A Forgotten community

8 juni 2010

By Ruth Youngman
Every tour group to Israel visits the fascinating Old City of Jerusalem with its
ancient narrow streets, alleys and courtyards, and oriental bazaars. Here the air is filled with the wonderful smells of spices, falafel and fruits, and the cries of the tradesman. Most tourists will be unaware that in the backstreets behind the bazaars daily life is being lived out, sometimes in conditions of poverty and hardship. Let's focus on the Christian quarter which grew up around the Holy Sepulchre. At the time of Jesus this area was outside the city wall. Here every Eastern Orthodox and Catholic Christian community has sought to have a presence – sometimes leading to fighting between them. A sad reflection of Christianity, which persists even today. The churches own most of the properties, which have been rented out to the lay people as the religious communities declined and the lay population increased. Among the 'Christian Arab' population one finds a scattering of Greeks, Russians, Rumanians, Italians, Ethiopians, Egyptian Copts etc. who have come with their different churches over the years. 

Over the years, the NEM has had volunteers working in the Old City, providing home care, chiropody, a laundry service, outings, housing repairs etc. and it is also possible to give Bible teaching, which is much needed. In the 90's there were NEM workers in all four quarters, and four separate prayer groups. Much intercession was made, especially for the Christian quarter where drug addiction, superstition and the influence of Islam hold sway. Much of the volunteer work was centred on the needs of the elderly, one of the most vulnerable groups. Due to the large-scale emigration of Christian Arabs, the elderly have been left living alone, coping with the numerous steps; and often with an outside toilet and inadequate heating. Many are lonely and depressed. 

Today one can see answers to some of those prayers! A former drug addict is now a spirit-filled pastor and another helps to run the 'Good Samaritan Centre '. It is still being developed using local volunteers [almost unheard of 10 years ago] to provide meals and social and spiritual activities for the elderly. Aids and health checks are also provided and other programs for children etc. are being developed. It is openly Christian, but independent from any one denomination – also a new concept. Other young men from the Christian quarter are established in serving the Lord together with their wives. The two small evangelical churches are going well, and slowly there is more contact with messianic believers. There does seem more openness generally; one sees Bible texts and crosses in the streets, there is also less rubbish and anti –litter signs up! On the other hand negative influences from the West are being felt with young women wanting more freedom and taking drugs [a new development here]. 

Laundry service in the Old City of Jerusalem 

However there is currently only one volunteer from the NEM faithfully continuing the laundry service and visiting the lonely. Another retired worker still lives in and prays for the area. Others have recently had to leave the country, or have moved to live outside the walls. Yet we know from many scriptures that the Lord will 'again choose Jerusalem' [Zechariah 1v17 –see also Jer. ch 32]. Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives and Jerusalem will be seen as the 'city of the great King'. Zechariah 12v10 and 13v1 contain a wonderful promises specifically for the 'inhabitants of Jerusalem'. 

Will you pray with us for the fulfilment of these promises, and also be willing to serve if the Lord calls you?