Generosity

“Real generosity is doing something for someone who will never find out.”

Frank A. Clark

We started this beautiful sunny day with a visit to Bridges for Peace. They have been in existence for over 50 years. Their primary goal is to build relationships with the Jewish people in Israel and around the world.

We learned about the ways they connect with the people; from providing food to food banks, to providing the household basics for those making Aliyah, and helping widows in the community with home repair. We were also able to tour the distribution center in Karmiel. They are always looking for volunteers whether you can help for a day or for years. They also have a program called Zealous for 18-30 year olds to come for one year to work in the Israel distribution center all while diving deep into their faith.

To learn more about Bridges for Peace visit https://www.bridgesforpeace.com

We traveled south and west to the Mediterranean Sea next. We had the opportunity to see the Roman stone arch aqueducts of Caesarea Maritima. There are miles of aqueducts that brought fresh water from Mount Carmel to Caesarea. Herod the Great built Caesarea in 21 BC and finished just before the birth of Jesus. This was a town of opulence as it was the largest port for Rome; greater than Athens or Alexandria. More importantly this place holds the significance that Paul was imprisoned here for two years. Acts 26 tells us about how Paul was persecuted for believing in the promise God made to his ancestors. He speaks that he would rather have hope in God and be in chains than be a free man with no hope in Jesus. He told King Agrippa about who he was before Jesus, how he came to know Jesus, and what Jesus has done for him since. This is a powerful lesson as we should all have the desire to be like Paul. Many times as Christians we shy away from speaking of our faith because we feel we don’t have all the answers or a deep understanding. We should want to tell people about who we were before Jesus came into our life, how we came to know Jesus and how Jesus has worked in our life since.

We are ending our day in Jerusalem with dinner and an opportunity to connect with some of the young adults currently participating in the Bridges for Peace Zealous program.

We have two very full days ahead in Jerusalem!

Blessings,

Lyn Kienholz