he Jerusalem alley was crowded with vendors calling out prices and bartering with buyers. The scent of food and smoke was invigorating as I ducked to avoid the edges of overhanging umbrellas. I was walking out of the Damascus Gate on an errand when I noticed a small commotion a few paces ahead. An elderly Palestinian man was trying to stop his cart full of propane tanks on a downhill slope. On the other side of the cart, an Israeli soldier barked out orders for him to stop. This appeared to be no unusual circumstance, since many other people watched unperturbed. My heart went out to the old man as he struggled to get his cart under control while the soldier blocked his path and continued to yell at him. Finally coming to a jolting halt, the old man breathed a sigh of relief as the soldier stormed up to him, demanding an explanation.

This was my introduction to the tensions that occur on a daily basis in the Middle East. As a crowd began to gather, I decided to leave before there was a full-blown confrontation. As I briskly walked away, I pondered several questions: Why is there hostility between Palestinians and Israelis? Between Jews and Muslims? Between Muslims and Christians? What is the underlying issue that continues to breed hatred and animosity? Why is there such strife between East and West?

“The heart is deceitful above all things and is desperately wicked.” The answer lies in the condition of the human heart. When seeds of evil and hatred have been sown, it is only natural that the same fruits will manifest. The only solution is to change the heart. This is the root of the problem. And the only One who can change the heart with lasting results is Jesus Christ, not laws or regulations or war.

Pray for us as we prepare to sow seeds of truth and peace in the Middle East. Only Prince Immanuel can bring everlasting results. Will you partner with us?