Darkness and Light

Only 5 kilometers from Hurlach, there is a special graveyard. It is the place where Jews were buried after the Allies liberated Germany from the Nazi's.
Some of you may be familiar with the series, Band of Brothers. In one episode, American soldiers discovered concentration camp. This was the actual work camp located here.

After discovering the camp, the US major in charge asks one of the prisoners,  "What kind of camp is this?" The prisoner, through a translator, says "It is a place for undesirables." The translator is trying to clarify the meaning of the word. The major asks, "Do you mean criminals?" The prisoner says,  "No, no, not criminals, just doctors, musicians, scientists, professors...all Jews."

The scene that the soldiers have discovered is horrifying - men like skeletons stumble towards them into their arms around them. They weep. they relate how the Nazi guards fled only that morning taking time to try to kill as many prisoners as possible.

The cemetery was one of ten in the area where Jews were buried in mass graves after the war. Only a few headstones had named on them. The marker in the center pleaded remembrance and for peace for the world.

Our guide, Bernt, is man who is been on staff with YWAM for over 30 years. Smiling, he confessed he will turn 70 in February. He has traveled the world. Wherever he goes he meets Jewish people. He always takes the time to ask them to please forgive him and his people for the things that happened during World War 2. He has also busy did Israel many times and is familiar with the culture. as a follower of Jesus, he tries to bring reconciliation.

One thing we emphasized with the kids is that darkness is still very much in our world. there have been many wars since World War 2. It seems unbelievable that we can be a witness to such horror and still go on to fight more wars. As Bernt shared, in Rwanda they killed eight hundred thousand in only 4 months.

I think of a spiritual battle all around us. we would like our lives to be filled with green and sunshine and safety. But we are not home yet. Jesus said not be overcome with evil, but to overcome evil with good. I also have encouragement that he said in this world you have many troubles, but take heart, I have overcome the world!