Merrill Kitchen’s connection to the Nazareth Trust’s ministries can be traced back to 1972, when she and her husband Paul travelled to the Nazareth Hospital to cover for a surgeon that was on leave. Several years later, Merrill was involved in the early stages of the Nazareth Village. Read on to learn more about her story:
My name is Merrill Kitchen. I was born in Melbourne, Australia, and I have postgraduate degrees in the medical sciences and theology.
I learned about the Nazareth Hospital at a medical conference with my surgeon husband, Paul, in Scotland in 1972 when an appeal was made for short-term help for the hospital.
We shared the big old house on the hospital property with the Bernath, Martin and Haines families. Paul was active in a surgical role while I did lots of short-term jobs in microbiology, teaching nurses, and schooling for my young family.
I enjoyed discussions with Mike Hostetler and others about the possibilities of development of the Village. Later, over almost 20 years, we brought many Australians with a variety of skills for short terms to help in the establishment of the Village.
1988-89 workparty team in Nazareth.
We spent a short time helping with an urgent need at the Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. That was a profound experience of the life of refugees.
Also, we have special memories of camping with the Martins, Bernaths and Haines families down along the Dead Sea and into the Sinai region.
We saw the Israeli-Palestinian situation through different eyes and have been committed to finding a just solution for the conflict ever since.
On returning from Nazareth, while engaging in teaching in medical sciences, I had lots of theological questions that needed some exploration, so I took the opportunity to attend theological classes in my spare time and eventually completed a postgraduate degree. This resulted in a career change as I became a college Dean and later a Principal. I was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for my contributions to theological education, which also mentioned my contributions to the Nazareth Hospital.
The Nazareth Hospital employs people from all three Abrahamic religions, and they work together in harmony for the benefit of their patients. Over the years, the hospital has become self-sufficient and a place of learning over a broad range of medical disciplines.
My most treasured memory was giving birth to my daughter Lisa in the maternity ward in 1975. She is very proud of her birthplace and returned with me recently to the Hospital Anniversary.
My name is June Asquith, and I’m a retired vicar from Liverpool. I’m fortunate that I have been part of the church all my life, from being taken to Sunday School at an early age by my aunt, who was a Sunday School teacher. I grew up and became involved in many areas of church life as a lay person. I married Eric, who was another member of my church in Anfield (opposite Liverpool Football Club). We had two children, and it was not until I was 42 that I decided to go to university and study Theology and History.
I then went into teaching for ten years before feeling a call to ordination. At first, I was a self-supporting minister while still teaching and then moved to full-time in 2012. I served in my home church in Anfield, Christ Church, while I was self-supporting and then moved to the Bootle Team Ministry as curate in 2012. In 2014 I was made Rector of St Mary Wavertree. I retired in 2022. All these churches are in the Diocese of Liverpool. I am now supporting the ministry in two churches in South Liverpool.
I was part of my local Anglican church from a young age and a really active youth group. I had been away on a Christian holiday in 1979, and at the youth meeting, they asked if God was calling anyone to serve Him overseas. I felt unsure whether this was me, but I applied to Tearfund for their summer work camps and was selected to go to Nazareth.
The group that went to Nazareth: June is in the middle with the red dress. June says: The lads were mostly doing building work; the girls were in a variety of settings, including the kitchen and the Central Sterile Services Department.
Liz and I were asked to be part of the CSSD (Central Sterile Services Department). At that time, we went round the wards and collected used needles and cleaned and then sterilised them, and they were reused. This was before AIDS and before disposable needles were in common use. I also worked in the kitchen part of the time, cleaning out the huge walk-in refrigerator and also cleaning huge canisters for cooking foods. I remember cutting up aubergines and having my hands turn purple in the process. I also remember the very strong Arabic coffee the staff drank and their friendliness but surprise at my drinking both coffee and tea with milk!
June (left) with staff at the CSSD.
I loved working in the CSSD; the staff were so lovely and grateful for our service. In fact, it seemed the whole of Nazareth were pleased that we were there, and we were given a banquet on the last night of our time in grateful thanks for our visit. I also loved early in the morning in the CSSD, those who were Christians would get together and pray and sing choruses before work.
It didn’t seem to matter whether we were singing in English or Arabic, as we knew we were singing the same praise to God. I also felt so welcomed by the Muslim staff. It didn’t feel like there was any conflict between Christians and Muslims, and Jews were welcome at the hospital, though few lived near Nazareth. I also loved the chapel, with the altar a carpenter’s bench, as this was where Jesus would have learned the trade from his father. It was so peaceful and so wonderful to worship together with the Christian staff.
I realised that missionaries were just ordinary Christians serving God where they were. It didn’t matter whether you were serving in Israel or England; you were doing God’s work wherever you were. I was fortunate that I had a sabbatical from my work in the arts at that time to go to Nazareth, but I realised from then that I wanted to serve God in a full-time ministry, but at that point, I did not know what that was. I was shortly married in 1983 but then in 1996 was when I began my degree, and from then on, I believe both teaching and working in the ministry were both places where I could live out my faith more fully.
Hospital staff and volunteers on the roof of the nurses’ home.
In 2017 I was feeling a little unfit and decided to take on ‘Couch to 5K’. My church warden asked why didn’t I do a sponsored run, and he would support me. So, with the help of JustGiving, I decided to have a go at the 2018 5K run in Sefton Park, Liverpool. As I have continued to support the Nazareth Hospital since my visit there in 1980, I decided I would split the money raised between my church, St Mary Wavertree, and the Nazareth Hospital.
June with her medal after the 5K run had been completed.
There is a real sense of God’s presence when we volunteer. Not only the blessing of accomplishing something good for the community but also the sense of God’s closeness in both the good and the difficult times. When I was in Nazareth, I picked up a bug and was ill for a few days and ended up having one of those blunt, second-hand needles put in my backside with anti-biotics. However, convalescing, sitting on the roof of the nurses’ home (now the Pilgrim’s Guest House), I remember feeling so blessed by God. Despite, at the time, planes flying over to bomb Lebanon, I felt nothing could take away that serenity and that feeling of being loved and accepted.
Having visited Israel twice, the land where Jesus lived and taught is such an important place, especially with the ongoing conflict between Jews and Palestinians. The Nazareth Hospital is doing a fantastic job in an area that I believe has no state-provided hospital treatment. Since I was there in 1980, the areas of work and the ministry they provide to the sick, for all people in Nazareth, has grown and developed. Also, the work provided by the Nazareth Village looks amazing. If I ever return, I would love to see that. I love the fact that it’s not just expats, but even when I was there, I learnt so much from the local community, and it’s great that many local students have had the chance to gain education and work through the School of Nursing.
June at her ordination.
Last year we spoke to Ivone Sima’an, the Nazareth Village weaver.
Ivone Sima’an
I was at a church meeting, and Mike Hostetler told us they needed workers at the Nazareth Village. I approached him and said I’d like to work there. Back then, I already had two jobs: I was a seamstress manager at Abu Sna’an and Haifa.
I didn’t know what to do, but my dad said: “No need to be confused. Come, we will pray.” We agreed that the first phone call to ring would be where I should work: it would be God’s answer to prayer. Indeed, the first one to call was Maha Sayegh from the village, and that’s how I started working there.
There was a lot to do at the beginning, including planting, building and cleaning. We all worked hard every day until we could barely stand on our feet. When I look at the Nazareth Village from my home window today, I’m proud of how far it has come.
Life at the the village is such an enjoyment for me. I love to give from my heart because it’s not a top-down relationship: we are a family. We eat from the same plate and share all the small and big things. The management gives so much value to the workers. We all work with a joyful heart because everyone around us supports and encourages us.
The village has taught me three things: love, be generous, give it your all, and sacrifice. Working at the Nazareth Village as a believer, I could show love for the tourists and interact with kindness. I could greet everyone with an open heart. I love the village because it’s my second home.
I worked for 30 years in Kitan, a textile factory. I started as an employee and grew within the company throughout the years: I trained new employees and managed several departments. That job gave me strength and perseverance and taught me a lot about responsibility. However, something was missing: there was no fire of faith burning in my heart. I joined the Nazareth Village as a believer, and my life started to bloom as I learned more and more. I came here to serve with honesty and integrity. All the staff is generous and full of love. Even when I leave the Nazareth Village, I will never actually leave it because it’s in my blood, heart, and spirit.
Ivone, Nazareth Village weaver in action
I will always pray for the Nazareth Village. I will visit and support them; whenever they need me, I’ll be there. I will always be part of the Nazareth Village family. I wish that Nazareth Village grows year after year and has lasting success. I wish all the staff and management find strength and health to keep the bond that ties them together.
In 2023, I’ll come as a volunteer to meet my beloved friends and share their happy and sad moments. Share in their weariness because I’m one of them, and I’ll always be here for them.
Here is the Easter reflection which ends our series on Light against Darkness. We hope you found them inspiring and meaningful.
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. Remember how he told you while he was still in the Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words… (Luke 24:5b-7)
The words of the two angels to the fearful and astonished women who had taken spices they had prepared to the tomb of Jesus early on the first day of the week, have resounded throughout the centuries bringing hope, joy and peace to multiple millions of people! The resurrection of Jesus from the dead on the third day represents the single most astounding event in the history of humanity and the only basis upon which our hope against the darkness of this present age is built!
Peter, who himself was plunged into the depths of despair and remorse for his denial of Jesus when he was handed over to sinful men and witnessed his cruel death by crucifixion, writes in his first letter that ‘according to God’s great mercy he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead’ (1 Peter 1:3).
Our faith is based on a living hope in a living person – Jesus of Nazareth – whom God raised from the dead in vindication of his atoning death on the cross through which we have forgiveness of sins, peace and reconciliation with God and hope of eternal life! This gives us joyful confidence in life and comfort and solace in death. As Paul reminds us so eloquently in his letter to the Romans, neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8: 38-39).
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
We thank you for your amazing love and humility that led to your cruel death of the cross where you willingly laid down your life for our salvation. We also thank you that you are the resurrection and the life and that whoever believes in you, though he or she die, yet shall live, and everyone who lives and believes in you shall never die!
Help us to live in the joy and hope of your resurrection life in this Easter season and throughout our lives. In your name we pray, Amen!
Dr Norman W. Wallace has had an interesting career in the medical field spanning several decades. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in medicine and subsequently worked in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of the Nazareth Hospital in 1978. Dr Wallace then trained in geriatrics and community paediatrics, which led to his appointment as a Principal in General Practice at Sighthill Health Centre in 1980. He later became the lead partner in building and establishing Whinpark Medical Centre, where he served as a senior partner until his retiral from clinical medicine in 2011. Alongside his professional work, Dr Wallace has been involved in various volunteer activities, including serving as a board member of EMMS and participating in several bike rides for the Nazareth Hospital. Dr Wallace now works as a medico-legal adviser.
Dr Norman Wallace and Sabeen, a midwife at the Nazareth Hospital.
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice came for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of the world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. (John 12: 27-33)
As we enter our final week in our journey towards Easter, we are reminded that the glory of the resurrection of Jesus is preceded by his excruciating suffering and death by crucifixion on a cross. However, it is through his sacrificial suffering and death lifted up on a cross that he brings glory to the Father by drawing all people to himself.
As we meditate on the suffering and death of Jesus on the Cross this Holy Week, we are reminded that God shows his love for us in that that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us so that we might be reconciled to God and saved by his life (Romans 5: 8-10). Let us give thanks to God for his amazing grace and love revealed in the suffering, death, and glorious resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth which we anticipate and celebrate on Easter Sunday!
This is the paschal mystery which we are called to enter fully into as we journey with Jesus through his sufferings, death, burial, and resurrection this Holy Week and Easter. Let us also remember that we are called to share in the sufferings of Christ in this world so that we might also be able to share in the glory of his resurrection in the world to come.
May the Lord grant us all the courage and strength to watch and pray with him in his hour of trial that we might not fall into temptation but find strength to stay awake and to stand before the Son of Man!
Prayer
Loving God, we thank you that you so loved the world that you gave your one and only Son who came to do your will by suffering and dying for us on the cross so that we can know forgiveness for our sins and participate in your divine life through his resurrection! Fill our hearts with love and thanksgiving as again meditate on your suffering and glory this Holy Week and Easter. In the name of your Son, Jesus of Nazareth we pray. Amen
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn”. (Isaiah 60:1-3)
The Old Testament text from Isaiah reminds us that a new light has come from the Lord. It is shining on all people. This new light reveals God’s glory and chases away all shadows and darkness. The closer this light comes to us, the more we see the darkness in our lives. This light exposes those dark corners of our lives that we prefer to keep hidden. Even though we try to hide our mess, the light of Jesus has shown us that this mess needs cleaning out.
The Light, Jesus, has come into the world:
This light is freely ours.
WHEN the Lord tells us to arise, He wants us to get up from the lowly position the enemy has placed us, which is causing us to be depressed and lose hope and to turn to Him and bask in the beauty and the light of the Son of God who loves us.
Jesus is the true light, the genuine light who changes things.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we pray that You would help us to be a reflection of Your light in the darkness of this world. Jesus, we praise You for the light You have shown in the darkness of our lives. We praise You for saving us from our sins, for redeeming us, forgiving us, taking our shame and turning it into honour, taking that which was dark and bringing light. Amen.
