Nigerian Christians make annual pilgrimages to the Holy Lands the way Muslims annually make the hajj to Mecca. What an experience it would be if black American Christians could join them in prayer.
Being totally addicted to travel, it’s probably fitting that even my mind likes to wander.
Reading some recent stories on the Web about Eid al Fitr, the Muslim festival that celebrates the end of the month-long Ramadan fast, it struck me that Ramadan is now almost as well known among non-Muslims as the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
That, in turn, started me thinking about a Christian pilgrimage I’d recently learned about, a 1,000-year-old pilgrimage across northern Spain, what looks like a grueling but ultimately spiritually rewarding trek known as El Camino de Santiago — or in English, the Way of St. James.
Then I began cruising the Internet for more information on Christian pilgrimages, and stumbled across this on allAfrica.com:
“Ahead of this year’s Christian pilgrimage to Jerusalem, President Goodluck Jonathan has approved two airlines for the airlift of intending pilgrims, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.”
Come to find out that this is an annual tradition among Nigerian Christians, who travel by the thousands to both Israel and Rome.
I’m only beginning to learn about this tradition, but I intend to learn more, a lot more, and soon. Meanwhile, however, that little tidbit got me thinking.
I know there are black churches in the United States that have organized trips for worshipers to the Holy Land over the years. Have any of them ever hooked up with their Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria, and worshiped together on the same pilgrimage?
How’s this for a fantasy: Major black religious organizations link up with the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission and organize a joint pilgrimage.
Black American Christians fly to the Holy Lands, where they meet, break bread and worship together with their Nigerian brothers and sisters, then maybe some days visiting Nigeria, and worshiping there, before returning home.
Or do it in reverse, fly first to Lagos and connect with their fellow Nigerian Christians in Nigeria — and then accompany them to the Holy Lands.
Think of it. Brothers and sisters from both sides of the African Diaspora, coming together in faith.
Wouldn’t that be something?
Maybe it could be done every three or four years, to give everyone time to prepare for the enormous logistical challenges involved — not to mention giving the American worshipers a chances to save up the money needed for the journey.
And I’m sure logistics probably would be the least of the challenges involved.
Still…wouldn’t it be something?
Uplifting. inspiring. Maybe even life-changing.
I know, I’m just dreaming.
But like I always say, small dreams are a waste of sleep.
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