Christ at the Checkpoint conference... you're invited!

Palestinian Christians are calling for Western Evangelicals to learn about current Middle East issues, by coming to the center of the conflict, meeting and listening to different perspectives on Christian Zionism, peace alternatives, the struggle of Israelis and Palestinians and current issues of justice and reconciliation in Bethlehem.  The conference is hosted by Bethlehem Bible College in March of 2012. 

Hope in the Midst of Conflict from Christ at the Checkpoint on Vimeo.

Organizers say: "The aim of the Christ at the Checkpoint conference is to provide an opportunity for Evangelical Christians to prayerfully seek a proper awareness of issues of peace, justice, and reconciliation in the context of the realities on the ground in the Palestinian Territories. It will also provide a platform for serious engagement with Christian Zionism and an open forum for ongoing dialogue between all positions within the Evangelical theological spectrum."

My experience has been with numerous visits to Israel and Palestine, that one leaves changed.  The typical party line of Western Evangelicals doesn't hold up when you walk the shores of Galilee, the streets of Bethlehem, and see the old city and the temple mount.  Most shocking for visitors I've brought there is the wall, and the churches and dear brothers and sisters in Christ who live behind it.  

Tony Campolo wrote after the first Conference  "I personally have witnessed the sadness and disillusionment of Christian Palestinians who feel that their American Christian brothers and sisters could not care less about the sufferings that they must endure. What troubles them most is that their fellow Evangelicals in America have very little understanding of the way the entire Islamic world views what is happening in the Holy Land, and how American Evangelicals who unquestioningly support Israel's policies are hindering evangelism among Muslims.” (emphasis mine) 

Did you hear that...? I've said it before too.  American and Western Christians can have amazing influence in the Middle East, both in the peace process and in evangelism among Muslims by correcting their posture.  This conference presents a unique opportunity to immerse in the Holy Land experience and learn first hand what God is doing.  

Read more about the past conference from the organizer here.

See the conference website here.