(6-19-10) We have arrived!
It is 5:50 AM “J” time, 10:50 PM at home. We touched down on “J” soil at 12:05 AM this morning. Our flights were good, everyone arrived safely along with all our luggage! Already Steve’s trip is off to a better start. We spent our first evening here in a guest house owned and operated by the SBC. This is yet another example of our Cooperative Program dollars being well spent. Our two apartments are quite comfortable. Speaking of comfortable the temperature is quite wonderful this time of day. As I sit on this patio I am quite comfortable. There is not a cloud in the sky. Later today temperatures will reach the high 90’s. This morning we will drive to the Wadi, a 3-4 hour drive from here.
The ten hour layover in London was quite a treat. Six of our team ventured out on the Underground from Heathrow to center city London. We came up to ground level to the sight of Big Ben. And yes Ben is big and was quite impressive. We saw the Parliament building, Westminster Abbey, toured St. Margaret’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace. As providence would have it we got to Buckingham Palace just in time to see part of the changing of the guard which was quite impressive. The six of us also enjoyed a lunch of traditional fish and chips. And oh yes, we walked what seemed like a hundred miles. The other members of our team remained at the airport and stood guard over our carry on luggage.
As we flew in last evening and I could see the lights dotting the landscape in the place where Jesus walked, I could help the thrill I felt to be coming to a place where so much of our faith history has been experienced. Even as we are in the middle of the CourageouS series where I sit right this very moment is not far from where the people camped as they awaited the crossing over the Jordan River. Later today we as we travel to our home base for this week we will traverse the same territory as that the Israelites journeyed, our final destination being the place where Moses struck the rock to bring forth fresh water in the desert. While we have come to share the love of our Father in this land where so many are so far from him, I am wondering what the Father will have to say to me as I traverse these historic and holy grounds.
Please continue to lift us before the Father. Tomorrow we begin our teaching and will lead worship in the house church with our people who work here.
(6-20-10) The Work Begins
Sunday is the first day of the work week here. So, the English classes began this morning. They ladies are working at a Peace Corps facility with girls and had fifteen this morning. The guys are working at the Social Development Office. We had twelve students this morning. Both groups got off to a good start and we are thankful for all our students.
This is amazing country. We left the capitol after lunch yesterday and made our way to the Wadi. Along the way there were vast stretches of barrenness. It was miles of hot dry desert with almost nothing looking alive. At one point along the way we stopped traveling south and turned west toward the Wadi. It was amazing how quickly the landscape changed. Suddenly we were in the hill country. Before long we passed the spring where Moses had stuck the rock during Israel’s wilderness wanderings. And there nestled in and upon the hills is the Wadi and in the distance the mountains of Petra. It is a fascinating village. Upon arrival we were immediately surrounded by a group of boys curious about the visitors.
This morning during my quiet time on the balcony of our temporary home as I looked at the nearby hilltops and couldn’t help which one of them was where Moses had had his arms supported by Aaron and Hurr during the attack of the Amelkites. What a blessing to be in this land of Biblical history.
Tonight we have gathered at the home of one of the team members here in a nearby village. We will enjoy a lovely meal together and then have church on this our Holy day. I am humbled to lead these Godly folks in a time of worship. I am confident it will be a blessed time.
On the way here we visited a castle that had been built by crusaders in 1115. While not crusaders we have come to take this land for the Lord. Not with weapons but with the love of the Father and power of his word. Please continue to intercede on our behalf with the Father.
We are all well and quite safe.
(6-21-10) Internet Cafe
Here I sit in an internet café in the heart of the Wadi. Which by the way is not just a village? The Wadi is actually a pretty good sized town of 14-15 thousand people. It is set among steep hills and valleys. There is football on the TV and Arabic sounding music on the stereo. The café opens to the street and there is a fair amount of traffic both automobile and pedestrian. The women of the team are out with the girls doing crafts this afternoon. The other guys a milling about town in the hopes of being able to get into conversations with some of the local men. I’m all by myself here at the café hoping too to get into a good conversation. But so far no one speaks a word of English.
Our second day of classes went well for both groups. One thing I miss is the opportunity to see what’s going on with our ladies but all reports are good. They have gotten some invitations for tea in homes which is one of the things we hope for so that relationships can be established. One of our male students has invited us to go to Little Petra for an afternoon. This will hopefully open an opportunity to us to share our faith.
We had a wonderful time last evening with our house church experience. Our host couple was very interesting to meet. He is an archeologist. He has already begun a dig here two years ago and will begin again to dig this summer. He will be assisted by several teams not unlike our own. I am already thinking a return trip to work with Him would be a real treat. He is digging in an Edomite home site. He has already uncovered some important finds there and is hopeful for even greater things. What you may ask does this have to do with the gospel. Teams will dig alongside local people and Bedouins. As relationships are built conversations about faith ensue.
Tonight we go to the desert to have dinner with some Bedouins. We are told it is a beautiful setting and that the meal will be delicious. Rumor has it that it tastes like chicken.
Please keep praying.
(6-22-10) Dust Everywhere!
There is always a breeze blowing here, at least since we’ve been here there has been. Today it is wind and the air is full of dust. It’s hard on the eyes and sinuses. But the wind makes the heat more bearable and the evenings quite nice.
Our English classes went very well once again. The students really do seem to enjoy the lessons and are picking things up nicely. At the Social Development office we have quite a variety of students. We have nine women enrolled and three men. We were surprised to have more women than men. There are drivers, a computer programmer, a sociologist, a psychologist, a typist, a worker with deaf and mute children, just to name a few.
Our meal out in the desert with the Bedouins was quite nice. The setting was quite beautiful. We were at the base of a mountain of rocks. When we arrived the men had already began to cook our meal. The younger folks on the team, including Barb climbed the mountain. We were surrounded by sheep, goats and donkeys all of which belong to the local Bedouins. Our host is one of 23 children in his family. His father has two wives. Some of his brothers were helping. These men were extremely cordial. The meal they prepared was delicious. We had chicken, rice, potatoes, egg plant, onion and pita bread. After dinner we prepared smores. We stayed well after dark and had a great time. The Bedouin men were very interesting.
Tonight the ladies are going to the home of a local woman for dinner. The men will go with her husband for dinner in a restaurant owned by a family member. We hope to be able to have conversations about the Father as we are with this family.
We only have two more days of classes left. Time is passing quickly. Please pray that in the time we have left we will be able to accomplish a lot. We still are all doing fine and are well fed.
( 6-23-10) Okra!
Yesterday the ladies went to play games with the girls in the afternoon. Girls here don’t get to play games much. When our ladies brought out the soccer ball Rebecca said it was like giving the girls a million bucks. Sounds like all had a wonderful time.
Class at the Ministry of Social Development today went very well. We were teaching about personal pronouns, to be verbs, and family words. We had a lot of fun. Our students truly seem to enjoy the lessons. All of our men take turns leading different segments or review times. We play games with the students designed to help them learn to speak English. They enjoy a good game of Hangman and love to play Bingo. Bingo helps them learn numbers. We only have one more class with our students. Please pray for our last day and have one more opportunity to influence our students.
The men went to a restaurant last night with a local man and his two sons. They had lived in the U.S. We had such a good time. Debbie has been working with the man’s wife. She has not been able to have much interaction with him because of the culture here. So it was really good to be able to do this. He has invited us for coffee on Friday evening. So we will have another opportunity to minister to him. The food was wonderful. I had a dish that on the menu was called “Okra.” I had to give that a try. It was quite good. It was okra, tomatoes, and lamb over rice. MMMM Good.
We are at Debbie’s house for lunch. She has a very nice home. You can be assured of her well being. It is so good to see her at work and see how she is respected and how well she does her work.
Please pray for all of us. Dale is not feeling well so keep him in your prayers. It is not serious but you know how men are when they are sick. Trust me I’m no Becky.
We really do appreciate all your prayers.
(6-25-10) Time Moves Too Fast
Time passed too quickly with our students. Yesterday was our last class and it was time to bid our students farewell. Our time was well spent with them. They learned quite a bit, relationships were built or strengthened, and future opportunities were secured. At the Ministry of Social Development a student from a nearby village asked if our hosts could come and teach English in his village in the future. There have been attempts to establish work there in the past with no success because there were no locals involved. Now there is an inroad that could develop into a real opportunity. This village has been very closed to outsiders so this opportunity is a very big thing. Also at the center where the women were teaching the director would like to continue English lessons. The new couple coming in a couple of months will be able to work with the team here to continue lessons at the Ministry of Social Development and perhaps at the girls’ center.
Yesterday afternoon we drove down to the Gulf of Aqaba to see the Red See. Surprisingly we were unable to part the sea. The Red Sea is beautiful. Steve took a swim and the rest of us waded in the beautiful clear blue waters. We could see Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and of course Jordan from where we were. While we were down that way we drove to the Saudi Arabia boarder. It was just another reminder of the oppressive spiritual environment we are in here. Being here has really impressed upon me the reality of the lostness in this region where so much spiritual history has transpired. How can we allow these people to remain in darkness when they are so close to where God had done so much of His work?
I had not imagined how mountainous this part of the world is. Wadi Musa is in the mountains and our entire drive to Aqaba was through the mountains. These are rugged rocky mountains most of the time. The mountains rise sharply with steep rises and deep valleys. Part of the rout we took was along the Kings Highway which dates back to Biblical times. Our route was also part of that taken by the Israelites. I tell you it was thrilling for me to imagine two million of God’s people making their way through some of the valleys we went through.
Today we will visit Petra, an ancient city dating from the time of Christ. The Nabateans literally carved this city out of the rocks in the mountains I am told it is an amazing place. - UPDATE – We have actually returned from Petra before I could post today’s message. What an amazing place. The journey begins with a long descending trip through the Siq (Seek) which is a narrow winding passageway through the rocks leading to the city. When you get to the end of the Siq you come to the Treasury, it has the most ornate carvings in Petra. It is no wonder this is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was quite a day involving camel rides, a donkey and mule ride up and down the mountain by Connie and myself, poor mule. Connie is quite impressive astride a donkey. I was sorry I missed Rebecca and Katie on the camels. Marvin is my new hero. He walked up and down the mountain Connie and I rode up. It is quite the climb.
Tonight we have a meal in the home of a local family. The men went out with the husband and sons earlier in the week. It will be good to see a family at home together and deepen relationships.
Thank you for praying for Dale. He is much improved and was able to make the journey yesterday. A couple of other team members have some minor intestinal things going on so please be praying for our team’s health.
(6-26-10) The Masque
Israel! We have made it hear safely. When we arrived at the border crossing we were told it was closed. I called our guide Samuel and he exclaimed impossible! I began to press the border patrol and finally found a man who had rank enough to give us permission to pass. We are now on our bus, which is quite comfortable and equipped with internet, on our way to Beth Shan.
Dinner last evening with our new friends last night was amazing. Our hosts were wonderful and the food was fabulous. Steve had an amazing experience and I have asked him to share it with you.
After sitting down to an enjoyable meal with our new friends as a group we walked on to see a sun set. While along the way a conversation was struck up among myself and another young man. We were discussing America and basketball. I started discussing my church and how we host upwards basketball. I was able to discuss my church and its community involvement but that was as far as it had gone. After the sun had set he had to go to the mosque and pray. As he got about half way down the hill he turned back and invited me to go with him. No sooner did I catch up to him did he say,” I have some questions about Christianity that I don’t understand. I have read on it but I am confused.” I was more than glad to answer his questions. It was about a 10 minute walk to the Mosque. Along the way we discussed Jesus being the son of God, the similarities between Islam and Christianity, and we discussed how as Christians we can pray whenever we want and it is not just on Sundays. I was invited into the Mosque and I said I would as long as I did not offend them by praying to my God. Upon walking into the Mosque I did all of the ritual washings, hands, arms, feet, face, neck and head 3 times. After we walked up to pray. He went and joined his fellow Muslims and I stood in the corner and prayed the entire time. When they would go to their knees to pray so would I, I just would not bow. After the Amman repeated his 3 rounds of prayer it was time to pray silently. My friend walked over and explained what was going on and asked if I would mind wait while he completed 2 more rounds of silent prayer. I agreed and prayed for a while longer. After we were done we left the Mosque, I met a few of his family members and then we walked back to the house. Along the way we continued talking about religion, but now I picked up the pace of the conversation. We started discussing John 3:16 and how that salvation with Jesus is what was separating us. I then explained that Christians are not born Christians but they choose to be Christians. I explained how I grew up in a church but it was my choice to choose my religion, he was amazed to learn that Dale did not become a Christian until he was 40 years old. I told him I could tell him all the stories but when you find it in your heart it is the spirit of God and you can feel his power and presence. When we returned to the house he promised me since I went to his church, when he returns to America he will come to mine.
(6-27-10) Worship
This morning we began our day with a with a boat ride on the Sea of Galile. We stoped the boat well out in the sea and had a time of worship. I can't begin to tell you what a powerful time it was for us. To be on the sea that Jesus had walked upon, calmed the sorm, preached from a boat in, and beside which he called his first disciples, was almost more than I could take. We prayed for all of you while we were there that you too would sense God's prescence as we did today.
(6-28-10) Galilee
Yesterday evening as I sat watching the waves of the Sea of Galilee washing ashore it was so peaceful and relaxing. I could see why Jesus spent so much of His time around this shore. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be in the paces our Lord was. I never really had an overwhelming desire to come here. But since we were going to be next door in Jordan I thought why not? I am so thankful for Bob Kiger who first raised the question about coming here, because I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. It’s hard to explain really, but there is truly something special about the experience.
As I told you briefly yesterday we began our day with a boat ride and worship on the Sea of Galilee. Sea is really an ambitious name for this body of water. It’s really only a lake. It is no bigger than Houghton Lake. But it is beautiful and the water is warm. Several of our team took a swim before dinner last evening. Our boat ride set off from Tiberius and ended at Genazerit. From there we made our way to the Mountain of Beatitudes, the traditional spot where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Like almost everything around here it overlooks the Sea of Galilee. What a beautiful setting for the most powerful sermon ever preached. Our next stop was along the shore where Jesus had prepared breakfast for his disciples who had returned to fishing after the resurrection. It is the spot where Jesus asked Peter three times about his love for Christ. Capernaum was our next stop. This was Jesus’ home base while he was in Galilee. The ancient city has been unearthed and it was quite a treat to see it. We saw what is supposed to be the house of Peter’s mother-in-law, the synagogue and many other cool things. By this time it was off to lunch. We had lunch back at the kibbutz where we were staying. All of us had St. Peter’s Fish from the Sea of Galilee. It was fried whole. Since he was looking at me I felt I at least should name him. So Ralf and I had a great lunch together. Well, at least I enjoyed Ralf. While I am not accustomed to having my food look at me while I eat it Ralf really was quite good.
We ended the tour for the day at the Baptismal site here. This site is not the actual site and was quite commercialized. But it was the first time seeing the Jordan up close so we all enjoyed it. Then we went in to Tiberius for some shopping. We were walking down the street and there was some commotion up ahead of us. The police were clearing the street because a “suspicious” item was found and the police were checking it out. We went around the block, found a McDonalds and had fountain Cokes and McFluries! By the time we made it around the block all was clear. We are quite safe here as we were in Jordan.
Today we are off to Mt. Tabor, Nazareth, Megiddo, and on to Jerusalem. Again I thank you for your prayers.
(6-29-10) Holy Land
God is good! I have always thought it would be nice to visit the Holy Land but it was never a priority for me. In fact I have made the statement before that I would rather spend the money going on a mission trip. I would not be here now if it were not connected with our trip to the other side of the Jordan River. But now that I’m here I can see the value of being here and frankly I already want to come back. I would love to return with my family. I would love to come back with my church family. There is something I’m not sure I can explain about being in these Biblical lands. I know God is no closer here than at home. But I seem to be experiencing Him in different ways here. This is the land where he cemented His relationship with a people. This is the place He chose to come to. This is the place where he purchased my redemption! How can I not be moved!
We began our day yesterday at Mt. Tabor at the site if the transfiguration. This is the place where Jesus, Moses, and Elijah all appeared together and were seen by Peter, James, and John. It is one of the highest points in Israel and the view is quite beautiful.
We went to Cana the city where Jesus was at the wedding on the third day and where He turned the water into wine. There is a church built over the site of the synagogue where it is thought the miracle was performed. Some of the ruins have been left exposed inside the church. A stone water pot was discovered in the ruins there. It was quite large and would have taken several men to move. In the church our group was alone and began to sing first the Doxology and then Amazing Grace. It was quite a moment.
From Cana we went on to the Mt. of Precipice. This mountain overlooks Nazareth and is believed to be the place where the Nazarenes tried to throw Jesus off the cliff after His reading in the Synagogue. It may be the most amazing view I have ever seen. On the one side of the mountain you see Nazareth, on the other three sides a vast valley spreads out and fields of crops are planted in such a way it appears like a quilt patchwork. And I was reminded of our Quilting Ladies and their prayers.
After lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken we went to Megiddo. This is an ancient city which overlooks the Valley of Armageddon. The place where many Christians believe the final battle to end all time will be fought. It is a fascinating site. There have been 25 cities built and destroyed over the last 7,000 years all on the same site. One of those cities was built by the Israel King Ahab. During his reign a shaft and tunnel was built to the spring which was outside the wall of the city. We were able to descend down the shaft and through the tunnel. No small thing for this fat boy because from the top the shaft looked endless. But I made it and was glad for the experience.
We ended our tour with a visit to Harrods’s Spring, the place where God reduced Gideon’s army to 300. It is a small stream coming out from a cave at the foot of a mountain. It was a quiet Peaceful place. It was good to soak my feet in the cool clear water at the end of a Hot day.
Once again I thank you for your prayers.
(6-30-10) Temple Mount
Yesterday we ascended Temple Mount. Our entire day was spent on and around Temple Mount and the old city. One thing you must understand about ancient Jerusalem. Today it is a collection of many periods of time. Most of the wall around the city today is from the Turkish period. The only section of the wall that dates back to Biblical times is the Western Wall also known as the Wailing Wall. You can tell the ancient section of the wall by the size of the stones in it. The ancient stones are much larger than other periods. No matter the period you can see the ancient stones were recycled.
Hundreds of people were gathered at the Wailing Wall praying. This is the most precious site for the Jews today so it is at the wall because it is the closest thing to the original temple. On top or Temple Mount is no temple. The Muslims have controlled this site for centuries. On the top is of course the Dome of the Rock. A shrine commemorating the place where Muslims believe Mohammad ascended into heaven. Also the largest Masque in Jerusalem stands on Temple Mount. Our time on the Mountain was limited because of the Muslim time for prayer.
There are four sections of the ancient city, the Jewish Quarter, Muslim Quarter, Christian Quarter, and Armenian Quarter. There is a tension in the area that can clearly be seen and felt. The thing that makes it safe for tourists is everyone on every side prophets from our presence and thus has a stake in keeping peace in this area.
The best part of the day was at St. Anne’s Church. This church was built to honor the mother of Mary the mother of Jesus. There was another group from the U.S. that entered the church with us. This group was from Tennessee. Two of their women stood and began to sing. The acoustics in the church were amazing. Then they led the entire group in a song and it was quite a worshipful moment.
While we are all enjoying this immensely we are also ready to come home. Tomorrow we take flight to America. We look forward to seeing you all.
(7-1-10) Emotions
The day began with a tour of Yad Vashem the Holocaust Museum. What a heart wrenching experience as we saw many photos, films, artifacts and listened to personal stories of what transpired during this terrible event in human history. The last stop in the museum was a circular room with books containing the names of 4 million names of men, women and children who were slain during the Holocaust. It was simply overwhelming. There is also another building which memorializes the 1.5 million children who were killed. Twenty four hours a day seven days a week the names and ages of the children are read aloud. The room is dark with the exception of candles burning to represent the life of each child. Due to a series of mirrors it appears to be thousands of candles. This too was quite moving.
After the museum we went to the Jerusalem model. This is a scale model of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It is amazing to see the detail of the construction of this model. It is quite an experience to walk around the city and be able to see it from every angle and imagine it during Jesus’ time.
After lunch we went to a new monument commemorating the lives of those lost in the 9/11 attacks. This is a beautiful monument with some of the beams of the twin towers and a huge bronze American flag in the middle. Around the monument are large plaques containing the names of the victims of the attack. Each of us had a rose we placed at the monument. Once again it was a moving experience.
Next stop was the Garden of Gethsemane. The actual garden is unknown. But the Gethsemane Church is built upon the ruins of an earlier Byzantine Church which date back to a few hundred years after Christ. The olive grove is quite old with trees that certainly look ancient. But at most probably only date back to the crusades.
Our final stop of the afternoon was at the Place of the Skull and the Garden Tomb. This was indeed one of the highlights of the trip. There is compelling evidence that this was indeed the tomb of Jesus and therefore the likely location of the crucifixion. It was arranged for us to celebrate communion in this place. What can I say, it was amazing!
At 9:00 PM we had an appointment to tour the Rabbi’s Tunnels. This is also known as the Herodian Tunnels. This is a series of tunnels running along the western side of the ancient city some of which proceed the time of Christ. Some of what we saw down under the city were once out in the open but have been covered by invaders of the city. For example we saw a cistern which was adjacent to the Fortress of Antonio during the time of Jesus. This fortress is the likely place of the scourging of Jesus. This was a very interesting tour. We finally made it back to the hotel at 11:00 PM. It was a long day.
This morning we will go to Bethlehem. We only have a half day and then we cross back over into Jordan and to the airport in Amman. I think we all have had an experience of a lifetime these last two weeks. I for one have. But now I am ready to come home. I am ready to embrace my wonderful wife. I am ready to see my church family. I am ready to be home.
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