The month of December was an unusual month with the increase of terrorism, the decrease of tourism and commercialism and the challenges of realism.
The economy in Israel is down about 80 percent, with most of the decline in the occupied territories. My heart goes out especially to the Christian Arabs who are caught between the Muslims and the Israelis.
Only about 14 percent of the Israelis are considered “religious Jews.” The remainder are a mixture of “secular Jews,” Moslem Arabs, and Gentile Christians (which includes all Christians). It is almost necessary to live here in order to get an understanding of the complex issues.
On Dec. 1, I preached before the Master’s College student body, on campus in Yad HaShmonah, just west of Jerusalem.
John McArthur, radio Bible teacher, pastor of Grace church in California, established the Christian school and is its president. They have an extended campus near Jerusalem for 42 of their students who want to spend one semester studying in Israel. It was an honor for me to be invited to address the students.
As a result, some of the students have visited our church. I am thankful to say that I have been invited back next semester.
A number of our regular members returned to their home countries for the Christmas holidays. As a result, our attendance decreased from an average in the mid-60s to the mid-30s.
Jerry Young
Israel
Share with others: