Impacting the Nations

Wow, I’m so privileged to be in this incredible city – Jerusalem – again. Every day as I walk past the Old City I’m struck by what a significant place this is, and what amazing plans God has for this city and its people.

It’s a tense time for Israel as surrounding nations negotiate the political turmoil and upheaval that is now being called the Arab Spring. The implications for Israel are uncertain, although it’s not looking positive. Most Egyptians don’t support the current peace treaty with Israel. As Syria spirals out of control there are fears that it will spill over into Lebanon. The two main Palestinian factions – Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza – are tentatively reuniting, which many fear will lead to a bid for unilateral statehood at the United Nations in September. It certainly seems that things are heating up.

There was a bus bombing on my local bus just two weeks after I arrived. Although the grief of the Israeli people was palpable, so was their determination not to be intimidated or terrorised. Busses continued as per usual – I was on one the next day – and the people refused to be controlled by fear. It reminded me of the earthquake back home, and what it feels like to lose fellow kiwis to a disaster, and how at home we also need to stand strong and not be moved or shaken from our calling and our destiny. At least our disaster was indiscriminate. Over here, it’s personal, and borne from hatred.

In the midst of it, it’s exciting to see what God is doing in the lives of the people. Experiencing Pessach (Passover) here and Easter was incredible. Every part of the Sedar (the Passover meal) is a reminder of the incredible faithfulness of the Lord, and His commitment to His covenant.

Impacting the Nations

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Shalom form Israel

2011 Conference