Christian Pilgrim

Postmaster · 05-31-2005, 12:56 AM

Has anyone been to the holy lands to visit the churches, places and tombs of Christianity? I went when I was 15 by a cruise from Cyprus just before the troubles started again, it was an amazing experience. Does anyone believe that if your fit and healthy and have the ability to travel that it makes you a better Christian if you visit the holy lands on a religious pilgrim? Out of all fairness visiting Israel at the time you could literally feel the tension in the air. When we were visiting the Wailing Wall, I went up to the wall to have a good look and someone with a machine gun told me to back off in Hebrew.. I had no problem, it must have seemed obvious I didn't belong there. Whilst walking round and visiting some of the important sites, you are almost constantly pestered to buy tourist goods, anything from fake perfumes to drums... It was a great experience however its a shame to think that one of the holiest places for many faiths is only one of the greatest conflict areas. Is that what religion is all about?

Faithfulservant · 05-31-2005, 01:24 AM

I do not believe it makes you a "better" Christian but it sure does make you blessed to be able to visit those places. I have a question though.. Amongst all the hostilities and tense feelings and merchants attempts at fleecing the flock did you feel the Spirit of God there? Thats what I would be hoping to feel as I visited biblical places.

Postmaster · 05-31-2005, 01:46 AM

Actually to be honest, I didn't feel at all peaceful or feel the spirit of God, you can smell fear where ever you went, it's true but I was more glad to carry on the next phase of the trip into Egypt, where ever we went we had to have an armed solider with us and everyones bags were thoroughly searched by the Isrealis regardless where you were coming from, they had some pretty serious policies. The holy lands have been a place of conflict for thousands of years and that could be a reason why Christ came from there, not only that Israel is the only place in the world where 3 continents meet, so as a location chosen by God it was perfect. It just goes to show how religion and politics get confused or are they different shades of the same colour?

Quahom1 · 05-31-2005, 10:33 PM

How interesting people's views differ on the same thought, or place. I spent two weeks in Israel, rebuilding damaged appartments, or laying irrigation pipe in the fields of a Kibutz, or fininshing tuck and point work in the new mortar holding up old stone walls. I worked side by side with "armed Israeli soldiers" and citizens. There were people of all walks and faiths of life.

There was no sense of fear at all, but there was a sublime yet keen awareness of what was going on around us. It was a state of alertness rarely seen in the states or most other places I've been on earth.

The people around us wealthy or not so wealthy were cordial, polite and friendly. The children were delightful in their play and wonder of us "strangers".

And there was a sublte energy everywhere, that whispered "Holy land".

The days were hot and sweaty, but the nights were balmy and light.

Yes, quite interesting how the same picture is veiwed differently by different people.

v/r

Q

Postmaster · 06-01-2005, 01:03 AM

It could be a case of different views or it could be that it was because I was there 5 years ago..?

Quahom1 · 06-01-2005, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Postmaster

It could be a case of different views or it could be that it was because I was there 5 years ago..?

LOL So was I...

v/r

Q

Bandit · 06-01-2005, 06:17 AM

our church used to do a trip every year to Israel, but it stopped with all the koo koo going on. it was neat when they would bring back a wooden camel or something for the entire congregation.

i would like to go someday, but heaven will suffice if i dont make it there.

Postmaster · 06-01-2005, 10:48 AM

Quote:

wooden camel

I bought back one of those!

But as Christinians were suppose to point out the evils of societies, frankly the holy lands is no place of sugar and creme.

JonMarc · 06-01-2005, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quahom1

Yes, quite interesting how the same picture is veiwed differently by different people

q you are in the military yes? and perhaps were there in a military capacity? these are just guesses, or assumptions, and we know what they say about assumptions, so correct me if i'm wrong because i know nothing about you. but if you were there in a military capacity, it is no surprise to me that you would get a completely different vibe than a 15 year old 'kid' (no disrespect postmaster.) i know that since joining the military, my perception of a lot of things are night and day compared to what they were when i was a missionary kid in japan. and we know perception is reality right q?

it is very interesting though isn't it...the difference in perceptions. so much affects the way we see the world that no two views are ever quite the same. police eye-witnesses viewing different numbers of assailants wearing different clothing waving different weapons...
this re-affirms my faith in the bible. the gospels for example written by different men in different times and different places, yet they all tell the same story. from different views yes, but the story remains the same. what a miracle!

Quote:

Originally Posted by postmaster

Does anyone believe that if your fit and healthy and have the ability to travel that it makes you a better Christian if you visit the holy lands on a religious pilgrim?

i agree with faithfulservent. i do not believe that it makes you better in the sense that you should be lifted above those who do not make a pilgrimage, however i do believe that it makes you better in a personal sense, makes you more complete maybe than you were, more humble than you were, more apreciative than you were, etc.

Quahom1 · 06-01-2005, 11:02 PM

Welcome JonMarc,

Yes, USCG. I was there for Comrels. Worked during the day and relaxed at night. Took a day to see the sights but mostly rebuilding and construction, in the less wealthier areas. Pulled into your neck of the woods a few times as well.

And perception is reality, even if incorrect...

v/r

Q

JonMarc · 06-02-2005, 05:20 AM

thank you for the welcome

just saw some coast guard guys around the other day. i have some ol' buddies in the coast guard that i met about 7 years ago when i lived in costa rica. wonder what they're up to... anyway. i really haven't done much searching, but it's nice to find a place like this online where opinions can be shared in such an open environment. if we could find more places like this in the 'real' world as well we'd be heading in a good direction. what you all are doing here is important and very commendable.

relating to the thread, i have a friend who went to school with me in japan who is from israel and i am dying to get over there to visit her and see the things i feel i should see. hopefully while i'm here in spain i'll get to do so. it is great you got an opportunity to do some good and explore some for yourself. it's always comforting to find people like you in the forces q!

InLove · 06-02-2005, 05:38 AM

Hi, JonMarc--Peace to you and all here--

Were you a "missionary kid"? Forgive me for not having enough time to decipher everything in the thread. I am also wondering--if it is okay--were you a "military brat"? (Please, if that is now politically incorrect, I apologize--but I believe the sons and daughters of military folk will probably forgive me--if not, I will take my punishment).

I am just wondering, and not without reason.

Oh, and welcome to CR.

InPeace,
InLove

JonMarc · 06-02-2005, 08:16 AM

InLove,
i appreciate your welcome, and have enjoyed reading many of your posts on these forums. to answer your questions, i was in fact a missionary kid, or mk. and no i was not a military brat, although i think that is still the going term for it. regardless, no harm no foul

. my parents were both missionary kids who grew up in japan, and when i was about 7 years old we moved to japan and they become southern baptist missionaries. they've since left the mission but continue in their ministry in japan. although i love southern california and will likely live out many of my years there, i still call japan home.

Quahom1 · 06-03-2005, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonMarc

InLove,
i appreciate your welcome, and have enjoyed reading many of your posts on these forums. to answer your questions, i was in fact a missionary kid, or mk. and no i was not a military brat, although i think that is still the going term for it. regardless, no harm no foul

. my parents were both missionary kids who grew up in japan, and when i was about 7 years old we moved to japan and they become southern baptist missionaries. they've since left the mission but continue in their ministry in japan. although i love southern california and will likely live out many of my years there, i still call japan home.

InLove thinks we sound like brothers...not far off eh?

v/r

Q

JonMarc · 06-03-2005, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quahom1

InLove thinks we sound like brothers...not far off eh?

v/r

Q

ah but we are!
not far off indeed.