Shalom

It's good to be back home.  We got in late yesterday afternoon, moved around like zombies until 8:30 last night when we both fell asleep.  But after a good night's rest, right now I'm feeling OK.

The trip was everything I had hoped for and more.  Moslems require that all of their faith try to make a trip to Mecca in their lifetime.  I think we Christians would do well to make a trip to the roots of our faith as well.  It is not a vacation; it's a pilgrimage.  But the rewards were life-changing.  

Today I just want to mention how much I was impacted by the idea of "shalom."  Our outstanding tour guide, Anton (an Arabic Christian who grew up near Nazareth) continually asked us to pray for "shalom" (peace) for his land.  He was a brilliant man and we were especially blessed to have him as our guide.

We met Sunday night for worship in our hotel.  Joining us was a preacher for an Arabic Church of Christ just outside of Jerusalem.  He shared with us the struggles he faces every day.  We asked him what he needed from us.  I was moved by his simple unselfish requests:  1.  Shalom for his land, and 2.  He needs money for Arabic bibles.

Join me in praying the blessing of shalom.  Our only hope for that in this world is the Prince of Shalom -- Jesus.