Sunday Update from Jerusalem

We traveled from the West Bank back into Jerusalem for worship at Alex Awad's East Jerusalem Church. It wound up with a packed house of 70 to 80 with a great mix of hymns and choruses. Matthew preached, but everyone still survived!

After lunch in a local sandwich shop, we returned to the West Bank. However, transportation was a problem, so the Awads gave Matthew the keys to their stick-shift VW van! We drove through the West Bank checkpoints on our own, picked up a guide who was waiting for us, and headed off through Bethlehem with Matthew still driving...There are a lot of hills in Bethlehem!

We visited the Shepherd's Field (where the angels announced Christ's birth) and explored a few of the many caves. Then we were off to Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity. The line to see the manger was over 3 hours long, but our guide took us in the back way.

After dropping off our guide, we headed back into Bethlehem for another authentic Palestinian meal and since the restaraunt was not crowded, stayed there for coffee and tea while the first member of our team told their "story" and we prayed over him (Russ). Everyone is sleeping relatively well and are in good health. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Blessings from Jerusalem!