'TRINITY THESES' FEATURED ARTICLES

Dear Sisters and Brothers,


It has been three weeks since my return from the
Holy Land. It was, to say the least, an incredible,
life changing experience. No one can visit this part
of the world and not be deeply moved by visiting places
sacred to three great religious traditions (Judaism,
Christianity and Islam), as well as experiencing the
difficult realities of life in this part of the world.

We had three primary goals for our pilgrimage:
to visit the holy sites; to learn from our Christian
brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, especially
Palestinian Lutherans; and to meet individuals who
participate in non-violent organizations seeking a just
solution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Our travel schedule for two weeks was exhausing. We
spent time in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Galilee, and Nazareth.
We visited many of the places associated with Jesus'
ministry; we walked the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem;
we touched the Western/Wailing Wall where Jews
have gathered to pray for centuries; we prayed in the
church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, and we stood (for
a brief time) in the courtyard of the Dome of the Rock,
one of Islam's holiest places.

But our visit was not just about sightseeing. We spent
several days visiting congregations, schools and other
ministries of the Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy
Land and the Lutheran World Federation. Lutherans
are a tiny minority in this part of the world, but they are
doing amazing work, especially providing quality
educations for Palestinian children and youth (both
Christian and Muslim). A highlight of the trip was our
visit to Augusta Victoria Hospital on the Mount of Olives
in Jersalem. Here the Lutheran World Federation provides
specialized cancer care, kidney dialysis and pediatric
treatment to Palestinians who otherwise would have no
place to turn for quality heath care. We can be proud
of our Lutheran presence and leadership in this part of
the world. We are truly instruments of peace and justice
in this troubled region.

And we do not labor alone. There are many Christian
groups and others active throughout the Holy Land in
the search for a just solution to the conflict between
Israel and Palestine. We met a number of these
individuals and listened to their impassioned stories.
It is apparent that there are no easy answers, but yet
the need for resolution to this situation remains vital
for world peace.

I look forward to sharing more of my experiences with you.
In the meantime, I ask you to keep your brothers and
sisters of all faiths in the Holy Land in your prayers, and
to remember especially the ministries of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and the
Lutheran World Federation.


Faithfully,
Pastor Knowles



Trinity Lutheran Church, 161 Western Ave., Brattleboro VT 05301
TEL: 802 254-4220 E-FAX: 253-322-6172 E-MAIL: trinity@sover.net