommandeered.Thecollegebuildingslostmostoftheirwindowsduringtheensuingbattle.
Thereportsweregrim.IwasonthephonetoBisharaalmosteveryweek,encouraginghim,prayingwithhim.ButitwasseveralmonthsbeforeIcouldactuallyvisithim.Ithoughtconstantlyaboutmybrothersandsistersinthemidstoftheconflictandprayedforthem.IwonderedifChristiansshoulddiefightingorlivekneeling,andwerethosetheonlyalternatives?
BisharawasarealistabouttheproblemsconfrontingtheChurch,buthissolutionswereverydifferentfromthoseofmostPalestinians.Hehadanalternativetoviolence.HewasbuildinguptheLightForce.
29THROWINGTHEJESUSSTONE
Bethlehem,June2001
Thingshavebeenquietthelastcoupleofweeks,”BisharasaidasAl,makinghisfirstvisittotheHolyLand,andIclimbedtotheroofofthemainclassroombuildingatBethlehemBibleCollege.“DuringEasterweeksixty-sevenofourwindowswereshotout.Becauseofyourhelp,wewereabletogetthemallreplaced.”HewasreferringtoaspecialgiftOpenDoorsmadewhenweheardthatBethlehemBibleCollegehadbeencaughtinthemiddleoftheshootingbetweenPalestinianmilitantsandIsraelisoldiers.
Fromtheroofwehada360-degreepanoramicviewofthearea.Acrossthestreet,onanemptydirtlotstrewnwithseveralweeksofuncollectedgarbage,boyswereplayingalivelygameoffootball.BisharapointedacrosstheJerusalem-HebronRoadtoaseven-storybuildingnomorethanonehundredyardsaway.Itwasonlyashell—everywindowwasgone.“ThatwaswheretheIsraelisoldierswereshootingfrom—rightoverourheads.”
“Oratyourheads,”Iretortedasweturnedandstaredatthesteeldoorthatopenedintothestairwaywe’djustclimbed.Threebulletholeshadpenetratedthedoor,leavingsharpextrusions,likeflowerpetals,ontheotherside.Theactualbulletswereburiedinmattressesbeingstoredonthetoplanding.Wewalkedaroundtotheothersideoftheroof,steppingoversomepipessowecouldseethesolarpanelsthatprovidedheatforthecollege.Theywereshattered,gazinguselesslyupatthesun.Behindthemwerenewwatertanks—theoldoneshadbeenriddledwithholes.“Almosteveryhomeandbusinesslosttheirwatertanks,”Bisharaexplained.“Itseemedlikethesoldierswantedtoshootthetanks
fortargetpractice.”Weunderstoodtheimplications.Bethlehemsharedwaterwiththesettlements
inthearea.Inrecentmonths,theflowofwaterhadbecomemoreandmoreinfrequent.Oftenthewaterservicewasshutoffforoneortwoweeks.Storagetankswerefilledeverytimethewaterdidflow.Wewereconsciousofhowpreciousthiswaterwaswhenwestoodunderthetrickleoftheshower,determinednottowasteadrop.
Bisharapointedacrossasmalllotcontainingaboutfiftyolivetrees.Animpressivebuildingrosebeyondit.“That’stheIntercontinentalHotel,”heexplained.“Itwasbuiltforthecelebrationssurroundingtheyear2000andthenewmillennium.WeexpectedthousandsoftouristsforChristmas.Butthentheintifadastarted.Sincethen,theonlytimeit’sbeenusedisbyIsraelisoldiers.”
WewalkedbackdownstairstoBishara’scar,whichwasparkedinbackofthecollege.Ontheway,wepassedahugemuraldepictingtheannouncementofthebirthofJesustotheshepherds.Thatgloriouseventoccurredlessthanfivemilesawayfromthisspot.Severalbulletshadgougedholesinthemural.Onebullethadpiercedtheheadofalamb.Somehow,itseemedsymbolic.
BisharadroveoverthecobblestonestreetsofBeitJalatotheeasternmostedgeoftown,beforethehillsidedropsintothevalley.PerchedonanotherhillabouthalfamileawaywasthecommunityofGilo—theflashpointoftherecentconflict.PalestiniansclaimedthatGilowasaJewishsettlementbuiltonlandownedbyresidentsofBeitJala.IsraelclaimedthatitwaspartofJerusalem,thatthey’downedthelandbefore1948andhadonlyreclaimeditafterthe1967war.
Likeanuglygashbelowus,standingoncementpillars,afour-lanehighwayconnectedtunnelsoneachsideofthevalley.“That’sthetunnelroad,”Bisharaexplained.“It’sforIsraelisonly.TheyareabletodrivefromGilotoHebronbygoingunderneathBeitJala.”AlnoticedthatcementwallshadbeenerectedontheBeitJalasideoftheroad.“Somilitiascan’tshootatthecars,”Bisharaexplained.
Weturnedandstaredatthehomesriddledwithbulletholes.Manyofthewallsweresimplygone,allowingustogazeintoroomswherefamilieshadeaten,talked,studied,andrelaxed.Thehomeswerenowuninhabitable.“Morethan450homeshavebeendestroyed,”Bisharasaidsoftly.Hepointedtoonewhereanentirefloorwasblownaway.“FourChristianfamilieslivedinthathouse.Oneofourstudentslivedthere.”
“Wherearetheynow?”Iasked,tryingtoimaginethehorrorofthatnight
“Wherearetheynow?”Iasked,tryingtoimaginethehorrorofthatnightwhentheirhomevanishedunderabarrageoftankandmachine-gunfire.
“Theyhavefamilyinthearea,butthehomesareverycrowded.It’satremendousburdenonthefamilies.”
“Canyouexplainwhythishappened?”Bisharapointedabovethehouseandsaid,“ThemilitantsarenotfromBeit
Jala.Theycomein—HamasorArafat’sTanzimmilitia—andfireautomaticweaponstowardGilo.”Hepointedtotheapartmentbuildingsacrossthevalley,gleaminginthemorningsun.“TheirgunscanbarelyreachGilo.Butassoonasthemilitiasshoot,Israelitanksstartrumblingacrossthevalley,firingattheplaceswheretheythinkthemilitiasare.”
“OfcoursetheyaregonebythetimetheIsraelisshoot,”Ireflected,“andthepeopleinthesehomesarecaughtinthemiddle.”
“Yes,theyarecaughtinthemiddle.TheMuslimsthinktheycanforcetheChristianswholiveheretobeontheirside.ButthepeoplelivinginthesehomesareangryatthePalestinianmilitias,andtheyareangryattheIsraelisfortheharshretaliation.”
Wedroveseveralblocksandstoppedbyaboarded-upbuildingwithasignindicatingthatthiswasachildren’stheater.Nearbywasanotherhome,withthesecondflooropentotheelements.“Thishousewashitbyatankshell.Thewallcrumbledandkilledaneighteen-year-oldMuslimboy.”Bisharasighed,thensaid,“Thesepeoplehavenothingtodowiththeconflict,andtheIsraelisknowthat.”
Onanotherstreet,westoppedandlookedatablackenedcarincineratedbyatankshell.Acrossthestreet,Bishararecognizedacouplewhohadreturnedduringdaylighthourstocollectsomeoftheirbelongings.Theyinvitedusin,apologizingthattheycouldn’tserveuscoffee.Themandidhaveabagoffreshapricots.Iacceptedoneandsavoredthewonderfulflavor.“That’sthebestapricotI’veevertasted!”
Themanbeamed.“TheyarethebestintheMiddleEast!”heagreed.Insidethelivingroom,mostofonewallwaslinedwithsandbags.Evenso,a
greatdealofplasterfromthewallsandceilinglayinapileonthefloor.“[Israeliprimeminister]Sharonthreatenedtotakeoutthefirstrowof
homes,”themansaidasIlookedovertheroom.“Ifthemilitiasstillshoot,thenhe’dtakeoutthesecondrowofhomes.Andhewouldkeepgoinguntilthetownwasdestroyed.”
“Youcan’tfighttanks,”Isaid.“Wedon’twanttofight!”themansaid.“Wehavenoweapons.”
“Wedon’twanttofight!”themansaid.“Wehavenoweapons.”Onthewaybacktothecollege,wepassedbyHopeSchool.Wecouldn’t
actuallydrivethere—theroadwasblocked,andwehadtoparkandclimbovertherubble.“HopeSchoolisinAreaC,”Bisharaexplained.“Bethlehem,BeitSahour,andBeitJalaareAreaA,whichisrunbyPalestinianAuthority.ButAreaCisunderIsraelicontrol.”
WestoodonthetopoftheheapandgazedattheplacewhereI’dfirstmetBishara.Irememberedthattheyhadsomechickenstoprovideeggsforthechildren.“Theyhavesixthousandchickensnow,”hesaid.“Theysellmostoftheeggstohelpsupporttheschool.Everydaytheyloadtheeggsinacaranddrivehere,thencarrythemoverthisheaptoanothercarsotheycandeliverthemtothestoresinBethlehem.”
Graduationinanycultureisatimeofcelebration.However,thisceremonyfeltuniquebecauseofthecontext.Thefifty-fourstudentsattendingBethlehemBibleCollegeandthefourteenwhowerereceivingdiplomashadpaidahighpricetolearntheScripturesandprepareforministry.HowmanyyoungpeopleinHollandorAmericawouldendurecheckpointsearches,gunfirethatkeptthemawakeatnight,fearfortheirsafetyandthesafetyoftheirfamiliesandcontinuetostudydiligentlyinanoisyhousecrowdedwithseveralfamiliesbecausetheirhomeshadbeendestroyed?
Thesestudentshadsufferedmuch,andnowparentsandfamilymembers,dressedintheirSundaybest,satproudlyonfoldingchairsinthelargestmeetingroomofthecollege.AmongthemusicthatthecollegechoirsanginArabicwithgreatenthusiasmwas“AMightyFortressIsOurGod.”Thathymn,oneofourfavorites,tookonnewmeaningwhenwethoughtthatthesepeopletrulyneededprotectionandtrustedGodtobetheirfortress.
ThecommencementspeakerwasFatherPeterDuBrulofBethlehemUniversity.“WhatdoesaBiblecollegedo?”heaskedearlyinhisspeech.Itwasagreatquestion.“Itdoessomethingverydangerous.Moredangerousthanadynamitefactory.Moredangerousandmorepowerfulthananuclearreactor.ItproducesnotbombsnorelectricpowerbutstudentsandteachersoftheBible—themostdangerousofbooksandthemosthealingofbooks.”
Giventhecontext,withsuicidebombershavingstruckagainjustafewdaysbeforeandseeingthedevastationleftbytanksandrockets,didwereallybelievethatthesestudentshadsomethingmorepowerfulthanbombs?
“TostudytheBibleisnotjustlearninghowtoquoteitbuthowtoliveit,”FatherDuBrulcontinued.“ForstudentsinBethlehemtostudyandtolivetheBibleismoredangerousthaninanyothercountryintheworld,becauseyouarerightupagainstandundertheverypeoplethatmostoftheBibleisabout.YouareverymuchoppressedbyacertaininterpretationoftheBiblethatallegedlydelegitimizesyourrighttoyourland,yourGod-givenidentity,andyourfuture.”
FatherDuBrulwaspullingnopunchesasheexpressedthetensionamongpeopleoftheBook.OrthodoxJews,Messianicbelievers,PalestinianChristians—alllookedattheScripturesfromadifferentlifecontext.Sohowwouldthesestudentsrespond?Afteryearsofhardstudy,weretheypreparedtomakeadifferenceinthisdividedland?FatherDuBrulbelievedtheanswerwasyes!
“Thesolutionstotheseissuesarenotfoundinbooksormemorizedasanswerstoquestions.Thesolutionsaretobelivedbypersonswhoarewillingtorisktheirlivesandtheirreputations,toriskshowingtheirownignoranceandinadequacyoutoftheirfaithinJesusChrist.WhatachallengetolivetheBible,toteachit,tostudyit,fromtheverypositionofonewhoislargelyexcludedfromthepagesoftheOldTestament!Butremember,the‘unchosen’werethere,andtheysometimessavedthe‘chosen’themselves.”DuBrulrattledoffseveralNewTestamentexamplesofoutsiderspointingtothetruth:themagi,thegoodSamaritan,theRomancenturiononGolgotha,andSergiusPaulus,theRomangovernoronCyprus.“Theycamenottodisplacethechosenbuttojointhem.”
Justhowwouldthesegraduatespointtheway?DuBrulusedanimagefamiliartothosewatchingtelevisionnewsaroundtheworldofPalestinianboysthrowingstonesatwell-armedandprotectedsoldiers.HedrewfromthemessagetothechurchatPergamuminRevelation2:“‘Tohimwhoovercomes...Iwillalsogivehimawhitestonewithanewnamewrittenonit,knownonlytohimwhoreceivesit.’IthinkthePalestinianchurchesreceivesuchastoneasthis.Andthisisthestonetheyshouldthrow.ThisisthestonethatIhopetheBibleCollegehastaughtyoutothrowwell,nottokillGoliathortostonetheadulteress,buttohealthem.BecausethenamewrittenonthestoneisJesus’name.WhatmorecanJesusgiveasarewardtoanyconquerorbutHimself!Thatisyourjob,yourvocation,yourmission.Astheverypeoplewhowere‘notchosen,’plantedrightinthemidstofthepeoplethatclaimtobe‘chosen,’yourveryexistencewitnessestosomethingelse,toSomeoneelsewhohasafardeeper,grander,strongerplan—theassemblyintounityofallthenations.”
AlandIweredeeplymovedbythewords,bythechallengetothesepeoplewhofeltexcludedyetwerecalledbyGodtobepartofHisGreatCommission.
TheyweretotaketheGoodNewstofellowPalestinians.TheyweretolivetheGoodNewsamongChristiansandMuslims.Theyweretobelight,showingthewayofrealpeaceinthemidstofturmoil.
FatherDuBrul’sconclusionbroughthomethechallengetheseyoungpeoplewouldface:“Getreadyforaharderlife.YouarenotgoingtoknowaneasierroadthantheonethatJesuswalked.ButyouwillknownogreaterjoythanthejoyofwalkingwithHim.WearenotsendingyouintodiscosormallstoblowyourselfupinthenameofjusticeormercyorthenameofChrist.Wearesendingyoutohealandtobehealedofyourownwoundsintheactofcaringforothers.”
StillmeditatingonFatherDuBrul’spowerfulwords,wegatheredinthediningroomforcakeandpunch.Inthecourseofmeetingmembersofthecollegefaculty,wetalkedwithSamia,apart-timeEnglishteacher.“MyregularjobisatNotreDameinJerusalem,”shesaid.
“Andareyouabletogettoworkeachday?”Alasked.“I’mnotallowedpastthecheckpoint,”sheanswered.“Ihaven’tbeenableto
gettoworksincelastOctober.”Inotherwords,she’dbeenoutofregularworksincethestartofthesecondintifada.
“Sothatmeansyouhaven’tbeenpaid?”ShesmiledsweetlyatthenaiveAmericanstatingtheobviousandanswered,“I
can’tgetpaidifI’mnotallowedtogotowork.”BisharajoinedusforamomentandmentionedthatSamiahadbeeninjured
twomonthsearlier,duringHolyWeek,byshrapnelfromagrenade.WeaskedSamiatotelluswhathappened.
Samiahadfinishedteachingaclass.ItwaslateafternoonontheTuesdaybeforeEaster.Asshesteppedoutside,sheinstinctivelylistenedforanysoundsofgunfireorfighting.“IfI’dheardanyshooting,Iwouldhaveheadedtothebasement.”Thestreetwasquiet,withonlyasingleboyonthesidewalk.Assheheadedforhercar,whichwasparkedontheJerusalem-HebronRoad,sheheardthedistinctivewhistleofagrenade,andanexplosionknockedhertotheground.
Ittookamomentforherearstoclearaftertheinitialblastbeforesherealizedshewasscreaming.Butnooneseemedtohear.Thestreetwasdeserted.Shelookedatherlegsandsawtheywerecoveredwithblood.Unabletostandup,shecrawledtohercar,climbedintothedriver’sside,anddroveherselftowarddowntownBethlehemtothehospital,whichwasonlyamileaway.Thatnightadoctorremovedtenpiecesofshrapnelfromherlegs.
“Twopiecesofshrapnelarestillinmyfoot,”Samiasaid.Sheslippedherleft
“Twopiecesofshrapnelarestillinmyfoot,”Samiasaid.Sheslippedherleftfootoutofhersandalsowecouldseetheuglyredscaronherbigtoe.
“Besidesthoseinjuries,howareyoudoing?”Iasked.“Istillhavenightmares,”shesaid,fightingbacktears.“Thenextday,whileI
wasinthehospital,therewasaterribleshellingofBeitJala.Theybroughtaboyintomyroom;hediedfrominjuries.”
Iaskedabouttheboyshe’dseenonthestreetjustbeforethegrenadeblast.“Someonetoldmethathehadonlysixpiecesofshrapnel.Buthisinjuriesweremuchmoreseriousthanmine.”
Wewerequietforamoment,reflectingontheterrorthisgentlewomanhadendured.Thenshesaid,“TwodayslaterIwalkedovertoRachel’sTomb,fromwherethesoldiershadlaunchedthegrenade.Iwalkedrightuptothemandshowedthemthewoundsthattheyhadinflicted.Theyjustlaughedatmeandtoldmetogoaway.”
Bythewayshespoke,itwasclearthatthemockinglaughterofthesoldierswasmorepainfulthanthephysicalinjuriesshehadendured.
30ITISNOTSUICIDE—ITISRELIGIOUS
Gaza,June2001
HannaMassad,pastorofGazaBaptistChurch,steppedoutofaminivantaxiandwarmlyhuggedAlandmeasweenteredthePalestinian-controlledareaofGaza.Asusual,Hannawasdressedinacoatandtie,befittinghisroleasaleaderintheChristiancommunity.Hisbigsmiletoldushowencouragingourvisitwas.
Accompanyingusweretwoacademics,onefromEngland,theotherfromtheUnitedStates.Wehadafullschedule,soHannahadhiredthetaxiforthedaytotakeustoallofourappointments.OurfirststopwasatIslamicUniversityinGazaforameetingwithMahmoudZahar.ItwasimportantformyfriendstohearwhatthisleaderofHamashadtosay,unfilteredbythemedia.
Forthebenefitofmyguests,IaskedMahmoudabouthisfaithandhowitintersectedwithhispolitics.“ThereisnoplaceforasecularstateheadedbyMuslimsifitisnotcontrolledbyIslam,”heexplained.“TheIslamistsarenotacceptingtheleadershipofArabcountriesnow(forexample,SaudiArabia),becausetheyareimplementingasecular,nonreligiousregime.”
SincetheTalibanwerethenfirmlyincontrolofAfghanistan,Iaskedifthatwasthekindofsystemheadvocated.
“TheyarenotrepresentingproperIslam.WebelieveinthehumanrightsoftheMuslim.Forexample,whosaidthatitisforbiddenforwomentobeeducated?Islamencourageswomenandmenineveryrespect,butthereareafewrestrictions.Forexample,awomanisunabletobetheleaderofthearmy.Butwearenotdeprivingwomen.
“Islamismyreligion,butIslamhereiscultural.”ThenrecognizinghisChristianaudience,headded,“WeareveryproudoftheChristianrootshere,
Christianaudience,headded,“WeareveryproudoftheChristianrootshere,becausetheyareasnationalasanyPalestinianisnational.Weareservingthesamenationalcause.ForthisreasonIcansaythatweareenjoyingapopularsupportforthispoliticalattitude.Forourparticipationintheintifada,wesucceededtosendaveryhotmessagefortheIsraelipeoplethatyoursecurityisnotavailablewithoutwithdrawal,notredeployment;withoutdismantlingsettlements,notjuststoppingexpansion.I’mspeakingaboutnationalgoals.Wearehelpingourchildren,MuslimandChristian,andwearehelpingeventheJews,becauseiftheyaregoingtocontinuetheiroccupation,theArabworldwillsoonerorlateruniteagainsttheIsraelis.Itwillbe!”
“Youreallybelievethat?”Iinterrupted.“Youhopeitwill?”“No,itwillbe!ItiswritteninQuranthatthepeopleunderourrulewillcome,
andwearegoingtoenterthemosquetogether.WebelievethatIsraelasastatewillbedismantled.ArabswilluniteandestablishaPan-Islamicstatewithoutanyborders.Wearenotspeakingabouthopes.Wearespeakingaboutreality.”
“ButthentherewillbenoroomforJewsorChristians.”“Andrew,therewillalwaysberoomforChristianslikeyou!”Weallchuckledatthatnicestatement.ButAlandIfeltweneededtoconfront
himonthehorrorofsuicidebombings.Justaweekbefore,anattackonaTelAvivdiscohadkilledtwenty-oneteenagers,mostlygirls.Thehorrificattackhadcausedoutragearoundtheworld.TakinghisfirsthesitantsteptoquestiontheinternationallyfearedleaderofHamas,Alasked,“Mahmoud,doesn’ttheQurancondemnsuicide?”
“Yes,itisforbidden.”“Thenhowcanyoucondonetheactionsofthemenwhocommitsuicide...”“Itisnotsuicide,”heinterrupted.“Itisreligious.”Ichallengedhim:“Nowyoumakeitworse.Nowyouhaveamillion—an
endlesssupply—of‘martyrs.’Andtheyarekillinginnocentwomenandchildren.HowcanyouasagoodMuslimcondonethat?”
“Aretheyinnocent?”Heaggressivelyleanedforwardoverhisdesk.“Tellme,whoinIsraelhavewekilledwhoisinnocent?”
“ThoseteenagegirlsinTelAviv.Theyweren’tathreattoyou.”“Okay,Iwillspeakverysimply.NobodyinIsraelcanbedescribedasacivilian.
Nobody!”Henotedourshockedexpressions.Myguestsshifteduncomfortablyintheirseats.ButMahmoudboredin.“Becauseeverymanorwoman,atageofseventeenoreighteen,hewillbeinthearmy.Itisobligatory.Theyarespendingatleastthreeyearscarryinggunsandtheyarehere,shootingourpeopleintheoccupiedterritory.Andthosewhoarenotprofessionalsoldiers,aftertheir
occupiedterritory.Andthosewhoarenotprofessionalsoldiers,aftertheirservice,theywillbeinreserves,uptotheageoffifty-five.SogivemeoneexampleinIsraelofsomeonewhoisnotmilitary.Theyareallofthemmilitary!”
Therewasapervertedlogicinhisstatement.AnotherHamasleader,MousaAbuMarzoukofDamascus,hadsaid,“Thereshouldn’tbeanydistinctionbetweenanoccupierinuniformorciviliandress.Ifamandressedasaciviliancarriedagunandtookmyhouse,myland,andmyright,howcanIsaythatheisacivilianandhadnothingtodowithit?”[1]
NowMahmoudleanedbackinhischairandsoftenedhistone:“Look,wearenotadmiringbloodshed.Wearehumanbeingswhoaresufferingfromseeingbloodshed.Wearedeeplysufferingfromfrustrationatnothavinganypeacefulchanneltoachieveourgoal.Sowehavenooption.Wehavenoalternative.”
Iwasscheduledtopreachthreetimesinlessthantwenty-fourhoursattheGazaBaptistChurch.ThefirstmeetingonSaturdaynightbroughtafullhouse,withevenafewpeoplestandingattheback.UndertheleadershipofPastorHannaMassad,thechurchhadgrownsignificantly.“Ihavenotdoneitalone,”hesaid.Henamedseveralyoungleadersandemphasized,“Weareaministryteam.TheBiblebookshophashadastrongevangelisticwitness,andthathascontributedtoourgrowth.”
Theresultswereimpressive.Thereweretwochoirs,oneforadults,anotherthatincludedhalfadozenchildren.Thesingingwasenthusiastic,andAlandIwereevenabletojoininwhentheysang“TellMetheOld,OldStory”and“Oh,HowILoveJesus.”Thepianist,whohadsufferedthroughtheleanyears,oftenturnedtousandgrinnedasshepoundedoutthetunes.Thissurewasmorefunandlivelythanwhentherewereonlyadozenattendingservices.Silently,IthankedGodforrevivingthiscongregation.MaythisbepartofYourLightForceinGaza.
AttheSundaymorningserviceIfeltledtopreachonpersecution.“Ifthereisnolifeinus,wewillneverbepersecuted,”Isaid.Tosetupmymessage,Ireadfrom2Corinthians3:“‘Youyourselvesareourletter,writtenonourhearts,knownandreadbyeverybody.YoushowthatyouarealetterfromChrist.’WeshouldallreadtheBible.Butweshouldn’texpectnon-ChristianstoreadtheBible.WearetheBiblenon-Christiansread.WeareGod’sepistle,andeveryoneshouldreadourlives.”
Myprimarytextwas2Corinthians4:7–9:“Wehavethistreasureinjarsofclaytoshowthatthisall-surpassingpowerisfromGodandnotfromus.Wearehard
pressedoneveryside,butnotcrushed;perplexed,butnotindespair;persecuted,butnotabandoned;struckdown,butnotdestroyed.”Thoseweretheverseshighlightedonablood-spatteredpagethatIheldupforthecongregationtosee.ThewordswereinRussian,andthepagewasfromtheBibleofoneoftenpeoplekilledinachurcheightmonthsearlierinDushanbe,Tajikistan,byMuslimfundamentalists.
“ThereisalargesufferingChurcharoundtheworld,”Isaid.OvertheyearsIhadfoundthatchurchesindifficultcircumstanceswereencouragedtoknowthattheywerenottheonlyonesstruggling.“Atreethathasneverbeenexposedtoastormisnotstrong.”AsIspoke,weheardaroaroutsidethechurchbuilding.TwoF-16sweremakingarunoverGaza.“Wearepersecutedbutwedonotloseheart.Yourbrothersthroughouttheworldaresuffering.Butonepartofthebodytakescareoftheother.”
IremindedthemofthestoryofStepheninActsandhowhislastwordswereofforgiveness.“Forgivenessisthekeythatopensyourenemy’sheart.TheIslamicworldislookingatyoutoseehowChristislivinginyou.Youmaynotwinanargument,butwilltheyseeJesusinyou?”
Duringthesocialtimeaftertheservice,amiddle-agedmanwithapanickedlookapproachedAl.WithwideeyesandstandingpracticallyonAl’sfeet,heexplainedhisdesperatesituation.“CanyoutalktotheAmericanembassyforme?”
“YouareanAmericancitizen?”Alasked.“IhaveAmericanpassport.Butnotmywifeandtwochildren;theyarenot
allowedtoleaveGaza.HowcanIgetthemout?”“I’msuretheembassycanhelp.”“I’mnotallowedtogothere,”hesaid.“Theystopmeattheborder.Icalland
noonecanhelpme.Noonecares!”WefeltforthismanwhodesperatelywantedtoescapeGazawithhisfamily,
buttherewasreallynothingwecoulddotohelphim.Ihadheardsimilarheartrendingstories.Once,whenIhadtriedtointercedefortwenty-sevenPalestiniansfromBethlehemwithAmericanpassportsattheAmericanconsulateinJerusalem,Ihadbeentoldbytheconsul,“WetreatPalestinianswithAmericanpassportsaswetreatallPalestinians.”Theimplicationwasthattherewasnohopeforthesepeople.Thatwaswhysomanyleftforgoodwhentheyhadopportunity.
Beforeeveryoneleftforhome,PastorHannacalledforourattention.Deeplymoved,heinvitedthecongregationtothinkaboutthechurchinTajikistanthathadlosttenmembers.“Ibelieveweshouldtakeupacollectionforthatchurch,”
hadlosttenmembers.“Ibelieveweshouldtakeupacollectionforthatchurch,”Hannaannounced.“Tonightwewillhaveaspecialofferingforourbrothersandsisters.”
Attheeveningservice,PastorHannatookthatspecialoffering.AfterIpreachedandwe’dsungahymn,Hanna,withabiggrinonhisface,calledmetothefrontofthesanctuaryandplacedinmyhandtheproceedsoftheoffering.“Wewantyoutotakethistoourbrothersandsisterswhoaresufferingsomuch.Itis$800.Wewantthistobeablessingtothem.”
Iwasstunned.Thisistoomuch!Ithought,knowingthatmanyinthecongregationwereoutofwork—morethanhalfoftheresidentsofGazawereunemployed,andthenumberwasincreasingrapidly.Andyetthesepeoplehaddugdeepintotheirpocketsandhadlovinglygiventoanotherchurchthey’donlyheardaboutinasermon.Iwasdeeplymovedandpromisedtodeliverthegift.
31ESCAPEFROMBETHLEHEM
Harderwijk,March2002
TheintifadaintensifiedinearlyMarch2002.OftenIfoundmyselfgluedtoCNNorBBCinmyoffice,horrifiedbythesightsfromIsraelandtheWestBank.EverydaytherewasanotherreportofasuicidebombingattackoraPalestiniangunmanshootingsettlers,butthedeathtollamongPalestinianswasrisingalarmingly—threetimesthatofIsraelis.Thereseemedtobenocalmheadsinthemidstofthechaos.
North,inBeirut,Arableadersmetforasummit.AmongthetopicsofdiscussionwasalandforpeaceproposalfromCrownPrinceAbdullahofSaudiArabia,promisingArabrecognitionofIsraelifaPalestinianstatewasestablished.Butseveralleadersdidn’tshow.YasserArafatwasn’tallowedtotraveltotheevent,andPalestinianswalkedoutofthemeetingwhenArafatwasdeniedpermissiontoaddresstheleadersviaasatellitelink.
OnMarch28asuicidebomberkilledtwenty-twoduringaPassovermealataNetanyahotel.ArielSharoncalleduptwentythousandreservists.TanksmovedintoRamallah,surroundedArafat’scompound,andbeganbombarding.SoldiersstormedthePalestinianAuthorityofficesandcaptureddozensofbureaucratsandsecuritypersonnel.Arafat,proclaiminghewoulddieratherthansurrender,wastrappedinabasementwithhisaides.
Thesuicidebombingscontinued—fiveinfivedays.ThearmywasstagingtroopsandequipmentoutsideotherWestBankcities,includingBethlehemandtheadjoiningtownsofBeitJalaandBeitSahour.
Bethlehem,March2002
TherumblingofApachehelicopters,followedbyloudexplosions,joltedBisharaandSalwaoutoftheirsleep.Bisharaglancedattheclock.Itwas1:00AM.HehadjustreturnedfromaspeakingtourofSingapore,andhewasscheduledtoleaveonanothertripsoon.“Pleasedon’tgo!”hiswifehadurgedhim.ThearmyhadenteredBethlehemforseveraldayswhilehewasaway,thenretreatedtotheborderofJerusalem.Thedaybefore,twosuicidebombershadstruckinHaifaandEfrat.EveryoneknewitwasjustamatteroftimebeforeIsraelreenteredthetown.
BisharaandSalwatriedtosleep,butitwasimpossible.Theywaited.Theyprayed.At3:00AMalonglineoftanksandarmoredpersonnelcarriersbeganrumblingdownJerusalem-HebronRoad.Thewholebuildingrattledandshookaseachtankpassedby.Thevehicleswereleavingtheformationandmakingtheirpresencefeltoneverystreetofthearea.Therewasasickeningcrunchasatanksquashedacar.Inthedistance,Bisharacouldhearbiggunsbooming.Allofthenoisebouncedoffthesurroundingwallsandhills,magnifyingtheterror.
Thisinvasionwasmoremassivethananybefore.Therewasasenseofunbelief—howcouldthisbehappeninginBethlehem,theholycityforChristiansallovertheworld?Justthreeyearsagoforthemillenniumcelebration,ithadreceivedabeautifulface-lift.Nowitwasawarzone.
Bisharathoughtabouthisson,Sami,whosewifewasexpectingtheirfirstchild—BisharaandSalwa’sfirstgrandchild.Thebabywasdueanyday.Hecouldimaginethetanksrumblingpasthisson’sapartmentbuilding.Therewasapossibilitythatthearmymightchooseitasagoodvantagepointfortheirsnipers,andthenSamiandRanawouldbetrappedintheirapartment.BisharagrabbedSalwa’shand,andsheclutchedhis,nodoubtthinkingthesamethoughts.
Prayernaturallypouredout.“Lord,pleaseprotectSamiandRanaandthechildthatsheiscarrying.”ThenBisharathoughtofthestaffandstudents,scatteredthroughouttheregion,surelyallexperiencingthesamesleeplessfearsandastonishment.Someoftheirhomeswouldprobablybesearched.Hestartedprayingaloudforeachofthefaculty,staff,andstudents.Salwa’sgriprelaxedslightlyastheypouredouttheirheartstotheOnewhocouldcalmtheirfearsandbringresolutiontothecrisis.
Onetankstoppeddirectlyinfrontofthecollege.Bisharafroze,wonderingwhetherornotheshouldgetupandpeerthroughawindow.Butifasoldierwerelookinghisway,thatcouldbedangerous.Hecouldhearaloudsquealastheturretturned.Itwasprobablyaimedattherefugeecampacrossthestreet.He
theturretturned.Itwasprobablyaimedattherefugeecampacrossthestreet.Heprayedfortheresidentstherewhowereliterallylookingdownthebarrelofagun.
CloudcoverdelayedthearrivalofdaylightbutnotthearrivalofF-16s,whichbuzzedlowoverthetown.Inthedistance,fromthevicinityofMangerSquare,Bisharacouldhearanextendedexchangeofgunfire.Duringoccasionallullsinthenoise,heheardmenshouting,childrenscreaming,womenyellingandcryingintheneighborhood.Bisharatriedtoswitchonalight,butthepowerwasout.Whenitwassafetoventureoutside,hewouldstartupthegenerator.NotmanyinBethlehemhadgenerators,butBrotherAndrewhadinsistedthatitwasneededtokeeptheministryfunctioningandhadmadesureonewasprovided.Bisharatriedthetelephone—thelinewasdead.Hewasgladhehadacellphone.Hepulledoutaportableradioandturnedonthenews.
Shortlyafter7:00theannouncementwasmadethatBethlehemwasamilitaryzone.Peoplewerewarnedinthemostseveretermstostayindoors.Anyoneventuringoutofhisorherhomewouldbeshot.Soonafterward,therainbegan.Eventheskywasweeping,Bisharathought.Hisangerfollowed.Justwhatwouldbegainedbysuchashowofforce?Howwoulddeprivingthepeopleoffood,electricity,water,andsafeshelterpreventsuicideattacksonIsrael?
Therewaslittletododuringthedaybutlistentothecontinuousnewsreports.TheysaidthatthemostintensefightingwasinthenarrowalleysaroundMangerSquare.Therewerecasualties,butnooneknewhowmany.Bisharacouldhearthegunfireechoingthroughthestonestreetsnomorethanamileaway.AnunwasreportedshotasshetriedtopreventsoldiersfromenteringaconventtosearchforPalestinianresisters.Awomanandherthirty-eight-year-oldsonwerecriticallywoundedanddiedwaitingforanambulancethatnevercame.
ThentheannouncerreportedthatpeoplehadtakenrefugeintheChurchoftheNativity,andseveralPalestiniangunmenhadfollowedtheminsidetoescapetheIsraelisharpshooters.Afterseveralconflictingaccounts,itwasdeterminedthatmorethantwohundredmen,women,children,andgunmenhadtakensanctuaryintheoldestchurchinChristendom.Theyweresurroundedonallsidesbytanksandsoldiersreadytoshootanyonewhomovedoutsidethechurch’sthickwalls.Thatwasthegreatestshockofall.OneofthemostholyplacesforChristianswasnowundersiege.
Bishararecalledhowthischurchhadbeenusedasasanctuaryforthosewhofelttheirliveswereindanger,mostrecentlyin1967duringtheSixDayWarwhenIsraelconqueredBethlehem.IntheBible,Godprovided“citiesofrefuge.”InNumbers35itsaysthatevenamurderercouldgotothecityandbeprotected.
InNumbers35itsaysthatevenamurderercouldgotothecityandbeprotected.Bisharafeltthechurchwaslikeacityofrefuge,butunfortunatelythepresenceofmilitiagunmenandtheirpursuitbyIsraelisoldiersendangeredeveryone.
SalwatookBishara’shandandurgedherhusbandtocalltheirson.“Please,findouthowRanaisdoing.”
Itwasevening,butSamiAwadcouldn’trelax.“Howoftenarethecontractionscoming?”heaskedhiswifewhilenervouslypacingthecozylivingroomoftheirapartment.
“Theyaretoofarapart,”Ranaanswered.“Thedoctorsaidthisisfalselabor.Now,wouldyoupleasesitdown?You’remakingmenervous.”
Samiploppeddownonthecouchnexttohiswife,buthecouldhearthesoundoftanksrollingjustacoupleofblocksaway.Inthedistancetherewasanexplosion,followedbythesoundofmachine-gunfire.Hismindwasracing.Thiswasthemostseriousinvasionhe’dseen,anditdidn’tlookliketheIsraeliarmywouldbeleavingsoon.ThemaincheckpointalongtheJerusalem-HebronRoadwasclosed.Theentireareawasundertwenty-four-hourcurfew.Hefiguredthatwithintwenty-fourtoforty-eighthoursallotherroadsoutofBethlehemwouldbeblocked.Andhisfirstchildwasdueanymoment.
Samijumpedtohisfeetandwenttothebedroom.Ashegrabbedasuitcase,heyelled,“Weneedtogetoutofherenow!We’renotgoingtoriskbeingtrappedinourapartmentwhenyougointolabor.Ourchildisgoingtobeborninahospital.”
Ranashiftedherweightandstruggledtoherfeet.“Wecan’tgotothehospitalnow.They’llsendushome.”
“CallAlexandBrenda.”AlexwasSami’suncle,hisfather’sbrother.AlexandhiswifelivedjustbeyondtheborderofBethlehem,inasuburbofJerusalem.“Theysaidwecouldusethelowerleveloftheirapartmentforaslongasweneed.”
AfterRanatalkedwithBrenda,shesaid,“I’mcallingyourparentstoo.”“Tellthemtoprayhard!”Samisaidasheshutasuitcase.Afewminuteslater,thecarwaspacked.Asanaddedmeasureofprotection,
Samitookblueelectrician’stapeandtapedalarge“TV”onthehood.Thisway,iftheyranintoapatrol,theymightbeallowedtopassasmembersofthepress.Anditwasn’treallyalie,forhehaddonesomefilmingfordocumentarieswithhisorganization,theHolyLandTrust.
Thestreetswereempty.Samistayedoffthemainroads.Therewasanervous
Thestreetswereempty.Samistayedoffthemainroads.TherewasanervousmomentashecrossedovertheJerusalem-HebronRoadandnoticedamilitaryjeepinthedistance.Fortunately,itwasdrivingawayfromthem.HeadingnorthintoBeitJala,hetookthenarrowsidestreets,hisside-viewmirrorsnearlyscrapingthewallsonsomeoftheturns.BeforereachingthetopofthehillthatmarkedthenorthernborderofBeitJala,SamiturnedontoarockydirtroadthatwoundthroughthevalleybetweenGiloandBeitJala.Itwasadangerousplacebecauseofthefrequentshootingbetweenthetwocommunities.Ranawincedasthecarrolledawkwardlyoverthenumerousbumps,andSamisloweddowntoacrawlastheystartedclimbinganotherhillthatwouldtakethemintoJerusalem.
Itwasanagonizinglyslowtrip,buttheruggedterrainandhiswife’sdiscomfortmadeitimpossibletogoanyfaster.SamithoughtaboutMaryandJosephridingonadonkey,tryingtohidethebabyJesusfromtheevileyesofHerod’sarmy.HisHolyLandTrustsponsoredaspecialchildren’sprograminBethlehemonthedaydesignatedbythechurchtoremembertheSlaughteroftheInnocents.Twothousandyearsago,troopshadenteredBethlehemfromallcornerstosearchforandkillthepotentialbaby“terrorist”whowassomedaygoingtoleadarevoltagainstKingHerod.NowIsraeliarmytroopswereenteringfromallcornersintoBethleheminordertorootoutterroristcells.
AsthenarrowdirtroademptiedintoabackstreetofJerusalem,hesawanarmyjeepandthreesoldiersmotioningforhimtostop.SamiwonderedhowMaryandJosephwouldhavehandledthissituation.NodoubttheywouldhavehiddenthebabyJesus.ButSamiwantedthesoldierstoseehiswife,ninemonthspregnant.Maybetheywouldhavecompassion.
“MayIseeyourpapers,”thesoldiersaidasSamirolleddownhiscarwindowandhandedthemanhisU.S.passport.
Anothersoldierorderedhimoutofthecar.“Takeyourjacketoff!”Samislowlyremovedhiscoatjacketwhiletwosoldierswerepointingtheirriflesathim.“Openyourshirt!”Samiunbuttonedhisshirtandliftedhisundershirtsothesoldiercouldseehisskinandrealizethathewasnothreat.
“IamanAmericancitizen,”Samisaidashehelduphisarms,makingsurenottomakeanysuddenmovements.“Mypregnantwifeisreadytodeliverourfirstchild.Iamtakinghertothehospital.”
“Whereisyourwife’spassport?”askedthefirstsoldierashewavedSami’spassportathim.
“Shedoesn’thaveoneyet.”Withasmirk,thesoldiersarcasticallysaid,“Thenyoumaypass,butshe
cannot.”Samistaredatthegunspointedathim.Therewasnowaytoarguewiththem.
Samistaredatthegunspointedathim.Therewasnowaytoarguewiththem.Hewouldsimplyhavetofindanotherwayofescape.
AsRanaprayed,Samiweighedhisoptions.Obviouslyallthemainstreetswouldbeblocked.Therewereotherbackroads,buttherewasagreaterchanceofbeingtrappedfartherawayfromtheirdestinationinJerusalem.ThemostdirectroutewasthetunnelroadthatpassedunderBeitJalatoGilo.Itwasachallengegettingthere,andhewouldlikelybestopped,buthefiguredtheworstthatcouldhappenwasthatthesoldierswouldmakethemturnback.
Ashemergedontothebusyroad,heenteredalonglineofcarsandtrucksbackedupatthecheckpoint.Thesoldiershadorderedtheoccupantsofonecaroutandweredoingathoroughinspection.Impatientdriverswerehonkingtheirhorns.ObviouslyIsraelidriversdidn’twanttobepersonallyinconveniencedbysecurityprocedures,andthesoldierswerefeelingthepressure.Finally,theyclearedthecartheywereinspectingandsentitoff.Eagertoeasethetrafficjam,theywavedthenextfewcarsthrough,includingSami’s.TheywerenowsafelyinJerusalem!
Thenextmorning,asRanaslept,Samiandhisunclewatchedviasatelliteaninternationalnewsstation.Thepreviousnight,whileSamiandhiswifewereescaping,anotherpregnantPalestinianwomanwasforcedtohaveherchildinacarnearanewarmycheckpointestablishedashortdistancefromBethlehemChildren’sHospital.TheIsraelisoldiershadrefusedherpassage.Thechildhaddied.SamiandAlexwept.
IttookseveraldaysformetoreachBisharabytelephone.“Absolutefearhastakenoverthecity,”hetoldme.“Wearenotallowedtoleaveourhomesorevenlookoutthewindows.”Obviouslythecollegewasclosedandtheyhadnoideawhenitwouldreopen.BesidesBisharaandSalwa,Doris,avolunteerfromGermany,wastheonlyotherpersoninthecompound,helpingtakecareofthefacilities.
AslongasthesiegecontinuedattheChurchoftheNativity,noonewasmovingwithinBethlehem.“Wouldyouliketocomespeakatgraduation?”Bisharasaidwithatwinkleinhisvoice.“Idon’tknowwhenitwillbe,butwewouldlovetohaveyou!”
“Iwillplantocomeassoonasyoutellme,”Isaid,gratefulthatmyfriendwasabletofindalittlehumorinthemidstofsuchchaos.
abletofindalittlehumorinthemidstofsuchchaos.“Ofcourse,ifthislaststoolong,wemayhavetocancelthesemester.”Thenhe
changedthesubject.“Youknowanydaynow,SalwaandIaregoingtobegrandparents.SamiandRanamanagedtoescapeacoupleofdaysago.TheyarestayingwithAlexandBrenda.”
“Congratulations.Ihopethisendssoon,soyoucanbewiththem.”“Mysonwasverybravegettingoutthewayhedid.”Therewasasighonthe
phone,thenBisharasaid,“It’sverytoughhere.Severalpeopleweknowhavehadtheirhomesransacked.Thesoldiersdestroyeverything,supposedlysearchingforterrorists.Butit’ssomean.They’llemptyfoodsupplies—sugar,flour,rice,wheat,everything—ontothefloorsotheycannotbeused.Manybuildingsandhomeshavebeencompletelydestroyed.Ambulancesareshotat,andpeoplediebecausetheycannotreachthehospital.”
“IwishIcouldbewithyou.”“Wehavereceivedmanye-mailsandphonecalls.Peopleareprayingforus,
andthatkeepsusgoing.ManyMessianicJewshavesentfoodandmedicalaid.GodisgoodandHewillneverforsakethepeoplethathaveacceptedHisSon.”
“Holdontothathope,myfriend.Andassoonasyouletmeknow,I’llcometobewithyou.”
OnApril5LayaarAwadwasborninaJerusalemhospital.SamiandRanarejoicedasthebabygirlreceivedwonderfulcarefromthestaffofdoctorsandnurses.Buttheycouldn’thelpbutthinkalsooftheirfriendsinBethlehemandotherWestBankcitiesnowundermilitarycontrol.AsSamiheldhiswife’shandandgazedattheirchild,sleepingpeacefullynexttoRana,hesaid,“IwanttodedicateLayaartothememoryofallthechildrenkilledinbothPalestineandIsrael.”Ranasqueezedhishand,tearsforminginhereyes.Samiclosedhiseyesandprayedaloud:“IpraythatthemessageofthePrinceofPeacewillagainbealightfromBethlehemtoallcornersoftheworld.”
32MIRACLEINHOLLAND
Voorthuizen,TheNetherlands,April2002
SalimMunayerlookedaroundtheroomattheconferencecenterofNear-EastMinistry(NEM).Pastorsandchurchleaderswiththeirfamilies—ninety-fourpeople—hadbeenflownoutofthewarzonethatwascurrentlyIsraelandtheWestBank,courtesyofNEMwithhelpfromOpenDoors.DailyinternationalnewswasreportingtheIsraeliarmy’sincursionsintoWestBankafteraspateofsuicidebombings.TankspatrolledBethlehem.CurfewshadbeenimposedonHebron.FierceresistancefacedtheIsraeliarmyintheJeninrefugeecamp.
Manyconsidereditamiraclethatthismeetingwastakingplace.BecauseoftheconditionsinIsrael,itwasvirtuallyimpossibleforPalestiniansandJewstomeetinsidethecountry.Ittookmuchprayerandnegotiationtogainpermissionforthesefewmen,withtheirwivesandchildren,toleavethecountryandmeetinaneutrallocationforfivedays.Nowtherewastensionintheair.Palestinianssatononeside,Jewishbelieversontheother.Childrenwerebeingledinaspecialprogramelsewhereonthecompound,allowingtheirparentstoconcentrateonthehardworkahead.
Lord,willYoubreakdownthebarriersthisweek?Salimprayed.Thisconferencecouldstimulateaprocessofreconciliationthatcouldleadtohealingandgenuinepeaceforthewar-tornregion.Salimtookadeepbreathandsteppedtothefrontoftheroom.Afterwelcomingthegroup,hegotrighttothepoint:“Wearetwonationslivinginonehouse.Wesharethelivingroom,thekitchen,thecorridor,thebathroom,thetoilet,butnotthebedroom.Thefactiswedonotlikeoneanother.Worsestill,wehateoneanother.”
Therewasnosenseavoidingtheobvious,butheneededtoestablishtheframeworkfortheirtimetogether.Salimhadprayedlongandhardaboutthewordsthatfollowed:“Scholarsengagedinstudyingandevaluatingconflictbetweengroupshaveobservedcertainphenomenathatcanhelpusunderstandhatredandprejudice.Oneisthedivisionbetweenusandthem.Eachsideblamestheother,sayingthattheyhavelostallmoralandethicalstandards.Weareabletounderstandourowngroupandrecognizeitsgoodqualitieswhileoverlookingourshortcomings,becauseitisimportanttodistinguishbetweenus(whoarerightandgoodandmerciful)andthem(whoareevilandwrong).
“Asecondproblemisthefailuretoseepluralitywithintheotherside.Wegeneralizeandstereotypetheother,sayingthingslike,‘Theyallhateusandwanttokillus.’Weareunabletoseethemasindividualswithuniquefeelingsandthoughts.Duetothelanguagebarrier,IsraelisandPalestiniansdonotreadeachother’snewspapers.Thuseachsideisdependentonveryselectiveinformationgivenabouttheotherside.
“Thirdistheproblemofmoralsuperiority.Thuswedecidethatwearemorepeaceloving,trustworthy,andhonest,andweviewwithcontemptthosewhohavedifferentvalues.
“Andlast,thereistheperceptionbyeachsidethattheyarevictims,andthustheyareunabletoseethemselvesasathreattotheother.Ifwearevictims,thenwecannotbethevictimizers.Thevictims’mentalitycausesustobeblindtotheothers’pain,aspirations,andneeds.
“Thesetrendsareobstaclesintheprocessofreconciliation.However,thisweek,wehaveawonderfulopportunitytobreakthroughthesebarriersandrecognizethateachperson,whetherJeworPalestinian,iscreatedintheimageofGodandredeemedbythebloodoftheMessiah.Paulinstructsusonhowtotreatoneanother:‘Bedevotedtooneanotherinbrotherlylove.Honoroneanotheraboveyourselves....Blessthosewhopersecuteyou;blessanddonotcurse....Donotrepayanyoneevilforevil....Donottakerevenge,myfriends,butleaveroomforGod’swrath....Donotbeovercomebyevil,butovercomeevilwithgood.’”[1]
Theprocessofreconciliationbeganwithworship.DavidLoden,thefoundingelderofBeitAsaf,aMessianiccongregationinNetanya,playedguitarandledthesinging.JackSara,pastorofthePalestinianJerusalemAllianceChurch,assistedonthekeyboard.TherewasaselectionofhymnsandpraisesongsinbothArabicandHebrew,withphoneticsprovidedforthosewhodidn’tspeakthelanguage.SomeofthechorusesweresunginEnglish,whichmostoftheparticipantsunderstood.
understood.
DavidandLisaLoden,originallyfromNorthAmerica,hadlivedinIsraelfornearlythirtyyears.In1978theyhadhelpedformaMessianiccongregationinNetanya,acityontheMediterraneancoasttwenty-onemilesnorthofTelAviv.AtthattimetheyknewofonlyfivesuchcongregationsinIsraelworshipinginHebrew.FiveyearslaterEvanThomasfromNewZealandjoinedtheminthework,andthecongregationbecameknownasBeitAsaf.TodaythebodyinNetanyawasthriving,andtherewerebetweeneightyandonehundredMessianiccongregationsthroughoutIsrael.[2]David,acomposerandteacherofmusic,alongwithLisahadhelpedcreateindigenousmusicforthismovement.
WhiletheNetanyacongregationwasfriendlywithArabbelievers,theideaofparticipatinginareconciliationeffortlikethishadneveroccurredtotheLodensuntilDavidhadwhathecallsavision.“Itwasintheformofaquestion,”hetoldhiswife.“TheLordaskedmeifIlovedHim.Ofcourse,myanswerwas‘Yes,IloveYou.’ThenHebegantogodownalist.‘DoyouloveMychildren?’‘Yes,IloveYourchildren.’‘DoyouloveallMychildren?’Ithoughtofallthewonderfulpeopleweknowaroundtheworld.‘Yes,ofcourse!’ThenHesaid,‘DoyouloveMyArabchildren?’IthoughtoftheArabbrothersandsistersinIsrael,incongregationsinthenorth—they’dspeaktoourcongregation;we’dspeaktotheircongregations.‘Yes,Ido.’ThenHesaid,‘HowaboutMyPalestinianchildren?’HespecificallyusedthewordPalestinian.ItoldHim,‘Lord,that’sdifferent.Theydon’tbelieveabouttheBibleaswedo.Theydon’tbelieveaswedoaboutIsraelorend-timesprophecies.Andbesides,Youknowtheyareourenemies.’Evenasthewordscameoutofmymouth,Iwasfloodedwithafeelingofshameandbetrayal.”
Shortlyafterthatdramaticencounter,DavidreceivedacallfromSalimMunayerofBethlehemBibleCollege,askinghimtocomeandresurrecttheschoolchoirandteachamusiccourse.Davidconsidereditastrangerequest.“PracticallynextdoorinJerusalem,thereareatleastfifteenortwentymusicallyskilledpeoplewhocoulddothis,”heexplained.“IliveinNetanya,atleastatwo-hourdrivetoBethlehem.”
“I’veaskedeveryoneIcanthinkof,”Salimanswered.“Nooneiswillingtocome.”
AtthatmomentDavidrealizedthatGodwastestinghim.WouldheobeyGod’srevelation?ItwaspracticallyunheardofforanIsraelitostayovernightintheWestBanktoserveaPalestinianinstitution.Yetshortlyafterthatcall,he
theWestBanktoserveaPalestinianinstitution.Yetshortlyafterthatcall,hebegandrivingovertoBethlehemeverySundayafternoon,directingthechoironSundayevenings,andteachingaclassMondaymornings.Itsoonbecamethehighlightofhisweek.InvolvementinMusalahalogicallyfollowedsoonafter.
ForJackSara,cooperatingwithDavidLodenwasanevengreatermiracle.Asheaccompaniedhymnsandchorusesonakeyboard,hecouldn’thelpbutrecallhisencounterswithIsraelisoldiersduringthefirstintifada.HewasonlyfourteenyearsoldwhenhewaspickedupintheOldCityofJerusalem,wherehelivedintheChristianquarter.Thesoldiershadquestionedhimroughlyandbeatenhimforparticipationinademonstration,whichhehadnotattended.Bythetimehewasreleasedandlimpedbacktohishome,he’ddecided,IfI’mgoingtogetarrestedandbeaten,thenI’mgoingtobedarnsureit’sforsomethingI’vedone!
Jackwaspartofthenextdemonstration—throwingrocksatsoldiers,paintinggraffitionwalls,andwavingthePalestinianflag.ShortlyafterthathejoinedtheCommunistparty.Helostcountofthenumberoftimeshewenttoprisonoverthenextthreeyears,butthelastonewasthelongest—threemonths.Lyingonathin,lumpymattress,hetriedtomakesomesenseofhislife.Whatwasheaccomplishingwiththiscycleofprotestsandshoutinginsultsatsoldiers,arrests,andimprisonments,thenreleasetorepeattheprocess?Surelytherewasmoretolifethanthat!
Ashethoughtabouthislife,herealizedhe’dbecomedisgustedwiththemanlyingonthatmattress.NominallyhewasaCatholic,butmanyoftheMuslimsheknewlivedmorallybetterlivesthanhedid.Hewassmokingtwopacksofcigarettesadayanddrinkingeverychancehecould.Ifhewasreallygoingtohelpothers,heneededtoputhisownlifeinorder.
Afterhisrelease,heheardaboutamannamedYohanna.Oneofhisneighborstoldhim,“Yohannaisacultist.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Jackasked.“Hedoesn’tbelievelikeusCatholics.”TwodayslaterJackranintoYohannaandinsistedboldly,“Iwanttotalkto
you.”Yohannaandhisroommate,LabibMadanat,metwiththeteenagerintheirapartmentandtoldhimtheGoodNewsaboutJesusChrist.Jackwasreadyforanewstart.OnthenightofAugust10,1991,notfarfromwhereNicodemusmetJesusinthissamecity,JackSarawasbornagain.
“Sonowwhat?”hesaidtothetwomen.“Iwanttostudy.Iwanttolearn.AndIwanttohelpmypeople.”
Iwanttohelpmypeople.”SoonJackbecameastudentatBethlehemBibleCollege.AndwhatdidJack
gainfromthecollege?YearslaterheexplainedtoAlthathehadlearneda“Christianworldview.”
“Youneedtounderstandthat98percentofPalestiniansareMuslim.Whenwegotoschool,ourteachersareMuslim.ThecurriculumiswrittenbyMuslims.ThemajorityofourclassmatesareMuslim.OurnewspapersareorientedtowardMuslims.Sowithoutrealizingit,Palestinian/ArabChristiansareverymuchinfluencedbyIslamicthinkingandPalestinianmovements,andchurchattendanceisn’tenoughtoovercomethat.AtBethlehemBibleCollege,weareconfrontedwithabiblicalworldview.ThatwaswhenIstartedreallystudyingtheBibleandunderstandingwhoGodisandthereforehowtoviewlife.”
IfeltIwasonholyground.JohanCompanjenandIwereamongtheguestsinvitedforanopenmeetingonthelastnightofthishistoricgathering.Ourbrothersandsistershadspentthreedaysinprivatemeetings,doingthehardworkofgettingtoknoweachother,confessingtheirsins,andseekingtoexperiencetheonenessthatChristprayedforHisChurch.DavidLoden,wholookedlikeabiblicalpatriarchwithhisbaldpateandfull,whitebeard,spoketousfromtheJewishperspective:“We’reherebecausewe’vemadeamessofthingsinourcountry.IcametorealizethatIcannotloveGodandatthesametimehatemybrother.GodshowedmethatI’mresponsibleformybrothers.Palestinians,justlikeJews,aresonsofAdamandAbraham.They’remybrothers.However,inthelastyear,somuchhashappenedinourcountryandwe’reallsowounded.Werealizethatweneedhealingandrest.We’regettingthathere.Thisisatimeofhealingforusandourchildren.”
AlexAwad,Bishara’syoungerbrotherandpastorofamultinationalBaptistcongregationinJerusalem,addressedusfromthePalestinianperspective.“Jesusleftthecomfortandluxuryofheavenandbecameaman,camedowntoearth.Inordertoachievereconciliation,wetoowillhavetobepreparedtoleaveour‘comfortzone’andfindourbrothersandsisterswithwhomwehavedifficulties,todiscussthingsandputthemright.ThisisthecommandmentJesusgivesusinMatthew5:23–24:‘Ifyouareofferingyourgiftatthealtarandthererememberthatyourbrotherhassomethingagainstyou,leaveyourgiftthereinfrontofthealtar.Firstgoandbereconciledtoyourbrother;thencomeandofferyourgift.’Weareherethisweektodothathardworkofreconciliationwithourbrothers.”
Therewasatimeofworshipthatconcludedwithallofussinginganewsong,writtenbyLisaLodenseveralyearsbeforeafterapainfulbreakinarelationship
writtenbyLisaLodenseveralyearsbeforeafterapainfulbreakinarelationshipwithasister.ThesongwassunginEnglish,Hebrew,andArabic:
Heisourpeace;weshallbeone.Heisourreconciliation.ThewallofpartitionHe’sbrokendown.Heisourpeace;weshallbeone.
Salimhadaskedmetosayafewwordstothecrowd.Ifeltinadequateasheintroducedme,tellingthemaboutwitnessingoneofmytalkstoHamasnineyearsbefore,adding,“Andrewcertainlypreachedthegospeltothem.Andwepledwiththemtostoptheirterroristactivities.”
IknewwhatHamasneeded—theyneededtheGoodNewsofJesusChrist.Whatdidthisaudienceneed?Notasermonbutcertainlyawordofencouragement.
“TodaywearewitnessingaforetasteoftherealsolutiontotheMiddleEastconflict,”Isaid.“ThewallthatwasbuilttokeeppeopleandnationsaparthascomedownhereinamightydemonstrationofthepowerofGod.AndasdedicatedChristians,ourreactionis:IfGodcandothistoafewdozenpeople,Hecandoittoamillionpeople.”
Yes,Ireallybelievedthat.Whydidthisbeautifulpicturehavetobelimitedtoafewbravepeople?Therehadtobeawayforpeopletoseethispictureandforittogrowtoincludehundreds,thenthousandsandmore.“Oh,thatourheartsmaybegrippedbythepotentialpowerofJesustobringpeopletogether:IsraelisandPalestinians,ChristiansintheWestandintheEast,startingwhereweshouldhavebeenallthetime—atthefootofthecross.Thereisonlyonenamegivenunderheavenwherebywemustbesaved,andthatincludessavedfromviolenceandterrorism,hatredandrevenge.Godhasalreadytakentheinitiativeandnowcallsallofustofollow.Yes,we’vediscoveredtheprincipleofGod’ssolution.NowwemustcontinueandworkhardtoseethisMusalahaconceptbecomeamovement—likeamightyriver,afloodnotjustatrickle!”
AsIsatdown,Irealizedthatmomentslikethiswerewhatkeptmegoing,eventhoughIwaspushingseventy-fiveandpeopleweresayingitwastimetoslowdown.Iwantedtoshout“WhyresorttohumanresourcesandsolutionswhenGodofferedHimselfasthesolution?”
Ofcourse,asinglemeetingwasn’tgoingtosolvetheproblem,evenwiththisgroupofleaders.AlotmoreworkwasneededandSalimsaidthattherewereplansforthisgrouptocontinuemeeting,wheneverconditionsinIsraelandWestBankallowed.OneofhishopeswasthatthisgroupofpastorsandChurchleaderswouldstudytheScripturestogether,especiallythedifficultthemesthat
leaderswouldstudytheScripturestogether,especiallythedifficultthemesthatseparatedthem,suchaspassagesdealingwithprophecyandtheland.
IprayedthatthesemenandwomenwouldindeedcontinuetomeetanddemonstratetoJewsandPalestiniansthatrealpeacewasfoundatthefootofthecross.
33WHATDOYOUPREACHWHENTHEREISSHELLING?
Bethlehem,April2002
EverytwoorthreedayscurfewwasliftedinBethlehemforafewhourstoallowpeopletogetfoodandmedicalsupplies.Unfortunately,thatdidnotapplyto250familieslivingintheimmediatevicinityofMangerSquare.Theywereprisonersintheirhomeswhilethearmysurroundedtheancientchurch,shiningbrightlightsatnight,blaringloudannouncementsdayornight,postingsnipersabovethewallsreadytoshootanyonewhomoved.Thestreetsleadingtothesquarewerelitteredwithcrushedcars,brokenglass,andemptybulletshells.Brokenpipesspewedwater.Doorsofshopswerebrokendownandtheshelvesransacked.Manybuildingshadbeenhitbyartilleryshellsandlefttoburn,firefightersunabletogetnearenoughtodotheirjob.Bulletshaddamagedthewallsofthechurch.Nerveswerefrayed,andnooneknewwhenthisnightmarewouldend.
Bisharatriedtomakecontactwithallofhisstudentsandstaff.Hissecretary,Alison,andherhusbandandthreedaughtersweretypicaloffamilieswhoweregoingstircrazyintheirhomes.However,noonedaredleave.“Yesterdayourneighborwasshottodeathinhiscarashereturnedfromthemarket,”shetoldBisharabycellphone.Herhusband,George,hadmadethesametriponedayearlier.“Wethoughtthecurfewwaslifted.Wedon’talwaysknowbecauseit’snotalwaysannounced.Israelisnipersarepositionedinabuildingaboveus.”
Thefamilysurvivedbywatchingtelevisionwhenpowerwasavailable.Therewastwenty-four-hournewscoverage,butwhenthatbecametoomuchtoendure,theyswitchedtooldmoviesorAmericansitcomreruns.
Alison’shusbandwasnearingdespair.Hehadbeenunabletogotoworkforamonthandwasrecallingeveryhumiliatingexperiencehe’deverenduredfromtheIsraelis—therudeyoungsoldierswhoscreamedathimatthecheckpoint;thesettlerswhopointedtheirgunsathimandhismotherandsiblingsastheyfarmedtheirland;themilitaryjudgewhohaddismissedthelegitimacyoftheirownershipofthefarm;thesoldierwhohadgrabbedhisyoungerbrotherbytheneck;thecaptainwhohadrefusedtogivehimpermissiontogotoBeerShevaforhisdaughter’sopen-heartsurgery.Onandonitwent.Memoriesofthesehumiliationsseemedtomakehisworriesmoreunbearable.Wherewouldhegetmoneyfornextmonth’sfoodandwaterandelectricityandrentandschoolfees?[1]
ThiswasaChristianfamilysimplytryingtoliveadecentlifewhiledealingwiththeirconstantlyescalatingfrustrationandanger.Theywouldn’ttakedesperatemeasures,likesomeinthemilitantIslamicgroups,butsomehowtheyhadtomanagetheiremotions.Howmuchlongercouldtheyendurethepressure?Multiplythatbyhundredsandhundredsoffamilies.Bisharaknewhehadtofindawaytohelppeoplecaughtinthismaelstrom.Allhecoulddoforthemomentwassende-mailsandmakephonecalls.SeveralorganizationshadcommittedtoprovidingfundstohelptheShepherd’sSociety,thereliefarmofBethlehemBibleCollegethatBisharahadformed.Itwouldaidfamiliesthatweresufferingthemost,butrightnowtheycouldn’tevenreachthosefamilies.
Asdaysturnedintoweeks,Bisharatriedtokeepbusy.Becausethegardenwasbelowstreetlevel,andcordonedoffbyahighwall,hewasabletogetoutwithSalwaandDorisanddoyardwork.Hewrotetohisfriendsthattherewereafew“goodpoints”tobeingconfinedtoone’shomeforweeksonend:
YouhavemoretimetoprayandreadtheWordofGod.Yousleeplate.Youcanenjoyyourbreakfastandyoudon’thavetorushtowork.Youcanhelpyourwifeputawayallthewinterthingsandgetreadyfor
summer.Youcanfixupthingsaroundthehouse—andIenjoyedthat.Youcancatchuponyourletters.
Bethlehem,May2002
ThesiegeattheChurchoftheNativityendedafterthirty-ninedays.The
ThesiegeattheChurchoftheNativityendedafterthirty-ninedays.Thenegotiatedsettlementsentthirteenmenintodeportation.SeveralmoremenwereshippedtoGaza.Therest,whoweresimplycaughttryingtotakeshelterduringthefighting,wereallowedtoreturntotheirhomes.
TwomenfromOpenDoorswentimmediatelytoBethlehemassoonasthearmypulledout.Theirwrittenreporttouchedmedeeply.Whilethesightswereappalling,theheartrendingstorieshurtmuchmore.OnefamilyneartheChurchoftheNativityspentsixweeksintheirbedroom,notdaringtomovetheirheadsabovethelevelofthewindowforfearofbeingshot.Anothercouplehadtanksparkednexttotheirhomefortwoweeks.“Westayedinsidefortwoweeks,eatingwhatfoodwehadonceperday.”
OnewidowwithtwochildrentocareforshowedthementheruinsofherhomejustafewyardsfromMangerSquare.Sheandherchildrenhadfledatthebeginningofthefightingand,becauseofthesiege,hadnotbeenabletogoback.Allthewindowswerebrokenanddustanddirtblewintothehouse.Therewasn’tapieceoffurnitureleftintact.Herbelongingswerepiledinonecornerandthefloorwasfilthy.OnonewalltherewasaSyrianOrthodoxChurchcalendar,theonlypicturenotdamaged.Inthekitchenthesinkandallthefittingshadbeentornoutofthewall.“Lookatmyrefrigerator,”shesaid.“It’snew.Isavedformonthstobuyit.”Itstoodinacorner,thedoorsbentopen,theglassshelvesbroken,theinsidestainedbythefoodthathadrottedduringtheweekstheyweregone.
Afterwalkingthroughtownandwitnessingthedevastation,thestaffmembersmetwithseverallocalpastors.Whilethesementriedtoministertotheirflocks,theyalsoweredealingwiththeirownangerandfrustration.“WhereistheChurchworldwide?”saidone.“WhereistheChristianworld?Howcantheyturnablindeye?”Anothersaid,“WhiletheywereholdingthemainChristianpopulationofPalestinehostage,whatdidtheChurchintheWestdo?”
Whatpastorhasbeentrainedtoministerinsuchconditions?“Whatdoyoupreachwhenthereisshellingandguns?”askedone,“orwhenamemberofmychurchringsmeuponmycellphoneandsays,‘Pleasepray.ThereareIsraelisinmyhouse,’or‘Mydaughterissick,andtheambulancewon’tcomebecauseofthefighting’?”
Thereportconcluded,“ThelastfortydayshavebeenacrushingblowtotheChurch—theworstinfiftyyears.IthasbeentheculminatingknockoutpunchtoaChristianpopulationreelingfromtwentymonthsofsufferingduringthemostrecentintifada.Thecontinualfightinghasfrightenedawaythetourists,andmanypeoplehavelosttheirjobs.”Onepersontoldourtwostaffworkers:“Twentymonthswithoutworkishumiliating.Iusedtohavesomemoney,but
“Twentymonthswithoutworkishumiliating.Iusedtohavesomemoney,butnowallisgone.”Saidhispastor:“Multiplythatbythousands,andyouhavethestoryofBethlehem.”
Howindeeddoesoneministerinsuchturmoil?Thesepeopleweredeeplyscarredemotionally.AccordingtotheOpenDoorsstaff,thefirstconsequencewouldbemanypeopleleavingthecountry:“Thesteadybleedingofemigrationwillturnintoahemorrhage.Theconsequenceoflackofworkandthecontinualinsecuritymeansthatpeoplehavenohopeforthefuture.Theyseeonlyonepossibility—toleaveandgototheUnitedStatesorAustraliaor...”
Buteveninthisdarkness,therewereglimmersoflight.Throughhumanitarianaid,thedoorwasopentoreachingthelocalMuslimpopulation.Ireadinthereport:“LateoneeveningsomebrothersfromtheBibleSocietyvisitedaMuslimfamilywithaboxoffood.Astheyreceivedthefood,thepeoplebrokedownandcried.”
AsoneBethlehempastorputit,“Wearetryingtobethelightinthemidstofdarkness,butyoumustkeeptheoilburning.”
Howcouldwe,theChurchintheWest,helpourbrothersintheBethlehemarea?Surelywehadtorespondquicklyandsubstantially.“Wecanstartbyhelpingtomeetsomeoftheirphysicalneeds,”saidoneofthestaffwhenhereturnedfromthetrip.“TheShepherd’sSocietywantstohelpseventhousandChristianfamilies.Thereisanurgentneedformedicinesandfoodforthosewhohavelosteverything,andtheyneedtohirelocalpeopletohelpdistributetherelief.”
WithindaysOpenDoorsannouncedaprojectcalledCompassionNow.Thegoalwastoraise$500,000asquicklyaspossibletoprovideemergencyreliefintheformoffoodandmedicine,plussubsidiestopaydelinquentutilitybills.Someofthefundswouldgotoexpandingatrauma-interventioncounselingprogram,particularlyforchildrenandyouthwhohadbeenemotionallyandpsychologicallytraumatized.
Icouldn’thelpbutthinkofthewordsofJesusinMatthew25aboutthejudgmentwherethesheepwereseparatedfromthegoats.IhadpreachedonthispassageatIslamicUniversityinGaza.TothesheepJesussaid,“Iwashungryandyougavemesomethingtoeat,Iwasthirstyandyougavemesomethingtodrink.”JesushadsaidthoserecipientsareHisbrothersandsisters;therefore,“YoudiditforMe.”TheseChristiansinBethlehemwerecertainlymoremybrothersandsistersthantheHamasIvisitedinsouthLebanon.Howmuchmoreshouldweworktoreachouttothemintheirtimeofneed?
Bishara’sinvitationtospeakatgraduationwasfulfilledinmid-July,morethanamonthlaterthanplanned.Invitationsweresentindicatingthatiftherewasacurfewonthedesignatedday,theceremonywouldoccuronthenextdaywhenthecurfewwaslifted.ImadeaquicktriptoTelAviv.OneofBishara’sfriendssnuckmeintoBethlehemwherewewaitedthreedaysforthecurfewtolift.Whentheannouncementcameearlyonemorningthattherewouldbeasix-hourreprieve,phonecallswerequicklymadeandannouncementsscrolledalongthebottomoflocaltelevisionscreens.Thatday,fifteennewChristianleadersgraduated,readytobegintheirserviceintheLightForce.
34THELIGHTISALITTLEBRIGHTER
Gaza,December2002
Frustratedtryingtomaneuverthroughcrowdedintersectionswithnotrafficlights,ourtaxidrivertookhischancesonthewinding,potholed,dirtbackroadsandalleysofGazaCity.Butthreeblocksfromourdestination,heagainfacedthegridlockedmainstreet.Hornsblaredwithnoeffect.Thedrivershookhisheadandmuttered,“Ramadan.”Directlyaheadwomenflockedtoalargeopen-airmarkettobuyfoodandgiftsforEidal-Fitr,thebiggestMuslimholidayoftheyear,whichcelebratedtheendofthemonthoffasting.
Seeinganopenlane,thedriverwoundthroughthetrafficandspedupahillpastthestalledlines.Withhorrorwerealizedthatthislanewasforvehiclesgoingintheoppositedirection.Fortunately,weemergedatthetopofthehillwithoutmeetinganyoncomingcars.Thenweturnedinfrontofthethreelinesofcarsontoanarrowsidestreet,passedalargecemetery,andturnedintothecomplexwhereourapartmentbuildingwaslocated.Onlylaterdidwerealizethatthisstreetwasmarked“OneWay,”andweweregoinginthewrongdirection.
TheapartmentbuildingwaspartoftheBaptistcompoundbuthadseenlittleusesincethestartofthesecondintifadamorethantwoyearsago.AlandIwereallowedtostayforjusttendollarspernight.“Remember,thisisRamadan,”thelandlordsaid.“Ifyougooutbeforesundown,don’teatordrinkanythinginpublic.Whilewe’renotundertheirreligiouslaws,suchinsensitivitywouldcauseproblems.”
AlandIwenttoourroomstounpack.Suddenly,therewasaloudexplosion,andtheconcussionmadeourbuildingshake.Twomoreexplosionsfollowedinrapidsuccession.Alhurriedontothebalconyandsawseveralpeople,hands
rapidsuccession.Alhurriedontothebalconyandsawseveralpeople,handsblockingtheireyesfromthesun,lookingupatthreeApachehelicoptershighinthesky,headedbacktoIsrael.Awomanfromtheapartmentbelowuslookedintotheair,thenupatAlandsaid,“WelcometoGaza!”
PastorHannapickedusupat4:00.Traffichadsubsidedbythen.Thewomenwerehomecooking,andmostmenhadleftworkearlyforthemuch-anticipatedfeast.AlandIaskedHannaabouttheexplosions.HeexplainedthatthegunshipshadattackedtheDepartmentofHealth,killingonemanandwoundingfive.“Usuallytheydon’tbombduringtheday,”Hannasaidashedroveustoadowntownrestaurant.“Theyprobablyhadintelligencethatthemantheywantedwasinthatoffice.”Thenheadded,“LastnightanIsraelihelicopterflewjustaboveourhomeallnight.Itwashardtosleepandveryintimidating.”WewerequicklybeginningtoexperiencethestressofdailylifeinGaza.
Everytableintherestaurantwasset,eachwithanarrayofsaladsandstacksofpitabread.By4:30everyseatwasoccupied.Peopletalkedquietly,butnoonesomuchastouchedanyofthefoodorwater.Atelevisionwasoninthecorner,andtheproprietorwatchedforofficialnoticethatthesunhadsetandthefinalfastofRamadancouldbebroken.Thewordcameat4:42,andimmediatelyeveryonebeganeating.Awaitercameby,givingusachoiceofwholechickenorkebabsoflamborchicken.Thereweremorethantwentypeopleatourlongtable.SomeweremembersoftheBaptistchurch.OthersworkedeitherinarefugeecamporforaMuslimreliefagency.Togetherwewerecelebratingapartnershipthathadbroughtrelieftofivethousandfivehundredfamiliesinnearbyrefugeecamps.
WehaddessertandcoffeeatHanna’shome.Hiswife,Suhad,welcomeduswarmlywhenweenteredtheapartment.ShortlyafterwehadseenthemlastyearinGaza,shehadgonetoJordantovisitfamily.Whenitwastimetoreturn,shehadbeenrefusedreentryintoGaza.Therefollowedtenagonizingmonthsseekingavisa.“Eventhoughtheyknewthatshe’smarriedtoapastor,theystilldon’twanttogiveherpermissiontocome,”Hannasaid.“Ithinktheywereputtingpressureonustoleave.”
“ToleaveGaza?”Iasked.“That’swhatIbelieve.”Hannahadappliedthreetimesforthevisaforhiswife
toreturntoGaza.Threetimesitwasrejected.Finally,hefiledapetitionwiththeSupremeCourtofIsrael.“Ifthecourthadsaidno,Ihadmyluggagereadytogo
SupremeCourtofIsrael.“Ifthecourthadsaidno,IhadmyluggagereadytogoandliveinJordan.Wethoughtthatwecannotlivelikethis.It’sbeenverypainful,verydifficult.Mymotherandtwosistershavemusculardystrophyandneedalotofhelp.Soyou’retornbetweenyourwifeandyourmother,twosisters,andyourchurch.”
“Aterribledilemma.Istherenocompassion?”AtthattimeGazawasautonomous,underthecontrolofthePA.Still,IsraelrestrictedthecitizensofGazafromreturningtotheirhomes.
“OnceIhadameetingwiththeIsraeliambassadorinJordan.Therewerealotofpeoplewritingonourbehalftotheambassador.Hesaid,‘We’regettingverytiredofpeoplewritingtousaboutSuhad.’Suhadhatedgoingtotheembassybecauseofthewaytheytreatedher.Itwaslikeyouwerebegging.”
Fortunately,theSupremeCourtruledinSuhad’sfavor.“Howlongcanshestaynow?”Alasked.
“Sevenmonths.Shecanstaylonger,butifsheleavestogoseeherfamily,thenthereisnoassurancethatshewillbeallowedback.”
Ithoughtaboutthepressurethismanwasunder.Hereliedheavilyonhiswife,andSuhadwasanintegralpartofhisministry.Asweenjoyedfruitandicecream,Isaid,“Pleasetellushowthechurchisdoingnow.”
“Weministertoabout150throughouttheweek.”“Theydon’tallcomeonSunday?”Alaskedforclarification.“WehaveSundaymorningserviceat10:30andSundayeveningat4:30.And
throughtheweek,almosteveryday,wehaveameeting.Mondaywehavemeetingsfornewbelieversandnewleaders.Wehaveawomen’smeetingonTuesday,andyouthagestwelvetoeighteenonThursday.Fridaywehave‘Sundayschool,’agesfivetotwelve[FridayisthedayoffformostpeopleinGaza].Saturdayweworkwithuniversitystudents.Wealsohaveseveralothermeetingsoutsidethechurch.We’veheldleadershiptrainingforPAleaders.Webelievethisisagoodwaytoreachouttothecommunity.We’llbestartinganothergroupsoon.”
Ithoughtofthechurch,barelybreathingwhenIvisiteditsixyearsearlier.Nowitwasthrivingandreachingoutintothecommunity.Thelightwasdefinitelyalittlebrighter.
Thefirstcallstoprayerstartedshortlybefore4:00inthemorning,andsincethiswasaholiday,therewerespecialservicesatallthemosques.Loudspeakers
broadcasttheseservicesforallwhowerenotdedicatedenoughtoriseandattend.Thenoisemadeitimpossibletosleep,soAlfinallygotuptomakeuscoffee.ThecacophonyofpreachersandchantersmadeitdifficulttoconcentrateaswereadourBibles.Weparticularlynotedwhenwhatsoundedlikeayoungboytookoverchantingforafewminutesatonemosque.Hishigh-pitchedvoicerepeated,“Allahu,Akbar;Allahu,Akbar”or“Godisgreater!”overandover,withparticularemphasisonthenext-to-lastsyllable.
FromPsalm80,Alread,“OLORDGodAlmighty,howlongwillyourangersmolderagainsttheprayersofyourpeople?Youhavefedthemwiththebreadoftears;youhavemadethemdrinktearsbythebowlful.Youhavemadeusasourceofcontentiontoourneighbors,andourenemiesmockus.”
Asthelastnotesfromthemosquesdiedawayat7:30,weobservedthatthewordsofthepsalmdescribedmanyoftheprayersofMuslims,Jews,andChristians.Peoplecalloutindistress,“Abba,Father.”TheMuslimscannotknowGodasFather.TheycallouttoAllah,“thehearingone,”butwithoutknowingifHewillanswertheirprayers.Wewonderedifthatwasthereasonforthemonotonousrepetitionwe’dheardthatmorning—thattheyhopedperhapstobeansweredbecauseoftheirmanywords.ButGodhassetusfreeandbroughtusintoapersonalrelationshipwithHimself!ThatwasthemessagetheChurchsomehowneededtoconveytoGaza.
Afteralightbreakfastofapplesandtoast,wetookawalkintheneighborhood.Immediatelyoutsidetheapartmentcompound,wenoticedanemptylotfilledwithplasticchairs.Atthegatestoodaproudmandressedinafreshlypressedblacksuitwitharedflowerpinnedonhislapel.Menfromtheneighborhoodwerecomingbytopaytheirrespects.Thetwoforeignerswereconspicuous.“Please,comein!”themansaid,standingerectandproudattheentrancetothemourningtent.“Mysondiedon28Ramadan.”Thatwasthreedaysearlier.Wecouldn’tdeterminehowhediedbecauseaswetookseatsofhonor,theman,ahugesmileonhisface,said,“Mysondiedasamartyrandisnowinparadise.Please,becomeMuslims!Itissowonderful!”
Forthenextfewminutes,hepreachedasermontousaspassionateasthatofanyevangelist.Theguestsaroundhimnoddedtheirheadsinagreement.Someonepouredusaglassofjuice,anotherofferedusdates,andathirdpassedadishofcandy.Asweacceptedtherefreshments,themancontinuedexhorting:“Allahistheonlyanswer.NotBush,notArafat,notEuropeortheUnitedStates.OnlyAllah!”
Whenitwaspolitetoleave,wewarmlyshookhandswiththefather,again
offeringourcondolences.Aswecontinuedonourwalk,wediscussedwhetherwewouldbesoproudandboldinourwitnessthreedaysafteroneofoursonshaddied.Thismantoldusthathissonwasinparadisebecausehehaddiedasa“martyr.”Thisman’sfaithwasabsolute.Hehadstakedhislifeonthat.HowmanyChristianswerejustascertainoftheirfaith?WhataboutthelocalbelieversinGaza?Withoutasimilarfaithandpassion,howcouldtheyhopetobeheardamongthemillion-plusMuslims?
WedrovealongtheMediterraneanSeasouthtowardoneoftherefugeecamps.Itwassadtoseenooneenjoyingthebeautifulbeach.Numerouslittlebeachsidecafes,somewithumbrellasupovertheirtables,wereclosed.Portionsofthesandweredisfiguredbybarbedwiredefenses.Thiscouldbeawonderfultouristspot;insteaditwasawarzone.WeparkedattheheadquartersofaMuslimNGO(nongovernmentalorganization)thatwasresponsibleforcoordinatingreliefeffortsinthearea.TheBaptistchurchwasworkingwiththemtodistributefoodtotheneediestfamilies.Thedirector,Khalid,explainedthatthiswasasmallNGO.“Allwhoworkherearevolunteers,”hesaid.“AllofthisisforGod.OurfriendsattheBaptistchurchareabighelp.”
“Dopeoplecometoyouforhelp,ordoyouseekthemout?”Alasked.“Ourvolunteersseekthemout.”“Theytelluswhoneedshelp,”Hannaadded.“SomeNGOsdiscriminate.This
oneishonestandhelpisbasedonrealneed.Weliketomakeaconnectionwiththefamilyanddeliverthefoodandmeatcouponsourselves.”
AswedrovejustafewminutestoDeirelBallah(CampofthePalm),Hannashowedusoneofthecouponshewouldbegivingtothefamilies.OnthetopwasaScriptureverse.ThecouponstatedthatthiswasagiftfromGazaBaptistChurch.Weparkedattheentrancetoadirtalleywaywithacementblockwallononesideandramshacklehomesontheother.GreenArabicgraffitiwasprominentonthewall.Someofitwascoveredbyalaundrylineloadedwithchildren’sclothing.Severalboyswereplayingnexttoatruckandtheycheerfullysaid,“Hello,”andgatheredaroundtheforeignvisitors.
Alpulledouthisdigitalcamera,andtheboysdrewaroundmeforaphoto.Thentheyeagerlylookedatthepictureonthelittlescreen,talkingexcitedly.LaterIsawinthepicturethatoneoftheboyshadatoypistolinadvertentlypointedatmyhead.Afterthat,everywherewewentthroughoutthecamp,Inoticedthatmostoftheboyshadtoypistolsormachineguns.Theywere
constantlydodgingbehindcarsandplayactinggunfightswiththeir“enemies.”Thefirsthomewevisitedwasactuallyacompoundconsistingofseveral
rooms.Hannaexplainedthatseveralbrothershadcombinedtheirfamiliesandresources,livingalltogether.Therewasatotalofsixty-fivepeople.Boyssleptinoneroom,girlsinanother.Bothdormitorieswereextremelyneat,withsleepingpadspiledhighinonecornersothespacecouldbeusedinotherwaysduringtheday.
Thecouplewevisitedinvitedusintotheirroom,wheretheonlyfurniturewasabedandanarmoire.Cushionsonthehard-packeddirtfloorwereusedforsitting.Ononewalltherehungacarpetandafewhooksforcoats.Twosmallfamilypicturesandadigitalclockstuckat12:02providedtheonlyotherdecoration.Theroomwasneatandextremelyclean.“Didtheyknowwewerecoming?”AlaskedHanna.
“No,weneverannouncewhatfamilieswewillvisit.”Thecouplesatclosetoeachotherontheedgeoftheirbedwhilewesatonthe
floorcushions.Hannaofferedthemthebagofgroceries,plusacouponthatcouldberedeemedfortwokilosofmeatfromanearbybutcher.Themanwasgrateful.Whilehiswifegotupandlefttheroom,heexplainedinArabic,withHannatranslatingforus,thathehadtwowivesandelevenchildren.Hisoldestsonwassixteenyearsold;hisyoungestwasfour.He’dbeenoutofworkformorethantwoyears,andsohisoldestchildhadtoleaveschool.[1]
Theman’swifereturnedwithabundleofveryripebananas.Shewentaroundtheroomandgaveonetoeachofus.Thesepeoplewereverypoorbutalsoproud—theyfeltboundtoprovideushospitality,sharingwhatevermeagerprovisionstheyhad.Ifoundmyselfdeeplytouchedandasweendedourbriefvisit,IaskedifIcouldprayforthefamily.Theyagreed,andwehadabriefprayer.Thatwastheleastwecoulddo,toleavethenameofJesusinthatroom.
Asweleft,wewalkedbythekitchen,whichwasopentotheelements.Akettleoveranopenfirewasinonecorner,cookingthemealfortheday.Thewomenhadjustfinishedbakingthinflatbreadandofferedussome.Surelyatreatineverycultureisthetasteoffreshlybakedbreadstraightoutoftheoven!Inoticedthatthefamilywasraisingafewchickensandagoatandhadtwoveryskinnyworkhorses.Obviouslytheyweredoingeverythingpossibletoscratchoutalivingandprovidefortheirchildren.AlcommentedthattheprimitivenessofthesituationremindedhimofthewaypioneersprobablylivedintheAmericanWest150yearsago.Onlythosepioneershadamuchbrighterfutureaheadofthem.
Aswewalkedbacktoourvan,Alasked,“ArethereanyChristiansinthiscamp?”
camp?”“No,itis100percentMuslim,”saidHanna.“Butwealwaysoffertopraywith
them,andusuallytheyappreciateit.”“Wheredoyougetthefunds?”“Somefromthecongregation.Somefromfriendsofthechurch.And
Samaritan’sPurseisproviding$15,000permonthforsixmonths.Thathasallowedustoexpandtheprogram.”
Drivingbackintothecity,wecouldn’thelpbutreflectthatoureffortsseemedsolittlecomparedtothehugeneedsaroundus.However,lightwasshining,andwhoknewwhatGodcoulddoasaresultoftheeffortsofthissmallbutfaithfulcongregationindowntownGazaCity?
35ADONKEYCRIESFORGAZA
Gaza,December2002
Itwas4:00,thescheduledtimefortheprogramtostart,andtheballroomofthehotelontheGazabeachhadmaybeonehundredpeoplescatteredamongseveralhundredplasticoutdoorchairs.PastorHannadidn’tseemtooconcernedashesupervisedthefinaldetailsoftheprogram.Invitationsfortheeventhadbeendeliveredoverthepreviousthreedays.“Thereisnopointinsendingoutinvitationsearlier,”PastorHannaexplained.“Peoplewillforget.Andbesides,therearen’tverymanyoptionsavailabletopeopleinGazarightnow.”
Hannashowedustheinvitation.ItwasinanenvelopewithaCD-ROMthatcontainedportionsoftheJesusfilm,textofthebookMorethanaCarpenterbyJoshMcDowell,aNewTestament,and“TheFourSpiritualLaws.”Icouldn’thelpbutrecallthethreeconcernedmenofthischurchsixyearsearlierwhohadwantedtoholdanevangelisticcampaign.Atthattimetheyhadnofollow-upplan.NowGazaBaptistChurchwasready.Therewerebooksandothermediaresources,menandwomenwhocouldhandlefollow-upmeetings,andgroupswithinthechurchsopeoplecouldbecomepartofacommunity.
AlandIwalkedoutsidethehotelontothepatiothatborderedthebeachalongtheMediterraneanSea.Meninthreeboatswerefishingabouttwohundredyardsoffshore.Onemanwasthrowingoutanettoseewhathecouldcatch.Probablynotmuch—thegoodfishwerefartherout,butIsraelipatrolspreventedboatsfromfishingoutthere.Manylocalfishermenhadgoneoutofbusiness,andtherestaurantsrarelyservedfreshfishanymore.
Weprayedabouttheevangelisticmeeting.ThisonewastargetedparticularlytopeoplewhocalledthemselvesChristianbutwhoforwhateverreasonwere
topeoplewhocalledthemselvesChristianbutwhoforwhateverreasonwereinactiveinanyofthelocalchurches.Wehadnoideahowmanypeoplemightfitintothatcategory—perhapsonethousand,maybemore?Certainly,otherscouldbeattractedaswell.“Lord,mayYourhandbeoverthisevent,”weprayed.“MayYourSpiritmovehearts,andmaytherebemuchfruitharvestedtonight.”
Bythetimetheprogramstartedat4:35,theroomwasnearlyfullwithsomefourhundredpeople.Welaughed,realizingthatinGazawewereoperatingonArabtime.
Thefirsthourwasdevotedtomusicandtestimonies.AgroupofchildrensangaspecialsongthatLabibMadanat,whohaddrivendownfromJerusalemfortheevent,translatedforus:
Yourpeacepassesunderstanding,abidinginus,andwillnever,neverleaveus.Whatevertheenemywillsay,Yourpeacewillneverleaveus.
Thechoruswent:
Peace,peacetoGod’speople,wherevertheyare,wherevertheyare.
LabibexplainedthatthissonghadbecomeverypopularatcampsthatOperationPalestinianChildconductedforMuslimchildren.ThiswasaprogramsponsoredbythePalestinianBibleSociety.ThelyricscontrastedsharplywiththesongsglorifyingmartyrdomthatGazachildrenoftensang.
Anothersongevokedadeeppathos:
Whofeelsmypain?Whofeelsmyweakness?OnlyYou,Jesus.
Oureyesweredrawntooneofthesingers,ayoungmanwhoplayedguitarandwhosesingingseemedtocomefromdeepwithinhissoul.Yes,thesepeopleunderstoodpainandweakness.
ThemainspeakerwasKamal,anevangelistfromJordan.HewasoriginallyfromNazarethandjokedaboutNathanael,whohadasked,“Cananythinggood
comeoutofNazareth?”[1]“Peoplefromthereneedamiracletocometofaith,”saidKamal.“They’retough.Well,I’moneofthosemiracles.”Kamaltoldalittleofhisstory,howhehadworkedinanightclubandexperimentedwithdrugs,lookingforhappiness.Whenhedidn’tfindit,hebeganasearchforthetruthinstead.Toillustratethatsearch,hewalkedusthroughtheScriptures,seekingadvicefromMoses,Daniel,Isaiah,Micah,JohntheBaptist,andMary.HeconcludedwithJesus,whosaid,“Comeuntome.”
Kamalissuedapowerfulinvitation,andmorethanonehundredpeoplestooduptosaytheywerecommittingtheirlivestoChrist.Thelightjustgotalittlebrighter.ThestaffandleadersofGazaBaptistChurchwouldbebusyforweeksfollowingupwitheachofthosewhofilledoutresponsecards.
Laterthatevening,wemettheyoungmanwhohadsocapturedourattentionashesangattheoutreachevent.Veryquietly,speakingthroughaninterpreter,Ramitoldhowhischildhoodendedwhenhewasnineyearsold,duringthefirstintifada.“Wewereapoorfamily,butitwasabigfamily,astrongfamily.MybrotherKader,whoifhewerestillalivewouldnowbethirty-twoyearsold,wasverysmart.Hewasworkingsellinggold.”
ButKader,Rami’shero,waskilledattheageofeighteen.Therewasademonstrationnearthemarket—youngmenandboyswerethrowingrocksatIsraelisoldiers.Onhiswaytobuygroceries,Kaderwascaughtupinthedemonstration.Hepickeduparockandheavedit,hittingthecaptainonhishelmet.Immediatelyseveralsoldierschasedafterhim.Kadertoredownoneofthedirtsidestreets,choseahouseatrandom,andhidunderabed—therewasnootherplacetohide.
Thesoldiershadnoproblemfindingtheboy.Ramicouldpicturethehorrorastheybegantobeathisbrotherwithsticks.“Stop!”saidoneofthecommanders.Hehandedthemalargeemptysack.“Putthisoverhimsowedon’tgetsplatteredwithblood.”Thentheycontinuedthebeating.
RamihadheardthattheprimeministerofIsrael,YitzhakRabin,hadtoldthesoldiersto“breakthebones”ofeveryPalestinianyoungmantheyhit.Howmanyofyourbonesdidtheybreak?hewantedtoaskhisbrother.
Whilebeatinghim,thesoldiersdemandedtoknowhisreligion.Whenhereplied,“Christian,”theyhauledhimoutsidetoajeepandtiedhimcruciformonthehood,thenparadedhimthroughthestreetsofGaza.Whentheyfinallyarrivedatthemilitaryheadquarters,hewasdumpedonthecementfloor.“He
needsmedicalattention,”someonesaid.Butnodoctorwasallowedtolookathim.Theboydiedonthatfloor.[2]
“Ablacknessenteredmyheart,”Ramisaidofthatincident.Withinmonths,hismotherbecameillanddied.ThenanotherbrotherstartedattackingsoldierswithMolotovcocktails.Hewasarrestedandimprisonedforfive-and-a-halfyears.“Ihadahugeangerinme.Ineededsomeonebiggerthanmetohelpmecontainthiskindofanger.Noonecaredformeafterthistime.Ibecamelonely.Myfatherbecameveryweak.Ihadtostaywithhim.Icleanedhim,fedhim,tookcareofhim.ButIwasveryangry,becausemyfatherwasn’twithmetoencouragemeandbecauseIwasn’twithmyfriends.”
Ramideterminedhewouldfindawaytogetevenwiththosewhohadmurderedhisbrotherandwereresponsible,inhismind,forthedeathofhismother.Hewasfinishinghighschoolwhenhisfatherdied.Hefailedthecompulsoryteststhatarerequiredifonewantstoattendcollege.Hestarteddrinkingalcohol.“Iwasbornintoaworldlylifestyleoutofawombofsadness,”hesaid.
Whataprofoundstatement!Ithought.RamiknewheneededhelpandtookthefirststepswhenaCatholicpriest
encouragedhimtostudyandretakethetests,thenhelpedhimlearntobeasecretary,andfoundhimajobattheMinistryofAntiquities.
“Iknowyouweren’taMuslim,butwereyoueverdrawntogroupslikeHamasorIslamicJihad?”Alasked.
“IwantedtokillJews.IthoughtaboutbecomingaMuslim.”“Whatpreventedyou?”“Ididn’tknowanythingaboutmy[Christian]religion.”Headmittedthere
wasahugespiritualgapinhislife.Inthesummerof2001heattendedaconferencecalledSummerland,“JustbecauseIwasbored.”ItwassponsoredbyGazaBaptistChurch.“Iwenteachday.Onthethirdday,theLordwasspeakingtomethroughtheHolySpirit.ThatwaswhenIacceptedtheLordJesus,andmylifechanged.”
“Please,tellushowyourlifechanged,”Alprompted.“EventhoughIacceptedtheLord,therewasstillsomeofthatblacknessinmy
hearttowardtheJews.Therewereinnerbattles.IbegantostudytheWordofGod.Istartedgoingtochurch.Mylifebegantochangelittlebylittle.ThenIreadintheBible,‘Loveyourenemies.Prayforthemandblessthosewhopersecuteyou.’Igotangry.Iclosedthebook.Itwasveryhard,veryhard.”
ThatwaswhenhemetAbuYahya,themanagerofTheTeacher’sBookshop
whoworkedcloselywithPastorHannaandwasamemberofGazaBaptistChurch.“He’stheonewhohelpedmegrowinmyrelationshipwiththeLord.Hetaughtmehowtolovepeople.Hetoldme,‘Youhavetopray.’IprayedmanylongnightsthatIwouldbeabletoaccepttheJews.Oneday(lessthanayearago)IwantedtogovisitmysisterinJerusalem.IhadtogetpermissionfromtheIsraeligovernment.Iwent.Iwasveryupset,uptight.ButIwaspraying.ThenIsawthesoldierswiththeirbigweapons.Thefirstsoldier,Isawhisface,andtherewaslight.IknewIlovedhim.Hesearchedmestrongly.ButIwashappy.Inmyhearttherewaspeace.Theysatmeonachair.Strongly.Iwaslookingatallofthem.IwantedtotellthemthatIwanttokissyou,toallofthem.”
Algrinned.“Arabicstyle,onthecheek!”hesaid.Ramismiledandnodded.Thiswasthepowerofthegospel.ThiswasthehopefortheMiddleEast.Oneman’sheart,filledwithhate,wasreplacedwithanewheart,onefilledwiththeloveofGod.
“Wheredoyougofromhere?HasGodshowedyouwhatyouaretodowithyourlife?”
“IwanttobeamanofGod.I’mknockingondoors.Maybeapastor—no,aministernotapastor.IwanttobeagreatChristian.TheLordwantstoshapemesothatIcouldpreachtheWordofGodtoalltheworld,totheMuslims,Jews,Christians.”
“YourtestimonyisapictureofwhatIbelieveistheonlysolutionforthisarea,”IsaidtoRami.“It’sapictureofwhatGodcando,buteachindividualneedstoallowGodtodoit.”
Later,afterRamileft,AlandIreflectedagainonhowthelighthadalmostgoneoutintheBaptistchurchafewyearsago.Now,withtheevangelisticoutreachandyoungconvertslikeRami,therewashopethatthelightwouldgrowbrighter.Thentherewouldbelessdarkness,lessdespair,lessviolence.
WhatwasthetruthaboutGaza?ListeningtoterroristgroupleadersandIsraelispokesmen,itseemedlikenooneeverreallyheardtheotherside.Whatwedidknowwasthatpeopleweredyingfromthefightingeveryday—thirteenjustinthefourdayswe’dbeeninGaza.
Thesunhadset,leavingonlyathinorangestripinthewest.HighaboveuswecouldhearthewhineofF-16s.Thentheyflewsouth,andweheardseveralexplosions,liketheoneswe’dheardourfirstdayinGaza,thoughfartheraway.Thiswasthefourthattackinfivedays.Alseemedagitated.Itriedtoassurehim
thatthiswasnothinglikewhatI’dexperiencedinBeirut,buthedidn’tfindthatcomforting.
Abouttwentyminuteslaterweheardsirens.TwospeedingcarstoreintotheAlAhliHospitalcompoundnextdoor,stoppingattheemergencyroomdoor.Anambulancefollowed.Itwasdarkandhardtosee.Itappearedthatonechild,hislegsdanglinglifelessly,wasbeingwheeledintotheemergencyroom.Anotheroldermanwassupportedashelimpedintothebuilding.Wecouldn’ttellwhothethirdpatientwaswhowasrolledinsideonagurney,butwecouldseeaman—perhapshusbandtothepatientorfather—whowasgreatlyagitated.Hekickedthecarhe’driddeninandshouted.Acrowdquicklygatheredandloudvoicesrangthroughthecompound.
Morecarsdroveup,andanotherambulance,alldeliveringinjuredpatients.Thensomeonecameoutandspoketotheagitatedman.Allwasquietforamoment.Thenascreamofagonyeruptedfromtheman.Heranintothecourtyard,emittinghowlsofsuchanguishthatoursoulscringed.Agurneyemerged,withasheetcoveringthebody.Theambulanceacceptedthebodyanddroveoff,weassumedtothemorgue.
Wewonderediftomorrowthismanwouldbedressedupinasuit,wearingaflower,invitingustobecomeMuslims.
Aswepackedoursuitcasesthenextmorning,preparingtoleaveGaza,adonkeystartedmadlybrayingoutside.Alglancedoutthewindowandsawitstandinginthemiddleofthestreet,refusingtomove,blockingtrafficasitstoodandbawled.Howsymbolic.AllofGaza,eventhedonkeys,seemedtobecrying.
Thenightbefore,wehadheardtheagonizing,bloodcurdlinghowlofanguishofamanwhohadlostalovedone.HiscrywaslikethatofthousandsofPalestiniansandIsraelis.Thousandshaddiedinthisintifada,andforeachone,mothersandfathers,brothersandsisters,husbandsandwiveshadwept.Forwhatpurposewasallofthissuffering?Apieceofland?Wasthatall?No,itwasformuchmore.Itwasaboutdignity,fairness,ambition,resistance,humanrights,andreligion.
Psalm88seemedlikeanappropriateprayerthismorning:“OLORD,...dayandnightIcryoutbeforeyou.Maymyprayercomebeforeyou;turnyoureartomycry.”Surelythatwasthecryofthousandshere.“Youhaveputmeinthelowestpit,inthedarkestdepths.Yourwrathliesheavilyuponme.”Thatmustbewhattheyfeelhere,bothPalestiniansandJews.
InjustafewdaysChristianswouldcelebrateChristmas.Ithoughtofanother
InjustafewdaysChristianswouldcelebrateChristmas.IthoughtofanotherverseoftenreadatChristmasservices:“Thelightshinesinthedarkness,butthedarknesshasnotunderstoodit”(John1:5).GodwillshineHislightthroughHispeople,butthedarknessmaynotunderstandit.Wehadtriedtodoourlittlepart,toshinealightintoHamasandIslamicJihad.TheGazaBaptistChurchwasdoingitspart,shiningalightbyvisitingdestituteMuslimfamiliesinrefugeecampsandputtingonevangelisticcampaigns.TheBiblebookshopinGazaCitywasdoingitspart—manywerewalkinginandseeingthelight.AlAhliHospital,operatedbytheAnglicanChurch,wasshiningalighttothousandswhoweresickandinjured.
Thelight,howeverfaint,wasshininginGaza,butthedarknessdidn’tseemtounderstandit.Didn’ttheyrealizethatthislightwastheironlyhope?
36SNEAKINGINTOBETHLEHEM
Bethlehem,December2002
AlandIverymuchwantedtovisitourfriendsatBethlehemBibleCollege,butBethlehemwasundercurfew.Ifwewenttotheonlyofficialentrance,soldierswouldturnusaway.
“Thereisawaytogetin,”saidBisharaoverthephone.Hetoldmehowtoinstructthedriver,whowaspickingusupoutsideGaza.HegavemealocationontheedgeofBeitJala.“CallmeonAl’scellphonejustbeforeyouarrive,andI’llhaveourvanpickyouup.”
LaterthatdaywedrovethroughthebypasstunnelfromJerusalem,tookthefirstexit,anddoubledbackontotheroadthatledtoHopeSchool,justoutsidetheborderofBeitJala.Ahugepileofdirtandrocksblockedtheroadintotheoldtown.Ontopoftherubbleseveraltaxicabdrivers,braveenoughtodefythemilitaryauthorities,werecompetingvigorouslyforfares.Severalofthemhurrieddownthehilltohelpuswithoursuitcases.
“Someoneismeetingus,”Isaidasoneofthementriedtowrestasuitcasefrommyhand.Icouldseeahomemadewhiteflagdisplayingablackcrossonapoleattachedtothecollegevanparkedontheothersideofthedirtandrockpile.Twomoremengrabbedseveralofourbagsandbeganhaulingthemovertherocksanddirt.Thentheydemandedatip—fivedollars,evenonedollar.Theypleaded—theywerehungry;therewerekidstofeed;thiswastheonlywaytheycouldearnmoney.Afterloadingthecasesintothevan,wewereblockedbyseveraltaxis.AlhadgivenoneofthedriversfiveAmericandollarsforhaulinghistwosuitcases.Thegratefuldriverdirectedtraffictomakesureweescapedthe
taxijambeforesundown.Oneblockawaythestreetswereempty.Itfeltlikeweweredrivingthrougha
ghosttown.Fiveminuteslater,havingtakenthebackstreetsandalleystoavoidthemainJerusalem-HebronRoad,wewerehaulingsuitcasesupthestairstothecollege’sguestroomsonthefourthfloor.
Outside,thewindwashowling.FrommywindowIcouldseetreesswayingandlaundrylookinglikeitmightblowoffthelinesofseveralhomesbehindtheschool.Twochildrenwereplayinginacourtyardthatcouldn’tbeseenfromthemainroads.Therewerenoothersignsoflife.Ihalfexpectedtoseesometumbleweedrollingdownthestreets.ThisscenegavenewmeaningtothepopularChristmascarol,“OlittletownofBethlehem,howstillweseetheelie.”
Thecollegewasdeserted.Doriswelcomedusandstartedheatingthekettlefortea.Bisharajoinedus.Therewasanothervolunteercouplethere.TheycamefromtheUnitedStatesandlivedinanapartmentinthebasement.AlandInowbroughtthetotalpopulationoftheschooltoseven.
Afteralightsupper,wewalkedovertoBishara’sofficeintheadministrationbuilding.Themainroadinfrontoftheschoolwaspitch-black.Powertoallofthetrafficsignalsandstreetlightshadbeencutoffmonthsbefore.Bydaylightwehadseenthedamagethattankshadcaused.Themetalawningofastorefrontacrossthestreetwastornandleftdangling.Severalstreetlampswerebent.Theprintsoftanktreadswereimbeddedinthestreetandsidewalks.Withnocarsonthestreets,therewasanominousfeeltothetown.
InfrontofBishara’sdeskaretwocoucheswhere—whentheschoolisopen—peoplefromthecollegeandcommunityfrequentlydropbyforcoffeeandconversation.“Wehavemanynightslikethis,”Bisharasaidashepreparedcoffee.“It’ssoquietandsadtowalkpastallofthedark,unusedrooms.We’refallingfurtherandfurtherbehindinourstudies.Ifwelosetoomanymoreweeks,wemaynotbeabletoholdagraduationceremonythisschoolyear.”
“Howarepeoplehandlingthecurfew?”Alasked.“ManyChristianscannottakeitanymore.Theyjustpackupandleave,sell
everythingandgotoNorthAmerica,SouthAmerica,Australia—anywheretheyhaverelatives.It’seasytogetout,ifyouplantoleaveforgood.ButifChristianscontinuetoleave...theproblemisthatthechurchisdying.Thisiswherethechurchisreallysuffering,becauseitlosesmembersallthetime.Theyareseekingabetterfuturefortheirchildren.Rightnow,undercurfew,allthechildrenaredeniedschooling.”
deniedschooling.”“Howhaveyourstudentsbeenaffectedbytheoccupation?”“Oneofourstudents,Michel,barelymissedbeinghitbyamissile.Hewentto
answerthetelephonejustsecondsbeforethemissilehittheplacewherehehadbeenstanding.Thefamilyrushedoutside,andanothermissilehittheirhome,destroyingit.That’stheclosestanyofourstudentshavecome.”
“That’stooclose!”Isaid.ThecollegehadsetuptheShepherd’sSocietytoproviderelieftolocalfamilies
thatneededfoodormedicalattention.“Everytimecurfewislifted,wehavepeoplecomingtotheschoollookingforhelp,”Bisharasaid.“Wegivewhatwecan.Forthosewhoneedimmediatehelp,Ihaveparcelsoffoodandcouponsthatcanberedeemedforfoodatthreedifferentstores.They’reworthtwohundredshekelsandallowthemtoobtainenoughfoodfortwotothreeweeks.Lastmonthwehelped170familiesinthisway.Forongoinghelp,weusetheShepherd’sSociety.”TheOpenDoors’projectCompassionNowwasprovidingsomeofthemoneyforthisassistance.
BisharatoldusaboutGeorge,afatherofsevenchildren.Thefamilylivedinasingle-roomapartmentneartheChurchoftheNativityandwasconfinedthereforfortyconsecutivedaysduringthesiege.Severaltimessoldierssearchedthepremises.“ThefamilybelongstoImmanuelChurchandparticipatesinmanyofthechurch’sweeklyactivities.Butbothhusbandandwifelosttheirjobs.Weprovidedthemwith$100amonththroughtheirchurch,whichtheyusedtopaysmallinstallmentstowardaccumulatedutilitybillsandtuitionfeesfortheirchildren’seducation.”
Morestoriespouredout.Julia,aseventy-year-oldwidow,livingalone,hadanaccumulationofutilitybillsandcouldn’taffordneededmedicaltreatments.Shepherd’sSocietyhelped,butwhatmeantmosttoJuliawasthesocialworkerwhospenttimejustlisteningtoher.“Sheisscheduledtoreceiveregularfollow-uphomevisitationstoensurethathercircumstancesdonotdeteriorate.”
Whatmanyofthelocalpeoplewantedmorethananythingwasemployment.“Manyfamiliesfeelasenseofacuteshamewhenaskingforassistanceofanykind,”Bisharaexplained.“Forexample,Victorandhiswife,theyhavethreesmallchildren.He’sbeenoutofworkfornearlytwoyearsandhislevelofdesperationwashigh.Still,heexpressedgenuinepreferenceforpaidemploymentasopposedtoreceivingahandout.He’sbeenrecommendedforaworkprogram,whichwillputhundredsofpeopletoworkinorganizationsthroughouttheBethlehemareacleaning,repairing,andrestoringthetown.”Ofcourse,thatprogramcouldn’treallygetunderwayuntilthecurfewwaslifted.
course,thatprogramcouldn’treallygetunderwayuntilthecurfewwaslifted.
CloudshunglowovertheBethlehemregion,obscuringthebuildingsofGiloaswellasthehillssurroundingus.Theminaretsoftwomosquesseemedtotouchthebottomoftheclouds,andtheirlightshimmeredthroughthemist.Duringthenight,wehadheardrainbatteringtheshutters.Thewindwasstillstrong,threateningtobringmorerain,butthemoodwasupbeatatBethlehemBibleCollegewiththenewsthatcurfewwouldbeliftedforsixhours,beginningat10:00thatmorning.
Therewasabustleofactivity.Charles,theAmericanvolunteer,hadtakenthevan,flyingthehomemadeChristianflag,tocollectemployeesfromtheirhomes.Severalprofessorswerepreparingclassroomsforlectures.Thecookwasgettingreadyinthekitchentoprepareahotlunchforfacultyandstudents.Severalsupportstaffwereansweringphonesandmakingphotocopiesintheadministrationbuilding,whileinthebasementShepherd’sSocietystaffpreparedfortheinevitableinfluxofpeoplelookingforhelp.
Wordthatschoolwasopenspreadviatelevisionmessagesscrolledalongthebottomofthescreenofthelocalstation.By10:30abouthalfofthefifty-fivestudentshadmanagedtoarrive.Withtheprofessors,theygatheredinabasementmeetingroomtohearAcademicDeanSalimMunayer,whohadtraveledtoBethlehemfromhishomeinJerusalem,announcewhichclasseswouldbemeeting.Beforetheyweredismissed,BisharareadfromRomans8:31:“IfGodisforus,whocanbeagainstus?”Thenheencouragedtheassembly:“Thesearesuchcomfortingwordstous.Godcametousandlivedinourmidst.OneofthenamesofJesusis‘Godwithus.’Let’srememberthatHeiswithustoday.”
HeremindedthestudentsofacitywidepartyplannedfortwothousandpeopleonDecember21atalocalhotel—anannualeventthecollegeheldtocelebrateChristmasinthecommunity.“NothingcanstopusfromcelebratingJesus’birthday,”hesaid.Bisharahadtoldusthattheywereproceedingwithplansfortheparty,lessthantwoweeksaway,eventhoughtherewasconsiderabledoubtwhetherthepoliticalsituationwouldimproveandthecurfewwouldlift.[1]
“Weneedtofillourliveswithprayer,”Salimsaid,“andtoglorifyGodinthissituation.”Andso,beforeclassesbegan,thestudentsandfacultyspentabouttenminutesincorporateprayer.Oneoftheprofessors,alsoalocalpastor,closedwithapassionatepleainArabic.ThoughIcouldn’tunderstandthewords,Icouldfeelthelongingsthatexpressedwhatallofuswerefeeling.
couldfeelthelongingsthatexpressedwhatallofuswerefeeling.Asthestudentsheadedtoclass,AlandIdecidedtotakeadvantageofthe
opportunitytowalkfreelythroughthetown.WeheadedsouthontheJerusalem-HebronRoad.AttheintersectionwithElMuridaStreet,justablockfromtheschool,therewasatrafficjamoftaxisandcarstryingtoturnordrivethroughthecrossing.Withtheuselesstrafficlightsswingingabovehiminthewind,avolunteertrafficcoptriedtodirectcarswhileaMuslimwoman,coveredinblackjilbab,lookedoninamusement.
Itwasobviouswhythetrafficlightsdidn’twork.TherewasalargeelectricalboxbythegreenwroughtironfenceinfrontofthebuildingthathousedtheLatinPatriarchate.Theboxwascharredblack.Aroundthecornerwasparkedtheburnedskeletonofacar.WewoundourwaythroughthetrafficandcontinueddowntheroadtoviewtheremainsofthelocalPAgovernmentoffice.Itwasimpossibletotellhowtallthebuildinghadoncebeen—itsfloorswerepancakedontopofeachother.Eightmonthsearlier,F-16shaddestroyedit.ScrawledonthecinderblockwallinfrontofthecompoundweretheseEnglishwords:“OccupationKills.”
WeturneddownAl-Mukata’ahStreetandwalkedthroughthenarrowalleywayswhereabouthalfoftheshopkeeperswereopenforbusiness.Forthemostpart,shoppingwaslimitedtofoodandothernecessities.Thestreetswerecrowdedwithmenandwomenhustlingtomakethemostofsixhoursoffreedom.Nooneknewwhentheresidentswouldagainbereleasedfromtheirhouseprisons.Overthepastthreeweeks,Bisharasaid,curfewhad,onaverage,beenliftedonlyonceeveryfourdays.
Johnny’sGiftShop,whichwasnextdoortotheAlexanderHotel,wastheonlyoneofarowofcurioshopsopenalongMangerStreet,soAldecidedtodosomeChristmasshopping,pickingoutolivewoodsouvenirsforfamilyandfriends.SinceAlhadmetJohnnyonhispreviousvisit,heinquiredabouthowbusinesswasgoing.ThispromptedJohnnytoserveusteawithasprigofminthe’dgrowninhisbackyard.Hetoldushewaseagertomoveaway,totakehisson,whowassittinginacornerreading,toAmerica.“Iboughtthehotelandthisshopbecausebusinesswasgoingtogrowbeforetheyear2000.Iaddedfortyroomstothehotel.Nowit’sclosed.NoonewantstocometoBethlehem.”
Alboughtseveralornamentsandamother-of-pearlinlaidboxforhiswife.AsJohnnygavehimchange,hethankedus,sayingthatthiswashisfirstsaleinseventeendays.
Itstartedrainingagainaswehurriedbacktothecollegetojointhestudentsandstaffforlunch.Duringasimplebutwarmmeal,wetalkedwithseveral
students.Louiza,afourth-yearstudentwhospokeexcellentEnglish,livedintheOldCityofJerusalem.ThatmorningshewasrefusedadmittanceatthecheckpointintoBethlehem,eventhoughcurfewwaslifted.“It’sonlyforthem[meaningresidentsofBethlehem],notforyou,”thesoldiergrufflyexplained.SoshehadclimbedoverthestonewallattheCatholiccompoundofTantourandwalkedthroughamuddyfieldtoreachtheschool.“Thisismylastyear,”sheexplained.“Iwanttofinishschoolandgetmydegree.”
Twoyoungmenwerewithher,andshetranslatedforus.Walidwasinhisfourthyear.HelivedwithfourbrothersandthreesistersinBeitSahour.“Ihopetoworkwiththeyouthinmychurch,”hesaidwhenweaskedhimabouthisplansaftergraduation.“FornowIwanttostudyGod’sWord,soIcanteachtheBible.”
FahditoldusthathebelievedthetrialsthatheandalltheresidentsofBethlehemwereenduringwerelikeafirethatpurifiedthemandwouldeventuallyproducegood.“OursufferingisdisciplinefromGod,becausewehaveleftHimandgoneourownway.”
“Howhasthemilitaryoccupationaffectedyouandyourfamily?”Alasked.“Thesoldierscameandsearchedourhouseforweapons,”hesaid.“Theyasked
me,‘Doyouhaveanyweapons?’Isaid,‘Yes,IhavetheBible,JesusChrist,andthepoweroftheHolySpirit.’Theydidn’tlikemyanswer.OnesoldierthrewmyBibleaway,liketrash.Butthentheyleft.Anothersoldiersmashedourcarandmycousin’scar.”
“Whatwillyoudowhenyougraduate?”“IhopethatGodwillusemetodrawmypeopleasneartoChristasHe’s
drawnme.”At1:00thestudentsheadedupstairsformoreclasses.Butshortlyafterthat,an
Israeliarmyjeep,anorangelightrevolvingominouslyonitsroof,droveslowlyby,blaringanannouncementoverloudspeakers.“Curfewisbackon,”saidBishara.
“Ithoughtitwaslifteduntil4:00,”Alsaid.Bisharashrugged.Thiswassimplythewaylifewas.Classesimmediately
ceased,andstudentsandfacultyscrambledtogetbacktotheirhomes.By2:15thestreetswereempty.
AheavyraindescendedonBethlehemandbeatagainsttheabandonedschoolbuilding.Itwouldhavebeendepressingifwehadnotrememberedthewordsofthestudents.WecommentedonFahdi’sspirit.HesaidhewasarmedwiththeBibleandthepoweroftheHolySpirit.TherewashopefortheWestBankaslong
asChristianstudentswerebraveandpreparedtostandfirmlyandproclaimtheirhopeinChrist.
37ADANGEROUSGAME
Bethlehem,December2002
YouneedtomeetNawal,”saidBishara.AlandIweretalkingwithhiminhisofficeabouttheimpactofsomeofthegraduatesofBethlehemBibleCollege.Amongothers,wehadmetmenlikeHannaMassad,pastorofGazaBaptistChurch,andJackSara,pastorofJerusalemAllianceChurch,butwewantedtoseeothertypesofministry,particularlyoneamongthewomen.
Soduringanotherliftingofthecurfew,AlwenttoBeitSahourandthehomeofNawalQumsiehandherhusband.Theylivedonthesecondfloorofatwo-storybuilding.HesatinaspaciouslivingroomthatopenedintoadiningareaasNawaltoldaboutattendingBethlehemBibleCollegeandhowfortenyearsshehadtried,withlittlesuccess,toreachouttoneighbors.Then,afterthemiraculoushealingandbirthofJacob,Nawal’sphonestartedringingconstantly.Eagerlysheexplainedhowcallerswouldask:“Wouldyouprayformyson?Pleaseprayformydaughter.Prayformyhusband.Iwasamazed;miracleshappened.Goddidit!Sonow,duringtheuprising,Ihavemanyphonecalls.”
“Please,tellmeaboutthem,”Alsaid.“AmothercalledfromBeitJala.Theywerebombingnearherhouseandher
daughterwasbreakingdownandcryingbecauseoffear.Ihadherputthegirlonthephoneandprayedwithher.IaskedhertoprayforJesustoprotectherandthefamily.Thenextmorning,thegirlcalledme.Shesaid,‘IsawJesuslastnight.Iwasafraid,butHecamenearmeandsaid,“Don’tbeafraidanymorebecauseI’mprotectingyou.I’mwatchingoveryouandyourfamily.”Thefearisgone!’Andthenshestartedencouragingtheothergirlsandboysandtellingthemthat
JesusiswatchingoverBeitJala.Many,manymiraclesarehappeninglikethis.”BecauseNawalinsistedthatwomentelltheirhusbandsbeforeshewouldmeet
withthem,somedoorswereclosedtoher.Butmanymorewereopened.Nawalgaveanexample:“Onehusband,hewasanatheist.Hiswifewantedmetoprayforheraboutaproblem,andhesaid,‘Idon’tmindifyoutry.’Hewenttowork.Icametoherhouse,andweopenedtheWordofGodandIstartedtoreadtoher.Suddenlyherhusbandcameinthehouse.Shewassurprised—shesaidherhusbandnevercamebacktothehouseafterheleftforwork.HewantedtohearwhatIwassaying.Hesatinthenextroomandlistenedtoourconversation.Hewasmorehungryspirituallythanhiswife.”
Theprimaryneedofthesepeoplewasauniversalissue.“Theyneedlove!Iwenttoprayforonewomanwhohadsevereheadaches.Afterweprayed,sheasked,‘DidGodshowyouanythingaboutme?’Yes,Isaid.HeshowedmehowmuchHelovesyou.Shebrokedownandcriedinaverybadway.‘Godlovesme?’sheasked.‘Why?Nobodylovesme.’That’swhatsomanypeopleherebelieve—thatnobodylovesthem.Thatnobodywantsthem.
“Jesusministeredtopeoplethroughtheirneeds.Hewenttosickpeoplenottothehealthypeople—peoplesickinspirit,sickemotionally.That’smostlywhatwehavehereinBeitSahour.Wehavepeoplewithbrokenhearts.MostbelievethatGoddoesn’tlovethem.TheythinkGodlovestheJewishpeople,butHedoesn’tlovetheArabicpeople.Theyarenotthechosenpeople,sotheydon’tdeserveGod’slove.AllArabicpeoplefeelthatway,especiallyMuslims.”
“Howdoyouaddressthat?”“IreadtheBibletothem,theversesabouthowGodlovestheworld.Iexplain
theworkofthecross,howHelovesyouandmesomuchthatHewenttothecross—foreverybody,evencriminals.SoeverybodyislovedbyGod,butit’suptoyouifyouacceptHisloveornot.MostofthepeopleItalktoacceptHislove,becausethat’swhattheyseek,that’swhattheyneed.SomepeoplehaveaskedmewhyIdon’ttellaboutjudgment.Thesepeoplealreadyknowjudgment.They’realreadyinhellwiththissituation.WhattheyneedtounderstandisGod’slove.Onepersontoldmesheneverheardaboutthiswordlove,thatsheonlyknewaboutsexuallove.EverybodywantstoknowthatJesusloveshim,evenwithhiscondition,withhissituation,withhiscircumstances.”
AndwhatdoesNawaldoafterpeoplerespondtotheloveofChrist?“IgivethemBibles,andweusedtohaveneighborhoodmeetings.”Becauseofcurfew,suchmeetingswerenowinfrequent.Whenthetimecomesthatrestrictionsarelifted,Nawalwon’tdothetypicalWestern-stylemeetingwhereageneralinvitationisissuedforaBiblestudy.“IfIministertoawomaninherhome,she
invitationisissuedforaBiblestudy.“IfIministertoawomaninherhome,shedoesn’twantanybodyoutsidetoknowwhat’shappeningthere.Idon’twanttoforcehertocometomeetingsandsharethiswithotherwomen,soIsaytoher,‘IwillcometoyounextWednesday.Okay?’Andsheisfreetoinviteanywomen—neighbors,aunts,nieces,anybodywhoneedshelp.Sometimestwoorthreepeoplecome.Sometimessix.Sometimestenortwelve.Iministertoallwhocome.”
DuringcurfewwhenNawalcouldn’tmeetwithwomeninherneighborhood,shespentmuchofhertimeinprayer.“I’mprayingforafinancialbreakthroughforthepeople,”sheexplained.“Thisareausedtolivefromtourism,butfortwoyearsthereisnothing.Mostofthemendon’thavejobs.[Herhusbandhadbeenwithoutworkfortwoyears.]It’sgoodononesidethatwearemadetolooktoGod.Butit’sveryhard—ifyouseeyourchildishungryandyoucan’tfeedhim,youfeelbad.MyhusbandandI,wehaveachancetogotoAmericaandlivewithourchildrenandhaveanicelife.ButIjuststayherebecauseofGod’swork.Godwantsmetobehere.”
Thiswoman’sfaith,expressedintotaldependenceontheleadershipoftheHolySpirit,wasallowingGod’slovetospreadthroughouthercommunity.WewantedtoknowifshehadanythingtosaytothechurchintheWest.
“I’vesaidtoGod,‘Thesepeopleoutsidehavetohearourcry.’Wearecryingbecausewefeelthatwearealone.BecauseweareArabicpeople,wefeelwearenotwelcomeanywhere.ButtheIsraelipeople,oh,theyarewelcome.Wefeelwearetotallyrejected,eventheChristian.It’slikewearenothumanbeings.”
Nawalsoberlyexpressedsadnessthatpartofthebodyisbeingignored.“Let’ssaywearethefingerofthatbody.Wearehurt.Whydoesn’tthebodyhelp?Theydon’tdoanythingorevensay,‘Weloveyou.’SomanytimesIcrytoJesushardfrommyheart.Womentellmetheyneedhelpformedicineorfood,andallIcansayistopraytoJesus,andIwillpraywiththemandwecryouttogether.Butsomebodyhastobringfood,sotheywillknowthatJesuslovesthem.That’stheworkoftheChurch,ofthebodyofChrist.IbelievewithallmyheartthatJesuslovesthePalestinianpeople.Jesushurtsforthem.Jesuscriesforthemandwantstohelpthem.ButHecan’tdoitwithouttheChurch—theyareHishands,Hislegs,Hiseyes.”
Later,whenAltoldmeabouthisvisitwithNawal,ItoldhimhowdeeplysaddenedIwastohearthosewords.WeagreedthatNawalwasright,thatGodlovesHisChurch,everypartofHisbody,whetheritisintheWestorMiddleEast,whetherPalestinianorJew.NawalwasdoingexactlywhattheChurchneededtodointhisregion,butshewasonlyoneperson.Weneededathousand
moreNawals.Maybethentherewouldbehopeforpeace.Butiftherestofthebodydidn’thelp,howcouldithappen?
RizekSleibiseemedstressed,andunderstandably,forcurfewhadstartedtenminutesearlierandhewasworriedaboutgettinghomesafelywithoutencounteringapatrol.HewasapsychologicalcounseloranddirectedtheAl-AmancenteratBethlehemBibleCollege—acounselingcentertheschoolhadhelpedsetuptoassistPalestinianfamiliestraumatizedbytheconflict.
WewerediscussingwithhimtheemotionalhealthofthechildrenofBethlehem,whichwasofparticularconcernamongcommunityleaders.AlandIhadtalkedbrieflywithSolomonNour,since1992theprincipalatHopeSchool,abouthowkidswererespondingthere.“We’rehavingmajorbehaviorproblems,”headmitted.“I’vehadtoasktheteacherstobeextrapatientwiththestudentsandunderstandthattheyaresufferingfromterribleemotionaltrauma.”
Dr.SleibiagreedwithSolomon.“ThecircumstancesinBethlehemhavepressuredthenormallifeofchildrenandstudentsandleftthemwithlittleornosenseofpersonalsecurity,”heexplained,addingthattheyareexhibitingclassicsymptomsofpost-traumaticstressdisorder.Speakingclinically,headded,“Thestressorcriterioninvolvesathreattolife,intensefear,helplessness,andhorror.”Hehandedmeapaperhe’dpreparedonchildtraumaandboltedoutthedoor.
Wesatonthehardwoodenbenchofthefoyeroftheadministrationbuildingandreadovertheassessment.Primaryschoolchildrenwerelosingbowelandbladdercontrol,cryingfrequently,suckingtheirthumbs.Theywereoftenreenactingtraumaticeventstheyhadwitnessedorexperienced.Olderchildrenwerecomplainingofheadachesandvisualandhearingproblems.Theywerefightingwithorwithdrawingfrompeers,andsufferingfromsleepdisturbances.
“Prettysoberingreport,isn’tit?”BisharahadsteppedoutofhisofficeandsawusreadingDr.Sleibi’spaper.“We’reseeingawholegenerationofdysfunctionalchildrendeveloping.”
WithashudderIobserved,“Theywillbethenextgenerationofsuicidebombers.Whatcanwepossiblydotoreversethistrend?”
“That’swhywe’vedevelopedthisprogramoftrainingworkshopsforcounselors,socialworkers,andschoolteachers.Andwe’redoingsomeotherprograms.”Forexample,theyhadstartedOperationBlessing,whichbroughtdoctorsfromtheWestforafewdaystoperformoperations;theydistributedshoeboxpackagesfromSamaritan’sPurse,thoughthemostrecentshipmentwastiedupattheportinTelAviv;BethlehemBibleCollegestudentsconducteda
tiedupattheportinTelAviv;BethlehemBibleCollegestudentsconductedaBibleschoolprograminthesummer,sometimeswiththehelpofvolunteersfromachurchinCalifornia.“Butit’snotenough,”Bisharaadmitted,shakinghishead.
IknewthePalestinianBibleSociety,underLabibMadanat’sleadership,hadaprojectcalledOperationPalestinianChild,whichhadputoninspirationalprogramsinmorethanfiftycommunitiesforsomefifteenthousandchildren—MuslimandChristian.Itincludedapuppetprogram,groupsinging,andaclowndoingmagictricks.Attheendoftheprogrameachchildreceivedsweets.Foronehourthechildrencouldescapetheirdifficultcircumstances,butintheprocess,theyalsogotaglimpseoftheloveofChrist.
Therewereahundredtimesmorechildrenwhocouldn’tenjoyeventhatone-hourprogram.ThesekidshadlearnedtochantYasserArafat’swell-knownquote:“WewillcometoJerusalemifittakesmillionsofmartyrs.”Butafewofthemwereseeinganalternative.Labibshowedmeareportinwhichaworkersaid,“Thekidsareliterallydrysponges.Whatevercomesalongcanfillthem.Ifwedon’tdoanything,thedevilwill,andthedevilis.”
Underthedarkclouds,threateningmorerain,thekidscameouttoplayadangerousgame.OnbothendsofthestreetinfrontofBethlehemBibleCollege,packsofchildrenrolledtrashbarrelsandgatheredotherdebristobuildafeeblebarricadeagainstthejeepsandarmoredpersonnelcarriersthatwouldinevitablycomedownthestreet.Bisharawatchedwithusandexplainedthatthearmyhadtobecarefulwhentheyapproachedsuchbarriers.Perhapstherewasabombhiddeninoneofthepipesorbarrels.Sothearmyvehicleswouldhavetostopandinvestigate,andinsomecasescallforreinforcementstoremovepotentiallydeadlymaterials.Ofcourse,thisdaythey’dfindonlyanemptybarrel.Howembarrassing!Thekidswouldlaughintheirhidingplaces,pleasedthat—atleastintheirimaginations—theyhad“defeated”theIsraeliarmy.
Thisafternoonnosoldiersinterruptedtheirplay.ThekidslitasmallbonfireattheintersectiontothesouthandkeptpeeringdownthestreettowardthebunkeratRachel’sTomb,readytoscamperawayandhideinthenarrowalleywaysoftheirrefugeecampifsoldierscameafterthem.Icouldonlyimaginetheirboredomandanger.Theyspentmostoftheirtimecagedincrowdedapartmentswithnoreleasefortheirfrustration.Whathopecouldanyoneofferthem?Lord,theremustbeananswer.
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Ithoughtoftenofthosechildren.Whatwastheirhope?Itwasaterriblydisturbingquestion,buttherewerepeoplewhoencouragedustoseeanotherpicture.
KarenAlan,ayoungrecentlymarriedwoman,hadwitnessedaparticularlygruesometriplesuicidebombingin1997whileemployedatKingofKingsCollege.ShewasnowoneoftheemployeesintheMusalahaoffice,responsibleforhelpingcoordinatedesertencounters,conferences,retreats,andothereventsthatbroughttogetherArab/PalestinianChristiansandJewishbelieversinJesus.
ThepossibilityofanattackwasneverfarfromthethoughtsofIsraelis.“RecentlyIfoundmyselfagainonlyaminuteawayfromabusbombingandheadedinexactlythatdirection,”shetoldus.“Alsomyhusbandhasbeenextremelyclosetoacarbombandagunman.”
“Howdoyoukeepfunctioningwiththethreatofviolenceallaround?”Alasked.
“Thesesortoftragediesaresocommonhere,andyoufindmanypeopletraumatizedbythemerefactthatthey‘heardthebomb.’SinceI’vemetbrothersandsistersonbothsideswhohavesufferedandcontinuetosufferfromthesituationsinwaysmuchworsethanmyownexperience,I’veallowedmyselftoseepainotherthanmyown.Somanypeoplearewrappedupintheirownpain,thinkingthattheyhavebeenwrongedthemost.Thuswearestuck.I’mcalledtobeabridgebuilder,andIknowthatmyidentityfirstandforemostisasacitizenofheaven.”
“SoMusalahaistheperfectplaceforyoutowork!”
“SoMusalahaistheperfectplaceforyoutowork!”“WhatMusalahadoesisessential.Thereissuchseparationandsegregation
betweenthebelieversinIsraelandthoseinthePalestinianareas.Thereisplentyofmisunderstandingandthere’sfrictionamongtheleadersofbothbelievingcommunities,duetosuchlittlepersonalinteraction,and,ofcourse,opposingtheologies.Ifwewereabletogetthetwosidestogether,thiswouldbetrulythebesttestimonyforChristanyonecouldofferhere.”
OfalltheministriesinIsrael,Ifoundmyselfdrawnmosttothisone.Itseemedthemostambitiousbutalsotheriskiest.Itwasn’tanideapromotedbyforeignmissionariesbutwasbirthedinthelocalChristiancommunity.Itdidn’tjusttalkabouttheproblembetweenPalestiniansandJews.Itbroughtthetwosidestogetherandprovidedameansforthemtoreconcile.Thestoriesweredramatic.Whowouldn’tbemovedbytheexperienceofmenlikeYitzhakandWa’elwhobridgethechasmsoflanguageandcultureinadesertencounter!
Yetitseemedsoidealistic.EvenamongChristians,therewerechallengingrealitiesthatdividedthem.Iwasawarethattherewerebelieversonbothsideswhowouldhavenocontactwithbrothersorsistersontheotherside,whoperhapsevenquestionedthevalidityoftheirfaith.IfChristianscouldn’texperienceunity,whathopewasthereforthemassivedividebetweenMuslimsandJews?
Totryandanswerthatquestion,SalimMunayerinvitedustoarusticcampgroundlodgewithabouttwentyfamilies.IwascurioustolearnwhathadhappenedsincepastorsandeldersfrombothsideshadmetinHollandeightmonthsearlier.“We’vemetoncesinceApril,”Salimhadtoldus.Tonightwouldbethesecondgathering.“Thesefollow-upmeetingsareveryimportant.Youhavetoreallyworkonthatbecauseifyoudon’t,peoplegobacktotheoldwayofthinking.”
MostofwhathappenedinHollandoccurredbehindcloseddoors.“Onthesecondday,weagreedthatweneededtorepent,”Salimsaid.“Everyoneparticipated,repentingofanger,ofhatred,ofpollutingtheirhearts.Everybodywascrying.Itwasaverycleansingtime.”
ThecampgroundinPetachTikva,nearTelAviv,wasratherrustic,exceptforthesportsfacilities.Thefocalpointwasacomplexoffourbaseballfields,theonlysuchsportsvenueinIsrael,completewithlightstandards.SomehowitwashardtopictureAmerica’snationalpastimebeingenjoyedintheHolyLand.
Familiesarrivedthroughouttheafternoon,totingchildrenanddiaperbags.Therewerehugsandtraditionalkissesonthecheeks.Manyoftheparticipants,bothJewishandArab,camefromwithinIsraelproper.Wewonderedifany
bothJewishandArab,camefromwithinIsraelproper.WewonderedifanyPalestinianchurchleaderswouldcomefromwithintheWestBank,particularlyfromBethlehem,whichremainedundercurfew.
Howard,anelderofBeershebaMessianicCongregation,recognizedBotrus,alawyerandelderoftheArabicBaptistChurchinNazareth.Thetwomenembracedandimmediatelystartedcatchinguponnews.HowardtoldAlthatthemeetingsinHollandhadbeena“releaseforallofus,togetoutofthetensionandjustbetogether.”ForBotrus,theHollandtripmarkedthefirsttimehe’dinteractedwithJewishbrotherssincecollege.“Thisencounterhelpsyouseetheotherside,”hesaidasweenteredthelodge.“Thereissomethingmoreimportantthanjustthenationalbarriers.We’rebrothersandsistersinChrist.That’swhat’smostimportant.”
Assomefortychildrenwereherdedintoalargeroom,wherestaffofYouthWithAMissionhadvolunteeredtoleadaspecialprogram,theparentsrelaxedasafireburnedinthestonefireplace,cuttingthechillofthemeetingroom.Itwasanhourpastthescheduledstartingtimeof3:00,butnooneseemedanxious.AstheyhadinHolland,thegroupbeganwithworship,withDavidLodenandJackSaraleading.Theyconcludedtheworshiptimebysinging,“Heisourpeace.Weshallbeone.Heisourreconciliation.”
Therewasnoneedtobreaktheice.Eachcoupleeagerlytooktheirturnupdatingthegrouponfamilyandministryconcerns.LisaLodenreportedthatoneoftheeldersintheirchurchwassufferingfromakidneydisease.Apastoraskedforprayerforhealingofaneighteen-year-oldchurchworkerwhohadjustbeendiagnosedwithcancer.SeveralchurcheswereplanningoutreachesforChristmas.ApastorfromNazarethreportedthathischurch,afteryearsofdecline,wasshowingsignsoflifeandgrowth.AnelderpraisedGodforhealinghisson:“Afterfouryearsofprayer,theanswercamewhenweprayedforhiminHolland!”
Forafewmoments,thetortuousintifadaseemedtodisappearfromthemindsofallintheroom.TheywereunitedbycommonconcernssharedbyallChristians—forhealthandsafetyoffamilymembers,foroutreachefforts,forgrowthoftheircongregations.Ofcourse,theycouldn’tescapetherealityoflifeoutsidethosewalls.Nihad,apastorfromBethlehem,remindedthemashereported:“Yesterday,Ididn’tthinkIcouldbehere.Undercurfew,themilitaryturnsmostrequestsaway.Butmiraclesstillhappen.Theyletmeandmyfamilyoutforthismeeting!”
ThenheaskedforprayerforhisfamilyandforthebelieversinBethlehem.“It’sverydepressing.We’renowinourfourthweekofcurfew.That’shard,especiallyforapersonlikemewhoisalwaysinaction.”Therewereseveral
especiallyforapersonlikemewhoisalwaysinaction.”Therewereseveralknowingnodsaroundtheroom—mostoftheseleadersfeltthesamedesiretobeactiveinChristianservice.Therewasalsoimpactonthefamily:“Mychildrenaremissingschool.Theymissedthreemonthslastspring.Fornow,mywifeishomeschooling.”
HewentontoreportabouttheconditionoftheChurchinBethlehem.“FivehundredChristianfamilieshaveleftthisyear.Manymorehaveappliedforemigration.Withinthenextyear,one-thirdoftheChristianswillbegone.Theministryishard.IwonderwhatsermonIshouldpreachtothepeople.Ihesitatetomakecalls.WhatwillItellpeople?Andyetitismoreimportanttopreparethepeoplethanthesermon.Ineedwisdomtoknowwhattosaytothesepeople.MayGodhavemercyonusandshortenthesedays.”
Itwasamomentofhumblehonesty,onethattouchedeveryheartintheroom.OneoftheMessianicpastorsroseandputhisarmaroundhisbrother.“Iwanttoprayforyou.”Fervently,allofthepeopleenteredintoprayer,forNihadandhisfamilyandcongregation,forChristiansinBethlehem,forpeaceinthenation,andforalltheneedsandconcernsthathadbeenraised.Timeseemedtostandstill.Noonenoticedthatdinnerwashalfanhourlatebeingserved.
Itwassundown,thestartofShabbat,andbefittingthefamilyfeelofthismeeting,DavidandLisaLodenledthetraditionalritualthatstartsthedayofrestinJewishhomes.Lisalittwocandles,thenwavedherhandsoverthemtowelcomeintheShabbat.ThenshecoveredhereyesandinHebrewrecited:“BlessedareYou,LordourGod,Kingoftheuniverse,whosanctifiesusbythebloodofYeshuaandcommandsustobealighttothenations.”
DavidthenheldupacupofwineandrecitedKiddush,takenfromGenesis1–2:“Andtherewasevening,andtherewasmorning,asixthday.Theheavensandtheearthwerefinished,thewholehostofthem.AndontheseventhdayGodendedHisworkwhichHehadmadeandHerestedontheseventhdayfromallHisworkwhichHehadmade.AndGodblessedtheseventhday,andsanctifieditbecauseinitHehadrestedfromallHisworkwhichGodhadcreatedanddone.BlessedareYou,Lord,ourGod,Kingoftheuniverse,whocreatesthefruitofthevine.”
AceremonialwashingofhandsfollowedandthenDavidblessedtwoloavesofbread,sprinklingsaltoverthemasareminderthatweasbelieversinYeshuaaretobethesaltoftheearth:“BlessedareYou,Lord,ourGod,Kingoftheuniverse,whobringsforthbreadfromtheearth.”Hethenbrokeaparttheloavesandgaveaportiontoeachtable.Eachofustookapiece,thenpouredwinefromthebottlesoneachtable.Thenitwastimetoparticipateinasumptuousbuffetof
bottlesoneachtable.Thenitwastimetoparticipateinasumptuousbuffetofchicken,rice,spaghetti,andpastries.
DavidandLisaLodenprovidedaglimpseintotheconditionsunderwhichMessianicbelieversliveinIsrael.Davidsaidthatwhilehedoesn’tliketousethewordpersecution,everyMessianicbelieverexperiencessomeformofharassment.“I’vebeenaccusedofeverythingfromtheftanddeceptiontopayingpeopletogothroughthewatersofbaptism—allsortsofnonsense.”
Somecongregationshavesufferedmorethanothers.AMessianicsynagogueinHaifawasfirebombedin1997.OrthodoxJewishprotestorstauntedMessianicbelieversinnorthernGalileeastheyweregatheringtobaptizethirteenadults.ThehomesofseveralMessianicleaderswereattackedwithpetrolbombs.Fortunately,noonewaskilled.TherewerealsoincidentsofMessianicbelieversbeingevictedfromtheirapartmentsorlosingtheirjobs,usuallyunderpressurefromOrthodoxJews.[1]
ButDavidassuredusthatthingswereimproving.“Officiallywedohavewhatisknownasfreedomofreligionandfreedomofexpression.Harassmentinanyformdoesnothappenonanofficiallevel.Wedogetalotofpressurefromthereligiousauthorities,particularlyfromtherabbinateandreligiousJewishorthodoxestablishment.Recentlytherehasbeenahigherdegreeoftolerance,becausethereismoreofanawarenessinthepopulacegenerallythatMessianicJewsdoexist,andmanypeoplearequitetiredofallthereligiouscoercion.”
Ofcourse,MessianicbelieverssufferwiththerestoftheIsraelipopulation.SeveralsuicidebombershavestruckincrowdedareasofNetanya.“Fourorfiveofourpeoplehavebeenrightinthevicinityoftheseattacks,”Davidexplained.“Youcannotimaginethesights,thesounds,thesmells.Itisnotforustogointodetail.However,Iwanttotellyouonestory.
“Therewasayoungwoman,notabeliever,whowhileservinginthearmymetandfellinlovewithayoungmanfromourchurch.Heprayedmuchforher,andweprayedalsoforher.ShewasonvacationfromthearmyforafewdaysandwentintoalargeshoppingmallinNetanya.Asuicidebomberblewhimselfupinfrontofthemall,killingtwenty-twopeople.Ofcourse,sheheardandsawitall.Shewasindeepshock.Shefoundanotherwayoutofthemallandwentbacktoherapartment.Lockingherselfin,shesatdownintears,openedtheBible,andreadtheNewTestamentfrombeginningtoend.OnthatverydayshegaveherlifetotheLord.We’vehadtheprivilegeandblessingofmarryingthiscouple,baptizingthem,andalsoseeingtheirfirstchildborn.Eveninthemosthorrible
ofcircumstances,Godisworking.That’swhyourcongregationsaregrowingsoquickly.That’swhythecongregationsoftheArabchurchesintheWestBankandinIsraelarefulltooverflowing.”
ManymembersofthecongregationofBeitAsafhaveparticipatedinMusalahaevents.David’swife,Lisa,andoneofhisco-pastors,EvanThomas,areontheboardoftheministry.LisaparticipatedinthefirstMusalahawomen’sconferencein1995andhasbeenorganizingthewomen’ssideofthismovementeversince.WhattheArabandJewishwomendiscoveredwerethesimilaritiesintheirfaith.“Ourexpressionsmightbequitedifferent,”saidLisa,“butourpersonalexperiencewithGodissosimilar.I’vebeeninotherframeworkswhereArabwomenhadnevermetaJewishbeliever,soitwasashockingthoughttothemthatyoucouldbeJewishandbeabelieverinJesus.Theythinkifyou’reabelieverinJesus,thenyouhavetobeaChristianandnolongeridentifyyourselfasJewish.Wealsocanidentifywithoneanotheroncommongroundaswomen—wearemothers;wearedaughters;wearewomenstrugglingforourplaceinsociety.Thesearecommonissues.Meetingtogetheronthisgroundisessential,becauseinotherspheresofourlives,theforcesseektodivide,separate,andcausedissension,suspicion,andfear.”
ABiblestudywasplannedforthelasttwohoursoftheevening.Butthisstudywouldbeunusualbecauseofthetopicbeingdiscussed.“Partoftheprocessofreconciliationislearningtogetheraboutcertainbiblicalthemesonwhichwemayagreeordisagree,”Salimsaidbywayofintroduction.“Ourtaskistodealwiththeissuesinawaythatbuildsunity.That’swhywe’vefirstspenttimebuildingrelationships.We’vebuilttrust;wehaveexperiencedbrotherlylove.Thisprovidesuswithaplatformforpresentingdifferentperspectivesanddealingwithdifferentopinions.SotonightwewillhavethefirstofwhatIhopewillbeanumberofBiblestudies.Wewanttoexploretopicslikeprophecy,landissues,governmentalauthority,andjustice.”
Asaone-page,double-sidedlistofquestionswaspassedtoeachpersonintheroom,Salimsaid,“Inourlastmeeting,mostparticipantsexpressedadesiretostudythewordIsraelandaddressthequestion,WhoarethepeopleofGod?It’snotpossibletocovertheentireissuetonight—thewordIsraeloccursaround2,300timesinEnglishBibles;2,267inHebrew.Wehavechosenseveralpointsthatrelatetothetheme.Iamnotproposingapositionbutgivingsomeguidelinesforastudytogether.Letusencourageandbuildupeachotherinthe
spiritoftruthandlove.”Weglancedoverthehandoutandinstantlyrealizedthatthiswouldbea
volatilediscussioninanysetting,butespeciallynowintheHolyLand,betweenPalestinianandJewishpastors,withthesecondintifadaraging.Thequestionswouldproducestrongresponsesonbothsides:
WhoareAbraham’soffspring?Whatwastheiridentityandwhatwasthesignofthecovenant?Whatwastherelationshipofthenon-JewtoAbraham’scovenantwithGod?
Whoaretheheirsofthecovenant?Couldthecovenantberedirected?Ifso,whathappenswiththepromisestothe“peopleofGod”?
HowdoesGodidentifyHispeople?Whoisthe“IsraelofGod”today?Whoisincluded?Whoisexcluded?
Scripturepassageswerelistedundereachquestion,andIknewmanymorecouldbeincluded.Forcenturiesscholarshaddebatedthemin“safe”settings.Doctoraldissertationshadbeenwrittenabouttheseissues.Butherethestakesweremuchhigher.IalreadyknewthatsomeofmyPalestinianfriendsfelttheyweresecond-classcitizensinGod’skingdom.AndsomeoftheMessianicbelieverswereconvincedthattheOldTestamentpromisesaboutthelandwereforthemalone,notforthewholeChurch.CertainlynotforthePalestinians!
Thespiritofthemeetinghadalreadybeenestablishedduringthetimesofworship,sharing,andprayer.Forthemostpart,thewomenwerequietwhilethemendebatedintheMiddleEasterntradition.Sometimesthestatementswereintense,butneverdidanyoftheparticipantslosecontrol.
Thefirstquestionwassimple:“WhowasAbraham?”“Obviously,hewasnotaJew!”saidonepastor.“Heisidentified,mostimportantly,asamanoffaith,”saidanother.Salim,asmoderator,thenaskedaboutAbraham’sseed.Onepastornotedit
wasalwayssingular.Anotherthatitwasalwaysconnectedtotheland.“Andwhatisthedefinitionofseed?”askedSalim.Herethingsgotalittlemoreinteresting.APalestinian:“Peoplewhohavethe
faithofAbraham.SeeGenesis17.Inthecovenantofcircumcision,allmalesinhishouseholdwerecircumcised.”AMessianicleader:“ThechildrenofAbraham—that’swhatAbrahamunderstood.Hewasthinkingonlyofanheir.”
ThecommentscamefastandintenseandIcouldn’ttellwhowasspeaking.Yetnooneinterruptedanyspeaker—thespiritintheroomwassweet,butwithintellectualintensity.Salimhadintendedtobreakintosmallergroupsforamoresystematicstudy,butthemenandwomenwouldn’thearofit.Eventhoughtherewassomejumpingaroundfromissuetoissue,everyonewantedtohearalloftheopinionsandweighalloftheevidence.
SomeonementionedRomans4:“HowdidPauldefinethechildrenofAbraham?HeisthefatherofJewsandnon-Jews—ofallwhobelieve.”
Onesidesaidfaithsupersededcircumcision.Theothersaiditwasanissueofidentitybasedonphysicalbirthandcircumcision.“Thepromisetotheseedcannotbecanceled,”saidonepastor,“butitcanbeaddedto.”
DavidLodenrosetospeak:“Theissueisobedience.We’vebeencastoutofthelandtwicebecausewe’velivedindisobediencetoGod.Jeremiah3:14says,‘Return,youfaithlesschildren.’Ithinkthatword‘faithless’issobland.Literally,itshouldread,‘Return,younaughtychildren.’”
Botrusunderstoodtheimplicationsandasked,“ThenwhereisthepropheticvoiceofMessianicJewscallingthenationtorepentandberighteous?”
AMessianicpastorreplied,“IfwewerenotChristians,wecouldhaveaverylongdiscussionaboutinjusticeonbothsidesandreachnoconclusion.”
Thatledtoatensediscussionaboutterrorismandissuesofrighteousnessandjustice.OnePalestinianpastorwonderedwhythestrongestadvocatesforPalestinianswereleftistsandatheists,notbelievers.AMessianicpastorwantedtoknowwhyhedidn’thearPalestinianbelieversspeakingoutagainstterrorismandsuicidebombers.
Thetensionwasrising.Salimcalmedtheaudience,saying,“Wedon’thaveenoughcommunicationbetweenthetwosides,butwe’realsohavingahardtimewithinourcommunities.”
Botrussaid,“Ibelievewehere,JewsandArabs,arethehopeoftheland.MyheartisthatIunderstandyouandyouunderstandme.Everytimethereisasuicidebomber,weprayasachurchforthefamilies.”
Salimagreed:“Weareimmersedinthesufferingofourpeople.Botharesuffering.Wedon’tneedtodecidewhoissufferingmore.”
Nihad,fightingbacktears,stoodandannounced,“Iamnotacitizenofthisworld.”Therewasastillnessintheroomashegainedhiscomposure.“SoIcanspeakwithoutpolitics.Themomentyousay,‘IamPalestinian,’or‘IamJew,’youaretalkingpolitics.IhurtwhenIhearbelieversjustifywhyIsraelisinBethlehem.Ipreachagainstbombing.Idonotjustifyit.IamnotaPalestinian.”
“Youareacitizenofheaven!”DavidLodensaid.
“Youareacitizenofheaven!”DavidLodensaid.Theentireroomburstintoapplause,andNihadgrinnedashesaid,“That’sit!
YouandI,webelongtoanotherkingdom,andthatisthebasisofourunity!”Asthegroupgatheredinacircleforprayer,Salimremindedthem,“Fornow
let’skeepconfidentiality.Becarefulwhatyousayaboutthismeeting,becauseofthecontextinwhichwe’vetalked.”
AlandIreflectedonaremarkablesixhours.Certainlytherehadbeenanairingoutofissues,butitwasdoneinaspiritofloveandcarebuiltontwoearliermeetingswheretrustwasestablished.Therewaswarmthasthefamiliesdispersedandasensethatthiswasahistoricoccasion.Therestoftheregionmaynotpaymuchattention,butIfeltGodwaspleasedwithwhathadhappenedthisevening.
Later,inthecrampedofficesofMusalahainJerusalem,weaskedSalim,“Sowhatisthefutureforthisworkofreconciliation?”
“Atfirst,wemostlyhadonlyevangelicalsinvolvedfrombothsides.Nowwehavepeoplefromthetraditionalchurchesparticipating.Orthodox,Catholic,Lutheranareinvolvedwithus.WearehavingourfirstcampnextsummerforPalestinianandJewishyouthagestentofourteen.[2]Thenextstepistoinvolvenonbelievers.Everyoneofusinbothcommunitiesisintouchwithnonbelievers.Soeverytimewemeet,ourfriendsandneighborsandcoworkersknowwearemeetingpeoplefromtheotherside.Thesepeopleaskushowweimpacttheothersociety.Sowewouldlike,maybenextyear,todoaconferenceonlyfornonbelievers.”
“Canthatreallywork?YourapproachissodistinctivelyChristian.”“Ourthinkingisthatwewanttobeamodel.Wewanttobringmorepeople
intotheprocessuntilwereachacriticalmasswhereitbecomesamovement.We’vealreadymadesomeimpact.Tenyearsagoreconciliationwasnotanissue.Nowthereisawareness,andothergroupsarebeginningtotrythis.”
“Iagreewithyou.Wehaveoftendiscussedthatweneedmodelsthatotherscanreplicate.Musalahaneedstobecomeamovement.ThatissomethingtheChurchisindeeduniquelypositionedtodo.”
Therewassomethingelseonmymind,andIthoughtthiswouldbetherightplacetoaskthequestion:“WhatcantheChurchintheWestdotohelp?”
Salimsighedandthensaid,“IwishtheChurchwouldunderstandthestrugglesPalestinianshave.WehavetodealwithJudaism.WehavetodealwithIslam.Andwehavetodealwithwhoweare,withournationalism.Pluswehave
Islam.Andwehavetodealwithwhoweare,withournationalism.PluswehavetodealwithWesternChristianity.”
Iaskedhimtoexplain.“Here’stheproblem.WhatisthevehicleofWesternizationhereintheMiddle
East?It’smainlyinIsrael.It’stheJews.SothatputsaquestionmarkonthePalestinianChristians,becausetheirbeliefsandlifestylecanindicatethattheyliketheIsraelisidemorethanthePalestinianside,sothattheyareperceivedasbetrayingtheircommunity.ThenaddtothatotherChristiangroupsthatexpressdislikeforPalestinians.That’shardtodealwith.”
Salimdidn’tgointodetail,butIknewhewastalkingaboutorganizationsthatautomaticallyapprovedofanyactionsbyIsraelaboveanyclaimsmadebyPalestinians,Christianorotherwise.
SowastherehopeforthosechildrenviolatingcurfewinBethlehem,buildingbarriersinthestreetstotauntIsraelisoldiers?AndwhataboutthechildrenofIsrael,wholivedinfearofbeingonthewrongbuswhenasuicidebomberboardedandwhofacedthecertainprospectofmilitaryserviceandhavingtoconfrontfellowdwellersoftheland?Thepoliticiansweren’tsolvingtheproblems.Thenationsoftheworldwereissuingresolutionsthatwereignored.
Couldanyonedoanybetter?TheMusalahameetingshowedustheanswer.TheChurchwastheonlyhopefortheMiddleEast,notbecauseshehadabetterprogramormorepoliticalinsight.Shedidn’t.WhatshehadwasawaytobringpeoplefrombothsidestogetherbasedontheworkofoneManwhosebirthtwothousandyearsagowouldbecelebratedinafewdays.HislightstillshonethroughbelievershereintheHolyLand.Manydidn’tunderstandthelight.Manycoveredtheireyesandrefusedtoacknowledgethelight.Othersattackedthelightandtriedtoputitout.Butsurelytherewerethosewhorealizedthebankruptcyofapeaceprocessthathadbroughtnopeaceforfiftyyears.Forthosewhowerewilling,theycouldseetheanswer—PalestiniansandJewsmeetingatthefootofthecross.
39NOWWHAT?
GazaCity,October2003
Acrowdgatheredaroundatelevisionmonitortowatchasthefilmreacheditsclimax.AsRomansoldiersnailedJesustoacross,ahushfelloverthegroup.MostofthesecuriousPalestinianshadbeentaughtasMuslimsthatJesuswasn’treallycrucifiedbutwastakentoheavenandreplacedonthecrossbyJudasIscariot.
ThePalestinianMinistryofCulturehadorganizedabookfairataGazashoppingmall,andfifteenlocalbookshopsdisplayedavariedassortmentofresourcesonPalestiniannationalism,Englishinstruction,technology,computersoftware,andespeciallyIslam.AmongthemwasanexhibitbyTheTeacher’sBookshop,displayingandsellingChristianmaterials.Forfiveshekels(aboutoneU.S.dollar)peoplecouldbuyapackagecontainingthebookMorethanaCarpenterbyJoshMcDowell,aNewTestament,andavideocassetteversionofthemovieJesus.Morethanonehundredpackagesweresold,butitwasthevisualdepictionofJesuscrucified,dead,andrisenagainthatdrewthecrowds.Aftereachshowingofthemovie,peoplelingeredtotalkwiththestaffofthePalestinianBibleSocietyandtothumbthroughBiblesandotherChristianbooks.
Oneyoungmankeptreturningeachday.“Icannottakeanyofthesebookshome,”hesaidapologetically.“Myfamilywoulddestroythem.”Instead,aftereachdiscussionhe’dgohomeandscourtheInternettolearnmoreaboutJesus,returningthenextdaywithnewquestions.
SincethiswasaMuslim-dominatedsociety,afewvisitorswereagitatedbythe
Biblebookshopdisplay,butmostwerecurious.MallemployeesevenbroughtpeopletotheboothandurgedstafftotellthemabouttheBible.NumerousschoolgroupsvisitedandlearnedhowtheQuranrecognizesthattheTorah(OldTestament)andInjil(NewTestament)arefromheaven.ThenthestaffwouldteachthattheBibleisGod’sWordandpresentthegospel.Oneelementaryschoolgirllistened,thensaid,“IfIstayabitlongerinyourplace,Iwillgetabrainwash;thisissomethingthatistooattractivetohear.”
Overtendays,sixthousandtwohundredpeoplesawtheexhibit.Onthefinalday,amanwhohadvisitedthedisplayseveraltimescametohelpthestaffpackupbooksandcleantheshelves.“I’mgoingtomissseeingyoueveryday,”hesaid.ThestafftoldhimtocomeandvisitthemanytimeatTheTeacher’sBookshop.ItwasobviousthathehadexperiencedtheloveofJesus.Longafterthebooksandtheologicaldiscussionsareforgotten,theloveheexperiencedwouldberemembered.
ColoradoSprings,November2003
Howdoesoneendthisstory?Thereisno“happilyeverafter”conclusion.TheconflictintheMiddleEastisn’tresolved.Therehasbeennosignedpeaceaccord.“Justwhathaveyouaccomplished?”Alaskedme.“Whataretheresultsofyourwork?”
Iknowwhatmanyreaderswant.Theirunspokendemandsare,Showustheterroristswhorepented!Whereisthepeaceplanyounegotiated,Andrew?WhatimpacthaveyouhadonYasserArafatandHamasleadersasaresultofyourconversationswiththem?ButIcan’tproducemeasurableresults.Icanonlyaskthisquestion:WhatifIhadnotgone?Let’stakethereportwejustreadfromGaza.OvertendaysapproximatelysixthousandtwohundredpeoplewereexposedtotheGoodNews.OnlyGodknowswhathappenedinthosehearts.
WhatiftherehadnotbeenabookshopinGaza?Therewouldhavebeennodisplayatthebookfair,andthosesixthousandtwohundredpeoplewouldhavemissedthechancetoseethelight.Andwhydidthisshopexist?Becauseoneman,LabibMadanat,hadavision.Howdidhegetthatvision?ByseeingthatyoucouldspeaktoMuslimfundamentalistsaboutChristianityandtheywouldlisten.AndwhydidthoseHamasleaderslisten?BecauseIwenttoseethemintheirtimeofneed.
SupposeIhadn’tgonetoMarjal-Zohour?PerhapsGodwouldhavesentsomeoneelse.Butthat’sthepoint:EachofusneedstorespondtoGod’scall.IsitGod’shearttoreachPalestinianswiththeGoodNewsofChrist?Thenwemust
God’shearttoreachPalestinianswiththeGoodNewsofChrist?Thenwemustgo.Moreimportant,wemuststrengthentheChurchtheresoitcanspreadthegospel.
Here’sanotherscenario.Supposetherewasn’taBiblecollegeinBethlehem.WhowouldbepastorofJerusalemAllianceChurchifJackSara,trainedatBethlehemBibleCollege,werenotthepastor?WhowouldbetakingphonecallsfromdistraughtChristianandMuslimwomenwhoneedafriendlikeNawalQumsiehtopointthemtothegraceofChrist?WithoutBethlehemBibleCollege,shewouldn’tbeinministry.AndwhowouldhavetrainedPastorHannaMassad?WithoutPastorHanna,wouldGazaBaptistChurchstillexist?Andifnot,howwouldRamihavefoundpeaceforhistormentedsoul?
ThatschoolwastheresultofadreamandtheincrediblehardworkofBisharaAwad.Butsomeoneneededtoencouragehim,praywithhimandforhim,andtellhisstorysootherscouldgetinvolvedandhelphiminmanypracticalwaysincludingfinancialsupport.AnyChristiancandothat,andfortunatelymanynowdothatforBishara.
Couldn’tforeignworkershavedonewhatthesemenandwomendid?Atthismoment(November2003)Israelwasn’tgivingvisastoChristianworkers.Itwaslikelythatwithouttrainedlocalleadership,theChurchwouldhavescatteredandbecomeineffective.Thelightwouldbealotdimmer.Perhapsitwouldhavegoneoutaltogether.
LookatSalimMunayer—nooutsidercouldhaveorganizedthereconciliationeffortsofMusalaha.
LookatDoronEven-Ari,directorofBibleSocietyofIsrael,andLabibMadanat,hiscounterpartintheWestBankandGaza—theyhavefarmoreopportunitiesforministryinIsraelandPalestinethananyforeignworkerwouldhave.
Hanna,Bishara,Salim,DavidandLisaLoden,Nawal,Jack,Labib,Doron,andtoomanymoretoname—theyaretheLightForceinIsrael,WestBank,andGaza.TheyaretheonlyhopefortheMiddleEastbecausetheyarethelightofJesus.
Buttheycan’tmakeitalone.TheyneedtherestofthebodyofChrist.Thepartsthatarestrongneedtohelptheweakermembers.
Althoughtaboutmypassionatestatements.Finallyheasked,“SowhatshouldChristiansintheWestdo?”
Ourbrothersandsistershavetolduswhattheyneed.First,andmostimportant,theyhavebeggedustopray!It’sbeenthesamethroughoutmyfiftyyearsofministry:whereverI’vegonetoencouragemybrethren,theyhavealwaysrequestedprayer.
requestedprayer.LetmereiteratethepointIjustmade.InrelationtoourworkinCommunist
countries,thepointisthesame:Whatifwehadnotdoneit?Ihaveneverattachedmuchvaluetoourworkexceptspiritualvalue.ButwhoknowswhatwouldhavehappenedtotheChurchintheSovietUnionandEasternEuropeifwehadnotgoneandifwehadnotprayed.Becauseofourprayersandouractions,incrediblymuchdidhappen,forwhichnobody,certainlynotus,cantakeanycredit.
PrayerisacriticalpartoftheworkofOpenDoors,andthousandsareprayingfortheMiddleEast.Prayerconnectsuswiththebody.IthelpsusidentifywiththosewhosufferandstruggleasChristiansindifficultsituations.Prayerbringstheseproblemstotheonesourcethatcanreallymakeadifference,butitmustbeintelligentprayer,not“Godblessthemissionswherevertheyareintheworldtoday.”Intelligentprayeriswhereyouopenyourheartandyourears.OnewaytostartistoprayeverytimeyouseenewsfromtheMiddleEast.Prayforfamiliesthatsufferbecauseofthecasualtiesonbothsides.PrayforthegospeltobespreadamongJewsandPalestinians.Prayforthemenandwomenyou’vereadaboutinthisbook—thattheirministrieswillbearfruit.MaybeyoucouldalsoprayforthatfrightenedyoungMuslimfundamentalistwhomaybepreparingtogoandblowhimselfup—thatGodwouldspeaktohissoul,perhapsthroughalocalChristianwhoisbraveenoughtotellhimtheGoodNewsthatJesusChristdiedforhim.
Palestinianbelieversaren’taskingformuch—justalittleroominourhearts.BisharaandLabibhavebothsaidtome,“Don’tstoplovingIsrael,butloveusaswell.”Isn’tthereroominourheartsforboth?Thisleadstomynextpoint.Prayershoulddrawustotheplaceandthepeoplethatweprayfor.Whenyoupray,youmayfindthatGodwantsyoutoansweryourownprayerbydoingsomething.Allofuscangive.Themissionsmentionedinthebookcanalwaysuseourhelp:TheBibleSocietiesofLebanon,Israel,andPalestine;theworkofNajiAbi-Hashem,viaVentureInternational;ArabBaptistSeminaryinLebanon;HopeSchoolinBeitJala;BethlehemBibleCollege;Shepherd’sSociety;BeitAsafcongregationinNetanya;Musalaha;HannaMassadandGazaBaptistChurch,viaMissiontoGaza.(Seetheappendixforcontactinformationfortheseministries.)
YoucanalsohelpthroughtheministryofOpenDoors.WearecommittedtostrengtheningtheChurchintheMiddleEastthroughprojectsthatsupportmanyoftheseministries.Thisyear,attherequestofMessianiccongregations,wewillbeginprovidingdiscipleshiptrainingforyoungpeople,primarilythosewhohavejustfinishedtheirmilitaryservice.
justfinishedtheirmilitaryservice.Finally,youcango!I’mnotexcitedabouttourism,butifyouareplanningto
gototheHolyLandtoseethebiblicalsites,whynotalsoplantovisitsomeofthelivingstones?Seekoutyourbrothersandsisters.Iwanttoemphasizethispoint—whatIhavedoneyoucandoaswell.Thereisnospecialskillinvolved.AttendaSaturdayorSundayservicewithlocalbelievers,whetherinaMessianiccongregationorataPalestinianchurch.Itwouldbeahugeencouragementtothemandtoyou!
IwishIknewwhereIfirstheardthisstory.Tome,itcapturestheessenceoftheconflictintheMiddleEastandpointspowerfullytothesolution.IcloseourbookbysharingitasIhavereceivedit:
Acertainmanhadtwosons.Onewasrichandtheotherwaspoor.Therichsonhadnochildren,whilethepoorsonwasblessedwithmanysonsandmanydaughters.Intimethefatherfellill.Hewassurehewouldnotlivethroughtheweek,soonSaturdayhecalledhissonstohissideandgaveeachofthemhalfofhislandastheirinheritance.Thenhedied.Beforesundownthesonsburiedtheirfatherwithrespect.
Thatnighttherichsoncouldnotsleep.Hesaidtohimself,Whatmyfatherdidwasnotjust.Iamrich;mybrotherispoor.Ihaveplentyofbread,whilemybrother’schildreneatonedayandtrustGodforthenext.Imustmovethelandmarkthatourfatherhassetinthemiddleofthelandsothatmybrotherwillhavethegreatershare.Ah,buthemustnotseeme;ifheseesme,hewillbeshamed.Imustariseearlyinthemorningbeforeitisdawnandmovethelandmark!Withthishefellasleepandhissleepwassecureandpeaceful.
Meanwhilethepoorbrothercouldnotsleep.Ashelayrestlessonhisbed,hesaidtohimself,Whatmyfatherdidwasnotjust.HereIamsurroundedbythejoyofmanysonsandmanydaughters,whilemybrotherdailyfacestheshameofhavingnosonstocarryonhisnameandnodaughterstocomforthiminhisoldage.Heshouldhavethelandofourfathers.Perhapsthiswillinpartcompensatehimforhisindescribablepoverty.Ah,butifIgiveittohimhewillbeshamed;Imustawakeearlyinthemorningbeforeitisdawnandmovethelandmarkthatourfatherhasset!Withthishewenttosleepandhissleepwassecureandpeaceful.
Onthefirstdayoftheweek,veryearlyinthemorning,alongtimebeforeitwasday,thetwobrothersmetattheancientlandmark.Theyfellwithtearsintoeachother’sarms,andonthatspotwasbuiltthenewJerusalem.
ORGANIZATIONS
Thefollowingministriesarementionedinthisbook.Ifyouwishtolearnmoreaboutthem,youmaycontactthemasfollows:
ArabBaptistSeminary:www.abtslebanon.orgBibleSocieties:Lebanon,www.biblesociety.org.lbIsrael,www.biblesocietyinisrael.orgWestBankandGaza,www.pbsociety.orgBethlehemBibleCollege,includingvolunteeropportunities:www.bethlehembiblecollege.eduBeitAsaf
MessianicCongregationinNetanya:www.beit-asaph.org.ilMusalaha:www.musalaha.orgHopeSchoolinBeitJala:www.hope-school.8k.comHannaMassadandGazaBaptistChurch,contactChristianMissiontoGaza,3433EllesmereDr.,Corona,CA92882
NajiAbi-HashemandVentureInternational,contactVentureInternational,P.O.Box7396,Tempe,AZ85281-0014
OpenDoors:www.opendoors.orgforinformationontheinternationalworkandlinkstonationalbases.
NOTES
Chapter1TheHorror[1].In1999theschoolwasrenamedIsraelCollegeoftheBible.[2].SeeBrotherAndrewwithVernBecker,God’sCall(1996;repr.,GrandRapids:Revell,2002),13–17.[3].JewswhobelieveinJesus(calledYeshua)asMessiah.
Chapter2NotaMindlessTerrorist[1].AnArabicwordthatmeans“shakingoff”or“anabruptandsuddenwakingupfromsleep.”Thefirst
intifadastartedin1987andlastednearlysixyears.[2].InjilistheArabwordfor“Gospel,”usedbyMuslimsfortheNewTestament.[3].ThenextdaywhenhepickedusupforourmeetingwithSheikhAl-Shami,Abdultoldusthathehad
alreadyreadhalfofGod’sSmuggler,andheaskedifwecouldgethimanymorebooksaboutChristianity.Eighteenmonthslater,wemethimagainandgavehimthreemoreChristianbooksinArabic,plusanArabicBible.HesaidbothheandhisoldestsonhadreadGod’sSmugglerandhehadvisitedtheBiblebookshopinGazaCity.
Chapter3WhereWastheChurch?[1].KibbutzimarecommunesinIsraelwheremultiplefamilieslivetogetherandcombineresourcesin
agriculturalandotherbusinessenterprises.[2].D.H.Vogel,ed.,PaulSchneider,derPredigervonBuchenwald(Berlin:EvangelischeVerlagsansalt,
1961).
Chapter4WeepingforLebanon[1].ForoneofthebestaccountsofthewarinLebanon,seeRobertFisk,PitytheNation:TheAbductionof
Lebanon(NewYork:SimonandSchuster,1990);seealsoThomasL.Friedman,FromBeiruttoJerusalem(NewYork:RandomHouse,1989,1990,and1995).
Chapter6TheNeedforWisdomwithZeal[1].Marhabameans“hello”inArabic.
Chapter7APlanforPeace[1].AfterNajiearnedhisdoctorate,hesettledinSeattle,Washington,whereheisinvolvedincounseling
andteaching.HespendsaboutfourmonthseachyearinactiveministryinLebanonandtheMiddleEast.Amongotheractivities,heteachesatArabBaptistSeminaryandprovidescounselingtostrugglingindividualsandfamilies.
Chapter8It’sJustaMess[1].SeeFisk,PitytheNation,437.
Chapter10IHaveNoPower[1].SeeWilliamDalrymple,FromtheHolyMountain(NewYork:HenryHolt,1997),217.
Chapter11MeetingwithanAyatollah[1].Thisscenewasinspiredbystoriesofvarioushostages.SourcesincludeTerryAnderson,DenofLions
(BallantineBooks,1993);BrianKeenan,AnEvilCradling(Vintage,1992);SisLevin,BeirutDiary(InterVarsityPress,1989);JohnMcCarthyandJillMorrell,SomeOtherRainbow(Bantam,1993);andTerryWaite,TakenonTrust(HarcourtBrace,1993).
[2].ThetitleSayyidindicatedFadlallahwasadescendantoftheProphetMuhammadthroughtheImamHusayn.Anayatollah(fromtheArabicmeaning“signofGod”)isaShi’iteleaderrecognizedasteacher,judge,andadministrator.ThetitleisthehighestrankamongShi’iteMuslimsandisbestowedbyinformalacclamation.
[3].Shi’itesareasmallerbutmoreradicalelementofMuslimsthantheSunnis,whoformthemajority.SunnissimplyfollowthemodelbehaviorandteachingofMuhammad.SeeDonMcCurry,HealingtheBrokenFamilyofAbraham:NewLifeforMuslims(ColoradoSprings:MinistriestoMuslims,2001),85–88.
[4].QuoteandbackgroundinformationaboutFadlallahtakenfromR.ScottAppleby,ed.,SpokesmenfortheDespised(Chicago:UniversityofChicagoPress,1997),83–181.
[5].Arabicfor“Thankyou.”
Part3WestBankandGaza[1].SeeBennyMorris,RighteousVictims(NewYork:Knopf,1999),189–258.[2].FormoreinformationabouttheChristianpopulationinIsrael,WestBank,andGaza,seeBettyJane
BaileyandJ.MartinBailey,WhoAretheChristiansintheMiddleEast?(GrandRapids:Eerdmans,2003).Theauthorswrite:“Withinthe1948bordersofIsrael,therearetodayabout105,000Christians,approximately2percentofthetotalpopulation....ThelargestChristiancommunitiesinIsraelareGreekCatholics(Melkites)andGreekOrthodox....InPalestine(includingGaza,theWestBank,andoccupiedEastJerusalem)thereareanestimated76,000Christianswhorepresent3percentofthetotalpopulation.MorethanhalfoftheseChristiansbelongtoGreekOrthodoxparishes....InGaza,whereChristianitydatestothepreachingoftheApostlePhilip...therearetodayonlyabout2,000Christians”(152–53).
Chapter13AWell-AimedStone[1].Bisharaandhiswife,Salwa,obtainedpermanentresidentstatusinIsraelafterSalwaappliedforand
wasgrantedafamilyreunion.
Chapter14IWanttoSeeLivingStones[1].FormoreinformationaboutthisdefiningeventinPalestinianhistory,seeBennyMorris,TheBirthof
thePalestinianRefugeeProblem,1947–1949(Cambridge:CambridgeUniversityPress,1987),113–15;seealsoMorris,RighteousVictims,207–9.BennyMorrisisprofessorofhistoryatBen-GurionUniversityinBeersheba,Israel.
Chapter15WhatAreWeSupposedtoDo?[1].Onedunamequalsonethousandsquaremeters,approximatelyone-quarteracre.[2].AthoroughoverviewonthefirstintifadacanbefoundinMorris,RighteousVictims,561–610.[3].Seeibid.,565.[4].Ibid.SeealsoAmiraHass,DrinkingtheSeaatGaza(NewYork:HenryHolt,1996),145–48.Her
figuresvaryfromthoseofMorris,butshemakesthesamepoint.AsareporteronPalestinianaffairsfortheIsraelinewspaperHa’aretz,Hasswrites:“Palestiniansintheoccupiedterritoriesreceiveanaverageof93litersperdaypercapita(101litersinGazaand85intheWestBank);Israelislivingintheterritoriesreceive280litersperday”(145).
[5].Fordetailsaboutthesetwowars,seeMorris,RighteousVictims,259–346.
Chapter16BringingtheTwoSidesTogether[1].Thisstoryisadramaticreconstruction.YitzhakandWa’elarecharacterscreatedforthisbook,but
theirstoryisbasedonthoseofactualparticipantsinMusalahaandinterviewsconductedbyBarbaraBakerforCompassDirectNewsService.
[2].AlargeclothusedbyArabsasaheadcovering.
Chapter17WhatWillThisSufferingAccomplish?[1].Forexample,seeBeverlyMilton-Edwards,IslamicPoliticsinPalestine(London:I.B.Tauris,1996),
103–4,123.[2].SeeMorris,RighteousVictims,577.[3].ForexcerptsoftheHamascharter,seeWalterLaqueurandBarryRubin,eds.,TheIsrael-ArabReader,
6thed.(NewYork:Penguin,2001),341–48.Thecompletetextofthechartercanbefoundatwww.palestinecenter.org/cpap/documents/charter.html.
Chapter18EveryTentIsaMosque[1].Animamleadsprayersinamosque.ThetitleisalsousedforMuslimleaders.
Chapter20AMealwithTerrorists[1].InJuly2003YossiBeilin,formerIsraeliMinisterofJusticeandarchitectoftheOsloAccordsand
GenevaPlan,toldmepersonallythat“thedeportationoftheHamastoLebanonwasabigmistake.”
Chapter21HowFarDoIGo?[1].SeeAntonLaGuardia,WarwithoutEnd(NewYork:ThomasDunneBooks,2001),290–95.
LaGuardiawasMiddleEastcorrespondentbasedinJerusalemfortheDailyTelegraphandwenttoHebrontocoverthestory.Hewrites,“Nearlyasmanypeoplewerekilledoutsidethemosqueasinsideit.Onebloodyclashtookplaceoutsidethehospitalitselfwhere,forsomereason,asquadofsoldiershaddecidedtomakeaprovocativeappearance”(292).
Chapter22WhatISawTodayAreGodSeekers[1].It’sbeensuggestedthatGoldsteinintendedjustsuchareaction.InFromBeiruttoJerusalem,Thomas
Friedmanwrites:“BaruchGoldstein,Iamconvinced,understoodthattheonlywaytobreakthatsilencewasnotwithsomegarden-varietyactofterrorism,notjustbykillingafewPalestinianchildrenorpregnantwomen.No,itrequiredsomethingsooutrageous,sounspeakable,thatitwouldmovemassesofPalestinianstoreact,whichhehopedwouldtriggeramassiveIsraelicounterreactionandsuddenlythesilentmajorities,insteadofbeingpassiveandinert,wouldbemobilized,angry,andateachother’sthroats.SoheshotuponeoftheholiestsitesofIslam”(NewYork:AnchorBooks,1995),559.
Chapter24WhatKindofPeopleDoestheBookProduce?[1].TraditionallytheroadJesustooktothecross.
Chapter25HamasWouldLikeaCease-Fire[1].SeeFriedman,FromBeiruttoJerusalem,106–25.[2].AbuAmarmeans“FatheroftheBuilder”andwouldbeusedbypeopleArafatconsidersfriends.[3].SeetheBalfourDeclarationinLaqueurandRubin,eds.,TheIsrael-ArabReader,16.SeealsoMorris,
RighteousVictims,73–76.[4].QuotedinHannaMassad,“TheTheologicalFoundationforReconciliationbetweenthePalestinian
ChristiansandtheMessianicJews”(Ph.D.diss.,FullerTheologicalSeminary,1999),158–59.
Chapter26CalledtoaHigherStatecraft[1].Matthew26:1–2NKJV.[2].SheikhYassinwaskilledbyanIsraelimissileonMarch22,2004.Dr.AbdulazizRantisiwas
immediatelynamedYassin’ssuccessorasleaderofHamas.RantisiwasassassinatedbyanIsraelimissileonApril17,2004.NosuccessortoRantisiwasofficiallynamed,butseveralIsraelimediasourcesreportedthatthenewHamasleaderwasMahmoudZahar.(SeeHaretz,April26,2004.)ZaharwasthelastoftheoriginalfoundersofHamasstillliving.
Chapter27TheTeacher’sBookshop[1].Indeed,later,MahmoudZahartoldmethathehadvisitedtheshop.
Part4TheSecondIntifada[1].ThefiguresweretakenfromtheMiddleEastPolicyCouncilwebsiteat
www.mepc.org/public_asp/resources/mrates.asp.[2].Overthenearlysixyearsofthefirstintifada,therewereatotalof80Israelisand1,070Palestinians
killed.Injustthefirstyearofthesecondintifada(December2000throughDecember2001),232Israelisand904Palestinianswerekilled.SeeB’TSELEM,theIsraeliInformationCenterforHumanRightsintheOccupiedTerritories,atwww.btselem.org.
[3].ItappearsthatalocalMuslimtribeknownforitsviolencedidmuchoftheshootingatGilo.SeeDavidNeff,“ThugsinJesus’Hometown,”ChristianityToday(December2003):60–61.NeffwasreviewingthebookASeasoninBethlehem:UnholyWarinaSacredPlacebyJoshuaHammer.
Chapter30ItIsNotSuicide—ItIsReligious[1].AmandaRipley,“WhySuicideBombingIsNowAlltheRage,”Time(April15,2002).
Chapter32MiracleinHolland[1].Romans12:10–21.[2].SeeFactsandMythsabouttheMessianicCongregationsinIsrael,asurveyconductedbyKaiKjaer-
HansenandBodilF.Skjott(Jerusalem:UnitedChristianCouncilinIsrael,1999).
Chapter33WhatDoYouPreachWhenThereIsShelling?[1].Alisoncapturedherexperiencesinajournal.SeeAlisonJonesNassarandFredStrickert,Imm
Mathilda:ABethlehemMother’sDiary(Minneapolis:KirkHouse,2003).
Chapter34TheLightIsaLittleBrighter[1].Schoolisnotfree.Eventhoughitcostsonlyafewdollars,itismorethanmanyfamiliescanafford.
Chapter35ADonkeyCriesforGaza[1].SeeJohn1:46.[2].Seewww.lebnet/~bcome/palestine/xian.html,whichreportedonthedeathsofthreemeninGazaon
February2,1988;seealsowww.en.falastiny.net/books/massacres.
Chapter36SneakingintoBethlehem[1].AweeklatertheChristmaspartywascanceledbecauseofcontinuingcurfewandtravelrestrictions.
Chapter38AModelOthersCanFollow[1].SeeCompassDirectNewsServicearticlesatwww.compassdirect.org.[2].Musalahasponsorsanannualmeetingforyouthleaders.Oneoftheleaderssuggestedtheyconducta
youthcamp.ItwasheldJuly28throughAugust1,2003,andtwentyIsraelisandtwentyPalestiniansparticipated.
SELECTEDBIBLIOGRAPHY
Anderson,Terry.DenofLions.NewYork:BallantineBooks,1993.Appleby,R.Scott,ed.SpokesmenfortheDespised:FundamentalistLeadersoftheMiddleEast.Chicago:
UniversityofChicagoPress,1997.Armstrong,Karen.Jerusalem:OneCity,ThreeFaiths.NewYork:BallantineBooks,1996.Avnery,Uri.MyFriend,theEnemy.London:ZedBooks,1986.Awad,Alex.ThroughtheEyesoftheVictims:TheStoryoftheArab-IsraeliConflict.Bethlehem:Bethlehem
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Reconciliation.SanFrancisco:HarperSanFrancisco,1990.Chapman,Colin.WhosePromisedLand?TheContinuingCrisisoverIsraelandPalestine.GrandRapids:
Baker,2002.Dalrymple,William.FromtheHolyMountain:AJourneyamongtheChristiansoftheMiddleEast.New
York:HenryHolt,1997.Diamant,Anita,andHowardCooper.LivingaJewishLife:JewishTraditions,Customs,andValuesfor
Today’sFamilies.NewYork:HarperPerennial,1991.Dolan,David.IsraelattheCrossroads:FiftyYearsandCounting.GrandRapids:Revell,1998.Ellisen,StanleyA.WhoOwnstheLand?Portland,OR:Multnomah,1991.Fisk,Robert.PitytheNation:TheAbductionofLebanon.NewYork:TouchstoneBooks,1990.Friedman,ThomasL.FromBeiruttoJerusalem.NewYork:AnchorBooks,1995.———.LongitudesandAttitudes:ExploringtheWorldafterSeptember11.NewYork:FarrarStrausGiroux,
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1998.Hourani,Albert.AHistoryoftheArabPeoples.NewYork:WarnerBooks,1991.LaGuardia,Anton.WarwithoutEnd:Israelis,Palestinians,andtheStruggleforaPromisedLand.NewYork:
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2002.Rittner,Carol,StephenD.Smith,andIrenaSteinfeld,eds.TheHolocaustandtheChristianWorld.London:
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Schuster,1984.Sennott,CharlesM.TheBodyandtheBlood:TheMiddleEast’sVanishingChristiansandthePossibilityfor
Peace.NewYork:PublicAffairs,2001.Shipler,DavidK.ArabandJew:WoundedSpiritsinaPromisedLand.NewYork:PenguinBooks,2002.Shlaim,Avi.WarandPeaceintheMiddleEast:AConciseHistory.NewYork:PenguinBooks,1995.Stern,Jessica.TerrorintheNameofGod:WhyReligiousMilitantsKill.NewYork:HarperCollins,2003.Waite,Terry.TakenonTrust.NewYork:HarcourtBrace,1993.Wallach,JohnandJanet.Arafat:IntheEyesoftheBeholder.London:Mandarin,1990.YadVashem.TheHolocaust.Jerusalem:TheHolocaustMartyrs’andHeroes’RemembranceAuthority.
Fiction
Stone,Robert.DamascusGate.NewYork:Scribner,1998.Uris,Leon.Exodus.NewYork:Bantam,1959.———.TheHaj.NewYork:Bantam,1985.———.QBVII.NewYork:Bantam,1972.Wilentz,Amy.Martyrs’Crossing.NewYork:BallantineBooks,2001.
BrotherAndrewbeganhisworkin1955asaone-manmission—visiting,teaching,andtakingBiblestoChristiansbehindtheIronCurtain.ThatworkhassincedevelopedintoOpenDoorsInternational,anondenominationalorganizationwithbasesaroundtheworld.Whennottraveling,BrotherAndrewmakeshishomeintheNetherlands.
AlJanssenhascowrittenorauthoredmorethantwenty-fivebooks,includingFocusontheFamily’sTheMarriageMasterpiece.HeischairmanoftheboardforOpenDoors(USA)withBrotherAndrewandisdirectorofcommunicationsforOpenDoorsInternational.JanssenlivesinColoradoSprings,Colorado.
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