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.