From November 11-19 a group of 20 U.S. church leaders, clergy and lay, traveled to the Holy Land to walk with Palestinian church leaders and listen to the people of Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank. One hoped-for outcome is that each of the seven U.S. church groups represented on the trip will form partnerships with Palestinian congregations and communities in the Holy Land in conjunction with World Vision Jerusalem. The group was led by Brian Sellers-Petersen, Director of Education and Church Partnerships for World Vision U.S., based in Federal Way, Washington, and the Rev. Lynne Faris, Mission and Outreach Pastor at National Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. National Presbyterian has developed a dynamic partnership with the community of Bir Ziet and Latin Rite Parish in the West Bank, which is a internationally recogized model of partnership and mutual ministry.

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Tripnotes and photos: Day 1 -- A "Lay-Over" Briefing in London: The group began their travels in London on Friday, November 12. They met at the All Hallows-on-the-Wall Church for a briefing on Palestinian Church, and the current political situation, then attended Evensong at Westminster Abbey. Click here to view photos taken in London. Day 2 -- Settling-in and Meetings with Christian Leaders in Jerusalem: Saturday, November 13, the group met with World Vision Jerusalem staff, and key Christian leaders. Click here to view photos and learn more. Day 3 -- Sunday worship in the Latin Catholic Parish, Gaza City: Sunday, November 14, the group joined Sunday worship service at the Latin Catholic Parish, followed by lunch with Yasser Toshtash, World Vision Jerusalem Gaza Manger and Missionaries of Charity, Gaza City. Click here to view photos and learn more. Day 4 -- World Vision's Area Development Project (ADP) in Husan, Battir, & Wadi Fouqin: Monday, November 15, the group travels to various WV ADPs in Husan, Battir, and Wadi Fouquin, plus a visit to Dheisheh Refugee Camp and Bethlehem Bible College. Click here to view photos and learn more. Click here to view more photos from the trip.

Trip Participants include:

Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, Gig Harbor, Washington