Church of the Beatitudes, the site where the Sermon on the Mount was given by Jesus. Photo: Devi Nampiaparampil

Church of the Beatitudes along the Sea of Galilee. Photo: Saman Malik

Looking into Jordan from the Qasr al-Yahud baptismal site. Photo: Kali Kotoski

A woman is anointed with water from the Jordan River, where many Christians believe Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Photo: Evan Simko-Bednarski

An IDF soldier at the western bank of the Jordan River. Jordanian soldiers stand on the opposite side. As the river marks the once-contentious border between Israel and Jordan, armed soldiers stand at the pilgrimage site on both sides. Photo: Evan Simko-Bednarski

Pilgrims pose with IDF soldiers at Qasar al-Yahud baptismal site.  Photo: Evan Simko-Bednarski

A family baptism at the River Jordan. Photo: Evan Simko-Bednarski

Shadow of an Israeli Defense Soldier. Photo: Kali Kotoski

The road to Qasar al-Yahud baptismal site, on the Israeli side, cuts through a field of active minefields. Photo: Devi Nampiaparampil

Minefield along the Jordan River in the West Bank. Photo: Kali Kotoski

Catholic church of the unborn in Bethlehem. Photo: Devi Nampiaparampil

The Orthodox Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Photo: Evan Simko-Bednarski

Miguel is a beggar who was sitting outside of the Catholic Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Photo: Kali Kotoski

Sami Awad from the Holy Land Trust. His organization promotes interfaith understanding. Photo: Saman Malik

Inside a Palestinian Christian home in Bethlehem. Photo: Saman Malik