A Close Brethren

Before I came to Israel, I did some research online to find churches in Haifa. I am going to be here for a while, and I really want to be involved with a local congregation. Well, there aren't many churches and most are not protestant. I was, however, able to find a Baptist church here. (It's cleverly called Haifa Baptist Church.) :) I figured that could be starting point for my church hunt. I found very little information about the church online, but eventually after a couple of emails, I found out the address and service times. (Note: Sunday is a working day in Israel. Adults go to work and students go to school, so churches have services Sunday evening.)

This past Sunday, I made my way down to the German Colony and found the building on one of the side streets. Upon walking in, I was met with warm smiles that greeted me with “Keif halek?” (“How are you?”) Arabic. I was thrilled. I was visiting an Arab congregation! I probably should have expected this. Most Christians in Israel are Arab-Israelis. It was an incredible experience.

I had arrived a little early, so I sat down and saw an Arabic Bible next to me. Out of curiosity, I opened it and much to my surprise the words had vowels. I could read it! Granted, I didn't know the vocabulary and my pronunciation would be embarrassing for anyone around me to hear, but I was reading it. I was reading the Bible in Arabic! The feeling I had is difficult to describe, but I know that those of you who have been in similar situations completely understand. Soon after this discovery, I met the pastor and his family who had been expecting me. They are so wonderfully kind. Mrs. Violet, Paster Philip's wife, sat by me and translated for me and Therese, a girl from Germany, who was also visiting.

The service was beautiful. The first song they sang was “How Great Thou Art” in Arabic. It was beautiful. Simply indescribable. I really cannot relate it in words. The rest of the songs were also lovely. I tried to follow along on the screen with where the song was. (Once again, written Arabic is different than spoken.) Sometimes the spoken Arabic was transliterated on the screen and a couple of times the English translation was on the screen as well. Mrs. Violet was always so kind to translate the verses for me. The first hour was singing. Beautiful melodies. The people sang from their hearts and fill the room with a glorious sound. They also clapped. I tried to clap, but there were rhythm patterns that I was completely unable to grasp. :) It didn't seem to matter though. It was all a joyful sound.

The sermon was nice. The pastor had an interesting perspective on the Scriptures definitely seems to reflect the struggles of this congregation and others in Israel. I find it rather fascinating. Shortly after the sermon, the offering was taken up by children rather than deacons or elders.

Then, they had the Lord's Supper. I still felt a bit like and outsider, and I wanted to make sure no one would mind if I participated. So, I leaned over to Mrs. Violet and asked. Her response was priceless. She was shocked to the point that she laughed. “Of course we do not mind! Why would we mind? We are the same. Besides, it is between you and God.” Then she leaned close and said softly, “And, we are a close brethren here.” Her words touched me. I have grown up in the Bible Belt. I have been in churches in the States that strictly permitted only the local members of the church to participate. I have also heard the topic debated!

Here, knowing that we shared the same faith was enough. There were no other expectations. No other requirements. They truly exist as a unified body. They share responsibilities. Prior to the service, the Lord's Supper was prepared by women and teenagers. A couple of men distributed the bread and juice. The deacons didn't formally walk down the isles at a coordinated pace. In fact, they just stood from where they were sitting with their families and made their way to the front. It wasn't hushed and quiet. It was joyous. It was genuine.

I adore this congregation. I don't know the last time I experienced such genuine, honest worship. These people are passionate about God. They own no masks. They were also so warm to me and Therese. They were eager to know more about us. Pastor Philip offered to drive us to our homes. As soon as they knew I would be here until January, Pastor Philip and Mrs. Violet invited me to their home for Christmas. They also insisted that I come have dinner with them soon. I feel like I experienced “the right hand of Christian fellowship." And, I think my church hunt is over.

Afterwards, Therese and I walked to the bus stop together. Both of us were moved by this congregation. I was sad to find out that she was leaving soon. She has already been in Israel for 3 months volunteering. I wish I could have met her before that night, but I am really grateful to have met her.

Since I have been here, I have meet very few Christians. In August, over 200 students from more than 40 countries participated in the International School, and there were hundreds of local students on campus. Of all of those, I met nine Christians. Nine. And trust me, I looked for them. It has been a difficult adjustment. I grew up in the Bible Belt and even go to a Christian college. Back home, I feel like I am almost always surrounded by people with the same faith as me. I have also been immensely blessed with a marvelous group of friends who are passionate about God. At home, fellowship is practically constant. I realize now that I have been taking this fellowship for granted. Still, I have been meeting wonderful people here. I have delightful friends with fascinating lives and interesting ambitions. I enjoy their company very much and am so grateful for each of them!

Well, that is all for now. I will try to blog again tomorrow. Thursday evening, I am going to Jerusalem for the weekend with some friends! On Sunday, I will meet my class, and we will spend the week traveling in Jerusalem and the Negev. I won't be back in Haifa until Thursday, September 17th. So, if I am unable to blog tomorrow, don't expect any new entries until after the 17th. :) Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!