Worldly Holiness

Christ at the Checkpoint–A Historic Conference

andres — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:22:45 +0000

In early March I returned to Bethlehem and engaged in a historic conference for Evangelicals seeking to address the issues and frame a response to the situation in Palestine/Israel. Many felt this was a major breakthrough in the evangelical world. … Read the rest

Demolitions–God Help Us

andres — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:01:17 +0000

One of the more discouraging things I witnessed while in the Holy Land were demolitions. I can’t think of any reason why the destruction of personal property–homes, things like solar panels and water cisterns–is warranted. Especially when the reasons are … Read the rest

What Do You Want for Christmas: My Wish list for the Holy Land

andres — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:30:20 +0000

I was praying/reflecting the other day on what I’m asking people to do as I share the story of my time in the West Bank / Israel. Would love any feedback.

1. Repent of theological or political positions which eclipse … Read the rest

Introducing my Worldly Holiness Calendar 2012

andres — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:39:29 +0000

Price: $12.00 (includes shipping)
Includes an extra month (Jan 2013) because of the late delivery
Photography features award winning pictures exclusively shot by yours truly
Gives snippets of my story of photography as a spiritual discipline

My Story – Worldly … Read the rest

Tourist Christians: Advent Thoughts from the Church of the Nativity and Palestine

andres — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:48:29 +0000

“They don’t let them into the city to meet real Palestinians anymore!” Words shared with me yesterday outside the Nativity Church in Bethlehem from Ahmed. “They are just greedy and selfish.” I’m finishing a 3 month term serving with EAPPI … Read the rest

I Caught a Whiff of Tear Gas Finally

andres — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:47:33 +0000

Several weeks ago I had my first experience with tear gas here in Hebron. I realized something was up when I saw several of the other international observers wearing a gas mask. I said to myself, “looks like trouble.” But … Read the rest

Strong Words, Festering Wounds, Finding it Hard to Bless

andres — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 07:51:49 +0000

Our team was almost run over yesterday, but not by a vehicle! It was a pedestrian, an angry Israeli woman bent on sending a message to those of us standing with vulnerable people–in this place mostly Palestinians. When walking on … Read the rest

Who is the Villian In This Story? Conversations with A Soldier

andres — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:10:31 +0000

Tarqumiya Checkpoint.

Yesterday I had a heartfelt conversation with an IDF soldier at the school checkpoint where I will be serving as “protective presence” for vulnerable children walking to and from school each day. I’m in Hebron in the West … Read the rest

The Un-Gospel in the West Bank

andres — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 05:29:50 +0000

I’ve been in the West Bank/Israel now for a little over two weeks. Jet lag is gone. I’ve figured out how to make Arabic coffee. I know how to get downtown, which means telling the taxi driver the name of … Read the rest

Seek Peace & Pursue It

andres — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:33:46 +0000

I shared with a group of seniors last Sunday about an upcoming ministry I’ll be engaging in Israel and the West Bank for 3 months. I’m leaving in 3 weeks in fact. Yikes. Much to do before then. As I … Read the rest