CATHOLIC RELIEF

We are here to walk in the footsteps of Christ, to grow in intimacy with him, and hopefully bring the fruits of this pilgrimage to bear in our ministry.  What I did not expect was how much we would learn about other faiths, cultures, and empathy for those who are suffering.  It is the things we see and hear in this land that teach us each day and expose us to new points of view. 

                Today we received a team from Catholic Relief Services apprising us of their mission and ministry here in the Holy Land.  The thing I like about how they do things is that they don’t have an agenda, they empower the people, allowing them to explain what they most need.  They talked about everything from education, sustainable food sources, and rights advocacy to youth programs and psychological counseling.  It is a source of pride that we have Catholics around the world doing the tough, grassroots work without the fanfare of other groups.

  

We did many other things but the highlight for me was the group discussion with the students who are working under CRS to implement these needed programs.  It is inspiring for us to see these young people filled with hope and alive with the desire to serve their communities and in small ways to make this world a better place.  Later, we visited another program, which employed women who put their artistic skills to good use in helping to support their families.  They were experts in cross-stitching and embroidery, producing many fine things, which I’m sure our family and friends will soon receive as souvenirs.