Bishop Jeff Johnson’s Visit To The Holy Land

Bishop Jeff Johnson is currently in the Holy Land for the consecration of The Rev. Dr. Imad Haddad as the fifth bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). During his visit, Bishop Johnson toured two ELCJHL schools — Dar Al-Kalima University and Beit Sahour School — met with Palestinian farmers, and joined an ELCA delegation on a visit with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.

He also visited ANAR, an organization supporting children experiencing psychological trauma through play, and spent time listening to residents at the Aida Refugee Camp.

Alongside several other bishops, Bishop Johnson traveled to Capernaum, visiting the ruins of the fourth-century synagogue and the traditional site of Peter’s home. He also worshiped at Tabgha, traditionally remembered as the place where Jesus fed the five thousand, visited the Church of the Beatitudes, overlooking the site of the Sermon on the Mount, and traveled to Nazareth to the Basilica of the Annunciation.

The journey has included many opportunities for worship, accompaniment of Palestinian Christians, and learning about the vital ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.