HCEF work time!

Today was our first work day with HCEF and the team spread out all over Bethlehem to work on various projects. A group went to the hospital and did everything from fold shirts badly in the laundry facilities (Bob Stover) to help with elderly rehabilitation and help with patient care. A few of us went to the orphanage and had a wonderful time playing with the precious little kids and learning about the inner workings of the organization from an American volunteer who has been working there for six months. Steve, Joe, and Keith went to a fascinating meeting at Bethlehem University regarding the Christian voice on behalf of the Palestinian suffering. It involved different church authorities, and is something that apparently is gaining traction around the world. Definitely ask them about it on our return (they can do a much better job of explaining it). Bruce, Gary, and Will spent 6 straight hours painting rails and doors with oil-based paint and hanging out/drinking turkish coffee with a bunch of workers...

all in all a great first day! It was wonderful to interact with these special people and hear their stories about living here and see how the Lord leads/comforts them through times of immense suffering.

Due to the lack of people working during the slower pace of weekends here, we will be switching up plans and heading out to a full day tour of historical sights on the Israeli side of the Dead Sea tomorrow. We'll be starting out at the desert fortress Masada on the southern side (built by Herod the Great right before the birth of Christ and later used by Jewish zealots during the revolt in the 70's A.D. against the Romans) before heading to En Gedi (David's spring where he hid out from Saul with his men) and then on to Qumran (the location of the ancient Essene community and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the 40's).

It will be an action packed day so pray for smooth sailing!