When we served as volunteers at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, one of our coworkers was a Palestinian Christian from the West Bank. We visited his church in Bethlehem one Sunday and learned a lot about them: The hardship they endure because of their faith and the sacrifice they make for the Lord Jesus.
I’ve written that experience into my book, Love at the Garden Tomb (Amazon Author Page:
https://www.amazon.com/author/love.respect.grace). Below is an excerpt from the book. Since it’s long, I’ve broken it into three parts. This is Part 2.
He recalled the information he’d found online.
Palestinian Christians comprised about 2% of the population in West Bank. Their Muslim neighbors called them infidels and harassed them daily. Their children were discriminated against and bullied at school for their faith. Yet only one in four would consider emigration, compared to about 45 percent of the other residents. Why?
An answer popped into Josh’s head. “Because these people own a sense of mission and are willing to pay the price to remain here.”
The Christians also ran institutions and hospitals that provided much-needed jobs to keep their society afloat.
After the sermon, Maya went up to share prayer requests with the congregation. Josh learned Omer’s brother was away to be with his wife. She was a foreigner, and her recent visa application to stay in Israel was rejected.
Why were loved ones torn apart because of political situations beyond their control?
Sorrow and regret flashed across Josh’s heart. Would I’ve married Lily if I didn’t leave the US?
What would have happened if she had obtained her visa to go to Hong Kong?
Adam’s low voice interrupted his thoughts. “Omer’s family loves Mexican food. I know a good restaurant nearby. Let’s give them a treat.”
While they sat around the round table and feasted on the delicious dishes, Maya turned to
Josh. “Omer said you live in the Bay Area. My parents also live there.”
Josh’s eyes widened. “Indeed? What do they do?
“My dad is a nephrologist. He works at Kaiser. My mom is a homemaker.”
“Do you visit them often?”
“So far, only once. Though we want to see them more, it’s very expensive to go to the US.” Maya patted her belly. “My mom may come later this year to help out with the baby.”
Adam joined in. “Are your parents happy in the US?”
Maya’s mouth curled into a small smile. “They enjoy the American lifestyle very much. But at times, they feel helpless. The US political leaders are some of the biggest supporters of the Israeli military. They seldom take Palestinian Christians into consideration, and the discussions are frequently framed as Muslims versus Jews.”
Josh leaned forward with interest. “I don’t know anything about this. Can you tell me more?”
“In my opinion, American Christians are ignorant about what is happening to Christians in other parts of the world.” Maya drew her eyebrows tight. “As we willingly carry the cross that Jesus asked believers to do, they aren’t standing up for justice as they should have done. Many American Christians support Israel as the Jewish homeland based on religion, but they won’t help fellow brothers and sisters who are under the heavy yoke of oppression from Israel.”
Josh let out a silent breath. “Maya, is there anything we can do for you?”
“Pray. Please pray for us who choose to remain here.” Maya replied without hesitation.
“Ask the Lord to give us wisdom and courage to be His witness and to stay faithful to the end.”
Adam raised his gaze. “Should we pray together right now?”
They pulled their chairs into a small circle and poured out their hearts before God. Afterward, Adam checked his cell phone. “Omer, please take us to the checkpoint. Instead of taking Bus 231, we’re determined to go through what you guys have to face every time you need to go to Jerusalem.”
(To be continued – come back next week for Part 3)
