Have you ever thought about visiting Jerusalem but weren't sure it was for you? I was very lucky to go on pilgrimage to the Holy Land four years ago and recently I have encouraged some of my friends to take up a similar opportunity.
Reflecting back on my trip I can now see the impact it has had on my faith. One of the most significant differences I have seen is in my visualisation of the stories in the Bible. Having seen the Holy sites and read the scriptures in situ, now that I am back in England the images remain whenever the Bible is read. It brings them to life, provides the physical context which changes the way you hear and respond to them.
Through the investment funds held by JMECA it is possible each year to provide grants for ordinands so they can make a trip to Jerusalem for study or work placement. We always receive such positive feedback from them and their reports are full of how their experience provided a rich input into their training.
If you're not already on our mailing list, simply email me to request your own copy of the JMECA Bible Lands magazine which is published twice-yearly and sent out to supporters free of charge.
Josh and Alanna Harris
Josh and Alanna Harris, two ordinands studying at Ridley Hall, recently received a travel grant from the Bishop Cragg fund to enable them to travel to the Holy Land where they spent a month at the Cathedral, helping in its ministries and sharing in the worship life of the Cathedral and travelling around the area visiting the Diocesan ministries in Israel/Palestine.
"Our whole time on placement was a wonderful learning experience - from the necessity of coffee to any social interaction in Jerusalem, to the liturgical richness of St George’s, to the beauty as well as challenge of bilingual worship, and the sheer amount of work done by a surprisingly small staff team!"
Read Josh and Alanna's full report
Roelof van Emmenis
We have also received a report from one of the students attending the Footsteps of Jesus pilgrimage course at St George's College in July. Written by Roelof van Emmenis, an ordinand at Ridley Hall, he writes:
"My views of the world we live in has changed because of this trip. My views of world we live amongst other people has changed because of this trip. I am reminded to view other people as those made in the image of God. I am reminded that other people are also striving and searching and hoping to encounter God. Religious diversity is a reality not just in Israel, but certainly also in the West."
Philip Nightingale
Thanks to the British Regional Committee who, through St George's College Jerusalem, enabled me to attend the 'Footsteps of Jesus' course in July 2017. Here are some of his impressions of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
"Jerusalem is a striking and beautiful city, resembling something of an old jewel that reflects it's light in many different ways. Divided up into its four quarters it presents a charming variety of cultures."
"One thing I hadn't been so aware of prior to the trip was how much of Jesus ministry actually took place far north of Jerusalem in Galilee."
"I will certainly never read the Bible in the same way."
