YL Capernaum - Bethlehem, Palestine

Today we traveled to Bethlehem, which is located inside the West Bank in Palestine.  We had to cross several military checkpoints to get where we were going. My friends have three YL camps this summer for students. We were coming to the tail end of their Capernaum YL camp.  This year marks their second annual camp for special needs kids here in Palestine. Through many discussions with my friends I have learned so much about Palestinian and Israeli backgrounds and differences.  One of the biggest things I have learned is that the camps and clubs that are happening here in Israel and Palestine are for Arab students and that the work here is to build relationships with students of all multi-cultural backgrounds and befriending them. It is incredible to see what the Lord is doing here across the world through the avenue of YL.

On the way to Bethlehem, we stopped at the Jordan River at the sight where most believe that John the Baptist actually baptized Jesus.  It is peaceful, but also a bit strange. People were buying special robes and being baptized in the river. Usually there is a priest available, but today there was not and the people were basically baptizing themselves. Many were kissing the stairs and crying and very emotional.  The girls stepped into the Jordan, but that was about it for us :) I then happened to see some Israeli soldiers so I asked them if we could get a picture and surprisingly they agreed. Rachel is very open and charming and I think they were a bit intrigued by her!

On the way there we also saw these animals...

The camps for the kids are held at a resort just a few minutes from Bethlehem. It is a pretty hotel with a pool and water slide and a restaurant that they use for the dining hall.  The food is incredible, although very Mediterranean. Rachel is having a very hard time with the food here :( The woman who runs the hotel has been very kind and tried to accommodate her needs, even ordering cheese pizza for her from a local place. Most fast food or any kind of American snack food that we find at a gas station is VERY expensive!

 These were just the appetizers... pita bread with whatever condiment you prefer. My favorites are hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki.

After our lunch we joined the Capernaum camp for a dance party and club. It was so incredible. From what I have gathered, special needs kids in Arab communities are sometimes not treated very well. They can be sent away to live in group homes or they are shut away from the public eye, although there are many Palestinians who do not agree and are trying to change things and love to help and work with these kids. It was a joy and a privilege to watch them sing and dance to Arabic songs and to be so honest, loving, welcoming and genuine with us. These kids are special all right. They work their way right into your heart and never leave.

 These are pictures of the last club, with the program team and then the kids singing songs with all of their leaders. So fun. They love to dance and sing more than anything. The leaders said that they would do it for hours and hours if they could.

 YL's mission is for EVERY kid. Every kid deserves the chance to hear about Jesus Christ and how much He loves them, regardless from which multi-cultural ethnic background they originate. Whether their countries get along or not. Whether they look like us, or look different from us. Every kids deserves to hear the good news... the BEST NEWS.

My friends here have brought in a team of leaders from the States to help with this Capernaum Camp. They have also brought 7 college aged students from the US for two months as interns/summer staff for the 3 camps they are putting on. What a great opportunity to serve as well as experience the Holy Land. Who knows maybe one of my girls will decide to come next year! ;)








¹⁷ On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17

 ¹⁰ "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10