Open Doors worker Jeanette couldn't imagine why God would lead her to Israel, a country she had last visited with her mother who had recently died in a tragic car accident in Australia. But she had not yet seen the 'living stones' the small and struggling church in the Holy Land often forgotten in the barrage of news from this volatile region.
Through Open Doors, the organisation started by Brother Andrew, author of God's Smuggler, Jeanette had learned about the plight of the church and was thankful to be able to encourage Christian women in that beleaguered nation.
"In Israel I met with both Messianic Jewish women and Palestinian Christian women who are passionate about the message of the cross. They trust God for wisdom and are inspired to spread the gospel in innovative ways," she said.
"The consistent message from each of the women I met was that it is extremely tiring, living under the tension of a divided country. They fear travelling at any time, anywhere, because there is a threat of the outbreak of fighting. 'You are always on your guard,' they would repeatedly state."
Jeanette was encouraged by the work of Open Doors' partners in the region, such as Musalaha an organization promoting reconciliation between Messianic Jews and Palestinian Christians.
This strategic ministry organises desert trips, women's conferences, leadership meetings and youth activities to help believers from both Israeli and Palestinian backgrounds to communicate with one another, to forgive and be forgiven and to build lasting friendships.
One Bethlehem Bible College student Samar, aged 22, had an affinity with Turkey but was not friendly with Israelis. God started to soften her heart and she saw first-hand the transforming power of Jesus and his ability to bridge the divide.
"Jesus came into the world to build bridges, not walls. We need to walk over that bridge towards each other. Only by Jesus we can get real peace in this country. To meet each other is very important, because how can you love someone if you don't want to meet him?" Samar said.
These initiatives have proven to be a catalyst for healing, peace and unity within the Christian community. In the midst of instability and violence, these small steps towards reconciliation are bringing encouragement and hope.
Another organisation supported by Open Doors is King's Kids, which brings together the children of Messianic Jews and Palestinian Christians. "They work to dissolve inherited bitterness towards one another through worship, Bible studies, drama, music, dance, craft and other activities," Jeanette said.
Christian ministries and churches are pressing forward in an effort to bring the message of Christ to a people who are plagued by fear, hatred, poverty and pain. How they need our prayers and encouragement to persevere!
Reproduced in part from Christian Woman September/October 2006. Used with permission. www.christianwoman.com.au
