 
 Israeli Soldiers in the Hebron Jewish settlement. | Hebron is an Arab community in southern Judea. It is the spot of greatest tension in this area of the Middle East. Two days ago a young man was shot and killed by an Israeli soldier as the young man was running up the stairs of the Mosque for the hour of prayers. The man had already passed through a security point manned by Israeli security forces and was carrying no weapons. The Mosque is an ancient structure built over the burial cave of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob and Joseph. It is a sacred site for all three Abrahamic religions. I walked up the stairs and saw the guard station from which the shots were fired. Centuries of fear and hate continue to breed violence and cause the degradation of God's children regardless of what side of the dividing wall you live on.
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We left the Mosque and visited a Jewish settlement camp within the city of Hebron. These Jewish settlements in the West Bank are the main barriers for the resolution of peace. The people in this camp represent the extremist view and believe the Palestinians have no right to the land and should leave. I must add that the majority of Israelis reject extremism and recognize the need for peace and two separate states. I witnessed hateful prejudice today and even saw a street that the Palestinians must walk through to go to the Mosque while the Jewish settlers stand on the buildings above and throw bottles, bricks and urine on the men, women and children who walk below. This is why the world needs to discover Jesus, who has been masked by the prejudice, judgment and indifference of those within the church."For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one (Jews and Gentiles) and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" (Eph. 2:14). We need to find the things that bring us together while respecting our differences. As followers of Jesus, we must be ambassadors of peace. I am a radical follower of Jesus but have been invited tonight by an Orthodox Jewish brother to share with him and a group of others in the Sabbath meal. It feels Right! Shalom! God bless…   | Child walking on the street below the Jewish settlement. Notice the objects that have been thrown at the people who walk below. |  | The steps of the Mosque where the young man was killed by the soldiers standing above. |  | The barrier that separates the Jewish settlement form the Arab section of Hebron. |  | A representative from the Jewish settlement explaining the extremist Zionist viewpoint. Yes, that is a gun on his hip, and we are in an elementary school. |  | Sheikh Tamimi is the leading Amman in the West Bank. He was our escort through the streets of Palestinian Hebron. The market stalls have been closed by the Israeli army, which is creating economic hardship for Palestinian families. |
Thanks Mike for your blog on this mission of peace and for the efforts all are putting in to this mission. I am reading it daily and praying for its success and influence. God Bless the peacemakers for they shall see God. He is there in your midst.
Shalom
Posted By: John Ward on May 08, 2009 11:16AM
Wow. This just makes me sad to hear all of these stories. I hope that one day soon we will all see that we are God\'s children, and we can at least have that in common. I will keep praying for you.
Posted By: Cory Payne on May 08, 2009 01:50PM
Mike, I too love reading what you have been doing everyday. Us American\'s do not realize how lucky we are to be able to worship God without having bricks and bottles thrown at us. Read 1 John 4:7-12 Shalom
Posted By: Craig Bruntz on May 08, 2009 02:00PM
I am following your visit. Thank you for taking the initiative...in your efforts for peace. \'Fee iman allah\' ( in God\'s protection) God bless
Posted By: shaheen toor on May 08, 2009 07:56PM
One would think that having their land back which is a miracle even the American Indians haven\'t been blessed with would inspire more resolve for peace from even the Jewish extremists. I do understand their frustration though over Mosques being built right over the graves of people who are proven as their direct descendants. It\'s sad. It was crazy enough with just Judaism & Christianity, but then to have Mohammed start & establish a religion hundreds of years after Christ & then proceed to have Mosques built over sites sacred to those directly descended from not only the Abramic Covenant, but the covenant Christ later established doesn\'t help the situation any. Lotta crazymaking going on over there. I suppose living there might be kinda stressful. The Muslims should relocate there mosque next to the ancient site instead of on top of it. That\'s too simple, I guess. They\'d all probably still find something to fight about. The exremists should then be expected to cooperate with the new situation of two states or face reprimand by the court. It\'s easier for Christians to be all things to all men. So yes there is a dividing wall that requires more than just two states to solve, but then...that\'s up to them. All because Abraham got ahead of God\'s plan by buying into his wife\'s anxieties & violating his slave& and then tossing her out on her rump. What a group. I suppose all three groups have things to be ashamed of. Grace is a beautiful thing.
Posted By: Michaiah Combs on May 11, 2009 03:39AM
Mike, this is a powerful blog and reminds me of the work yet to do around the world and in our own back yards. I visited Hebron in 1996 and I remember vividly being lined up against the wall by heavily armed guards before we were allowed to enter. It was very scary and I remember thinking, \"imagine having to go through that every day!\"
Posted By: Dave Hood on May 11, 2009 10:10AM
 Jesus stood outside the city and wept over Jerusalem! | We spent the entire day in meetings beginning with a breakfast meeting with Rabbi Michael Melchior. Rabbi Melchior was a member of the Israeli Cabinet during the last administration and was also a member of the Knesset (equivalent to our Senate). He is a passionate Zionist who is committed to finding a solution to peace. It was interesting hearing from a highly respected Palestinian PLO leader last night in the West Bank and an Israeli Zionist today. Both are deeply committed religious leaders who are committed to finding a peace solution through the recognition of two states. The secular world doesn't grasp that peace will never be a reality if it is not led by religious leaders who have the ability to either fuel hate or reconciliation. This does not mean that we compromise our own faiths but that we commit to live to the highest standards of those faiths. Jerusalem means "city of peace." It is claimed as the holy city by the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam). The tension that exist in this city is like a match box ready to ignite. As Rabbi Melchior said, "This city can become a gate to heaven or a slippery slope to hell."
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Religion has been the main cause in many parts of the world for not resolving conflict. It is no wonder that Jesus wept over Jerusalem as he realized the atrocities that we would commit against each other in the name of God. To hate another human being is to crush the image of God in that human being. We take God's place in judgment. We spent the rest of the day meeting with interfaith leaders at a Catholic conference center and then on to meetings at the Israeli Department of Foreign Ministry (equivalent to our Dept. of State), and the U.S. Consulate. Keep us in your prayers because our delegation heads to Hebron in the morning where an Israeli soldier shot and killed a young Palestinian coming out of a Mosque yesterday. We said goodbye to our PBS film crew this morning. They are editing the program that will begin showing as early as Friday evening in some parts of the U.S. on the program, "Religion and Ethics." You will also be able to download it off the web at PBS.org/religion. God bless!  Rabbi Michael Melchior | God bless…
It is truly awesome to hear that there are people around the world who are committed to finding a solution for peace. It is time for us to stand up and show the world that peace does exist. We have to be examples by serving the world!
Posted By: Emilee on May 07, 2009 01:41PM
Wow! What an amazing experience you must be having! I can\'t wait to hear all your stories when you come back. Take lots of pictures!
Posted By: Erica Sharp on May 07, 2009 02:40PM
Hey Mike... this is all really interesting, man. It\'s an area I have little understanding of. Your blog posts are helping. Keep up the great work, boss!
Posted By: Dan Bracken on May 07, 2009 03:44PM
Sounds like your making a great impact!
Posted By: Heather on May 07, 2009 05:09PM
I am discovering that I do not know as much as I thought and have become very interested in learning more about Jersalam and how it can reflect its name \"City of Peace\". Keep the pictures coming and know we are all praying!
Posted By: RaNae Street on May 07, 2009 08:51PM
Pastor Slaughter, I want to thank you for teaching us to step out of our comfort zones to impact this chaotic world we live in. May we provide a witness to those who follow behind us. I\'m praying for your safety in returning home. God Bless.
Posted By: Missy Weaver on May 07, 2009 10:23PM
Can\'t wait to hear about it in person. We are praying for the rest of your trip.
Posted By: Paul on May 08, 2009 12:47AM
It could be that there aren\'t as many Christians there because of the chasm is so great between the descendants of Abraham. Although God made promises to Ishmael concerning Ishmael\'s descendants, they were not the same as the covenant He made with Abraham & his descendants. Christianity being a different ballgame altogether even though all peoples are invited to accept Christ.
At what point do we tell people that it does matter what you believe, or \"come out of the closet\" so to speak in regards to Christ being the only way of salvation regardless of good intentions. If we are confident in our faith, can we allow others to be in error while the Spirit works with them maybe through us or others who have staked a claim with Christ. I personally have been somewhat aggressive in letting people know the deal, and probably a little too soon...before they could accept the words. Interests being mostly limited to the Gospel creates an intensity that may be seen as overbearing & probably even a little intimidating. Some people that I thought were probably fairly hostile surprised me with their loveable manner once I knew them and spoke with them. Mohammed\'s experience is so contradictory & unrelated to Abraham, it seems that it would be obvious, but I guess it isn\'t.
You know, I was searching the scriptures concerning things, and without exception, and throughout scripture whenever there were major doctrinal changes or significant changes in covenants, it was always communicated initially by God Himself. Never an angel. They gave messages or interpretations or aide, and other things, but they never brought transitional covenental change as a sole agent. No covenant or change was given soley by an angel. Maybe foretelling of some things to come such as Mary\'s pregnancy, etc., but never serious dispensations of truth. It always came by God & then men. More...
It\'s good to be sure of what we know and confident in it.
I\'m also wondering how many wives one needs to have to be considered respectable, or how different or odd a headdress must be for us to feel clean.
I think I have a lot to learn about approach. I hope & pray for both to know truth, to feel accepted where they are. You seem to have done a good job with that Mike. I\'ll pray for your continued efforts and those with you. Blessings
Posted By: michaiah combs on May 08, 2009 01:27AM
The PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organization) is historically & traditionally known for public expressions of peace initiatives while at the same time funding Hamas & other terrorist organizations. Hopefully, things will improve. I\'ll pray for a safe return home.
Posted By: Michaiah Combs on May 08, 2009 09:07AM
Jerusalem will become both a gate to heaven and a gate to Hell, as Jesus said, "Enter in at the narrow gate, for wide is the way that leads to destruction, but narrow is the way that leads to everlasting lie (heaven)..."! Jesus is the Gate that leads to life; He is the eye of the needle that so confused the disciples.
Posted By: Glenda Smith on Jun 23, 2009 04:16PM
 Pictured from left: Cardinal McCarrick, Sheikh Tamimi, interpreter |
Our delegation traveled to Ramallah this evening to have dinner with Sheikh Tamimi and other influential Palestinian leaders of the PLO. Ramallah is an Arabic city in the West Bank, about a 30-minute drive north of Jerusalem. You must travel through a checkpoint to cross the boarder into the West Bank. Coming back from Bethlehem this morning, an Israeli soldier entered our bus to check our passports. The tension is much higher now than my last trip in '85.
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Sheikh Tamimi (center of picture) and his delegation were the Arab Muslim leaders who backed out of our meeting in Beit Jala on Tuesday. He was a very gracious host this evening and spoke of his desire for peace, the need for two separate states and his recognition of Israel's right to existence. Let's pray for the leaders on both sides to respect each other while they live next to each other as neighbors. One of the most disturbing trends that I have discovered on this trip is the rapid decline of Christians in this country. 10,000 have left in the last two years. Bethlehem, once a Christian city, is now 60% Muslim and the West Bank is now only 1.9% Christian. A small group of us are meeting early each morning for prayer and Bible study in Ambassador Hall's room. What a way to begin the day! God bless…
Although our Messiah the Christ had his earthly origins in Israel, there seems to be a disconnect there for many of us due to the increasing tensions between Judaists & Muslims. Many see America as the homeland & main hangout for Christians? Being a firm believer in actions speaking louder than words, My hope is that the desire for peace will manifest itself in action for those who truly desire it. Through Christ we can have the very God of the universe living within us, and while landmarks are important for many personal reasons, I\'m sure I\'d rather have God than a symbol of Him. This is our world. These are our children. One day I will go to Israel & I will live there & I hope I don\'t get blown up @ least not until Israel is grafted back in & the Muslims finally \"get it\". But maybe it\'ll happen the other way around. I hope all of you have a productive trip.
Posted By: Michaiah Combs on May 07, 2009 01:59AM
Dear Lord, Keep Mike and the rest of the men safe and help and guide them as they do your work. Amen
Posted By: Craig Bruntz on May 07, 2009 08:04AM
DITTO THAT!!
Posted By: Rich B on May 07, 2009 12:11PM
 These are two precious children in the Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem. We serve Jesus as we serve His purpose in the "least of these." | Here is a small photoblog along with some observations about my time in Bethlehem.
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This evening (Friday, May 08) at 7:00 p.m. 91.3 WYSO will be broadcasting an episode of PRI\'s The World. The topic concerns the near-extinct presence of Christians in Bethlehem.
Posted By: Chris on May 08, 2009 09:59AM
 I'm standing with Ambassador Tony Hall in front of the Dome Of The Rock on the Temple Mount |
Today we crossed into the West Bank, which is considered “occupied territory.” Since 2005 large walls have been built to separate the territory from Israel and to keep Palestinians out. It is now very difficult for Palestinians to enter Israel to purchase food or other supplies or to seek medical care. In return, it is illegal for Israelis to go into the occupied territory. The meeting I participated in today was sponsored by an Israeli organization called the Council of Religious Institutions. It consists of Muslims, Christians and Jews who really care about creating a Holy Land that is for all peoples. The council meets in the occupied territory so that the Arab/Palestinian leaders can participate. However, this means that Jewish leaders who travel in from Israel to participate are technically entering the area illegally. Today we also visited Gush Etzion, a Jewish settlement near Beit Jala, for a tour. It is the oldest Jewish settlement within the occupied territory.
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This trip is reinforcing for me just how complex of a situation the Israeli-Palestinian conflict really is. There is no one “innocent” party. The ultimate solution that is desired by moderate people is the creation of two separate Israeli and Palestinian states, while also ensuring security for Israel. But, the conflict will continue to heighten and the two-state solution will become increasingly difficult to achieve as long as the Israeli government allows additional Jewish settlements to be built in territories that Palestinians consider their own. Our meeting today was a bit disappointing in that Muslim sheiks who had been invited chose not to attend based on recent actions of the Israeli government against Palestinians living in Jerusalem, following the many tensions in 2008 that flared up into armed conflict. Religious scholars, Jewish leaders and Palestinian Christians were represented in today’s gathering, but no Muslims. Today also illustrates for me how religious people of all faith backgrounds are moving more and more to extremes and demonstrating less tolerance for people who are different. We even see this at home in the Christian church with the move to name-calling within our own “house.” The conflict here is a perfect demonstration of the negative effects of extremism. Much of what I’ve experienced here has been positive as well. I’ve seen that there are many good people who are Muslim, Jewish and Christian who seek to be faithful to their faith while also benevolent towards those who are not of their faith. I’ve also had private conversations with a Muslim Imam, who is Middle-Eastern but lives in the U.S., and with Rabbi David Lincoln, who previously served as the senior rabbi in Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City. These conversations have confirmed that we hold many similar and positive values that represent the character of Christ. I also have a new favorite quote from Lynne Hybels, wife of Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church, who walked over to me earlier today in the midst of our visit to say, “I am becoming more and more impressed with Jesus… ‘for God so loved the world.’” I know one thing. If this conflict is going to be solved, it can’t be solved without the coming together of religious leaders who choose to fuel positive faith, rather than negative hate. I will update you again soon. God bless…
There are many extremists in all faith camps, and some faith camps consist only of extremists. I can\'t speak for all Christians, but I think there is a crisis that is seeking a transition for the people of God, and many want that. Fear keeps us from loving people who are not only different culturally, but especially religiously. It\'s as if we are afraid that they will somehow take truth from us or Jesus or whatever, and we will be deceived, and so we draw back or get legalistic. We aren\'t sure how to relate and love while still living as Christ would have us. We as Christians should have our own house in order before we go trying to influence people who want to like you know....kill us. That way when we get slammed, we\'re singin\' praises all the way to heaven. Smiling & being filled with the joy of the Spirit makes people think one of two things: that we are either \"on\" something or they wonder what we have that allows us to be bold & confident & respond in love. Once we convince them were sober then we can tell them \"Jesus gave me this song\" (as Tim Hawkins so eloquently puts it), and who knows how great the harvest will be. Blessings on your mission.
Posted By: michaiah combs on May 06, 2009 03:15AM
Praying for your mission. You are so right about the divisions in the church community. Since I have move to Georgia and attend a Bapist Church, I am labeled a Yankee Methodist. They also say I talk different.
Posted By: Craig Bruntz on May 06, 2009 10:19AM
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