Overview

The Via Dolorosa--Latin for ""Way of Grief,"" ""Way of Sorrows,"" or ""Painful Way""--is a street in the Old City of Jerusalem, held to be the route that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion. It is a distance of about six hundred meters (two thousand feet) but a one-hour walk with prayers and devotions. I know the Via Dolorosa because I grew up on the Via Dolorosa. As a boy, I played on its winding pathway, and for many years I have guided pilgrims retracing the footsteps of Jesus from Pilate's praetorium to Calvary. I know every doorway, every window overhead, every arch and column, the color, texture, and peculiarities of its walls. If every stone in the pavement had a name, I could call out each one individually. The interiors of sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher are as familiar to me as your living room is to you. But this book is so much more than a guided tour of the Via Dolorosa. It is certainly that--it will steer you from one site to the next down the narrow, stony pathway. But it is also a guide to greater depth in your relationship with Jesus, to the wonders of God's Word, to lives lived in the shadow of persecution and the power of the cross, and to your own life. In taking you faithfully through the stations of the cross, it will also transport you far beyond them on an eye-­opening journey through the Bible, set against the background of Middle Eastern culture, customs, and history. Very importantly, I hope this book will help you personalize, to the extent such a thing is possible, what Jesus endured as He bore His cross along the ""Way of Sorrow."" I want these pages to awaken your imagination, your emotions, and your heart so you will feel something of what Jesus might have felt and seen and thought, and so appreciate all the more the price He paid for you and me on that tragic, glorious day of His crucifixion. I hope this will be your experience as you read. By the request of the many groups I have guided, this book will also share my personal story as a Palestinian Maronite Arab Christian. (For a detailed discussion of the Maronites, see appendix A.) Growing up here in the roily tension zone of three great world religions--Christianity, Judaism, and Islam--I connect intimately with each one of the stations of the cross. As I share with you key passages of my life, I hope you will see in some of them reflections of your own life--for we all, each one of us, are bearing crosses of different sizes, shapes, and weights down our own Via Dolorosas. And the Spirit of Jesus is carrying us along beyond our griefs toward a glory greater than we can imagine. Finally, I hope this book will awaken you to the plight of your brothers and sisters here in Jerusalem and in the Middle East. I desire that you will feel moved . . . by compassion, as you hear the stories of these dark streets and darker lives; by wonder, as you learn how God is actively changing men and women--Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike--in miraculous ways through the light of the gospel, the love of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit; to action, as you discover how you can come alongside your brothers and sisters here in the Middle East--and why it is so important, for both our sake and your own, that you do so.

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Reviews

One Friday in Jerusalem is the most refreshing glimpse I have ever had into a Palestinian Maronite Christian's deep personal experiences and spiritual insights. Having lived in Jerusalem, I appreciate Andre's accurate and vivid descriptions of the Via Dolorosa, and I was riveted to the book as I walked each step, gleaning valuable insights. Andre neither defends nor undermines the traditional stations of the cross; rather, he shares an insider's spiritual pilgrimage. His knowledge of history and its importance in understanding Jerusalem's modern conflicts makes this book a must-read. Donald L. Brake Sr., PhD, Dean Emeritus, Multnomah Biblical Seminary, and Author of Jesus, A Visual History: The Dramatic Story of the Messiah in the Holy Land -- I have known Andre for many years. He has made a tremendous impact on our church. His story of growing up on the streets of Jerusalem is powerful, life changing, and one you won't want to miss. Brandon Beals, Pastor, Canyon Creek Church, Seattle, Washington -- This is a powerful literary work that reveals the times, the country, and the people of the Holy Land, both historically and today. Andre lends personal insights and a wealth of knowledge and revelation about Israel and about Christ. One Friday in Jerusalem takes you to the ancient streets those of us in Andre's tour groups have walked as, led by him, we have encountered the reality and magnitude of the Via Dolarosa. Bishop Raymond W Johnson, Living Faith Christian Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- Andre Moubarak takes us for a walk down the Via Dolorosa that opens our eyes to the sufferings of Jesus and the history of Jerusalem. He also gives us great insight into the life and sufferings of our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Christ. Hated and persecuted by both Jews and Muslims, they find themselves forgotten by Evangelical Christians in the West. This work is chocked full of helpful historical and cultural information that enables us to understand Jesus' experience better. It is enjoyable reading, with vivid descriptions that enable us to visualize the experience of walking through the fourteen stations of the Via Dolorosa. I recommend Andre's book to anyone planning to visit Jerusalem and wanting to understand the significance of the experience better. It is also an excellent resource for those who cannot go, but want to understand it today. Gary W. Derickson, Ph.D. Professor of Biblical Studies and Greek Department Chair, Bible and Theology Corban University www.corban.edu-- After ten trips to Israel, I've tried many tour guides; Andre is the best, both in teaching and in professional guiding services. As a pastor who specializes in teaching the Bible, I consider Andre my pastor, guide, and instant-answer-man for helping me understand Israel. I am so glad he has put his experience with the Lord in writing. I trust that this book will help many who have walked the Via Dolorosa continue their own journey to the cross with Christ. And if you have never been to Israel, please make this journey to the Holy Land a priority in life. -- Rev. Samuel Sia, St. Stephen's Parish, Manila, The Philippines School of MinistrySalem, Oregon, USA

www.corban.edu-- After ten trips to Israel, I've tried many tour guides; Andre is the best, both in teaching and in professional guiding services. As a pastor who specializes in teaching the Bible, I consider Andre my pastor, guide, and instant-answer-man for helping me understand Israel. I am so glad he has put his experience with the Lord in writing. I trust that this book will help many who have walked the Via Dolorosa continue their own journey to the cross with Christ. And if you have never been to Israel, please make this journey to the Holy Land a priority in life. -- Rev. Samuel Sia, St. Stephen's Parish, Manila, The Philippines School of MinistrySalem, Oregon, USA One Friday in Jerusalem is the most refreshing glimpse I have ever had into a Palestinian Maronite Christian's deep personal experiences and spiritual insights. Having lived in Jerusalem, I appreciate Andre's accurate and vivid descriptions of the Via Dolorosa, and I was riveted to the book as I walked each step, gleaning valuable insights. Andre neither defends nor undermines the traditional stations of the cross; rather, he shares an insider's spiritual pilgrimage. His knowledge of history and its importance in understanding Jerusalem's modern conflicts makes this book a must-read. Donald L. Brake Sr., PhD, Dean Emeritus, Multnomah Biblical Seminary, and Author of Jesus, A Visual History: The Dramatic Story of the Messiah in the Holy Land -- I have known Andre for many years. He has made a tremendous impact on our church. His story of growing up on the streets of Jerusalem is powerful, life changing, and one you won't want to miss. Brandon Beals, Pastor, Canyon Creek Church, Seattle, Washington -- This is a powerful literary work that reveals the times, the country, and the people of the Holy Land, both historically and today. Andre lends personal insights and a wealth of knowledge and revelation about Israel and about Christ. One Friday in Jerusalem takes you to the ancient streets those of us in Andre's tour groups have walked as, led by him, we have encountered the reality and magnitude of the Via Dolarosa. Bishop Raymond W Johnson, Living Faith Christian Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- Andre Moubarak takes us for a walk down the Via Dolorosa that opens our eyes to the sufferings of Jesus and the history of Jerusalem. He also gives us great insight into the life and sufferings of our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Christ. Hated and persecuted by both Jews and Muslims, they find themselves forgotten by Evangelical Christians in the West. This work is chocked full of helpful historical and cultural information that enables us to understand Jesus' experience better. It is enjoyable reading, with vivid descriptions that enable us to visualize the experience of walking through the fourteen stations of the Via Dolorosa. I recommend Andre's book to anyone planning to visit Jerusalem and wanting to understand the significance of the experience better. It is also an excellent resource for those who cannot go, but want to understand it today. Gary W. Derickson, Ph.D. Professor of Biblical Studies and Greek Department Chair, Bible and Theology Corban University

www.corban.edu-- After ten trips to Israel, I've tried many tour guides; Andre is the best, both in teaching and in professional guiding services. As a pastor who specializes in teaching the Bible, I consider Andre my pastor, guide, and instant-answer-man for helping me understand Israel. I am so glad he has put his experience with the Lord in writing. I trust that this book will help many who have walked the Via Dolorosa continue their own journey to the cross with Christ. And if you have never been to Israel, please make this journey to the Holy Land a priority in life. -- Rev. Samuel Sia, St. Stephen's Parish, Manila, The Philippines One Friday in Jerusalem is the most refreshing glimpse I have ever had into a Palestinian Maronite Christian's deep personal experiences and spiritual insights. Having lived in Jerusalem, I appreciate Andre's accurate and vivid descriptions of the Via Dolorosa, and I was riveted to the book as I walked each step, gleaning valuable insights. Andre neither defends nor undermines the traditional stations of the cross; rather, he shares an insider's spiritual pilgrimage. His knowledge of history and its importance in understanding Jerusalem's modern conflicts makes this book a must-read. Donald L. Brake Sr., PhD, Dean Emeritus, Multnomah Biblical Seminary, and Author of Jesus, A Visual History: The Dramatic Story of the Messiah in the Holy Land -- I have known Andre for many years. He has made a tremendous impact on our church. His story of growing up on the streets of Jerusalem is powerful, life changing, and one you won't want to miss. Brandon Beals, Pastor, Canyon Creek Church, Seattle, Washington -- This is a powerful literary work that reveals the times, the country, and the people of the Holy Land, both historically and today. Andre lends personal insights and a wealth of knowledge and revelation about Israel and about Christ. One Friday in Jerusalem takes you to the ancient streets those of us in Andre's tour groups have walked as, led by him, we have encountered the reality and magnitude of the Via Dolarosa. Bishop Raymond W Johnson, Living Faith Christian Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- Andre Moubarak takes us for a walk down the Via Dolorosa that opens our eyes to the sufferings of Jesus and the history of Jerusalem. He also gives us great insight into the life and sufferings of our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Christ. Hated and persecuted by both Jews and Muslims, they find themselves forgotten by Evangelical Christians in the West. This work is chocked full of helpful historical and cultural information that enables us to understand Jesus' experience better. It is enjoyable reading, with vivid descriptions that enable us to visualize the experience of walking through the fourteen stations of the Via Dolorosa. I recommend Andre's book to anyone planning to visit Jerusalem and wanting to understand the significance of the experience better. It is also an excellent resource for those who cannot go, but want to understand it today. Gary W. Derickson, Ph.D. Professor of Biblical Studies and Greek Department Chair, Bible and Theology Corban University School of MinistrySalem, Oregon, USA

Author Information

Andre Moubarak is the owner and founder of Twins Tours & Travel Ltd. in Israel. Born into a Christian family along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem's Christian Quarter, Andre today is a licensed tour guide and an ordained minister, leading numerous groups through the Holy Land each year and teaching them about the Jewish roots of Jesus and the kingdom of God. With his wife, Marie, Andre also teaches at churches worldwide, helping people see the Bible anew through Middle Eastern eyes. Yes, the CopyFox has a real-life name. I'm Bob Hartig, I live in West Michigan near Grand Rapids, and I've been working with words professionally for more than twenty years. I spent my first fourteen of those years as the copy manager for Zondervan Publishing House. Then in 2007 I started my own home-based editorial and writing service, serving a diversity of clients ranging from publishing houses to independent authors. I love the freedom and flexibility The CopyFox affords me, and I strive to ensure that my clients are delighted with the results they get working with me. Besides being the owner of The CopyFox, I'm also a jazz saxophonist and a storm chaser. My video of an EF-4 tornado in southern Indiana was featured, along with a personal interview, in May 2015 on The Weather Channel in the Henryville, Indiana, episode of Tornado Alley. That's me in a nutshell. Now what about you? Email me or give me a call and let's talk about your project.

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