Tuesday, July 20, 3:37pm
Thankful to be home in Decatur, Alabama
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tuesday, July 20
Tuesday, July 20
We arrived safely to NY Kennedy before 5am Eastern Time. Now waiting for 11am flight to Atlanta and then on to Huntsville. Good flight. The Lord blessed us with some rest. We watched a good, funny movie.
We are looking forward to being home today.
God is good - All the time!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Monday, July 19
Today was our last day in Israel. We leave at 12:30am, just after midnight tonight. Checkout time was 11am but they graciously gave us until 1pm. We had our wonderful buffet breakfast late and then packed up to leave. Scotty got golf on his mind so we decided to do golf on the way to Tel Aviv. I actually had been trying to get him to go for a few days since the only two courses in Israel are located between Haifa and Tel Aviv. He waited until today to consider it since it would be on our way to the airport and we would have time to kill after we checked out of our hotel. We checked out around 11:30 and planned to take a taxi to the train station to go to Netanya and then a taxi to the golf course at Ga’ash. This would have been cheaper but the taxi driver wanted to take us all the way to Ga’ash from the hotel so he came down some and Scotty took the offer. The train ride would have been much more relaxing. He was on the phone most of the way with his boss/dispatcher ? and arguing (using his hands as he spoke even though he was just on the phone. I think his family called and he was much calmer and slower talking with them, at least most of the time. Ga’ash is a Kibbutz which is a farming community but they have one of the two golf courses in Israel. It is a small 9-hole course. As it turned out the only 18-hole course which is in Caesarea was closed on Mondays. We hated that because it would have been the choice place to play---maybe someday. Scotty had so much fun, he played another nine. I drove the cart for him. It was a nice breezy day near the Mediterranean Sea. They let us shower there to get ready for our trip home so that was really nice. We met some nice people there. One of the assistant pro’s was Chris from Washington State who married an Israeli. One nice guy from Italy, not sure why he was there and some Israelis. We also talked with a man from Chicago who said he came in on Sabbatical 30 years ago and decided to stay.
We got a taxi then to the train station in Hertzliya which is another town nearby. Ga’ash is between Natanya and Hertzliya and you can see both cities from the golf course. We bought our ticket for the airport and they said “Your train leaves in 4 minutes” and it takes a while to get your platform so we rushed and got to our train. We had been told that the train takes you straight to the airport but no one told us that you have to change trains. Scotty happen to ask a guy sitting across from us if he spoke English and he did somewhat and he told us we needed to get off at the next stop and change trains to go to the airport. We are so thankful for his help or else we would have gone too far and probably had to buy another ticket. Another young man really helped us as we got off the train to help us find out where we needed to be to find the right platform for the airport. He is coming to America next month, to Arizona.
We arrived at the airport 6 hrs before our flight but we wanted to get down here before dark and now we have our luggage so it is just not feasible to try to do anything else. They have a nice waiting here with several eating choices and shopping. We can’t check in until 3 hrs before our flight so we are blessed that they have this nice area where you can wait with your luggage, many airports do not.
I’m sure I have left off some things like every time you go in a train station or a mall they are security checks and they check any bags you have. It is a different world here but we always feel very safe. Actually all this security is great!
There is a mix of people here. There are Jewish Israelis, there are Arab Israelis, There are Orthodox Jews, Messianic Jews, there are Arab Christians, there are Arab Muslims, there are Palestinian Arabs, there are Russian Orthodox and other denominations as well. Palestinians are not Israeli citizens. The Palestinian areas (West Bank) are fenced off from the Israeli areas and usually there are checkpoints between each. It is like 2 countries within 1 country. The people co-exist well from what we have seen and want to live in peace.
It’s a beautiful country and the biblical sites are a joy to visit. We are blessed to have had the privilege to come many times. We will be bringing a group February 21 and we would love for you to join us. When we come with a group we have a bus, driver and guide waiting for us at the airport and they stay with us for the entire trip. We never have to worry about transportation or food. Our breakfasts and dinners are provided in the hotels and we usually stop for lunch on the tour at a very reasonable place or you can just bring a snack for lunch. Pray about coming with us.
If all goes as scheduled we should arrive in Huntsville around 2:30 Tuesday. We go from Tel Aviv to NY Kennedy to Atlanta to Huntsville.
Thank you for your prayers. We are very blessed and look forward to being back at Westmeade on August 1.
“I thank my God every time I remember you”. Philippians 1:3
Today was our last day in Israel. We leave at 12:30am, just after midnight tonight. Checkout time was 11am but they graciously gave us until 1pm. We had our wonderful buffet breakfast late and then packed up to leave. Scotty got golf on his mind so we decided to do golf on the way to Tel Aviv. I actually had been trying to get him to go for a few days since the only two courses in Israel are located between Haifa and Tel Aviv. He waited until today to consider it since it would be on our way to the airport and we would have time to kill after we checked out of our hotel. We checked out around 11:30 and planned to take a taxi to the train station to go to Netanya and then a taxi to the golf course at Ga’ash. This would have been cheaper but the taxi driver wanted to take us all the way to Ga’ash from the hotel so he came down some and Scotty took the offer. The train ride would have been much more relaxing. He was on the phone most of the way with his boss/dispatcher ? and arguing (using his hands as he spoke even though he was just on the phone. I think his family called and he was much calmer and slower talking with them, at least most of the time. Ga’ash is a Kibbutz which is a farming community but they have one of the two golf courses in Israel. It is a small 9-hole course. As it turned out the only 18-hole course which is in Caesarea was closed on Mondays. We hated that because it would have been the choice place to play---maybe someday. Scotty had so much fun, he played another nine. I drove the cart for him. It was a nice breezy day near the Mediterranean Sea. They let us shower there to get ready for our trip home so that was really nice. We met some nice people there. One of the assistant pro’s was Chris from Washington State who married an Israeli. One nice guy from Italy, not sure why he was there and some Israelis. We also talked with a man from Chicago who said he came in on Sabbatical 30 years ago and decided to stay.
We got a taxi then to the train station in Hertzliya which is another town nearby. Ga’ash is between Natanya and Hertzliya and you can see both cities from the golf course. We bought our ticket for the airport and they said “Your train leaves in 4 minutes” and it takes a while to get your platform so we rushed and got to our train. We had been told that the train takes you straight to the airport but no one told us that you have to change trains. Scotty happen to ask a guy sitting across from us if he spoke English and he did somewhat and he told us we needed to get off at the next stop and change trains to go to the airport. We are so thankful for his help or else we would have gone too far and probably had to buy another ticket. Another young man really helped us as we got off the train to help us find out where we needed to be to find the right platform for the airport. He is coming to America next month, to Arizona.
We arrived at the airport 6 hrs before our flight but we wanted to get down here before dark and now we have our luggage so it is just not feasible to try to do anything else. They have a nice waiting here with several eating choices and shopping. We can’t check in until 3 hrs before our flight so we are blessed that they have this nice area where you can wait with your luggage, many airports do not.
I’m sure I have left off some things like every time you go in a train station or a mall they are security checks and they check any bags you have. It is a different world here but we always feel very safe. Actually all this security is great!
There is a mix of people here. There are Jewish Israelis, there are Arab Israelis, There are Orthodox Jews, Messianic Jews, there are Arab Christians, there are Arab Muslims, there are Palestinian Arabs, there are Russian Orthodox and other denominations as well. Palestinians are not Israeli citizens. The Palestinian areas (West Bank) are fenced off from the Israeli areas and usually there are checkpoints between each. It is like 2 countries within 1 country. The people co-exist well from what we have seen and want to live in peace.
It’s a beautiful country and the biblical sites are a joy to visit. We are blessed to have had the privilege to come many times. We will be bringing a group February 21 and we would love for you to join us. When we come with a group we have a bus, driver and guide waiting for us at the airport and they stay with us for the entire trip. We never have to worry about transportation or food. Our breakfasts and dinners are provided in the hotels and we usually stop for lunch on the tour at a very reasonable place or you can just bring a snack for lunch. Pray about coming with us.
If all goes as scheduled we should arrive in Huntsville around 2:30 Tuesday. We go from Tel Aviv to NY Kennedy to Atlanta to Huntsville.
Thank you for your prayers. We are very blessed and look forward to being back at Westmeade on August 1.
“I thank my God every time I remember you”. Philippians 1:3
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sunday, July 18
Continued
Rosh Hanikra is where the British built a tunnel through this rock for rail route between Haifa, Beirut and Tripoli. It took only one year with 10,000 workers. Its a lovely place and I will try to upload pics if I get internet access tonight at the airport.
We got back to train atation and walked over to mall to gt money changed. Since we had a nice lunch by the Sea today we just had some dinner at McDonalds in the mall. It costs about the same as our nice lunch. We took a bus back to our hotel some Advil and then to bed.
Shalom
Rosh Hanikra is where the British built a tunnel through this rock for rail route between Haifa, Beirut and Tripoli. It took only one year with 10,000 workers. Its a lovely place and I will try to upload pics if I get internet access tonight at the airport.
We got back to train atation and walked over to mall to gt money changed. Since we had a nice lunch by the Sea today we just had some dinner at McDonalds in the mall. It costs about the same as our nice lunch. We took a bus back to our hotel some Advil and then to bed.
Shalom
Sunday, July 18
Sunday, July 18
We are praying for the family of Bobby Boger whose funeral is today. Also prayed for Westmeade today and for Donnell and just heard that he got sick and Larry preached today. We also heard that it was a great sermon and music. News travels fast over these ocean waves!
Sunday here is like Monday there. It seemed like Monday since we went to church yesterday. Scotty wore me out today walking the city of Haifa. We came back to our room and rested a little while and then out again. We took the bus to the train station then took the train to Nahariyya, then a taxi to Rosh Kanikra which is the northernmost point in Israel that borders Lebanon. We were right at border crossing but you cant take pics of the crossing for security reasons. Rosh Kanikra is a unique place where the water has formed grottos in solid rock cliffs. They have made a walkway where you can go in and see these amazing water caves. From inside the waves are thunderous. The water is beautiful emerald and perfectly clear. Beautiful! The only problem we had was no taxi to return. Thanks to God a kind man called for one to come for us and we are now safe in our room. My phone battery has died so I will finish this tomorrow. Its 10:35 and i am exhausted. Scotty has walked me many miles today. It has been a great day!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Saturday, July 17
Saturday, July 17
This is Shabbat (Sabbath) so our breakfast was somewhat different. It was good but they do not cook on Shabbot so no omelets or waffles. Everything has to be prepared the day before, and before Shabbot begins at 6pm on Friday. They have a white melon that is so sweet and delicious, a honeydew I suppose.
People were walking on the beach walkway when we went to bed and when we got up. Many are out swimming now. They keep going out further than the limit and the lifeguard keeps calling them back in or going out in the Seadoo to get them. We could feel the undertow even in waist deep water yesterday. This reminds me of Hebrews 12 where it talks about Gods discipline of us because of His love for us. He disciplines us when we get out of His will because of His great love. That reminds me of the song "How Deep The Father's Love For Us". I love that song. I posted the youtube link to it on the blog earlier. We sang it last week at Christs Church in Jerusalem and its been in my head all week. Beautiful words.
We went to a Messianic congregation church today with the Bridgers. The gave us receivers and headphones where we could hear the English translation. Scotty and I were tied together sharing 1 receiver with 1 earpiece each. The worship service was 2 hrs. Wonderful music but no songs we knew. They had screens with an english version of the Hebrew words so we could sing along. Some gave the English translation for us to read as well. Beautiful words of praise to Yeshua which is wonderful to hear in this country. The church was packed with Jews, Arabs, Russians, Finnish and a few of us Americans - well us and the Bridgers and another missionary family. Good time of worship to our God who is so worthy. The pastor is an Arab Israeli and he brought a wonderful mess age.
We enjoyed some beach and pool time this afternoon, about an hr and a half is all Scotty could stand.
The Bridgers picked us up at 5:30 to go to Caesarea by the Sea for dinner. We had a wonderful meal at the Port Cafe. The boys enjoyed playing in a grassy area near some of the ruins of Caesarea. They live in an apartment on the 12th floor. Actually there is very little grass here in this country. Those are precious boys with lots of energy ( ages 6, 4, 2 and Moriah just turned 1. Im enjoying getting to know them better. Pray for this family as they serve the Lord here.
The Lord provided a spectacular sunset for us to enjoy before the 20 minute drive back to Haifa!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday, July 16
Friday, July 16
It has been a beautiful day in Haifa. We started the day with a late buffet breakfast which comes with our room. It was so good - omelets made to order, all kinds of fresh fruits, dates, breads,cheeses, waffles,yogurt and all kinds of salad veggies and raw fish.
We then walked to the mall which is over a mile away. This really was Scottys idea. We looked all over the 3 story mall. It had a grocery store so bought a few items there and had a McDonalds ice cream cone before we left.
We walked down to a bus stop. For 6.20 shekel (less than $2) you can ride the city bus for 1.5 hr so we rode around the city for a while and then back to our hotel. We went down to the beach and enjoyed some time in the Mediterrean Sea. We had seen it many times but this was our first time to swim in the beautiful Sea. We actually watched the sunset over the Sea from our room where we enjoyed our pita bread, banana and peanut butter dinner.
We plan to attend church tomorrow with the Bridgers. I think it is a Messianic Jewish congregation (Hebrew speaking). There are not any English speaking churches. We look forward to worshipping with other believers here.
Shalom
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday, July 15
We started our day in Jerusalem but are now in Haifa. We worked at the Garden Tomb this morning then packed up and took the bus to Haifa. This was a first for us to take a public bus. It was nice and not expensive. The taxi to bus station and from bus station to hotel cost more than the 2 hr bus ride. We decided rather than come here and back to Jerusalem we would just stay our last few days here in beautiful Haifa and rest. We went to Scott and Miriams for Moriahs birthday. We met others on their team at the party. We took a city bus, walked some then a taxi as they live up on the Mt. Carmel range. Taxi driver couldnt speak English. We had address and map but he couldnt get it. He even stopped to ask 2 pedestrians for help. Scotty got in the front and helped him find it and he then charged us outrageous amount so we just walked back. At least it was down hill. It was a lovely party and good fellowship with the Bridgers and others on their team.
It was good to get back and get a shower and now ready for bed. The room is nice and cool and has a lovely view of the Mediterranean Sea.
Bonita, i gave the boys hugs for you and lots of kisses for Moriah. I know Miriam will post some wonderful pics. I took a few but cant post now as i am just using my phone. Internet service is expensive in this hotel.
We will miss our wonderful new friends, especially Richard and Rosalind Meryon. Richard is the director of the Garden Tomb. They were wonderful to us and Im sure we will be staying in touch.
I was glad that this being our last day there I had some private time for prayer in the tomb after I finished watering the flowers. God brought many to mind to pray for specifically.
This will be remembered as a very special time in our lives. What a blessing it has been to work alongside such wonderful people in such a wonderful place.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wednesday, July 14
It is a beautiful, cool night in Jerusalem as we sit in the garden of St. George’s. I just talked with all my daughters via Skype and tried to call my mom as well but have not reached her – probably a trek to Walmart. I will try again later.
We went to The Garden Tomb this morning to water the flowers and finish our work in the apartment. We finished and it looks really nice, ready for the volunteers coming to move in for their allotted time. We also did some compost sifting as we have done most days.
We took some time for quiet time and prayer at the tomb as we do every day. There is a stone with the scripture below inscribed.
“Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulcher was nigh at hand”. John 19: 40-42
Even though this seems like a very logical place for Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and even though it looks like you have just stepped back into Bible times when you are there – the most important thing is what is written on the now added wooden door to the tomb – “HE IS NOT HERE HE IS RISEN”. It is a wonderful wonderful place and I wish all of you could come here. It is a wonderful place to worship and be thankful. There are wonderful people here who work and volunteer. It has been a blessing to get to know each of them.
We worked until lunch and on the way home we stopped at Pizza House, the little Arab pizza place. I had pizza for lunch and Scotty tried their hamburger. I don’t know why he keeps trying – you cannot get a good burger in Israel. I won’t even try.
This afternoon we took it easier as our feet were begging us to give them a break. We did walk a little in the area we are in and visited the Jerusalem Prayer Center again. We met another one of the missionaries here, Carmella, who is in charge of prayer for the Jews. She has offered to take our group coming in February on a prayer walk. Very nice lady, married to Brian who we met the other day. We enjoyed talking with her and her sharing her heart about this land. They are from Missouri.
Carmella suggested we try the Legacy Hotel for dinner. We weren’t really hungry but wanted to see the view she had told us about so we went up to the dining room on the 5th floor and had iced coffee and juice. It was a lovely view of the area and we enjoyed sitting on the balcony enjoying the surroundings and watching a hockey game on a court below as well.
We also stopped at Abraham’s shop and bought a few things to support him. His business has really been slow this summer. His wife came by and we met her for the first time. We will continue to pray for these wonderful Arab friends as they have become close to our hearts over the years.
Our dinner tonight was Jericho bananas, pita bread and some peanut butter we purchased at a nearby store. It was wonderful. Jericho bananas are small and sweet. We saved the pita bread from breakfast. Yum! Thank you Lord for your wonderful provision!
Pray for us tomorrow. We are planning to go to Haifa to visit Scott & Miriam and family. It is Moriah’s 1st birthday and they are having a party. When she invited us we didn’t think we could go but now we think it will work out and are considering just staying in Haifa the remainder of our time here rather than coming back to Jerusalem. Now, whether to rent a car or take the bus – that is the decision we must make. Pray we make the right one.
Tomorrow we will go water the flowers and Scotty, Richard and Sergey are going to clean up some at the base of Skull Hill (Golgotha). It is out from the fenced in garden tomb area but that little strip of land is owned by the garden tomb as well. It is behind an Arab bus station actually. You can see this area well from inside the garden tomb complex. This may be our last tasks at the garden tomb. They have appreciated our help and it has been a blessing for us. I will let you know tomorrow what we decided to do.
If we do stay in Haifa I won’t have as much internet access so the blogs may be shorter as I may have to type on my phone.
Blessings and Shalom
It is a beautiful, cool night in Jerusalem as we sit in the garden of St. George’s. I just talked with all my daughters via Skype and tried to call my mom as well but have not reached her – probably a trek to Walmart. I will try again later.
We went to The Garden Tomb this morning to water the flowers and finish our work in the apartment. We finished and it looks really nice, ready for the volunteers coming to move in for their allotted time. We also did some compost sifting as we have done most days.
We took some time for quiet time and prayer at the tomb as we do every day. There is a stone with the scripture below inscribed.
“Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulcher was nigh at hand”. John 19: 40-42
Even though this seems like a very logical place for Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and even though it looks like you have just stepped back into Bible times when you are there – the most important thing is what is written on the now added wooden door to the tomb – “HE IS NOT HERE HE IS RISEN”. It is a wonderful wonderful place and I wish all of you could come here. It is a wonderful place to worship and be thankful. There are wonderful people here who work and volunteer. It has been a blessing to get to know each of them.
We worked until lunch and on the way home we stopped at Pizza House, the little Arab pizza place. I had pizza for lunch and Scotty tried their hamburger. I don’t know why he keeps trying – you cannot get a good burger in Israel. I won’t even try.
This afternoon we took it easier as our feet were begging us to give them a break. We did walk a little in the area we are in and visited the Jerusalem Prayer Center again. We met another one of the missionaries here, Carmella, who is in charge of prayer for the Jews. She has offered to take our group coming in February on a prayer walk. Very nice lady, married to Brian who we met the other day. We enjoyed talking with her and her sharing her heart about this land. They are from Missouri.
Carmella suggested we try the Legacy Hotel for dinner. We weren’t really hungry but wanted to see the view she had told us about so we went up to the dining room on the 5th floor and had iced coffee and juice. It was a lovely view of the area and we enjoyed sitting on the balcony enjoying the surroundings and watching a hockey game on a court below as well.
We also stopped at Abraham’s shop and bought a few things to support him. His business has really been slow this summer. His wife came by and we met her for the first time. We will continue to pray for these wonderful Arab friends as they have become close to our hearts over the years.
Our dinner tonight was Jericho bananas, pita bread and some peanut butter we purchased at a nearby store. It was wonderful. Jericho bananas are small and sweet. We saved the pita bread from breakfast. Yum! Thank you Lord for your wonderful provision!
Pray for us tomorrow. We are planning to go to Haifa to visit Scott & Miriam and family. It is Moriah’s 1st birthday and they are having a party. When she invited us we didn’t think we could go but now we think it will work out and are considering just staying in Haifa the remainder of our time here rather than coming back to Jerusalem. Now, whether to rent a car or take the bus – that is the decision we must make. Pray we make the right one.
Tomorrow we will go water the flowers and Scotty, Richard and Sergey are going to clean up some at the base of Skull Hill (Golgotha). It is out from the fenced in garden tomb area but that little strip of land is owned by the garden tomb as well. It is behind an Arab bus station actually. You can see this area well from inside the garden tomb complex. This may be our last tasks at the garden tomb. They have appreciated our help and it has been a blessing for us. I will let you know tomorrow what we decided to do.
If we do stay in Haifa I won’t have as much internet access so the blogs may be shorter as I may have to type on my phone.
Blessings and Shalom
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday, July 13
I’m not sure our feet will ever forgive us for all the walking we are doing. This afternoon we walked to The American Colony Hotel and looked at their lovely gardens and shops. Then we walked down a new street (to us) that ended up at Yummy Corner and then on around to the Damascus Gate that way which took us through a market area. I bought a scarf for 20 NIS (shekels) because I had on a sleeveless shirt and if we decided to go in some areas I had to have my arms covered. We walked through the Old City (it is easy to get turned around so we walked more than we should have through there). We went to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher which is the historical place venerated as the place of the burial of Christ at least until the 1800s when Gordon’s Calvary and the Garden Tomb were discovered. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is built over that tomb so you cannot get the feel of how it would have looked as you can at the Garden Tomb. We then went to the Western (Wailing) Wall and each went to our areas to pray (men’s and women’s). I had to put the scarf around my shoulders and Scotty had to wear his little yamaka or kippa (they provide paper ones to be used). We walked then around the outside of the Wall of the Old City around past the Eastern Gate with lovely views of the Mt. of Olives as we went along. We walked all the way down to the foot of the Mt. of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. For the first time we were allowed to go into the actual Gethsemane which is surrounded by an iron fence. You can see through the fence the lovely and very very old olives trees and flowers. Some of the olives trees are said to date back to the time of Christ. We went into the Church which contains the Rock where they believe that Jesus actually prayed. Of course a church was built over it but you can see and touch the rock. We prayed at the Rock and were thankful that Jesus fought the battle in the garden and said “not my will but thine be done”. Thank you Jesus!
We walked back up through the New Gate back through the Old City and back out the Damascus Gate. We stopped at The Jerusalem Hotel for dinner then back to our “home” here at St. George Cathedral. I will add that we were very happy to be back and give our feet a rest.
This morning was spent at the Garden Tomb watering flowers, sweeping paths and cleaning and arranging furniture in a newly painted apartment. Yani was finishing the painting while we worked in other rooms. Hopefully he finished this afternoon and we can complete that task tomorrow. A volunteer is coming to stay in that apartment soon. The apartments there are very nice but no air conditioning. It was cool enough in this upstairs apartment while we worked.
We took time for Bible reading and prayer at the Tomb area before guests started coming in.
Of course working with all these Brits we simply must have tea or coffee at 10:30. It is a good time of fellowship. Several of the workers are from Sweden moved to Israel, one from New Zealand and one from Ukraine. Sergey from Ukraine is an accomplished Trombone player but work is scarce so he needs another job to supplement his income. There is also an Israeli working there and a Palestinian. Most of the volunteers are from the United Kingdom.
When we left the Garden to come back to St. Georges, we saw a family and the man was wearing an Alabama shirt so we stopped and talked with them. They are friends of Scott & Miriam and in the same line of work. They are in Jerusalem studying Arabic. This couple is from Birmingham, AL. Small world.
Shalom
I’m not sure our feet will ever forgive us for all the walking we are doing. This afternoon we walked to The American Colony Hotel and looked at their lovely gardens and shops. Then we walked down a new street (to us) that ended up at Yummy Corner and then on around to the Damascus Gate that way which took us through a market area. I bought a scarf for 20 NIS (shekels) because I had on a sleeveless shirt and if we decided to go in some areas I had to have my arms covered. We walked through the Old City (it is easy to get turned around so we walked more than we should have through there). We went to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher which is the historical place venerated as the place of the burial of Christ at least until the 1800s when Gordon’s Calvary and the Garden Tomb were discovered. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is built over that tomb so you cannot get the feel of how it would have looked as you can at the Garden Tomb. We then went to the Western (Wailing) Wall and each went to our areas to pray (men’s and women’s). I had to put the scarf around my shoulders and Scotty had to wear his little yamaka or kippa (they provide paper ones to be used). We walked then around the outside of the Wall of the Old City around past the Eastern Gate with lovely views of the Mt. of Olives as we went along. We walked all the way down to the foot of the Mt. of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. For the first time we were allowed to go into the actual Gethsemane which is surrounded by an iron fence. You can see through the fence the lovely and very very old olives trees and flowers. Some of the olives trees are said to date back to the time of Christ. We went into the Church which contains the Rock where they believe that Jesus actually prayed. Of course a church was built over it but you can see and touch the rock. We prayed at the Rock and were thankful that Jesus fought the battle in the garden and said “not my will but thine be done”. Thank you Jesus!
We walked back up through the New Gate back through the Old City and back out the Damascus Gate. We stopped at The Jerusalem Hotel for dinner then back to our “home” here at St. George Cathedral. I will add that we were very happy to be back and give our feet a rest.
This morning was spent at the Garden Tomb watering flowers, sweeping paths and cleaning and arranging furniture in a newly painted apartment. Yani was finishing the painting while we worked in other rooms. Hopefully he finished this afternoon and we can complete that task tomorrow. A volunteer is coming to stay in that apartment soon. The apartments there are very nice but no air conditioning. It was cool enough in this upstairs apartment while we worked.
We took time for Bible reading and prayer at the Tomb area before guests started coming in.
Of course working with all these Brits we simply must have tea or coffee at 10:30. It is a good time of fellowship. Several of the workers are from Sweden moved to Israel, one from New Zealand and one from Ukraine. Sergey from Ukraine is an accomplished Trombone player but work is scarce so he needs another job to supplement his income. There is also an Israeli working there and a Palestinian. Most of the volunteers are from the United Kingdom.
When we left the Garden to come back to St. Georges, we saw a family and the man was wearing an Alabama shirt so we stopped and talked with them. They are friends of Scott & Miriam and in the same line of work. They are in Jerusalem studying Arabic. This couple is from Birmingham, AL. Small world.
Shalom
Monday, July 12, 2010
Monday, July 12
We are becoming more and more like Jesus at least in one way – we are walking everywhere we go. We just back from walking several miles over to Narkiss Street and back. Baptists have a property there so went over to see the missionaries. We met Jerry and Brian and had a nice time of sharing and fellowship with them. We (Southern Baptists) own two properties in Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Prayer Center near where we are staying and the Narkiss St property where the main offices are and this location also has an area where several congregations meet for worship. It also has an apartment and we painted that apartment when we came in 2007 on the mission trip here.
Jerry shared that they are having camps last week this week and next week at The Baptist Village. I believe he said that 16 were saved last week. He also shared that it is illegal to share with a child without parent’s permission so anyone who send their child to camp has to sign a paper that says that they understand that Christianity will be taught. Many who come are from Messianic Jewish families but he said they bring other Jewish friends with them.
Jerry also works with a house church in Tel Aviv and he just recently baptized 9 converts in the Jordan River.
It is difficult to share here because the Jews and the Muslims are so strong in their own beliefs. Most believe Jesus was a good prophet just not the Messiah, the son of God. Pray for those here. We are praying as we go out among the people that God would break through this stronghold of religion and let them see Jesus for one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess.
Our morning was spent at the Garden Tomb. We got there early today to water the flowers as Rosalind who normally waters them has a mission project this week in Bethlehem. We watered the many pots of flowers, sifted some compost and did some cleaning. We spent some time listening to an Indonesian group worship and worshipping along with them. It was awesome. I will try to post a video but no promises as it takes about 30 minutes to upload videos. It was a blessing to be a part of that worship time.
We pass by Abraham’s shop several times a day. He is so friendly and nice and always speaks to us. I pray for him as I go by – he is Muslim. We also pass by the US Embassy several times a day, it is just up the road as well. Just around the corner the other way is the American Colony Hotel where Horatio Spafford and his wife lived after their children died. He wrote “It Is Well With My Soul”. Go to these sites and it tells the story in more detail than I have ever heard. After this tragedy they came to Jerusalem to live a simple life and their charitable door was open to to Jewish and Bedouin.
http://www.biblestudycharts.com/A_Daily_Hymn
http://www.americancolony.com/History/tabid/56/Default.aspx
In that link above you will read about a daughter that was born to the Spaffords later, Bertha and she actually lived in the house that is now The Jerusalem Prayer Center at one time.
Tomorrow we may try something new so pray for us.
Shalom
We are becoming more and more like Jesus at least in one way – we are walking everywhere we go. We just back from walking several miles over to Narkiss Street and back. Baptists have a property there so went over to see the missionaries. We met Jerry and Brian and had a nice time of sharing and fellowship with them. We (Southern Baptists) own two properties in Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Prayer Center near where we are staying and the Narkiss St property where the main offices are and this location also has an area where several congregations meet for worship. It also has an apartment and we painted that apartment when we came in 2007 on the mission trip here.
Jerry shared that they are having camps last week this week and next week at The Baptist Village. I believe he said that 16 were saved last week. He also shared that it is illegal to share with a child without parent’s permission so anyone who send their child to camp has to sign a paper that says that they understand that Christianity will be taught. Many who come are from Messianic Jewish families but he said they bring other Jewish friends with them.
Jerry also works with a house church in Tel Aviv and he just recently baptized 9 converts in the Jordan River.
It is difficult to share here because the Jews and the Muslims are so strong in their own beliefs. Most believe Jesus was a good prophet just not the Messiah, the son of God. Pray for those here. We are praying as we go out among the people that God would break through this stronghold of religion and let them see Jesus for one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess.
Our morning was spent at the Garden Tomb. We got there early today to water the flowers as Rosalind who normally waters them has a mission project this week in Bethlehem. We watered the many pots of flowers, sifted some compost and did some cleaning. We spent some time listening to an Indonesian group worship and worshipping along with them. It was awesome. I will try to post a video but no promises as it takes about 30 minutes to upload videos. It was a blessing to be a part of that worship time.
We pass by Abraham’s shop several times a day. He is so friendly and nice and always speaks to us. I pray for him as I go by – he is Muslim. We also pass by the US Embassy several times a day, it is just up the road as well. Just around the corner the other way is the American Colony Hotel where Horatio Spafford and his wife lived after their children died. He wrote “It Is Well With My Soul”. Go to these sites and it tells the story in more detail than I have ever heard. After this tragedy they came to Jerusalem to live a simple life and their charitable door was open to to Jewish and Bedouin.
http://www.biblestudycharts.com/A_Daily_Hymn
http://www.americancolony.com/History/tabid/56/Default.aspx
In that link above you will read about a daughter that was born to the Spaffords later, Bertha and she actually lived in the house that is now The Jerusalem Prayer Center at one time.
Tomorrow we may try something new so pray for us.
Shalom
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sunday, July 11
Happy Birthday Sarah! Today is our middle daughter's birthday and I hope she is having an awesome day. We started this beautiful day off by going to church with the Garden Tomb staff at Christ's Church which is an Anglican church in the Old City near the Jaffa Gate. It was a wonderful service with both very traditional elements and some contemporary music as well. This was my first time to share in the common cup for communion. We enjoyed worshipping our Lord with our new friends and others who were Jerusalem residents and other pilgrims as well. After the service which started about 9:30am and lasted over 2 hours the provided coffee and cookies for those who attended. They also have a meal there that you may purchase so we all had a nice hot lunch there. Christ Church has a guest house so they have meals for their guests and others to purchase.
After lunch we walked back through the Old City and over to Lion's Gate through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. Business is slow for everyone in the summer so taxi drivers were approaching us wanting to take us anywhere. We had been thinking of going to Engedi and the Dead Sea and since we had the afternoon off we took one up on his offer. He even took us by our guest house to get what we needed for the trip. Mind you - it was 90+ in Jerusalem which is 3000 ft above sea level and we decide to make an afternoon trip to the desert and the Dead Sea which is the lowest point on Earth.
We go to Engedi (or Eingedi) which is an oasis in the desert. There are many Biblical references to this area. It is where David hid from Saul (1 Sam. 23:29). In Song of Solomon ."My beloved is unto me as a cluster of henna flowers in the vineyards of Ein Gedi" (1:14) It has the only fresh water in the area. There are several falls and three pools. We hiked up to the highest falls. It was a very hot hike up as we were facing the sun. However, when you get there it is lovely and you can see the Dead Sea when you look back to the East. I posted some pics on Facebook but it was a hazy day due to the heat and you have to look close to see the Sea from Engedi. We saw many Ibex which are wild goats. Many were enjoying swimming in the cool springs. I got my feet in but we did not bring our "costumes" as our new British friends would say so we did not swim there. Our "costumes" were in the truck of the taxi for later use at the Dead Sea. Hind sight is 20/20 - the springs were cool - the Dead Sea was not.
The hike back down was much easier and the sun was to our back. After some cooling off time we went just over to the Engedi Beach area on the Dead Sea. We were expecting to cool off there but the water was so warm. The 100+ temperatures had really warmed the water so we didn't stay too long. The Dead Sea always amazes me. You cannot go under - you cannot even make your shoulders go under. It is beautiful clear water. It is called "Dead" because it has so many minerals that there is no life in the Dead Sea. It is like swimming in baby oil and it softens your skin but don't get it in your eyes - ouch!
Our taxi driver talked all the way there and back (about an hour each way). He was a very nice Arab Muslim man who believes in Jesus but not as Savior. He is like most Arab Muslims - they want to live in peace and respects the beliefs of others.
On the way back in to Jerusalem he stopped at the Mt. of Olives for an overlook of the city of Jerusalem. It was not a good time of day for pics but it was nice to take a look. I did take a few pics of the "whited sepulchers" the Bible speaks about for there is a large cemetery on the Mt. of Olives. If you look at pics I will post on Facebook you will see rocks placed on some of the graves. That is the way they show honor to a loved one - our florists in Alabama would go out of business if we had that tradition. Just a simple, inexpensive way of showing honor - I like that.
Back to our "home". Thank you Lord for air conditioning. We are sitting outside in the garden now because that is where the internet works best. When the sun goes down it gets really cool.
I hear the Muslim call to prayer in the distance.
Tomorrow we go to help in the Garden Tomb. We are not sure what the day will hold but we know who holds it.
I know Westmeaders enjoyed our friend, Lucky today. He is always a blessing.
Shalom
Happy Birthday Sarah! Today is our middle daughter's birthday and I hope she is having an awesome day. We started this beautiful day off by going to church with the Garden Tomb staff at Christ's Church which is an Anglican church in the Old City near the Jaffa Gate. It was a wonderful service with both very traditional elements and some contemporary music as well. This was my first time to share in the common cup for communion. We enjoyed worshipping our Lord with our new friends and others who were Jerusalem residents and other pilgrims as well. After the service which started about 9:30am and lasted over 2 hours the provided coffee and cookies for those who attended. They also have a meal there that you may purchase so we all had a nice hot lunch there. Christ Church has a guest house so they have meals for their guests and others to purchase.
After lunch we walked back through the Old City and over to Lion's Gate through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. Business is slow for everyone in the summer so taxi drivers were approaching us wanting to take us anywhere. We had been thinking of going to Engedi and the Dead Sea and since we had the afternoon off we took one up on his offer. He even took us by our guest house to get what we needed for the trip. Mind you - it was 90+ in Jerusalem which is 3000 ft above sea level and we decide to make an afternoon trip to the desert and the Dead Sea which is the lowest point on Earth.
We go to Engedi (or Eingedi) which is an oasis in the desert. There are many Biblical references to this area. It is where David hid from Saul (1 Sam. 23:29). In Song of Solomon ."My beloved is unto me as a cluster of henna flowers in the vineyards of Ein Gedi" (1:14) It has the only fresh water in the area. There are several falls and three pools. We hiked up to the highest falls. It was a very hot hike up as we were facing the sun. However, when you get there it is lovely and you can see the Dead Sea when you look back to the East. I posted some pics on Facebook but it was a hazy day due to the heat and you have to look close to see the Sea from Engedi. We saw many Ibex which are wild goats. Many were enjoying swimming in the cool springs. I got my feet in but we did not bring our "costumes" as our new British friends would say so we did not swim there. Our "costumes" were in the truck of the taxi for later use at the Dead Sea. Hind sight is 20/20 - the springs were cool - the Dead Sea was not.
The hike back down was much easier and the sun was to our back. After some cooling off time we went just over to the Engedi Beach area on the Dead Sea. We were expecting to cool off there but the water was so warm. The 100+ temperatures had really warmed the water so we didn't stay too long. The Dead Sea always amazes me. You cannot go under - you cannot even make your shoulders go under. It is beautiful clear water. It is called "Dead" because it has so many minerals that there is no life in the Dead Sea. It is like swimming in baby oil and it softens your skin but don't get it in your eyes - ouch!
Our taxi driver talked all the way there and back (about an hour each way). He was a very nice Arab Muslim man who believes in Jesus but not as Savior. He is like most Arab Muslims - they want to live in peace and respects the beliefs of others.
On the way back in to Jerusalem he stopped at the Mt. of Olives for an overlook of the city of Jerusalem. It was not a good time of day for pics but it was nice to take a look. I did take a few pics of the "whited sepulchers" the Bible speaks about for there is a large cemetery on the Mt. of Olives. If you look at pics I will post on Facebook you will see rocks placed on some of the graves. That is the way they show honor to a loved one - our florists in Alabama would go out of business if we had that tradition. Just a simple, inexpensive way of showing honor - I like that.
Back to our "home". Thank you Lord for air conditioning. We are sitting outside in the garden now because that is where the internet works best. When the sun goes down it gets really cool.
I hear the Muslim call to prayer in the distance.
Tomorrow we go to help in the Garden Tomb. We are not sure what the day will hold but we know who holds it.
I know Westmeaders enjoyed our friend, Lucky today. He is always a blessing.
Shalom
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Saturday, July 10
Breakfast in the lovely garden of St. George Cathedral. They have a buffet of cereal, milk, coffee, tea, juice, pita bread, cheese, turkey, cucumbers, tomatoes, hummus, toast, jellies, butter and some type of fresh fruit each day. So far it has been the same each day except the fruit changes. It is a wonderful breakfast.
This morning we went to the Jerusalem Prayer Center. I will post pics on Facebook later – sorry this blog does not let me post pics. The J-House as it is also called sometimes is owned by Southern Baptists. It is a wonderful and very valuable property that was purchased many years ago when property was not as expensive. You can go to Jerusalemprayercenter.com to read more about this. We we came on a mission trip here in 2007 with Kenny Spain we worked on the library in this building, you may remember seeing pictures or hearing us talk about that being one of our projects here. It was called a prayer center then as well and there was a room for prayer. Now the entire library has been removed and both areas are now used as an Interactive Prayer Room. It is a large wonderful space where people can come in and pray for the peace of Jerusalem, pray for the nations, or for any and all concerns you may have or that others have requested. After being shown around the JPC again by missionary Dale Thorne we spent a lengthy amount of time in the prayer center praying and having quiet time with the Lord.
While at the JPC we also saw Dan who is a missionary there as well that we had met in 2007. It was good to see him again. Dan retired from the IMB in Richmond several years ago and then came as a Masters Program missionary to Israel. He works as an accountant for the IMB here. Dale and his wife are here now as Masters Program missionaries but they began as missionaries here 50 years ago and now are back directing the prayer center. They have really done a lot of work at the JPC to make it an even more wonderful place.
Some prayers I read there were:
Thomas Merton (abbreviated)
My Lord God
I have no idea where I am going
I do not see the road ahead of me…
I trust in You always though I may seem lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear for you are ever with me,
And y9ou will never leave me to face my struggles alone.
Prayer of St. Patrick (one portion)
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort me and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
Paul’s Prayer
A Prayer for the Ephesians
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole heaven and on earth derives its name.Pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,1to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
We decided to have lunch today in the old city. It was more crowded today and we definitely remembered why we do not bring groups here in summer. It is hot! It is about the same as Decatur but seems hotter somehow. We had a falafel lunch which was delicious. For those of you who may not know what that is – I guess you would call them chickpea croquettes served with several types of salads, hummus and pita bread to make sandwiches. You just stuff whatever you want in the pita bread. For $10 each it is a great meal – we may be eating that a lot! We took a walk up the Via Dolorosa Road for a while and then it was time to head back. I will post some pics I took in the Old City and some video I took just walking through the Old City. Mind you I was just holding my camera at waist level and holding it not really aiming it – just trying to give you a feel of the Old City. I will try to post that later. There is already a video posted of the Damascus gate and if you listen you will hear the Muslim call to prayer in the background.
We went to the Garden Tomb and just spent some quiet time there today. They were not really busy and it was too hot to do much of anything outside.
We went invited back to have dinner with the Garden Tomb staff tonight for a pizza going away party for three volunteers who will be leaving early next week. There was a small group of nine of us and we had a lovely dinner on the rooftop of the Garden Tomb director’s apartment which is on the Garden Tomb grounds. We have quite a lovely evening with seven British folk and us two Southern fried Alabamians. It was a lot of fun and the pizza from the Arab pizza shop was really good. We picked up the pizza on the way at Pizza House just beyond a shop called Yummy Corner.
It was quite a delightful evening with some wonderful British Christians. We are blessed with many opportunities to meet Christians.
I pray your day is blessed and that tomorrow will be a wonderful day of worship. Our wonderful friend, Lucky Teague will be preaching at Westmeade. You will be blessed to hear him bring the Word and he will make you laugh too!
Shalom
Breakfast in the lovely garden of St. George Cathedral. They have a buffet of cereal, milk, coffee, tea, juice, pita bread, cheese, turkey, cucumbers, tomatoes, hummus, toast, jellies, butter and some type of fresh fruit each day. So far it has been the same each day except the fruit changes. It is a wonderful breakfast.
This morning we went to the Jerusalem Prayer Center. I will post pics on Facebook later – sorry this blog does not let me post pics. The J-House as it is also called sometimes is owned by Southern Baptists. It is a wonderful and very valuable property that was purchased many years ago when property was not as expensive. You can go to Jerusalemprayercenter.com to read more about this. We we came on a mission trip here in 2007 with Kenny Spain we worked on the library in this building, you may remember seeing pictures or hearing us talk about that being one of our projects here. It was called a prayer center then as well and there was a room for prayer. Now the entire library has been removed and both areas are now used as an Interactive Prayer Room. It is a large wonderful space where people can come in and pray for the peace of Jerusalem, pray for the nations, or for any and all concerns you may have or that others have requested. After being shown around the JPC again by missionary Dale Thorne we spent a lengthy amount of time in the prayer center praying and having quiet time with the Lord.
While at the JPC we also saw Dan who is a missionary there as well that we had met in 2007. It was good to see him again. Dan retired from the IMB in Richmond several years ago and then came as a Masters Program missionary to Israel. He works as an accountant for the IMB here. Dale and his wife are here now as Masters Program missionaries but they began as missionaries here 50 years ago and now are back directing the prayer center. They have really done a lot of work at the JPC to make it an even more wonderful place.
Some prayers I read there were:
Thomas Merton (abbreviated)
My Lord God
I have no idea where I am going
I do not see the road ahead of me…
I trust in You always though I may seem lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear for you are ever with me,
And y9ou will never leave me to face my struggles alone.
Prayer of St. Patrick (one portion)
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort me and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
Paul’s Prayer
A Prayer for the Ephesians
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole heaven and on earth derives its name.Pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,1to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
We decided to have lunch today in the old city. It was more crowded today and we definitely remembered why we do not bring groups here in summer. It is hot! It is about the same as Decatur but seems hotter somehow. We had a falafel lunch which was delicious. For those of you who may not know what that is – I guess you would call them chickpea croquettes served with several types of salads, hummus and pita bread to make sandwiches. You just stuff whatever you want in the pita bread. For $10 each it is a great meal – we may be eating that a lot! We took a walk up the Via Dolorosa Road for a while and then it was time to head back. I will post some pics I took in the Old City and some video I took just walking through the Old City. Mind you I was just holding my camera at waist level and holding it not really aiming it – just trying to give you a feel of the Old City. I will try to post that later. There is already a video posted of the Damascus gate and if you listen you will hear the Muslim call to prayer in the background.
We went to the Garden Tomb and just spent some quiet time there today. They were not really busy and it was too hot to do much of anything outside.
We went invited back to have dinner with the Garden Tomb staff tonight for a pizza going away party for three volunteers who will be leaving early next week. There was a small group of nine of us and we had a lovely dinner on the rooftop of the Garden Tomb director’s apartment which is on the Garden Tomb grounds. We have quite a lovely evening with seven British folk and us two Southern fried Alabamians. It was a lot of fun and the pizza from the Arab pizza shop was really good. We picked up the pizza on the way at Pizza House just beyond a shop called Yummy Corner.
It was quite a delightful evening with some wonderful British Christians. We are blessed with many opportunities to meet Christians.
I pray your day is blessed and that tomorrow will be a wonderful day of worship. Our wonderful friend, Lucky Teague will be preaching at Westmeade. You will be blessed to hear him bring the Word and he will make you laugh too!
Shalom
Friday, July 9, 2010
Friday, July 9
It is now 8:30pm or 12:30pm in Decatur. It is Shabbat (Sabbath) and everything Jewish shuts down at 6pm. Friday is a Muslim holy day so most Muslim shops/restaurants were closed today. We took a taxi to Ben Yahuda Street which is a shopping street closed off to traffic in downtown (New) Jerusalem but we forgot it was after 6pm and nothing much was open. We were looking for a place for dinner so we settled on McDonalds which was the only thing we found open. Rest assured the Big Mac's are safe for there was an armed guard at the door and he checked backpacks of those coming in. We had 2 hamburgers, 1 large fry to share and 2 diet cokes and it came to 65 NIS which is about $22. The burgers were ok, fries pretty good, on with the quest to find dinner each night. Normally we are with a group and wonderful buffet breakfasts and dinners are provided at our hotel so we are not used to finding a place for dinner. Usually you can buy dinner here where we are staying but they do not have a large number of people here now so they are not providing dinner. We checked at the Novotel where we often stay (now The Leonardo Hotel) and for the buffet we usually eat with our groups it was $50 each so we declined and took a taxi to Ben Yahuda St. although not sure we came out much better. Tomorrow night is covered as we have been invited to have dinner with the staff at the Garden Tomb (Pizza from a little Arab place) - sounds interesting.
Today was good. We had our nice breakfast here at the guest house in the lovely garden and then went to the Garden Tomb to see what they had for us to do. I started by helping clean the reception office and Scotty started with sifting the compost. After I finished my task I went to help him which is what I preferred. I really wanted to be outside. We worked on the composting until about 11:30 and then had some quiet time in the garden. In the afternoon we followed some groups around to listen to the guides and listen to the groups worshipping. I helped some in the afternoon with some archiving as well.
It is amazing that people come from all over the world to this Garden Tomb. If it is not the actual tomb where Jesus was laid, the setting must be very similar to the actual tomb. The garden was definitely owned by a rich man as it contains one of the largest cisterns in the country. The tomb was carved out of a stone with two compartments, only 1 was ever finished and used (and if this is the tomb of Jesus then it was only used for a couple of days). The setting is just awesome and from the garden you can a hill that looks like a skull. It is actually just adjacent to the garden.
The main thing to remember about the garden tomb is that it is EMPTY! Our LORD is alive and at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.
Matt 27
57As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.
Matt 28
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
It is now 8:30pm or 12:30pm in Decatur. It is Shabbat (Sabbath) and everything Jewish shuts down at 6pm. Friday is a Muslim holy day so most Muslim shops/restaurants were closed today. We took a taxi to Ben Yahuda Street which is a shopping street closed off to traffic in downtown (New) Jerusalem but we forgot it was after 6pm and nothing much was open. We were looking for a place for dinner so we settled on McDonalds which was the only thing we found open. Rest assured the Big Mac's are safe for there was an armed guard at the door and he checked backpacks of those coming in. We had 2 hamburgers, 1 large fry to share and 2 diet cokes and it came to 65 NIS which is about $22. The burgers were ok, fries pretty good, on with the quest to find dinner each night. Normally we are with a group and wonderful buffet breakfasts and dinners are provided at our hotel so we are not used to finding a place for dinner. Usually you can buy dinner here where we are staying but they do not have a large number of people here now so they are not providing dinner. We checked at the Novotel where we often stay (now The Leonardo Hotel) and for the buffet we usually eat with our groups it was $50 each so we declined and took a taxi to Ben Yahuda St. although not sure we came out much better. Tomorrow night is covered as we have been invited to have dinner with the staff at the Garden Tomb (Pizza from a little Arab place) - sounds interesting.
Today was good. We had our nice breakfast here at the guest house in the lovely garden and then went to the Garden Tomb to see what they had for us to do. I started by helping clean the reception office and Scotty started with sifting the compost. After I finished my task I went to help him which is what I preferred. I really wanted to be outside. We worked on the composting until about 11:30 and then had some quiet time in the garden. In the afternoon we followed some groups around to listen to the guides and listen to the groups worshipping. I helped some in the afternoon with some archiving as well.
It is amazing that people come from all over the world to this Garden Tomb. If it is not the actual tomb where Jesus was laid, the setting must be very similar to the actual tomb. The garden was definitely owned by a rich man as it contains one of the largest cisterns in the country. The tomb was carved out of a stone with two compartments, only 1 was ever finished and used (and if this is the tomb of Jesus then it was only used for a couple of days). The setting is just awesome and from the garden you can a hill that looks like a skull. It is actually just adjacent to the garden.
The main thing to remember about the garden tomb is that it is EMPTY! Our LORD is alive and at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.
Matt 27
57As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.
Matt 28
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Photo Album
Pics will be on Facebook. I hope you can get there from this link below.
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=2062788&id=1559436237&ref=mfhe
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/album.php?aid=2062788&id=1559436237&ref=mfhe
Sabbatical Blog
Saturday, July 3
Today we traveled to Lawrenceburg, TN for the 50th anniversary of a former pastor of Scotty's and his wife, Bob & Katie McIlwain. He was Scotty's pastor when he was around 12 years old at Shady Grove at Neel. When we went to our first pastorate, Katie's mom, Mrs. Ena Gunn was a member there. She became a close friend for more than 30 years until she passed away this last year at the age of 97. She was a great lady and a great prayer warrior for Scotty. She called and sent letters at least monthly all these years. That family became great friends and it was good to see many of them again at the lovely celebration. We traveled on to Hendersonville, TN for the night.
Sunday, July 4
Today we planned to visit the great church, FBC Hendersonville, TN where our friends Bruce and Joy Chesser serve as pastor and wife. Since we got up early we went to early service at the Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville. Two great churches, one very contemporary and one very tradition but both very honoring to our Lord. Ed Stetser preached at Long Hollow while the pastor was away and brought a great message. Bruce Chesser brought a wonderful message as well. We went out to lunch with the Chessers and enjoyed fellowship with them. Then back to Decatur in the afternoon.
Monday, July 5
Today was spent in preparation for our trip. For me (kathy) that included pedicures with Linda and Joy. For Scotty that meant mowing the yard and golf with Kevin and Emory. Lots of last minute things had to be done to be ready to be away for 2 weeks. Today I visited my new great great nephew who was born July 4 late in the evening. Grayson Corey Conour weighed 7 lbs and 5 oz and he was 4 weeks early. Thank you to all who have prayed for my niece, Whitley as she went into labor many times over the past months and we are thankful she was able to carry him this long and have a healthy baby. My mom is now a great great grandmother! Wow! Praise the LORD!
Tuesday, July 6
Julie took us to the airport for our 3:20 flight to Atlanta. Our flight from Atlanta was at 10:15. On this long flight (over 11 hours) somehow Scotty's seat had been changed and we were not seated together. I think he slept a lot and I did not sleep much. I enjoyed talking with the lady next to me. She was Jewish from Israel but now living in Cincinatti. She married a Baptist though from the US. I read a little Beth Moore book on the way so i gave her that and it included the plan of salvation. We talked about some of our favorite places in Israel of which many were the same. I pray God will touch her heart – I’m sure her husband is sharing with her as well. We believe in the same God, most Jewish people however do not believe that Jesus was the sacrifice for our sins and that we must go through Him for salvation and eternal life.
Wednesday, July 7
By the time we arrived to Tel Aviv it was Wednesday and it seems we missed a day somewhere and I know I missed a night's sleep. when we got through Customs and got our luggage Scott, Miriam and the children were there waiting for us. We had a nice visit with them. They all looked great. We delivered two suitcases of "stuff" to them sent by Bonita. They are always glad to get these care packages. We got a shuttle then on to Jerusalem and got to our room about 8:30-9pm. Our accommodations are very nice. We are staying at the St. George Cathedral Guest House which is near the hotels where we normally stay in Jerusalem. For those of you who know Abraham who has the little shop on Nablus St, this is just down and across from his shop.
They have a wonderful garden where you can have breakfast or spend quiet time during the day/night. They also have wireless internet that is assessible out here so that is where I am right now.
Thursday, July 8 - PM
We had breakfast this morning in the lovely garden along with a quiet time. Matt. 6:33 is our scripture for today. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” We went to the Garden Tomb this morning, met those in charge as well as some volunteers. Wonderful and pleasant people. They showed us around and talked to us about some ways we can help out. We will be doing some gardening and composting for sure. Kathy may help in the archives and administration area as well. Scotty may be leading some groups through after all as it looks like they may be a bit short handed in that area next week. We can stay and visit in the Garden as much as we like and we are under no obligation to “work” but we want to help out and they are appreciative of that.
We went back this afternoon for a while and listened while a young Jewish student led a group through although he was speaking Hebrew. It was not busy today so we had time just relax and enjoy the garden and pray, go into the tomb area. Praise the LORD for the empty tomb.
We took a walk through the Old City, beginning at the Damascus Gate (insert pic) and coming out at the Jaffa Gate. Then we walked back to our "home" for the week. We stopped for a visit with Abraham who owns a little shop where we always take groups. We had dinner at The Jerusalem Hotel restaurant recommended by Abraham.
We are out in the Garden area of St. George Cathedral. It is lovely and cool this evening and quiet except for the Muslim call to prayer that we are hearing right now.
Mark 16:6-7
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
It has been a good and pleasant day. Pray for us as we will pray for you. God is good – all the time!
Shalom
Bro. Scotty & Kathy
Today we traveled to Lawrenceburg, TN for the 50th anniversary of a former pastor of Scotty's and his wife, Bob & Katie McIlwain. He was Scotty's pastor when he was around 12 years old at Shady Grove at Neel. When we went to our first pastorate, Katie's mom, Mrs. Ena Gunn was a member there. She became a close friend for more than 30 years until she passed away this last year at the age of 97. She was a great lady and a great prayer warrior for Scotty. She called and sent letters at least monthly all these years. That family became great friends and it was good to see many of them again at the lovely celebration. We traveled on to Hendersonville, TN for the night.
Sunday, July 4
Today we planned to visit the great church, FBC Hendersonville, TN where our friends Bruce and Joy Chesser serve as pastor and wife. Since we got up early we went to early service at the Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville. Two great churches, one very contemporary and one very tradition but both very honoring to our Lord. Ed Stetser preached at Long Hollow while the pastor was away and brought a great message. Bruce Chesser brought a wonderful message as well. We went out to lunch with the Chessers and enjoyed fellowship with them. Then back to Decatur in the afternoon.
Monday, July 5
Today was spent in preparation for our trip. For me (kathy) that included pedicures with Linda and Joy. For Scotty that meant mowing the yard and golf with Kevin and Emory. Lots of last minute things had to be done to be ready to be away for 2 weeks. Today I visited my new great great nephew who was born July 4 late in the evening. Grayson Corey Conour weighed 7 lbs and 5 oz and he was 4 weeks early. Thank you to all who have prayed for my niece, Whitley as she went into labor many times over the past months and we are thankful she was able to carry him this long and have a healthy baby. My mom is now a great great grandmother! Wow! Praise the LORD!
Tuesday, July 6
Julie took us to the airport for our 3:20 flight to Atlanta. Our flight from Atlanta was at 10:15. On this long flight (over 11 hours) somehow Scotty's seat had been changed and we were not seated together. I think he slept a lot and I did not sleep much. I enjoyed talking with the lady next to me. She was Jewish from Israel but now living in Cincinatti. She married a Baptist though from the US. I read a little Beth Moore book on the way so i gave her that and it included the plan of salvation. We talked about some of our favorite places in Israel of which many were the same. I pray God will touch her heart – I’m sure her husband is sharing with her as well. We believe in the same God, most Jewish people however do not believe that Jesus was the sacrifice for our sins and that we must go through Him for salvation and eternal life.
Wednesday, July 7
By the time we arrived to Tel Aviv it was Wednesday and it seems we missed a day somewhere and I know I missed a night's sleep. when we got through Customs and got our luggage Scott, Miriam and the children were there waiting for us. We had a nice visit with them. They all looked great. We delivered two suitcases of "stuff" to them sent by Bonita. They are always glad to get these care packages. We got a shuttle then on to Jerusalem and got to our room about 8:30-9pm. Our accommodations are very nice. We are staying at the St. George Cathedral Guest House which is near the hotels where we normally stay in Jerusalem. For those of you who know Abraham who has the little shop on Nablus St, this is just down and across from his shop.
They have a wonderful garden where you can have breakfast or spend quiet time during the day/night. They also have wireless internet that is assessible out here so that is where I am right now.
Thursday, July 8 - PM
We had breakfast this morning in the lovely garden along with a quiet time. Matt. 6:33 is our scripture for today. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” We went to the Garden Tomb this morning, met those in charge as well as some volunteers. Wonderful and pleasant people. They showed us around and talked to us about some ways we can help out. We will be doing some gardening and composting for sure. Kathy may help in the archives and administration area as well. Scotty may be leading some groups through after all as it looks like they may be a bit short handed in that area next week. We can stay and visit in the Garden as much as we like and we are under no obligation to “work” but we want to help out and they are appreciative of that.
We went back this afternoon for a while and listened while a young Jewish student led a group through although he was speaking Hebrew. It was not busy today so we had time just relax and enjoy the garden and pray, go into the tomb area. Praise the LORD for the empty tomb.
We took a walk through the Old City, beginning at the Damascus Gate (insert pic) and coming out at the Jaffa Gate. Then we walked back to our "home" for the week. We stopped for a visit with Abraham who owns a little shop where we always take groups. We had dinner at The Jerusalem Hotel restaurant recommended by Abraham.
We are out in the Garden area of St. George Cathedral. It is lovely and cool this evening and quiet except for the Muslim call to prayer that we are hearing right now.
Mark 16:6-7
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
It has been a good and pleasant day. Pray for us as we will pray for you. God is good – all the time!
Shalom
Bro. Scotty & Kathy
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