Holy Land
Mission
The Holy Land. We all have heard about it. It looms on
the horizon of our sub-conscious as the setting of those bible stories
full of miracles and prophecies. It’s a place that Christians look to
for their connection to Jesus and God. But wait…..fast forward to today,
to the twenty-first century and its flattened world that makes instant
communication and far-flung travel possible and even a little ordinary.
The Holy Land, the cradle of Christianity, is still there. The
biblical places are still there but millions of people now live in the
cities and towns. Some of the cities are modern hubs of progress and
energy. But it is also now a place of prolonged regional conflict,
profound discrimination, and unfortunately, a place that is becoming
increasing hostile to its dwindling Christian population. Today, only
two
percent of the population in Jerusalem is now Christian.
The Holy Land Mission here at Christ Church seeks to
be a force for peace by supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem,
which encompasses 29 parishes in
Lebanon,
Syria,
Jordan,
Palestine
and
Israel,
with
Jerusalem
as its center. The Diocese has an extensive outreach program that
provides services for the community and is a force for peace in a
troubled region. The Diocese employs nearly 1500 people and oversees 35
schools, clinics, vocational institutes, and two major
hospitals. The outreach programs are a living embodiment of Christ’s
teaching and provide essential services to the needy without
discrimination. Most of the recipients are Moslem.
Prayer is the first act of the faithful. In addition, we need to visit
the Holy Land to form meaningful personal relationships; give our
financial support to organizations in need, such as the Holy Land
Institute for the Deaf in Salt, Jordan; and cement our ancient ties with
the people in whose land our Savior gave so much of Himself. It is one of the Diocese’s many
institutions. We continue to support it as we expand to include other
institutions. Our Support not only helps the Diocese provide needed
services but also creates jobs for the Christian community.
If you are one of the growing number of Christ Church parishioners
who have made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land or you have an interest
in this holy but troubled region,
join us as we explore ways in which we can support and
sustain this holy land for our Christian brothers and sisters living
there and for all people. For more information please contact Jane
Gilchrist.
Click
here to email Jane.