Melanie Jones
Our first full day here in Jordan started a breakfast of traditional foods — hummus, fresh falafel, fresh pita bread, and yogurt with honey and jam.
After Rosebud’s devotional about Moses seeing the Promised Land at Mt. Nebo before he died, we drove through Amman into the Jordanian countryside to see Mt. Nebo. The view at the top of the mountain cleared as we were there, such that we could see the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, and Jericho– the Promised Land!
The drive down the mountain was full of rock layers, lots of dust, a few lush green bushes, lots of ear-popping, and nomads living in tents. In the valley we saw truck after truck of fresh produce grown there.
Then we journeyed to the Baptismal Site of Jesus at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, which sits right on the border with Israel. The area was a quite remote. Just a few churches nearby and Jordanian soldiers guarding this, as it’s a demilitarized zone. The Jordan river is swift and narrow here, but not clear. Most likely Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in an off-shoot or tributary of the Jordan where people could safely stand.
In the afternoon we served with the Grace Church kids’ club and, afterwards, their youth group. What beautiful, bright Iraqi refugee children! Huge smiles and laughter came bubbling out of them. They reminded me so much of my own grandchildren. We were all delighted to teach the younger children about Jesus, play some games, and complete a beading craft. The older youth were encouraged in how to study the Bible for themselves, along with a few games, and dinner.
Where did we see God working today? In the loving faithfulness of Pastor Wassim and his wife Lilian who selflessly serve this church of refugees. In the joy that was abundantly evident in those who attended today. In the stamina and good health God gave our team after an 11 hour flight and 7 hour time change. We’ve seen the faithfulness and goodness of God!
Michael Bryant2026-05-09T17:01:58-04:00