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We are currently witnessing yet another war in the Middle East. Conflicts in this region between various groups have been ongoing for thousands of years. At one time there was even a Mongol army here. At various times the same groups have been fighting each other for centuries. With this background, how can this land be called "holy"?
The people of Israel were chosen by God to prepare the way for the coming of the world's redeemer, Jesus, and it is Jesus who makes the land holy. This also includes other lands associated with the Bible: Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Greece - and indeed extends to the whole world. I was privileged to have spent a significant amount of time in these lands, but realised that this involved an obligation to share.
This book is a record of my time in these countries in an attempt to share some insights and help in making these lands of the Bible stories come alive, thus enhancing our understanding of the Bible and Jesus. It may also be useful for those who are planning to make a pilgrimage to these lands.
Maybe it is no accident that these holy lands attract so much evil. Yet Jesus came to bring healing, forgiveness and peace.
About the author
After 14 years teaching secondary school in Australia, Greg McEnnally needed a break. In particular, he wanted to learn more about the Bible and Bible lands. He was also attracted to one very special Scripture scholar, Fr Carroll Stuhlmueller C.P., who was lecturing at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and also leading study tours of these lands. This was ideal-he signed up for six months study in Chicago plus three months based in Israel. This was in 1987.
At the end of this year, he spent three years in Papua New Guinea, then ten years in hospital ministry, before deciding to sign up for another sabbatical. In 2000, he spent a further six months studying at CTU, Chicago, followed by a further three months in Israel, but this time based at the Anglican St. George's College, Jerusalem.
The rest of his life has been informed by these two marvellous years. This book is an attempt to share those years with others.
