October 12, 2002

The Rev. Dr. Fahed Abu-Akel, PC(USA) moderator, greets the village elders in his home town of Kufr Yasif, Israel.

After waking up in Nazareth and a luxurious breakfast, we had the chance to share the story of our ministry with the Moderator's delegation. Since they would not be traveling there, we hoped that at least we could bring Zababdeh to them. It's far more difficult to convey the situation and our ministry with words than to have people experience them. Perhaps we'll bring the delegation to Zababdeh the next time PC(USA) elects a Palestinian Christian to be moderator...

Kufr Yasif’s Greek Orthodox Church, where Fahed grew up.

We drove through Nazareth and Haifa, stopping briefly at Mary's Well Church (the second time in as many days for us), and noticing the effects on those cities due to the situation that Palestinian citizens of Israel face: overcrowding, little infrastructure or support.

Fahed’s family looks on as his ministry is honored.

Fahed’s stepmother sings his praises.

Our destination was the village of Kufr Yasif, Rev. Dr. Abu-Akel's home town. He had been raised in the Greek Orthodox Church there, and even though he had become a Protestant pastor, it was that church which hosted his "welcome home" reception. Following a brief prayer service with elegant liturgy, the leaders of the community were invited to speak in his honor. Fahed spoke with wonder both of his upbringing in Kufr Yasif with gratitude for those who nurtured him, and of the process which led him to his current position as Moderator. His brothers and sisters, as well as many of his forty-two nieces and nephews, were all there to celebrate with him - a wonderful homecoming. After visiting the home where he grew up, where his step-mother sang his praises for the gathered, the convoy gathered up and headed down to Jerusalem - the step-mother, two brothers and five sisters joining in on the "pilgrimage" and enjoying dinner with us at Notre Dame. What a treat to be a part of a lifetime experience.