July 28, 2002

We made a repeat appearance at Roswell Presbyterian Church, one of our early supporting churches, for their marathon day of three worship services and an adult education hour. The early service, in their very old historic sanctuary, is quite cosy. Like last year, their Senior Pastor Lane Alderman interviewed us - a slight variation on the classic "Minute for Mission" theme of many churches.

We then lectured to their combined adult Sunday School classes, a full sanctuary. So far, this is the most challenge we've received from one of our "audiences" - one person suggested that we were being one-sided, anti-Israel, raising awareness about things like ongoing boycotts of Israeli-made products. The issues behind the issue we're presenting - the situation of the Palestinian church - are so convoluted, it is difficult to unravel it all cleanly. The important thing for us is to stand by principles which are Biblical and theological - if we appear one-sided at times, no matter which side that may be, so be it. It is interesting the variety of opinions that will be in one audience, so while one person might challenge our assertions, another will back them whole-heartedly. Such is the richness of humanity.

Sharing photos, videos, and stories. Fr. Aktham preaching in Zababdeh.

We went out to lunch with Marthame's cousins who live out in Roswell before we delivered Marthame's sister to the airport and picked up our rental car for the rest of our journey through the States.