|
Eleven men from around the world began the journey in Baghdad, Iraq, and followed the ancient trade routes over 1200 miles, through four countries, to Bethlehem.
This, then, is a short, tongue-in-cheek look at those eleven men, and the dozens of people around the Middle East that brought them through.
Keith Dakin British
I went because I was sick of being a plumber.
Job for the pilgrimage:
Soccer player/coach (tough job!), self styled "Camel Coordinator"
Jason Drake American
I went cos I didn't want to look for a real job.
Job for the pilgrimage:
Photographer, computer/tech geek (George!!!).
Todd Elkins American
I went to play soccer and show off my beard.
Job for the pilgrimage:
One of four Magi. Soccer player/coach, self-styled boss (a.k.a. "Little Robin")
Prosper Kwenda Zimbabwen
I went to play soccer and expand my horizons.
Job for the pilgrimage:
One of four Magi. Soccer player/coach.
Andre Martinez American
I went because I like to be over-worked and under-paid (or not paid at all).
Job for the pilgrimage:
Soccer player, director of photography (when anyone will listen).
Jake Martinez American
I went because I didn't have anything else to do.
Job for the pilgrimage:
Soccer player, videographer-in-training, key-grip.
Tim McClelland American
I went because my pal Jake went.
Job for the pilgrimage:
Soccer player. (In honor of his close ties with others of the media/tech crew, Tim was allowed to play with the satellite phones from time to time and call himself the satellite up link technician.)
Peter Ryan American
I didn't want to have to shave my beard.
Job for the pilgrimage:
Chief journalist, cheater-at-cards.
Peter Thiep Sudanese
I don't know!
Job for the pilgrimage:
One of four Magi. Peter just walked, but that's ok, because Peter's a great guy no matter what he does.
John Vencer Filipino
I went to avoid the immigration department.
Job for the pilgrimage:
One of four Magi. Andre's back-up director of photography, 1st string videographer.
Robin & Nancy Wainwright American
I still can't believe this is the best crew we could come up with!
Job for the pilgrimage:
Robin is the head-honcho; what Robin says goes, no questions asked. (In theory, anyway.)
And we all know where Robin gets his orders.
During the 1200 mile trek, many others joined this core group of Pilgrims.
David Johnston American
With us in Iraq, providing invaluable translation and keeping us culturally sensitive, David had to go home early to continue work on his post-graduate degree.
Phil Elkins American
The Director of Operations of Holy Land Trust-USA joined the group on the Iraq-Syria border and worked night and day smoothing out visas and other logistical nightmares.
Maha Madanat Jordanian
The always-smiling face of Tamara's grandmother joined us in Syria, putting to shame the slow pace of the younger pilgrims.
Tamara Kuttab Palestinian
Tamara Kuttab skipped the last days school before the Christmas break, seeking a higher education "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
Seema and Deema Kheirey Jordanian
The daughters of the proprietor of the Olive Branch Hotel in Jerash, these two Arab flowers were a welcome addition to the Journey of the Magi entourage for a few days in Jordan.
David Bentley American
The author of The 99 Beautiful Names of God joined the pilgrimage in Palestine.
The Charlotte Eagles Multi-National
Several members of the Charlotte Eagles A-league soccer team joined in Palestine, playing and kicking their way to Manger Square.
Gail Martinez American
The mother of two of our journeymen—Andre and Jake—Gail joined us in Jordan just in time to cross into Palestine. Not only was she a welcome addition to the journey herself, but the peanut butter, chocolate, cookies, etc. assured her a place in the group.
Jason "Bud" Martinez American
Gail's third and youngest son, brother of Andre and Jake. With him the Martinez clan was complete and made for a full "Martinez Family Christmas."
Mark Wainwright American
Robin's son, Mark, after supporting his father's dream of the journey for the past eight years, joined us for the final steps of the journey through Jordan and into Palestine.
The Wagner family USA
Don Wagner, board member of Holy Land Trust-USA and author of Anxious for Armageddon: A Call to Partnership for Middle Eastern and Western Christians
, as well as his daughter and son joined the Pilgrimage in Palestine.
As much a part of the Pilgrimage as any of the original eleven, several Arab camera-men, from different countries, joined us for various sections of the journey as well.
Joseph Handal Palestinian
After having started with us in Iraq, poor Joseph broke his arm and was unable to complete the journey. But we met him again in a happy reunion upon our arrival in Palestine.
Ghassan Faraj Palestinian
Ghassan did a valiant job filling Joseph's shoes, and was always ready to offer a smoke to the non-smoking pilgrims.
Hana abu-Saada Palestinian
What can be said about Maash-noon (crazy)?
Ibrahim Al-Otaibi Jordanian
Issa Qumsieh Jordanian
Of course, many people from each country supported the Journey of the Magi. Without their help the journey would have been impossible. Our heart-felt thanks goes out to our new families.
The Iraq Crew:
George Sada  learn more about George Sada
A retired Iraqi Air-Marshal, George knows how to get things done: by leveling his knee-melting gaze at anyone foolish enough to get in his way!
Albert
George's uncle Albert. Always ready with a laugh and joke (that we dumb Americans rarely understood).
Peter Kwarda
George's cousin, and chamberlain of the pilgrims. How can Peter possibly be thanked enough for all he did for us?
Solomon
A man of many talents. Without Solomon little would have happened for us in Iraq.
Edward
A God-sent dispenser of refreshments along the long stretches of road between villages.
Ishmael
The Shaay-master himself, and always ready to give a lift to a tired pilgrim.
Moshi
In charge of our physical security, this vet of the Iraqi special forces during the Iran-Iraq war was a one-man army.
Abu Daliah
His Arabic name was Abu-Daliah, in English he said it was Edison. But the only name he ever answered to was "Driver!"
Mohammad Sabri Qudsiya meet Mohammad Sabri
With a fierce look that would make a king tremble, Mohammad turned out to be one of the most congenial, openhearted people we knew.
Our camp care-takers:
-Johny
-Tony
-Haidar
-Abu-Samad
-Roman
These guys were the epitome of humble, godly service taking care of our every waking (and sleeping) need, and of course always ready to kick back and chill with us, or kick the soccer ball around.
Our Camel Jockeys in Iraq:
-Khalid
-Oday
-Sagben
-Sagmon
These guys walked every step of the way by our sides and became our brothers (complete with brotherly bickering!)
The Syria Crew:
Souhil Daas
Without Souhil's ability to make things happen the Journey of the Magi would have stalled on the Iraq-Syria border—and again on the Syria-Jordan border. We might still be there now!
Bel Tours, Travel & Tourism
Souhil's people, and another new family of ours. God bless you, brothers, and thank you.
Nuhad Tomeh
A mover and shaker in the Middle East Council of Churches.
Mahat Farah El-Khoury
Also with the The Middle East Council of Churches.
The Jordan Crew:
Daoud Kuttab
Almost all of the press coverage the Journey of the Magi received around the world was a result of Daoud's connections and hard work.
Jonathon Kuttab
Bringing an appeal to the Israeli High Court, Jonathon worked hard pulling teeth to get two of our men, Peter Thiep and Prosper, into the country.
Nancy Al-Sharaiha
The head of the (now defunct) Holy Land Trust-Jordan office.
Nabil Omeish
Wissam
Ussama
The Palestine Crew:
Sami & Rana Awad
The incredible master-minds behind the Journey of the Magi presence in Palestine during a challenging, almost impossible time.
Danni & Rania Kuttab
Read this. What more can be said about Danni and Rania? What a couple!
Awni Jubran
Awni. Everybody loves Awni!
Monserat Cato Llado
A vision of Spanish beauty in a harsh land.
US Crew:
George Halley
The U.S. tech support guru. Without George we would have been utterly lost with all these computers, satellite phones, and whatnot.
Norma Elkins
Though Phil is often credited with much of the behind the scenes work in the US without his wife, Norma, the Journey would have been over long before it ever began.
Steve Jennings
Our liaison between the office and field. Thanks for the virus, Steve!
Several organizations and churches were instrumental in supporting the Journey of the Magi:
The Middle East Council of Churches
For their prayers, support, and invaluable help with the gifts of the magi.
The congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Baghdad
For their hospitality, prayers, and support.
The Iraq Air Force
For their hospitality, kindness and the use of their soccer facility as we awaited final approvals in Iraq.
Jaouket al Farah (Choir of Happiness), Syria
For a warm welcome, much support, a great show, and boosting the moral of a flagging bunch of pilgrims.
|
