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