Jerusalem's Old City

There is no where at all like the old city of Jerusalem. A walled city, walled streets, market stalls...It is divided into four quarters - the Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Armenian quarters. We went to the Wailing Wall - a sacred place for Jewish people, where they believe the Presence of God dwells (we thank God for the Incarnation of Jesus, cementing the truth that the Spirit of God dwells in men made in His image - not in buildings, stones, or temples built with human hands). It is always intense...people write prayers on little pieces of paper and put them in the wall. Today there were hundreds of Israeli soldiers in front of the wall having a swearing in ceremony, pledging their lives to Israel. Most of them are 17 and 18 years old...

The photo of the gray dome is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is believed to house the stone that they laid Jesus on after He was crucified. 

The markets in the old city are incredible. This photo is of frankincense and myrrh being sold. There is everything you can imagine including delicious Arabic coffee. 

The most difficult part of the day was coming back into Bethlehem. The bus dropped us off at the checkpoint and we waited in line for a while behind many Palestinians on their way home from work. A soldier motioned to us to come ahead of everyone else and we said no. It was heart-wrenching to see how differently we were treated as visitors. The people who live in Bethlehem and work outside have to go through this every day - waiting. not knowing. 

We pray - for those who have been oppressed to find healing and forgiveness, for the broken families to be reunited, for the soldiers to know Truth and see the His image in those they have been given power over, and for the supernatural love and life of Jesus to flow and bring change - for healing in this land.

Leaning on Him,

Joey and Christy