We attended church May 27 at East Jerusalem Baptist Church, a 10-min walk from the Garden Tomb. We attended the English speaking service. The worship team was a group helping out in ministry in the Bethlehem area comprised of 2 from the Netherlands, one from Walla Walla, WA, and one from England. In the fellowship we met people from Colorado as well as from England. There were also "locals" who attended.

The Pastor, Alex, teaches at Bethlehem Bible College along with his pastoral responsibilities at this church. The message was 14 points, 7 wrong responses to the Holy Spirit and 7 positive responses to the Holy Spirit. By the way, it was Pentecost Sunday, thus the message on the Holy Spirit.

But it also means there was a lot going on among the Jews as it is a feast day (Shav'uot) for them. From Sat night through Sunday there were apparently big goings on at the Western Wall. Shav'uot commemorates the giving of the Law. On Saturday evening as we walked back from Jaffa Gate to our apartment we passed a large group of singing and chanting Jews. In the midst was a Rabbi (I assume), being carried on a palanquin of sorts under a canopy, while holding a Torah Scroll.

The Law was God's gift to Israel through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness (Rom. 10:4). Does this mean we have no leadership in this age? No! The special gift of God to the Church is the Holy Spirit, given at Pentecost. Not only is there "leadership", enabling us to understand Scripture; there is also enabling through that same Spirit, that we might be doers of the word as well.

Thanks for praying for us in our time here. It is certainly needed and appreciated.
Ron & Cindy