It was the spring of 2006 and, after much preparation, Aaron and I were finally in the “Holy Land” to see the historical sites of the Bible. On the morning we set out to visit Bethlehem, the birth place of Christ, we could not find it. The map showed that it was supposed to be at this location but all we saw was a huge wall, guards armed with machine guns, a small parking lot, and only one heavily guarded solid metal gate. We thought it had to be a prison. We drove around for many more minutes looking for Bethlehem, but the map kept leading us back to the same place.
Finally, we decided to park in the lot, and watch the gate for a little while to see who was being allowed in and out. After observing for a short time, we saw a big tour bus approach the gate and it was at that moment, despite our disbelief, we knew this had to be Bethlehem. We were still cautious though. As we were making our way to the Israeli guard, we were not sure if we would even be allowed to enter. After weaving our way through the maze of checkpoints, bag searches and interrogations, we finally entered through a small door in the gate to what we now knew was Bethlehem. We were bombarded with many taxis drivers desperately waiting for a tourist. Although it was not a common sight to see visitors since the wall went up, these men relied on tourism as it was their only way to provide for their families. One of our first thoughts was, “How do the families survive behind this wall with very little traffic in and almost none going out?” This situation was our first real encounter with the Palestinian crisis.
Before this, we were ignorant to the gravity and complexity of the conflict in this part of the world and especially in Bethlehem. We went to Bethlehem to visit the churches and “Holy Sites” but we realized we were neglecting the “living stones” (the people) because we were so distracted by the “dead ones” (the buildings). It was the living stones that urgently needed someone to visit them. From that time forward, we thought about these living stones who were trying to survive in a place were peace seemed unfathomable. We thought about how Jesus Christ – the Prince of Peace – is the only hope they will ever have. And we wondered “Who would tell them this good news? Who would encourage the Christians to stay, persevere and stand strong in the midst of war?”
Finally, we decided to park in the lot, and watch the gate for a little while to see who was being allowed in and out. After observing for a short time, we saw a big tour bus approach the gate and it was at that moment, despite our disbelief, we knew this had to be Bethlehem. We were still cautious though. As we were making our way to the Israeli guard, we were not sure if we would even be allowed to enter. After weaving our way through the maze of checkpoints, bag searches and interrogations, we finally entered through a small door in the gate to what we now knew was Bethlehem. We were bombarded with many taxis drivers desperately waiting for a tourist. Although it was not a common sight to see visitors since the wall went up, these men relied on tourism as it was their only way to provide for their families. One of our first thoughts was, “How do the families survive behind this wall with very little traffic in and almost none going out?” This situation was our first real encounter with the Palestinian crisis.
Before this, we were ignorant to the gravity and complexity of the conflict in this part of the world and especially in Bethlehem. We went to Bethlehem to visit the churches and “Holy Sites” but we realized we were neglecting the “living stones” (the people) because we were so distracted by the “dead ones” (the buildings). It was the living stones that urgently needed someone to visit them. From that time forward, we thought about these living stones who were trying to survive in a place were peace seemed unfathomable. We thought about how Jesus Christ – the Prince of Peace – is the only hope they will ever have. And we wondered “Who would tell them this good news? Who would encourage the Christians to stay, persevere and stand strong in the midst of war?”
A little over a year later, in the fall of 2007, when Aaron heard Bishara Awad (President of Bethlehem Bible College) speak at Denver Seminary, we had our answer.
The answer to the question "Who would go?" was us, Aaron and Misty Laenger from small town Texas. God was calling us to be the answer. We would tell them the Good News of the reconciliation power found only in Jesus Christ. We would go to the Christians, meet them in their time of need, and encourage them with the love of Christ.
The answer to the question "Who would go?" was us, Aaron and Misty Laenger from small town Texas. God was calling us to be the answer. We would tell them the Good News of the reconciliation power found only in Jesus Christ. We would go to the Christians, meet them in their time of need, and encourage them with the love of Christ.
As you may know, Aaron and I will be going to Bethlehem in a few short months. Thank you all so much for your continued prayer while we prepare to go where God is calling us even though we are not quite sure how it will all work out.
In Christ,
Aaron & Misty (Bellow) Laenger
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