A year ago, John and I received an invitation that changed the trajectory of our lives. Everything has shifted. What a year!
When we were asked to consider moving to Bethlehem, to serve at the Jerusalem School (JSB) we spent a lot of time praying before making the decision to move forward. As we sought the Lord, the story of the woman at the well deeply impacted me. Check it out: John 4:27-42
Here we find Jesus talking with his disciples and he says, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest?’ I tell you, open your eyes and look to the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
Jesus uttered these words moments after a life-changing encounter at a Samaritan well. While His disciples were off searching for food, Jesus engaged a local woman in a deep, transformative conversation. Impacted by His words, she left her water jar and ran back to town, urging everyone to come meet the Messiah.
In the moment, the disciples didn’t understand what Jesus was saying, but through the events that followed, Jesus’ words about the harvest would become a living, breathing reality!
The rest of the story is so beautiful. Because of the Samaritan woman’s testimony about Jesus, the people came out from the town and asked him to stay a while. Jesus stayed in Samaria for two days and as a result many believed and put their faith in Him. Indeed, the fields were ripe for harvest.
I believe this is the work that John and I have been invited into. Not just now, but in fact for a lifetime – we have been called to testify about Jesus; sharing the love and grace of God, how it has overtaken us over and over again. Our hope is that through our testimony, others will see the goodness of God, seek Him and come to know him, like the Samaritans did so long ago.
At the school in Bethlehem, 80% of the students are from Christian homes, 20%, Muslim. Beyond John supporting school leadership and me pioneering a music program, we will have the opportunity to stand alongside Christian families and encourage them through worship, prayer and Bible Study. We will also have the opportunity to talk openly with Muslim families about Jesus, at the school and throughout the community. Our hope is that many will come to faith in him.
It is an honor to go to Bethlehem, the city where Jesus was born, and declare that he is indeed the Messiah – the Savior of the World. We are eager to testify about the hope and the joy we have found in Him. As I write, I can hear Jesus’ words – open your eyes and look to the fields! They are ripe for harvest! What a blessing to be a part of what God is doing in Bethlehem.
Our goal is to make our move in January. Although there are still a lot of details that need to fall into place, we know that we serve a God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than all we can ask or imagine. To Him be all the glory!
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Thank you! With your partnership we are one step closer to Bethlehem!
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