Continued from page 40
‘Called to live and lead by faith’ Living with families and serving in Lutheran schools clustered around Jerusalem, all YAGM participants are immersed in life in the Palestinian community. “YAGM come to walk with us, to
worship with us, to struggle with us, to rejoice with us, and to be part of the transformation of peace and justice that is happening in this
place,” said Bishop Munib Younan of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. “They come, not just for a personal spiritual journey, but to stand in solidarity with us as brothers and sisters in Christ.” For help with the journey,
Neubauer, Erling Spangler and others turn to mentors like Imad Haddad, pastor of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church of Hope in Ramallah. “He took me in with such great
hospitality and a deep honor and respect for mutual sharing,” Neubauer said. “We spent many afternoons sitting together eating barbecue and talking about how we are called to live and lead by faith.” Haddad said he has seen the
YAGM alumnae “growing in understanding the culture, growing in their faith, and in how they used their faith while serving. Coming back is a testimony that they really understood the message.” Today, walking alongside the
Palestinian Lutheran community as professionals on the payroll is a new role for the women. Kaitlyn Baldridge made lasting friendships in Beit Jala in 2013-14. “Jerusalem is a big city, and it’s harder to find a local community here,” the LWF program assistant said. Erling Spangler said, “The
community I was serving is now on the other side of the [separation] wall, and most of them can’t come visit me.” With no vehicle and a 9-to-5 schedule, she can only visit on weekends. On the plus side, Erling Spangler
It’s no secret... Central Florida is a great place to retire
What you might not know is that the warmth you feel here is not only from our location. It’s from your neighbors—caring people you’ll soon count as friends. You can depend on them, and on us.
Now introducing THE LANDINGS—new, beautifully appointed villas with multiple dining venues, housekeeping and more.
RESERVE TODAY!
1.877.493.7444
www.LutheranHaven.org/Lutheran
40 APRIL 2016
feels like she is making a difference: “I’m not making decisions for others. I’m assisting what Palestinians have already decided is necessary, what they are dreaming for society. It feels great to be in that position again.” Johnson agrees: “[This area] is
a place and a people that become a part of who you are.”
For more information about the Young Adults in Global Mission program, visit
elca.org/yagm.
Basye is a freelance writer living in the Pacific Northwest.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52