November 24 (late entry...)

Today we left Jerusalem. It was a bit sad. The verse that resonated in my heart was Psalm 137:5-6--

If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
let my right hand forget its skill!
Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
above my highest joy!

We made a short stop at Kiriath-jearim today (1 Samuel 5-7), which is where the ark of the covenant was lodged for 20 years after it was given back to Israel by the Philistines. An interesting question is, of course, where is the ark today--under Mount Moriah, in Ethiopia, or somewhere else? I am so glad that--regardless of the ark's hidden location--God is not hidden, that He is Immanuel, God with us, One we can rely on at any moment for peace and shelter and provision.

Kiriath-jearim

Next to Yad Hashmona, a Biblical Village, where we saw a threshing floor (for separating the chaff from the wheat as you throw it into the air), olive press, and wine press as they would have looked in Biblical times. I found it fascinating how you can still make olive oil when the pit of the olive gets crushed, but if you crush the seed of a grape, the wine will be completely ruined. This is why they would tread the grapes with their feet--so they would not crush the seeds. I think that's what Paul was thinking of when he said in 2 Cor 4:8, "We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed."--Wow!

A Threshing Floor

We also went in a model of a tomb (which had a real coffin that would have belonged to an athlete) and saw a sample of what a ritual bath may have looked like (they do baptisms in there now!). I was most struck by the purpose of grape vines. The wood is useless and cannot be used to build anything--the ONLY purpose of the vine and branches is to--you guessed it, straight from John 15--"bear fruit"! What an amazing illustration for Jesus to use when he says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples" (John 15:5,8). I would quote the whole of John 15, as I love that passage and it's so related to a grape vine, but it might get long--please go read it for yourselves, friends! You will be so blessed!

Last to Caesarea (aka Qesariyya, and a host of other spellings; transliterating this place into the English alphabet apparently has proven to be interesting), where we spent some time relaxing and being refreshed, on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. This is where Paul was kept before going to Rome, and where he appeared before Festus (Acts 23-25). This is also where Cornelius lived, as Joel shared in our teaching. As we know from from Acts 10, this is where Peter came and spoke to Cornelius and his household after having the vision of the sheet with unclean animals being let down as a voice said, "Get up, Peter; kill and eat." [So neat to see how God prepared Peter for ministering to the Gentiles: "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean."]. Besides Philip speaking to the Samaritans and the Ethiopian eunuch, this is the first time we see the apostles proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles. Praise the Lord for us Gentiles beginning to be grafted in at Caesarea as the disciples followed the Great Commission--"Go and make disciples of ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you." (Matt 28:18-20).

This is what happens when you order "just a salad" in Caesarea.

Speaking of "baptism", it was wonderfully exciting because our tour guide Avi decided to be baptized at Caesarea today! We had been praying for this since we started planning for the trip months before, and it was so amazing to see God's conviction to his heart that he should be baptized and his obedience to this. He called it the "best day of his life" and that he felt like a big weight had been lifted off him as he made the decision to obey. My biggest regret and sorrow of the entire trip is that I was not there when he was baptized, to witness this answer to prayer. He was baptized before all of our group had assembled, but I did hear them cheering and wonder what was happening. However, more important than being there is that he was baptized and that he desires to follow Jesus with all his heart. Pray for him to be a witness to those around him, and for the salvation of his family.

Avi's Baptism

 

An Aqueduct

 The Mediterranean Sea and sunset were so beautiful that...

I couldn't help but jump and wave-hop and splash and dance and laugh for joy!

Last we headed to Tel Aviv to eat and sleep before our flight home. Tel Aviv is, as our guide put it, the 'Sodom and Gomorrah' of present-day Israel. It was definitely different than the rest of Israel, and I was rather glad we only spent one night there. A real highlight, however, was that we got to meet the pastors of Calvary Chapel Tel Aviv, hear about their ministry, and bless them with some monetary support and provisions for the ministry. It was fascinating to hear how God had placed it on their heart to 'help the poor', and that this in turn has opened a way for a witness to the Jews, since it is close to the Jewish people's hearts to care for the poor. The poor were close to Jesus' heart too (Matthew 25:40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.')

I cannot believe we leave Israel tomorrow...I desperately want to stay another week, and I know that at least Jean feels the same way. I can see why people come back. I want to come back, and I haven't even left yet!

Shalom.

We're Back!

I hope to post more tomorrow, and also add more pictures, but I just wanted to let you know we got home safely. Thank you for your prayers! Please pray we will adjust to Calgary time and temperature quickly (Thank you, Father, for 13 degree weather on Sunday to ease us into winter!).  We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!

November 23 Update

Today was a free day, but started with a visit to the temple mount. Then, 11 of us, the SR, went for a visit to Hezekiah's tunnel, with water sometimes 3 feet deep and ceiling sometimes 4.5 feet high...so much fun! Rather amazing to stop midway through the tunnel, turn off all the lights, and sing 'Hallelujah'. We also got to hear a ringing rendition of 'Shabbat Shalom'--I definitely have the 2 words to that song memorized--now I just need to finish memorizing the melody... I got to walk along the old city wall today! "Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever (beyond death)." (Psalm 48:12-14) Today I got to follow the first part of this verse; someday the next part...

Yesterday (November 22nd) we went to Bethlehem in the morning, which was an interesting experience, to say the least. It was good to say we've gone, but there was no cave or even a manger--I think Bethlehem was easier to visualize in Megiddo--which is ironic--but it's because there were some mangers there. Did you know that Jesus' manger was very likely made of hollowed-out stone?

We also saw the only gate of old Jerusalem that is closed, but will open for Jesus when He returns on the Mount of Olives (SO Exciting!). Come Lord Jesus Come.

Men in White in front of the Eastern Gate

And the Garden Tomb, where Jesus may have been buried--I think I agree with Joel that this is likely the spot. The tomb is indeed empty! He is alive, church! Rejoice in your risen Saviour, your soon and coming King!

Place of the Skull

The tomb is empty! He is alive!

Please pray for health-some of the team have been feeling sick.
Pray for salvation of the man Dale talked to today.
Pray for a safe journey home as we leave in a day and a half.
Pray for God to wrap up this journey with teaching us more and making it so clear what is next after this for all of us.

Toda (Hebrew), Shokran (Arabic), Thank you!

November 21st--More Jerusalem

Today was another wonderful day in Jerusalem--amazing to stand in the place where Jesus went into heaven and where He is coming back soon! The Mount of Olives (with camel riding--Ask me about my story from this experience),  Garden of Gethsemane, place where Peter denied Jesus, and Holocaust museum--quite the moving, think-ful day! It was amazing to hear about the olive trees, and how, though they may be burned or cut, the root does not die and the tree will grow new branches. It's amazing to think of the parallels (John 15, the remnant of Israel, etc.). Think on that for now.

 Chase and Erica on our friend the camel

Dale riding the Camel

The Garden of Gethsemane

How many does it take to give a teaching in the rain? (place where Peter denied Jesus)

Please pray for God to continue to reveal new truths to us and that we would be filled with His Spirit more and more each day! Pray for health and safety, and pray for the salvation of the Jewish people we are encountering (who God has truly moved our hearts to love and long for their salvation).

November 20th--JERUSALEM!!!

I thought our other days had been filled to the brim with happenings until today. There is no way I will be able to talk of all we saw today, as the pages in my notes and journaling alone for today number 20!

Jerusalem, Jerusalem--there was such a contrast between religion and relationship today. I was struck by how the very thing that Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for--caring about external things, the show and not the substance, the ornate decorations and not the heart--was the very thing we saw in many churches here. They added His name to the religion of the Pharisees, but not His heart. In addition, it was so fascinating to hear a comparison of the first and second temples by a Jewish woman at one of the sites. She spoke of how the first temple, built by Solomon, was simple on the outside, but well-furnished and beautiful on the inside (e.g. 11 golden candlabras), while the second one, built by Herod, had a very ornate, fancy outside that was talked of by all, but the inside was lacking (e.g. had only one golden candlabra); she then used this as an illustration that what is on the inside is most important. Friends, don't miss this truth. Truly the most important thing is when Jesus is reigning inside of us, though our outer selves are wasting away, our inner selves are being renewed day by day (2 Cor 4:16)!

A few pictures from today...

Walking where Jesus walked….

Our Tremendous Team (minus me)

Sitting right now in the hotel lobby listening to live music on a grand piano, I hope you are well and that the Lord is speaking to your hearts as much as He is ours. Remember you are living stones being built into a spiritual house, with Christ Jesus Himself as the Chief Cornerstone (1 Peter).

November 19th--Keeping an Eternal Perspective

Today started with Nazareth. "Can anything good come from there?"--yes, actually. We got to see the contrast between a church with lots of pomp and ceremony, and a simple Church of the Synagogue, built on a location which they believe is where Jesus read Isaiah 61 from the scroll, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Pastor Matt shared how God can take our Nazareth, something in our life we think "Can anything good come from there?" and when Jesus comes to it, God can work it out for good (Rom 8:28). The acoustics in this place were amazing--we sang a song acapella, and it truly sounded incredible! Maybe if our church builds a building someday, we should build something like this--are you okay with stone walls, floor, ceiling, and seats?

We visited Megiddo today--such a growing experience of faith! I get SO excited when I think about it. When we were in Nazareth, it started raining and we were not sure how that would work out once we got to Megiddo, but we prayed and asked God to stop the rain while we were in Megiddo, even if it was just in that area and just while we were there. We got to Megiddo and it was still raining and when we went inside to watch a short video on it, it was literally pelting rain. It was still raining when we stepped outside to walk around, but within five minutes it stopped raining entirely, blue sky appeared, the sun came out, and it literally became the warmest we had experienced in Israel thus far. Over the Valley of Jezreel was a complete rainbow--such an amazing reminder that God keeps His promises, as we consider His promises of what is to come in this location (Rev 16). He is SO faithful and good and true and worthy of ALL our trust. Trust in Him at all times, dear people! Pour out your hearts to Him, for He is your refuge.

Pastor Brent challenged us as to whether we would be ready if Jesus were to come right now. Are you ready, church? He is coming like a thief in the night, when we least expect Him, and WE WILL SEE HIM FACE TO FACE! Come Lord Jesus Come!

I was also so challenged by his reference to 2 Samuel 23:9-10 about David's mighty men--the one man stood his ground ad fought till his hand was frozen to the sword. May we hold onto the Word of God until it's so much a part of us that we can't let it go!!!

Then to Mount Carmel--no, nothing to do with toffee here. The people of Israel in 1 Kings 17-18 were not so worried about sweets as water. With no water for 3.5 years in a place where one lost season of rain is devastating, they were desperate. Pastor Joel led us through this great example of spiritual warfare. We talked about how we can rest in the midst of the storm, as Elijah rested in God's provision while the prophets of baal danced around and carried on; as Jesus rested in the boat on the Sea of Galilee during the middle of a great tempest. May we "be still and know He is God", not striving on our own to try to fight, but know that the battle is the Lord's, that with Jesus on our side, the battle is won! Pastor Joel made this really interesting discovery--the ratio of the false prophets to Elijah was 450:1, which is the same as the ratio of the Midianites to Gideon's men--quite the odds against them both, but "Greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world. As Paul says, this happened so we might not depend on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead.

Dan on Mount Carmel

Blessings! Please continue praying for health, learning, unity, safety, and sharing with those we encounter! We look forward to being back with you next Sunday!

November 18th-- My 1st Shabbat and a whole lot morel

Today continued to be terrifically full of learning! We went to Golan Heights and considered how we need to pray for Israel's peace, which will not be truly accomplished until the Prince of Peace returns. The song ringing in my heart was 'Come Lord Jesus Come'!

In Caesarea Philippi, the site of Jesus' question, 'Who do you say that I am?' we considered who we say He is and that He is the One who is building the church. We need to be careful to deny ourselves and our own interests.

 Brent teaching us in Caesara Philippi

Our amazing tour guide--what a servant heart!

Nov 17th--a FULL day of learning

Today was so full of amazing fun, learning, and great experiences as we spent time in the Galilee region, where Jesus spent the majority of His ministry time (they estimate about 2 years)! I was thinking today that even if we had only been here today and yesterday, it would have been worth it! It feels like we have learned so much already and seen so many places! Wish you were here with us!

We started with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee from Tiberias today, starting with a Canadian flag-raising ceremony--the boat crew surprised us with this. The weather was perfect--some light rain to help us imagine 'a great tempest' on the lake and Jesus walking on water--we now have a new visual picture of 'Jesus walking on the water' as we think of him climbing10 feet waves! Our tour guide shared how "naase venishma" in Hebrew means "believe and then see", corresponding to Joel's message of how we need to 'in faith be of good cheer first, then we'll see Jesus--He'll reveal Himself in a new way, and we'll grow in relationship with him'. We were also treated to some Hebrew music, complete with mandolin, and some of the team decided to dance along!

The mountain of Beatitudes was definitely a hill through the eyes of Canadians, but really made me think of how "You are the light of the world. A city on a HILL cannot be hidden" would have stood out as they sat on a hill. There are some churches that have been built on the hill, so unfortunately it looked quite a bit different than in Biblical times.

Capernaum was amazing! We saw real millstones, as this was the millstone-making capital. There were also real ruins from Biblical times! It was the site of the first messianic synagogue and we were able to view the foundation of this! We contemplated John 6, and how the work of God is to "believe in the one he has sent". Interesting, as Capernaum was also a location of unbelief...

Next to Gideon Springs--a truly amazing place where we considered how it is all about God's power in us and His glory. He sees us for what we will become, not just where we're at now, as evidenced in His statement, "The Lord is with you, Mighty Warrior".

And then...Dale and Carolina got baptized in the Jordan river!!!

Nov 16th Adventures!

We made it safely to Israel, after an extended time on airplanes and in 4 airports.

Today was an amazing day, starting with an early morning dip in the Dead Sea--it was very strange to not only float, but be forced to float--almost like walking in space, as someone said.

Next we were off to Masada, a great reminder of how God is our strong fortress and He preserves a remnant of His chosen people.

Next to Ein Gedi, an amazing oasis with streams of water in the middle of the desert (Christ is our Spring--John 7:37-38).

Last was Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. It's amazing to think how these scrolls were hidden in God's perfect timing before the birth of Christ, providing credibility to the Bible's perfect accuracy. Overall, we're having a great time here with our group and with our tour guide Avi!

Prayer Requests
-health for the group and great sleeps at night
-God's work in our hearts, teaching us what He wants us to learn, and using us to bless those around us
-salvation and God's clear revelation of himself to a lady Jenessa talked to on the plane
-We're having difficulty with pictures--please pray that we will be able to get them up for you.

Off to Israel!

We are so excited to embark on this journey to Israel! We greatly appreciate your prayers as we follow God's call and provision to visit Israel this year. We anticipate what God wants to teach us while there and about what He wants to teach you as you partner with us by upholding us in your prayers, reading this blog, and in conversation with us upon our return.

We look forward to saying, with David:

I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go into the house of the LORD.”
Our feet have been standing
Within your gates, O Jerusalem!

~Psalm 122:1-2