by Pam Tinsley

Ghassan is a minister. Ghassan’s ministry is as a travel guide. I met Ghassan in June on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. And, although it might seem fascinating – even exciting – for one’s vocation to be a travel guide in the Holy Land, Ghassan faces innumerable challenges as he lives into his ministry and faith.

You see, Ghassan is an Israeli citizen who lives in Jerusalem. First and foremost, however, Ghassan is a Christian living – and ministering – in a country where Christians make up only 2% of the population. In Israel 74% of the population is Jewish, and almost 18% is Muslim.

Despite prejudice from colleagues and acquaintances because of his faith, Ghassan doesn’t hesitate to profess his belief in Jesus and to model the Good News. As Ghassan guides pilgrims through the Holy Land, his deep love of Christ radiates from his words and actions.

While Ghassan offered historical and political background information throughout the pilgrimage, his true passion – for seeking and serving Christ – was evident as he pointed out the oppression that his neighbor – the Palestinian – lives under. As our bus entered an Israeli settlement outside of Hebron, he pointed out the lush parks, playgrounds, pristine streets, shops, and public transit that the Jewish settlers enjoy. Moments later, he let the stark contrast speak for itself as the bus exited the settlement through the military checkpoint. Refuse was piled along the streets, and the Palestinians’ only source of water is from large plastic barrels atop the buildings, which are filled only weekly. Small boys sought to help support their families by selling trinkets to pilgrims. The sorrow in Ghassan’s voice and in his eyes communicated his respect for the dignity of every human being.

As baptized pilgrims and ministers in the world, we are invited by Jesus to be like Ghassan – to be transformed into Jesus’ hands and feet in the world. Our baptismal promises remind us that we are to open our hearts to the needs of our broken world and then to love and to serve others as Jesus would. And as we walk the path of love that Jesus walked, we show others the ways that we can transform our world into one of hope, healing, and peace.

Editor’s Note: The Episcopal Peace Fellowship’s Palestine Israel Network (PIN) offers summaries of 2022 General Convention action regarding Palestine. PIN’s motto is “Justice is Love in Action.”