Jordan: “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” a place of peace

The Land

Historians say that dating back before the 14th century, Christian monks and pilgrims had come to the baptism site in Jordan, but soon after the Crusades the area of land along the river was abandoned. Centuries of wars and conflict added to the disrepair and landmines made it unsafe to visit, until excavations, research and treaties led to its rediscovery and de-mining.

In 2008, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan granted land in the historic location to the ELCJHL and 11 other recognized Christian denominations in the country for the purpose of preserving the Christian tradition of baptism. Under the leadership of ELCJHL Bishop emeritus Rev. Dr Munib Younan, and with the support of ELCJHL partner churches, organizations and individuals, a chapel and residence quarters surrounded by a colorful, desert garden opened in 2014.

In 2015, the Baptismal site grounds were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Upon designation, UNESCO stated that “The Baptism site is directly associated with the Christian tradition of baptism. The property is of highest significance to many Christian denominations as the baptism site of Jesus of Nazareth, and since millennia has been a popular pilgrimage destination.”

A tradition of baptism

In 2018, there were 1,000 international visitors to the BBJ. Haddad said there were only two groups this year.

When people visit, they not only have the option of baptism and affirmation of baptism, but also access to paths for quiet, reflective walks that weave through the baptismal grounds accented with ancient, dry pools and other biblical sites.

“Elijah’s Hill has been reopened again. It is a place where human and God meet, where groups can interact with the biblical story and pray,” Haddad said.

Located on the border between Jordan and Israel, “it was a zone of unrest and there is still a military presence on the grounds, but the BBJ allows us to find peace and practice peace and feel the full presence of God despite the hatred that we may have for each other as human beings,” added Haddad.

“The walk to the waters is the walk of life and the feeling that God is with us. It is a faith journey you take whenever you visit.”

The BBJ board of directors, of which ELCJHL Bishop Rev. Ibrahim Sani Azar is the head, have plans to renovate the kitchen so that meals for large groups can be prepared onsite. There is also a maintenance plan in place to repair building damage from two years of infrequent use.

Azar invites the communion to “visit the ELCJHL and add to your journeys a pilgrimage to tranquility and respite in the wilderness where John the Baptist studied, and Jesus was baptized hearing the words, ‘You are my beloved son, with you, I am well pleased.’”

By LWF/A.Gray 

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