One Friday In Jerusalem: Walking to Calvary - a Tour, a Faith, a Life

I originally found this while looking for tour guide books for my upcoming trip to the Holy Land. I was primarily considering books that provided geographical, historical and practical information to prepare me for what I would experience, but this one grabbed my attention because it was written from a very personal perspective, by a man who lives in Jerusalem. I love personal stories as they have so much more depth to them, and this book was so well written-- it did not disappoint! Andre does a spectacular job of taking us along the stations of the Via Dolorosa, including pictures, but more than that he also includes insights and inspiration from Scripture as to how the sufferings of our Savior can apply to our own life, and then also includes captivating stories of his childhood and life in the Holy Land as a Palestinian Christian minority and the struggles he has faced there. The chapters each ended with touching prayers that resonated in my own soul. It is clear that Andre loves Jesus with all his heart and lives his life as a testimony of what the power of love can do to change us and bring peace to otherwise difficult circumstances. Every story he shared was moving, and opened my eyes to the difficulties faced by all as they try to manage the tensions present with three major faiths claiming rights in such a small area. He also shared historical details about the Old City that you probably won't hear elsewhere. I delighted to pull up on Google Earth's street view many of the streets in the Old City of Jerusalem, and even found the ladder that he talked about at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre! (page 138-140-- I've included the screen shot of it that I took with my phone from Google Earth.) I can't wait to go to Israel, and especially Jerusalem, and I hope to meet Andre in person. He is an amazing man of God, and I have been exceedingly blessed to have gotten to know him through this book, and I wish I had known about his tour company, Twin Tours and Travel Ltd, as I would surely have booked with him! Thank you for sharing your life Andre, and may God continue to use you mightily as you serve Him in the Holy City! I am praying for you!!

Andre Moubarak leads you on an incredible journey down the Via Dolorosa and the stages of the cross. But this is unique in that he himself grew up on those very streets of Jerusalem and, as a result, he provides great insight into the history, social milieu, joys, sorrows, and obstacles of Jerusalem, past and present, while detailing Christ’s ordeal of the cross.Subsequent to reading this book, I was fortunate to experience a tour of Israel, led by Andre, and this greatly helped to deepen my knowledge of Israel in all aspects!

This is an amazing story of faith. As a Christian in the USA I was really encouraged to learn about Christianity in the Middle East and hear these stories of faith. Not only did I learn more about Jerusalem and the Via Delarosa, but really I learned more about practicing my faith in the midst of suffering and hardship and my brothers and sisters in the Middle East.

I read this book in preparation for a pilgrimage to Israel and to study during Lent as I prepared for Easter. I loved it so much that I’ve bought copies for friends and family for Christmas.Whether or not you ever make it to Jerusalem, this book is a must read. Andre is a gifted storyteller who weaves his words with humor and grace and truth to both capture and delight the reader. He brings Scripture to light and makes places come to life in your mind’s eye. He brought me new depth of understanding of Jesus’s final days through his words for which I am so grateful. Buy this book. Soak it up. Imagine yourself walking these ancient cobblestone streets with Jesus. This is a book I will read over and over again.

I have known Andre for almost ten years, and he was our tour guide throughout the Holy Land during the filming of the TV series "The Promise." I have always treasured this time in my life as a precious gift from heaven to me. Andre's love and passion for the Lord, people and the land was evident to see as we walked the land together for several days. He is able to reveal and bring together the depths of Scripture, culture, and history as only someone who has an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit, a genuine love for others, and a thorough knowledge of history can. I can't wait to read this book as I am sure it will enhance my understanding of the complexities of the Holy Land, but most importantly I believe it will challenge me to a deeper relationship with Jesus. In this book you will discover the path we must walk in order to become Christ's followers and disciples. I love the fact that he finished the book with the resurrection of our Lord. Our hope lies in His death and resurrection alone. In the words of the old hymn, "Because he lives I can face tomorrow Because he lives All fear is gone Because I know He holds the future And life is worth the living Just because he lives."

Clairifed my vision of what the area was like.

I bought this book to read as study for a trip to Israel. It is well written, accurate on details, very easy to read, and had the personal stories of the author and his life and experiences living in Jerusalem. Very informative and moving book. I would highly recommend!

My husband and I read this book as spiritual preparation for our tour of the holy land. Andre's book is very deep and meaningful as he explains Jesus's walk on the Via Dolorosa, his crucifixion and resurrection. I have never had the courage to watch the movie " The Passion" because it depicts Jesus's torture and crucifixion too graphically. But Andre's book helped me have a deeper understanding of how Jesus suffered and why- because of His love for all of us. We toured Israel recently with Global Missions Project and the Celebration Israel Orchestra, with Tony and Andre Moubarek as our tour guides. It was the trip of a lifetime and has increased our faith and awareness of the tensions between Jews and Muslims in Israel. Read the book and learn all you can about Jesus and the Holy land!

This book is gripping, and I had read it within 48 of its arrival. It resonates with me on various levels, an interest in the history and archaeology of the Holy Land, a real concern to hear un-biased reflection on the current situation in Israel, and especially the testimony of a man who has been touched and changed by the Spirit of God. Highly recommended.

Excellent and inspirational book. Not only as a tour book is it excellent, but also the way that Andre explains his life. Knowing Andre as a person, he does practice what he preaches