VISIT THE 'LIVING STONES' IN THE HOLY LAND
By Tim Timmons (Writer's Opinion)
Special to ASSIST News Service

BETHLEHEM (ANS) -- Last November was my 31st visit to the Holy Land. Every time my wife and I tour the land we make a point of doing more than simply playing the tourist from America. We go to Israel on our own and usually take 40-50 people with us. We avoid the “made-up” sites. We walk, touch and feel as many of the authentic sites and those that are ITV (In The Vicinity) as we possibly can squeeze into our time there. We also make it a point to have dinners outside the hotel in one or two of the finer restaurants of the Holy Land. Add to this approach the best hotels and tour guides possible and we are able to provide the trip of a lifetime!

Now, we have found something very special that can provide a very meaningful experience for all of who have the privilege of making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This new experience is a rare one in the last few years, but it can be life-changing and one of the highlights of your Holy Land tour. I am not writing this to promote any of our tours. I am sharing this information for two reasons:

  1. A visit to Bethlehem will enhance your experience in the Holy Land.
     
  2. You can be a real encouragement to the Palestinians who are following Jesus. Much of tourism avoids this part of the Holy Land and many are suffering because of it.

You’ll be visiting many of the ancient stones at the archaeological sites throughout the country, but don’t ignore the living stones where Jesus is dwelling today! Where? In the city of Bethlehem!

On our last visit we had the privilege of having dinner with a new friend, Dr. Mitri Raheb, Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church and General Director of the International Center of Bethlehem. Dr. Raheb’s work is acclaimed by both Jews and Muslims as a most effective ministry among the people of Palestine. “There’s room at the Inn in Bethlehem,” Dr. Raheb quipped.

Mitri continues, “Come and visit the Christian community in Bethlehem. The land, for many, remains faceless. The standard tourist programs do not allow for any interaction to take place between the visitors and the people of the land. Being a Palestinian Christian who was born just a few meters away from the Church of the Nativity, I often watched tourists flocking to the narrow and low gate that marks the entrance to the Church. Less than 20 minutes later, I see them coming out, running into the bus, and hurrying on to their next destination. The Holy Land seems similar to a Christian Disneyland, tourists standing in long lines to visit many sites and ancient churches, and pilgrims running where Jesus walked.”

One of the rare sites in the Holy Land is a follower of Jesus that is resident there and not transplanted. Mitri says, “The first time I met with a tourist group, I still remember the expression on their faces when they heard that I am a Palestinian Christian. I discovered that they knew little about Palestinians in general and almost nothing about the Palestinian Christians in particular, let alone of their existence. Their first question to me was ‘when did you convert to Christianity?.’ They assumed that Christianity was introduced to the Holy Land by missionaries from the West. They were astonished to learn that my family has been Christian for almost 2000 years, and that the first missionary to come to our town was Jesus of Nazareth. They were even more bewildered to hear that I am not only a Palestinian Christian, but also an Arab Lutheran pastor.”

Mitri and his fellowship have developed a terrific experience he calls “Authentic Tourism”, which is at the International Center of Bethlehem. Mitri points out, “We offer a holistic approach to tourism focusing not only on the Land, but also on Culture and People. Our programs give pilgrims the once-in-a-life-time opportunity to experience vibrant cultures and traditions, folkloric dancing and Biblical meals, to meet the friendly people, and to enjoy their hospitality.”

Because of the check-point and the fence that separates Israel from Bethlehem, most tour groups today avoid Bethlehem altogether. Don’t avoid this opportunity for your people! I want to encourage you to make the effort to cross over into Bethlehem. Visit the Church of the Nativity, shop at the 3 Arches and spend some time at the International Bethlehem Center.

Here’s how you can overcome the obstacles and make it happen:

  1. Bus and Guide. Your Israeli Guide and Bus cannot cross over. Therefore, you can make arrangements in one of two ways. Either contact Rana Khoury at the International Bethlehem Center (info@annadwa.org)  or Mike Canawati at the Three Arches (3arches@three-arches.com)  or call 1-877-777-8727 in the USA. They can arrange a bus and a guide for you to use throughout your stay on the other side of the check-point. The transfer is so easy. You get off your Israeli bus, walk across the check-point and get on the Palestinian bus with a guide. At this point you are in good hands for your visit of the site and the center as well as some great shopping for everyone!
     
  2. The Church of the Nativity. This is one of the oldest churches in the land and, most likely, a genuine location that has been kept sacred for centuries. This is a great site to visit!
     
  3. International Bethlehem Center.
  1. A lecture on the situation of the Palestinian Christians and/or the general situation from a faith perspective. ($5 per person)
  2. A “mission project” like planting trees at our park/nature reserve so that the children of Bethlehem have a place to play. ($30 per tree for those who want to participate)
  3. Attend a cultural performance at the center—Palestinian Folkdance, Concert, etc. ($8 per person)
  4. Attend a bi-lingual worship at Christmas Lutheran Church (Sundays) (No fee)
  5. Visiting one of our outreach programs like school, Health & Wellness center etc. (Free although a donation is appreciated)
  6. Lunch at our “Upper Room Restaurant” ($10 per person)
  7. Guide and bus for half day—($75)

  4.   Three Arches. This is always a highlight experience for your people. They can get some terrific items here—olive wood carvings, jewelry set with ancient coins and glass, etc. You can trust this shopping experience. Mike Canawati and his team are wonderful to work with and have been doing business for several decades. And the prices are great, too!

You’ll soon get weary of all of the ruins and the relics. In fact, you’re likely to forget much of what you hear on your tour of the Holy Land, but you’ll never forget your visit to see where Jesus was born and where He is still active today AMONG THE LIVING STONES.