Snow and Cold; Something to love

Snow and Cold; Something to love
Now that I’m back in Michigan and don’t have any cool travel log, I can use my blog to express things I wouldn’t normally get a chance say. So this is about a little pet peeve of mine about people of Michigan who whine about snow and below freezing temps. Hello, we live in the Winter Wonderland, snow is part of what happens here. Learn to embrace it, enjoy it and celebrate it. I thought I was the only one who secretly felt this way but there was an interesting article on MLive. Com http://blog.mlive.com/bradosphere/2008/12/its_winter_it_snows_deal_with.html
Anyway, its time for me to have some hot chocolate and then I’m shoveling the driveway and maybe get into a snowball fight. Wait its raining outside.  That’s something for a future post.

We are not at the Dead Sea anymore!!!

Yesterday's snowfall is quite the extreme from the Dead Sea. Let's see 4 days ago I was swimming in the Sea and sweating on my hike in En Gedi. The snow fall is beautiful (keep saying that) and the good news is that it only gets better from here until summer. The winter soltace is here so more and more sunlight is on the way.:)

Tired and Home at last

Monday was a long day of travel. We started with our last breakfast at the hotel in Tel Aviv, customs and security at Ben Gurion airport and a long flight to Newark. I'm thankful to get some work done along the way (emails, planning of some messages, etc) and I watched Escape from Alcatraz (Clint Eastwood) and Get Smart. The Newark connection to Detroit was behind in schedule so we did not get in until 12:30 AM. But my faithful chauffeurs, Bob & Mary Jo were there to pick me up and get me home at about 3:30 AM. I doubt I was a very good conversationalist, but they graciously drove over to deliver me. Thanks! so much!!! My plan is to acclimate to Grand Rapids time zone, but I think the more difficult will be the weather. Sunday I was swimming in the Dead Sea and sweating by climbing up to the En Gedi pools. Today I will probably get to shovel snow. Where is my snowsuit??? This morning I had sausage and eggs for breakfast, I haven't had pork in quite a while - it just kind of hit me as to why. Shalom!

I'm putting up this video, maybe it will work from home. I had originally thought it would work as a greeting from Israel. OOps it didn't work again. Oh well.

Great to be home and see my fam, now back to church and get ready for a great Christmas. NB, we did not see many Christmas decoration or hear many Christmas carols but I'm sure I will get overload soon.

Dec 13 Dead Sea & En Gedi

Today was a day of Shabbat – the Israeli day of rest. Friday evenings at 6:30 are generally an evening to dress up in a little better clothes, have a nicer dinner complete with Shabbat wine and songs, then generally make merriment with friends and family. They are supposed to go to the synagogue on Sat AM, but we did not have the opportunity to viist one. One interesting thing is that we are on the 17th floor of our hotel and the Shabbat elevator goes up and down one floor at a time. We learned quickly to avoid that one.

Today a few of us went to En Gedi - the spot where David hid when he was on the run from Saul.. It is a spring ½ the distance from the Dead Sea floor up to the Judean hills. A rise of over 1800 ft. We drove to the park, hiked up to En Gedi spring and then we hiked up to the cave of Adullam.
There might be two places referred to as the cave of Adullam, because there is no way it could be the reference of 1 Sam 22. But it may have been the cave of 1 Sam 24.


We saw some rock hyrax, and some kind of little rock goats and I got pictures.

Our whole group was not with us so we did not have a devotion but it made me think of stronghold. Where we need places of refuge and hide outs from our oppressors. We also need Shabbat, times of refreshment and renewal – weekly. I hope I can continue to dedicate a time strictly to “other.”

Yesterday we went to Masada, interesting from an architectural point of view, not much happened there from a Christian perspective. The bravery of the holdouts there is astonishing and the work of Herod’s palace and the Roman siege is amazing. The Romans really, really wanted to root out the Jewish rebellion forces to expend all that energy.

Dec 10 Home Of John the Baptist & Bethlehem

Today we travelled to a section of Jerusalem believed to be the home of John the Baptist. Today there is a Cahtolic church built over the spot so its kind of hard to imagine what the setting really was like and the only "old" thing around there was a part of a mosaic about 10 feet below ground level marking the spot indicating that about 500 AD it was recognized as the site of his home. So cool idea but not the biggest deal of our trip. It is however in a cool part of the city of Jerusalem, fruit markets & a couple of coffe shops - they love their "hafooch" here, which is like cappuccino. Starbucks tried to move into Israel but moved out because they couldn't compete with the local shops.

We also went to Bethlehem. We had to go through a check point and transfer to a different bus because it is Palestinian controlled. We visited Christmas Lutheran church, a church doing a lot to help the plight of the local Palestians - lots of art and classes to enrich their lives. They served us a lunch which was very outstanding!!

After that we walked to the Manger Square where the entrance is to the oldest church in the world. That was a walk through Bethlehem, like a walk through Alladin's bazaar!! The church has an entrance that was walled in so that Arab soldiers would not ride in with their horses since they would not get off their horses. This kept the site from being desecrated. Sorry I haven't figured out the picture thing. Again with the Roman Catholic/Armenean/Orthodox churches joined at the site, it kind of loses some of its spiritual appeal but again, if they were not there, we probably wouldn't have the place.

We talked and prayed through the birth of Jesus and God's humility to be born. Will we honor him by making space in life to receive what God gives to us, will we seperate a space where heaven & earth touch. Our prayer is to lead a life of humility more of His presence and less presents

Dec 9 Tuesday

Sorry about not getting a post up yesterday, the day was jammed packed and I was toast when I got home at 11 PM and I crashed out. I got a great nights rest and needed it again for a busy day today. Let me bring you up to speed about the travels in The Land - that how Israelie's talk about Israel.

Yesterday Dec 8, We started at the Mount of Olives. First of all the whole feel of Jerusalem compared to Tiberius up on the Sea of Galilee is totally different. Jerusalem is an international hustle bustle city with lots going on, then throw in the Muslim, Christian, Orthodox Jew, secular Jew dynamic and you have the mixing for an interesting brew.
Mt. of Olives - its a spectacular view of the temple mount and you can imagine Jesus looking over Jerusalem, both the temple area and the old City of David and weeping. We then went down to Gethsamane, a very steep descent. There is a church located at Gethsamane and they have preserved a grove of olive trees dated to be over 2000 years old. Amazing! Gethsame means Olive press, and just as olives are squeezed, Jesus was crushed in the crucible of God's justice. This is obviously the point of the Gospel writers telling that Jesus sweated out drops of blood.

We proceeded to walk down to the southern wall of the temple mount, saw the Hulda Gates through which people entered the whole area. Its amazing the purpose of the steps, which are totally inconsistent and irregular and very numerous. They were made this way to make people take their time and think about their entrance into the temple. We walked futher to the Western Wall - known as the Wailing Wall, aka "the Wall." Its here that you see the pictures of people rocking and praying. Its the only part of the temple mount that was not destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. We sepent time there and then part of our team went back to the hotel and a group of us drove over to Tel Aviv to pray with disabled patients at a hospital. Some people from King of Kings organized this for us. There is interesting stories to tell here but I dont have time tonight. Finally home.


Dec 9 Tuesday -
One part of the team went to a Messianic school, my group went to walk on the ramparts of the city walls, which were reconstructed by Suliman the Magnificent, Turkish rule in 600 AD. We reflected on the importance of being a watchman and gatekeeper. The gate keeper not only kept out enemies but also watched that the gates would be open for the King and all good things. Cetainly when Scripture tells us to "keep watch" the reference to watchmen and gatekeepers were the illustration they had in mind. We read Isaiah 62 that we would welcome the King of Kings and His gifts.

We hooked up everyone and drove to Yad Vasham, the Israel Holocast Museum. We heard from a delightful 83 year old Dutch woman. She came to be the leader of the Dutch resistance movement. Just a fascinating story. We went through the museum following the hour long talk. This is always so disturbing to me. I see how government legitimized the isolation and ultimate destruction of groups of people. It was amazing how "science" encouraged and promoted methodologies of experimentation on people they deemed less than human. And, of course, the Christian ( and yes Lutheran) church was relatively silent. I cannot help but to think of abortion and its supporting arguments, I pray I will be a communicating voice of God's grace for all.

We drove back to King of Kings Assembly, went up to the 14 floor to their prayer floor and service. A pastoral team to Hebrew speakers told us of their ministry and we went to the prayer service.

Tomorrow Visit the home of John the Baptist in Ein Kerem . Drive to Bethlehem and visit the Church of the Nativity from approximately 1015. Visit Christmas Lutheran Church and DIYAR Consortium at 1130. Afterwards, shop at Olive Wood store. Afterward visit the pastor of First Baptist Church Bethlehem at 3:30 pm. 5 pm Worship Service.

I cut a little video that I hope to sent to St. Matthew for Sunday or maybe Wed. I love you all and miss you. I will see you next week.

Dec 7, Sunday

Just more amazement from an amazing land.
First stop was Bet She'an - After we traveled south from the Sea of Galilee we came to this awesome spot = very extensive remains of the Biblical city Beth Shean changed in the Roman era to Scythopolis. There is excellent example of the Roman era, how Rome put its stamp on its conquered areas to show its glory. Anyway check out what you can on the web about this place. Its very fascinating. It was destroyed in an earthquake in 749 AD and rediscovered this century.



Biblically its significant as the place where Saul and his son's were displayed on the city wall after their defeat in battle. Read David's lament in 2 Sam 1. "How the Mighty have fallen" If there is every a town that shouts false security - this is it!!

We proceeded to the water supply of Beth Shaan, called Gan Hosh Losha. A hot spring that produces water throughout the year at a nice warm temperature. We made an unscheduled stop to go swimming. This place in folk lore is the "entrance to the garden of Eden. It is a popular hang picnic are, but was not busy today at all.

We drove further down the Jordan River Valley - where it is irrigated it is very fertile, dates bananas, citrus, lots of vegatables, palms. It reminds me of Bakersfield, CA. In the summer it is very hot recording temps over 120.

As we traveled south past the Gilboa mountains we entered a desert area, the northern edges of the Judean desert. This was the land of Abraham. What church planter would ever pick this place to start a church???????? Only God!!! It is very desolate We arrived at a place called the Land of Genesis, another reenactment of the Biblical era. "Eliezer, Abraham's servant, greeted us and prepared us for a camel ride to Father Abraham's tent. There we were treated to very hospitable lunch.

Abraham was taken for a journey into the desert. We too are called to desert times. The children of Israel were in the desert 40 years. DT 8: 1-5, Moses tells the Israelites to be careful in their prosperity, God took them into the desert to humble them and test them, causing them to be hungry. Giving them Manna to learn that every provision is a gift from God. We were challenged to contemplate our own humilty and hunger for God and what H e desires.

We arrived into Jerusalem, checked into our hotel and worshipped with King of Kings Assembly. I did not get back in time to call St. Matthew :( But I pray that all went well and God blessed the word proclaimed today. We got back in time to hear that some things remain consistent - the Lions lost.

Tomorrow Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethesmane, Caiphas House, Southern Steps, Western Wall, Pools of Bethesda, St. Anne's Church. Evening visit to Tel HaShomer Rehab hospital. Meet the Bristols at the gas station at 5:45 pm (@ 25 people will have dinner at Rehab center and the rest at the hotel)

Its frustrating right now that I cannot add my pictures, maybe someone can tell me why I get this message when I try to post

Saturday, Dec 6

Today we started with a drive from Tiberias to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus. We drove past the church of the Annunciation but did not stop. Nazereth has a heavy Arabic Muslim population and the whole senxe of the city is different than the Galilee area. While there are some nice places, the trash and junk strew about the city we noticeable and depressing.

Nazareth Village – We stopped at a site called Nazereth Village. This is sort of a “living museum” along the lines of the Henry Ford Museum. It is land owned by the Scottish Hospital given to whoever runs this Village. We walked through an olive garden, wheat field, vineyard and watchtower constructed to be like a small town look and behave in 1st century Israel. People in costume were picking the grapes, working in the workshop, spinning yarn and pressing olives. We were led by woman who said she was a woman pastor. My ultra perceptive senses told me it was not LCMS. :) She did do a very good job of showing the village. We went into the synagog again constructed to look the way it would have in the day of Jesus. The olive press was interesting because I didn’t know anything about getting the oil out of the fruit. The berries are crushed seeds and all, they go through 3 pressings. 1st press oil was used for anointing and for the synagog lamps, the second was for cooking and the 3rd was for lotions and home lamps. We read from Luke 5 where Jesus read from IS, ultimately saying the prophecy was fulfilled in himself. Then he gave examples of the widow of Zarephat and Naaman showing that the Kingdom of God was intended for all. This lead to the reaction of people wanting to throw Jesus off a cliff. Which in Nazereth is not hard to find, it is a town on the brow of many cliffs. One spot in particular I want to add in the blog, Just a panoramic view atop of the hill of Nazerth.

After lunch we went atop Mt. Tabor, the assumed mountain of transfiguration. There is a large Catholic church compound on its summit, but probably this is not the spot of the transfiguration since it was only 6 days after the confession of Peter in Ceasaria Phillipi, (MT 16 – 17) which would be possible but quite a hike. Mt Tabor however is a high mountain, its named Tabor because that is the word for navel and the mountain has a depression bowl at its top. As Jesus showed forth God’s glory we were identified as the tabernacle of God and asked where we need to have our minds made new (Ro 12) our transformation. And have God’s kingdom come

After this we drove to the Jordan River for Baptism renewal. First of all the Jordan was COLD, and we 5 pastors got to renew the baptisms of the people there. It was a great reminder that we are buried with Christ into his death. RO 6:4, Pastor Jim Richter reminded us of a story of a dead man throw into Elisha’s tomb 2 Kings 13:21 and the man coming to life - we are buried with Christ and we come to life. And of course raised with him in resurrection to walk in the newness of life.
Most of our group was prayed over and went through an immersion . My core temperature is still a little low and I’m trying to warm up. We came back for supper and I’m blogging, Some people are going to Tiberius. Since it’s the end of Shabbat the town will be open. I’ll pack up my stuff as tomorrow we are on the move

I do have to write about tonights meal. Sarah will be especially jealous, in a Christian way I'm sure. There is always salad and its very leafy lettuce and all sorts of additives. The fir thing you do is put olive oil on the bottom of your plate with a little lemon juice. Then the lettuce and any other relishes and salad dishes. While that is interesting it isnt the coolest part.

Then the soup portion came. A bowl was spread with humas (There is humas here all the time). Then some lentil soup was added with whole chick peas, garished with parsely, chili powder, lemon something and you eat with pita bread. Verrrry Yummy.

Tomorrow-

Beit Shean via Jericho bypass road to Qumran, Judean desert (Genesis Land – lunch and camel ride) for teaching and prayer.
End the day at King of King's Assembly at 5 pm worship

For some reason, my pictues cannot be added. Sorry

Sea of Galilee

Today was another site packed day

My roommate & I awoke for Sunrise over Sea of Galilee about 6:15 AM, but since the lake sets in a basin its not like a sunrise over water but over mountains. We walked into Tiberius to have coffee. But only a Tiberius equivalent of 7 – 11 was open and they served some coffee After Breakfast, our group traveled to Capernaum, the site of many of Jesus teachings. We saw a demonstration of the discovery of 2000 year old fishing boat. Drove to the Synagogue which is one which Jesus certainly visited as he stated at Peter’s house. We saw the remains of the house of Peter, with an 8 sided mosaic there, which has a church built over the top of it.

We took a boat ride into the Sea of Galilee. We meditated upon the miracles of Jesus and his encounters with Peter, especially John 21, encouraging us all to let Jesus get into our “boats” and have God’s grander vision for our lives. This proved to be a time where God ministered to my spirit, helping me realize the magnitude of Christ’s mission to feed His lambs and sheep, as we floated on the water and viewed the surroundings Jesus pointed out. From the sea we could see the Golan Heights, Bashaan, Mt. Herman, Svat – which was almost assuredly the City on the Hill Jesus pointed toward in the Sermon on the Mount.


We travelled to the Mt Herman region, which the Greek/Roman had built a temple to Pan the god of the underworld. It was here Jesus asked, who do people say I am? Peter gave his confession. In the midst of a pagan shrine area, Jesus declared his mission to over take the forces of darkness and the gates of Hades cannot stop the advance of His Kingdom. This i9s not the best picture but it will at least verify that the Romans had a site here. We also saw Israeli soilders, underscoring the need for these people to continue to be vigilant. True in the physical wold and the spiritual world as well.
I'm tired and I think I wont add more stuff to my journal tonight.
Its Sabbath here tonight, everything kind of chills on Sabbath from a business sense.

Blessings.


I tried to add pictures but I only got computer gobbledegook, sorry.

Herod's Theatre Greeting

Dec 4th Ceasaria, Mt. Carmel and Megiddo

Dec 4, Wow What a Day -
We arrived at Tiberias today about 5:30 and finally got to our hotel. ate and now I am able to post onto this blog. I am sorry I have been unable to upgrade this until today. Anyway, praise the Lord we made it with no problems. Here is what happened today:

First of all breakfast was unlike anything I have ever had. beside the usual omelettes, there was fish, pizza, but not like Pizza Hut Pizza ; at least 10 different kinds of cheeses and huge blocks to cut off slices; there were balls of goat cheese about the size of golf balls, all kinds of yogurts and freshly squeezed juices; and salad! All around too much for anyone to eat even to sample.

Our first trip took us to Ceasarea Phillipi. This was a deep sea port constructed by Herod the Great- The Theatre has been revamped to be functionaly seat 4,000 all made out of marble, which is not a native stone to Palestine but was shipped in from other parts of the world. You can read more about Herod the Great in the DEC 2o08 National Geographic, thanks Maury Blish for lending it to me before I left. Also there was a palace there in Jesus time which was Ponus Pilate's residence, the ruins show a very opulent stucture with a swimming pool and lots of fountains and statues. Herod also constructed a Hippodrome which was a horse/chariot race track, - think Ben Hur. This Hippodrome sat 50,000. The stuctures were amazing to see. But what is even more amazing - the kingdom of Herod is now reduced to rubble. The Kingdom of the Lord, started small right in this spot. Acts 10 records the story of Cornelius - the first gentile convert to follow Jesus. Peter went from Joppa to Ceasara to meet him and that became the bridge between the Jew to Gentile movement. The Kingdom of our Lordis still growing and the gates of Hades cannot prevail against it. Prase God that he does not despise small things and turns them into great things. Also on this complex are the ruins of Crusaders fortresses who cam much later. They constructed a mote around the structure and turned it into a fortress. I will learn how to put picture up but I'm not there yet.

We then drove up to Mount Carmel, the site recorded in 1 Kings 18 where he confronted the prophets of Baal. He called the people to radical followership of Yahweh. And there God answered in fire. What a fascinating story. We all reflected on the spirit Elijah possessed. He called people to repentance and had a passed the Lord on to the next generation. What is fascinating is that Malachi prophecied that the Messiah would "one like the Elijah"

Mal 4:6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.

On top of Mt. Carmel now is a convent of nuns, they graciously allowed us onto thier compound and we enjoyed the view This mountain is right about the Jezreel valley Directly across is the town of Nazereth, the childhood home of Jesus. He would have seen this mountain every day!!



After a lunch at a Druse sect compound we drove to Megiddo. Meggido is a town that has been conquered and rebuilt 25 times. Its greatest era was during the time of Solomon, who made it one of his miliary outposts. The location of Megiddo is strategic because it is right on the main thoroughfare linking Egypt and Assyria. The road came right through a pass between 2 mountain ranges. many famous battles were fought in this valley. In fact Revelation, describes the battle of Armeggedan which is this location.

Our final leg took us to Tiberias, we had dinner, they took us shopping and finally to our hotel. Right now I'm in the lobby of the hotel, listening to bad Hebrew Karioke. Where is Kristen Coughln when you need her.

Praying for you thanks for praying for me.

Dec 3 Travel - Travel to Detroit with John & Arlene Phillips was great, good conversation all the way and their Tom Tom led the way for us to get right to the Continental airlines area. We arrived in plenty of time which was a blessing for me to get a few more phone calls completed.

I met up with the team from Shepherds Gate and look forward to getting to know more of them later. The flight to Newark was very unpleasant. This Contiental airplane was a real crackerbox, Anyone over 5’10” had to stoop or lean to avoid conking your head on the ceiling.

The flight was uneventful just like you want them. I started reading a great book given me by Cheri Lytikainen & Adam Burmeister. The Crazy Love Book by Francis Chan. If you have the chance go to www.crazylovebook.com and watch some very very interesting videos. If you want to get a “grander, more noble” view of God watch his first video. Wow – God is good.

The layover at the Newark airport was interesting. I’m getting to know two other pastors better, Pastor Jim Richter, who I already now and now his brother in law, Phil McClain from Nashville. Both very interesting good caring pastors. Our “shop talk” is very good.

The flight to Israel is wonderful. Everything the first plane was not , this plane is. Big, spacious and only about 2/3 full. Some of our people even have 3 seats to stretch across out for sleep. I slept great on the plane. Liz packed me a blindfold, which came in handy, my neck pillow felt pretty comfortable, my roommate on the trip is John Beyerlein. Curiously, his wife sent me a couple packs of ear plugs - this forebodes something! Bu the earplugs came in handy for the trip on the plane.

I packed along an audio book Morning By Horseback, the biography of Theodore Roosevelt. I’ve listend to chapters 1 – 3, very interesting. I find myself enjoying biographies for some reason. Regarding TR I forgot how sickly a boy he was with severe asthma And now I’m learning the impact TR’s mother had upon him to stir his spirit of adventure. So far I recommend this book.

We should be landing in Tel Aviv in about 30 minutes.

Ps 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure,

Arrival In Israel

Here is a step by step account of what will happen when we get to Israel. 

1. Wed, Dec 3  Arrive in Tel Aviv on Continental  90 at 4:10 PM Transfer to hotel for dinner, walk on Mediterranean Beach & overnight.   Hotel: Dan Panorama,  Tel Aviv   - this might be nice.
   

Starting My Blog

This is a new endeavor for me, but it might be a great way for people to know what I will be doing especially Dec 2 - 16th when I take a trip to Israel.
I'm going on this trip with Pastor Jon & Sue Trinklein with people from Shepherd's Gate, Shelby Twp, MI and King of Kings, Omaha, NE. I was invited by a mutual friend Pastor Jim Richter, from Open Arms, Belleville, MI.
The title of this mission is "More of Jesus" with the purpose that as participant we would see more of Jesus work in the land of Israel and gain more of His heart as we pray for and encourage Christians in the Holy Land. Our team will be visiting existing Christian churches both Jewish and Palestinian. We certainly will be seeing the sites of Israel but the unique accent of praying for the people will take us to a Christian School, a hospital, Palestinian controlled areas - like Bethlehem. and churches in Jerusalem.

So I will try to keep everyone posted this way and if you would lift me up in prayer as I travel it would be appreciated.

Right now please pray for:
- Me to get as much work done before I leave so my church, St. Matthew - thrives in my absence.
- Liz & my family, we are excited for the opportunity but the seperation from my loved ones will be felt.
- thanksgiving for my driver to & from the airport in Detroit.
John PHillips taking me to Detroit on Dec 2
Bob Goethal picking me up on my return Dec 16,
Both of you I call Baruch - which means Blessed in Hebrew.

I'll see you all on Sunday and then if you we can keep up this way it would be cool.

Pastor Rob