Israel Day 4

Another full day beginning at Kursi. This is the place where Jesus cast out the legion from the Gadarian. Who became the first missionary. The church ruins we saw was Byzantine and the floor plan followed that of the Temple. As we were walking out the grounds keeper invited us to sit on a bench located "where a source of power is". Proving his claim by the visit of a Tibetan nun who visited there for the express purpose of connecting to the power. Let's just say NONE of us wanted to go anywhere near that bench.
From Kursi we headed over to Capernaum, Jesus second home, and home to Peter. We were taught a lot about the structure of the city. The streets running towards the water were all wide while those running parallel to the water were narrow. In Biblical times the father would build a room off the house for his son and new bride. When the room was finished he would go fetch the bride and bring her to the son. The only one who knew when this would happen was the father. John 14:2 immediately came to my mind. Luke 12:40 also fits well here. This house has over 20 rooms. Each house had at the center a large open room covered by wooden branches and palm leaves. It would have been through this that the man with the palsy was lowered down for Jesus to heal. Mark 2:1.
This is a portion of Peter's house. There was a Byzantine church over the top that was destroyed. The concrete beam you see at upper right belongs to the new church that sits over the top of the remains.
This is from in front of the remains of Peter's house. We sat under the shade of a tree while our guide explained some more about Jesus' ministry. Amazed about the preaching of Jesus along this very shore (Mark 4) we were asked to think about the maniac of Gadara, possessed by a legion of demons. Why did Jesus pick this time to head over there? It is possible that with all the time Jesus spent in Capernaum He would have heard, across the water, the maniac crying out. Therefore, Ariay, our guide, believes that Jesus went over expressly to command the unclean spirit to come out of the man. And that Jesus brought the man clothes because the people found him sitting at the feet of Jesus fully clothed. (Luke 8:35).
There were several millstones found in one yard. Probably these people made the millstones out of the volcanic rock found in this area and sold them to those on the Via Maris, or transported them to other parts of Israel via ship on the sea of Galilee. Luke 17:2 came to mind more than once as I saw the many millstones throughout our travels in Israel. Another time, I'm sure, Jesus would have been pointing as He spoke.
A mural of old city Nazareth is beautifully painted in the indoor museum of Nazareth Village. It was fascinating to walk through the remake of many things that would have been found in Nazareth in Biblical times.

What would Nazareth be without a carpenter. This man uses the same methods of carpentry that Jesus and Joseph would have used. He showed us a really neat drill used by moving a bow like instrument where the string wraps around the drill. Moving the bow back and forth causes the drill to spin.
The olive press. The finer or higher quality the oil the less weight that is used. The first press is usually extra virgen olive oil. Consecutive presses yield lesser quality oils used for lamps, etc. As the weights are lifted up the large wooden beam begins to creak and groan. Though it was not time for the olives to be pressed when Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemenee we can imagine the sounds of His working through what he had waiting before Him at the cross of Calvary.
A threshing floor. This was much larger than I expected it would be. The large board is laid flat over the barley or wheat. Weights are laid over the top and it is pulled over the top of the grain to crush and separate the outer skin fro mthe hull. The pointed fork is then used to toss the grain and straw into the air for the wind to drive the chaff away. My mind pictured Ruth laying at the feet of Boaz.
Our authentic Biblical lunch at Nazareth village. Green olives, hummus, and a red sauce. Later lentil soup, pita bread and bbq chicken was served.
Megiddo sits looking over the Jezreel Valley. Sitting along the Via Maris, Megiddo was a city under the control of many empires. Over 27 different cities have been found in the Archaeological ruins.
Looking out to the Jezreel valley from the inside of Megiddo.



Down into the water cistern.
Down, down, down

A grain silo with two sets of stairs so as not to halt the flow.

Israel Day 3

Today driving up the 90 we headed up to the northern tip of Israel along the Lebanese border. Taking a windy road up to a mountain peak we were able to look down into Lebanon. This is one of many places that the Israel army was keeping guard over the border. Many of the soldiers seemed excited to see us and posed for pictures. I found myself thankful for Israel that they have capable military guarding their borders and keeping them safe. Throughout the years this same area has been under attack from missile attacks. The missiles shot over the mountains from Lebanon would often hit in Israeli neighborhoods.

Over and over again, I'm amazed at the fortitude of the Jewish people. They have suffered such persecution and yet we dare to tell them how to divvy up their own land. And when they inhabit an area of their own land promised to them by God, that happens to be in an area they have graciously allowed the Arabs to live in, they are told (by our government) they can't build. I find it odd that the neighborhoods and communities they do build are called "settlements", as though they are living in shacks or squatting the land...land they own, land given to them by God, not by the UN. Nothing could be further from the truth.



Continuing on we arrived in Dan. Hiking through the forest along the Jordan River we stopped at a little amphitheater by Dan Spring one of the head waters of the Jordan river. It was fascinating to sit and listen to the quiet gurgling of the spring as it came up out of the ground while at the same time we were able to hear the rushing of the Jordan off in the distance.

The area of Dan is not the original allotment of land for the tribe of Dan. The land given to them by God was west of Jerusalem stretching in a kidney shaped band to the Mediterranean Sea. Seeking a place they thought was better for them, one without the trial of the Philistines, they sent sent 5 men out to find a new place for them. Right away they set up graven images. Judges 18. Not only did they leave behind their promise from God and the life He would have given them there but they moved so far from God that they passed their own children through the fire. It was heartbreaking to see the high places that Dan built for the graven images. To see also the alter where they would have sacrificed their own children. Craig Hartman challenged us with the fact that the borders of Israel have never reached beyond where they are at Dan. Our sin will limit, not only ourselves but future generations.As we walked out of Dan we were taken by an archaeological dig of a 4000 year old arch, known as the oldest arch in the world. It is believed to be made by someone from another country because the arch is made of molded bricks not of limestone or rock.

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18) Caesarea Philippi, also known in Jesus' time as the Gates of Hell, was a fascinating place to visit. The Greeks believed that this is the place where the demons from the netherworld entered our world. It became abundantly clear that when Jesus spoke of the gates of Hell, He was speaking of a literal place and He and Peter were here in Caesarea Philippi. Jesus pointed to the gaping hole in the rock and declared to Peter that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against the church. Something Ariay continues to say is that Jesus is pointing as He speaks. We need to pay attention to what He is pointing at and also to understand why He is pointing.Ariay pointed out that the land of Israel is a stage for God. On this stage, God is pointing and revealing Himself to the world. The waters of the Jordan come from Mt. Hermon and run the length of Israel finally ending in the Dead Sea and there it dies. The Israelites came to Jericho twice, the first time they backslid and wandered in the desert for 40 years. Coming back to Jericho they faced the temptation to turn back once again but this time they obeyed God's instructions and saw the walls come down. Then they headed West towards Jerusalem to finally inherit the land. We all have the choice that Israel had. Will we believe God and His promise and move forward, will we be content to stay where we are thinking that is God's best for us or will we fall into temptations snare and end up wandering?Up on the rock face are the remains of 3 temples to false Gods. I thought it interesting that the same type of alcove used in Catholic churches for the placement of their idol Mary, were in these temples. The Mt. Hermon spring also comes from this area. Another of the 3 headwaters into the Jordan river.Almost a theme of the day, we headed up to the Golan Heights to look down into Syria. It is remarkable how vital the Golan Heights are to the security of Israel. We were abel to visit a bunker used in the war in 1967. The soldiers in this bunker actually reported that the Syrian Army was gearing up for a strike but because they had signed a peace agreement with Israel the Israeli officials were hesitant to believe that's really what was happening. It is easy to see how tanks and troops could have amassed without Israel being none the wiser.Our last stop was Gamla. A Jewish stronghold city hidden in the Galilean desert where 5000 Jewish rebels hid from the Romans. After being found out and under siege they decided to commit suicide by jumping off the cliffs rather than become the slaves, or worse, to the Romans.

Israel Day 2

Today we started off in Bethsaida, a city that was home to some of Jesus' disciples (Philip, Andrew and Peter - John 1:44). As we came into the ruins of the city's mansions our guide, Ariay, had us line the narrow street (Really it was more of a path than anything) to act out a Bible story (Luke 9:10). Entering through the city gate, Ariay, acting as Jesus, began walking through the midst of us. We began to cry out, Yeshua ben David. Many just called out his name while others clammored to touch him. This living visual became quite the demonstration for us of what Jesus went through everywhere He went. People desiring to be healed seeking Him out, calling out to Him as the Messiah. Certainly, I have a much better understanding of why Jesus needed time away and why He went into solitary places to pray.

Ariay also spoke of the blind man that Jesus healed in Mark 8:22-26. After healing the blind man Jesus did not send him back into the city to share the good news. Nor did He heal the blind man within the city gates. Why? Because Bethsaida was among the three cities that Jesus had cursed. Matthew 11:21-24 and Luke 10:13-15.Within the same national park is a portion of the Jordan river. One of the few parts that actually has the flow that it would have had in Jesus' time. It was beautiful. On the way down to the river we got a personal lesson on the Sycamore tree and why it would need a keeper. One of the men climbed up into the tree while Ariay explained that men needed to poke a hole into the fruit of the tree in order for it to ripen. The tree is much larger than I thought it would be and Zacchaeus would have had quite the ability to climb. Ariay also pointed a an herb tree that he believed to be the Mustard plant that Jesus spoke of and the seeds are not much more than pin dots.

On the way back out of the park I was walking and suddenly found myself on the ground. I still don't know what happened because I don't remember tripping. I landed on my right knee tearing off the skin. My knee was quite swollen the entire trip and my entire lower leg bruised. I'm very thankful to the Lord for helping me make it through the trip with all the hiking we did and with the constant walking.


After we got my knee all cleaned up and bandaged we headed to Corasin to see the ruins of a synagogue. I'm still amazed that were actually in so many of the places that Jesus had preached and healed. We saw the Moses seat (Matthew 23:2) where Jesus would have read from the Scriptures then stood to preach to the people in the synagogue. We got a little bit of Jewish history here as well. Synagogues would have been higher up than any other bulding in the city. Not only at ground level but at height so that Jewish people walking past the city would know the city was Jewish or gentile. When the Rabbi's spoke they would have to mention 2 or 3 other Rabbi's names from who mthey gleaned their teaching or information. This also keeps with the taking of 2 or 3 witnesses when conffronting sin. However, when Jesus spoke he said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you." this established His authority as God. It is interesting to note that engraved on the stone is a Medusa. Proof that the people in this city had already begun to worship other gods. On to the Mt. of Beatitudes we were able to look down on the slope where Jesus preached. Along the sea of Galilee is a road and we could hear the cars clearly from where we were. Ariay's perspective as a military officer is that Jesus would have faced into the sun and had the people facing away from the sun. People won't follow you if they can't see you. And people's interest would have quickly waned had they had to look into the sun. Because of the time of day it is likely that Jesus preached down at the people instead of up.

Pastor Frank Camp also preached devotional on being the Salt. Salt had value as much as money did in the time of Jesus. If it had lost its savor or effectiveness it also lost its worth. We were challanged to add savor to the name of Jesus Christ so that people will be drawn to Him through our lives. The Nof Ginnosaur museum has a 2000 year old boat believed to be the type that the fisherman of Jesus' time would have used. Definitely much smaller than originally thought it is easy now to understand why the disciples would have been so frightened in the storms on the sea of Galilee. As the 5 -6 foot swells would easily have come over the sides of the boat. We also took a ride on a boat on the sea of Galilee. As we headed away from shore they hoisted our American flag and played the anthem. I can't tell you how special that was for me to be with some of the dearest people on earth seeing our flag and singing with them. Later on, Dr. Comfort, decided to play Jesus as he fell asleep in the boat. Too funny!After our boat ride we headed to Tabka. The site commemorates the miracle of the feeding of the 5000. One of the things Ariay taught us was when Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him and was so specific to him first to feed His lambs, then feed His sheep. John 21:15. He explained that because Peter was a fisherman it would not ahve been natural for him to know the first animals a shepherd must care for are the babies. The ones unable to fend for themselves. Once they are cared for then the sheep that are near next need to be fed. Then finally the sheep on the outer parts. Jesus was showing Peter what his new responsibilities were. Because Peter was a fisherman he was accustomed to judging between good and bad and throwing back the bad or the weak. Being a shepherd required feeding, not catching and judging, and then throwing back.

Another day full of spiritual truths and seeing things through Jesus' eyes. We are learning that Jesus is constantly pointing, to make a point. He knew who He was talking to and what point He was trying to drive home to them. Scripture definitely has some more clarity today than yesterday.

First Day in Israel

I think the easiest thing to do is rewrite some of what I have in my journal to take you all along, after the fact, on our trip to Israel. The posts will naturally be long and I'll try to get some pictures up along with the posts. Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Make sure you buckle up because our bus driver, Avi, likes to drive fast and there are a lot of curves in the roads here.

Oh and don't forget your notebook. There is a lot to learn from Ariay, a Jewish Christian who was born on Mt. Olives just a few months before Israel was declared a state. Later he was in the 6 day war. Had his father in law, a carpenter and Auschwitz survivor, teach him carpentry. Travelled the world in orchestras. Led the first Handahls Messiah in Hebrew. And he now guides people through the land of Israel teaching them how to see through Jewish eyes.

JOPPA , CAESAREA MARITIMA, MT. CARMEL and CLIFFS of ARBEL


Our first stop was Joppa where Jonah ran down to the port to get on a boat away from the will of God. Ultimately causing him to be thrown overboard and then he was swallowed by a fish and taken further down. The steps through Joppa literally lead a winding path down to the sea. So to say Jonah went down in his sin is literal. Napolean tried to conquer the land through this port. This area was also covered by swamps. Ariay believes that God used the swamps to keep the land for Isreal. After all if the land was choice everyone would have wanted it. As it was the fact that it was on the major trade routes from Egypt to Syria and further north made it a land much fought over.



From Joppa on to Caesarea Maritima we were able to see one of Herod the Great's palaces. Desiring to have a city appealing to Romans he built it in a way that would attract them. He was able to make a cement that could be used in the water and built a magnificent port. Along the port he had a hipodrome where olympic type games, as well as chariot races, would have been played. Nearby with a view of the stadium the apostle Paul would have been kept, in prison, for 2 years awaiting trial while the Roman authorities tried to determine why Paul was there. A large Roman theater is still in use today. And the sound is amazing in this theater. I was halfway up the center where the King would have sat, and I could hear our guide clearly and he was not even yelling. Further up the coast, and partially buried by sand dunes is a Roman Aqueduct. A water delivery system that was used quite often by Herod the Great in his other palaces.



A much further drive took us along the coast then heading inland to Mt. Carmel. You'll recall this as the place where Elijah called down the fire from heaven. So what was the significance of the water being poured onto the alter? It was more than just to wet the wood. (1 Kings 18) First the people were in a 3 year drought that had affected everyone and so water was very precious. The Israelites would have had water with them and it would have been extremely valuable. How would they have filled the barrels with water in a drought? Here is where God asks a sacrifice of the Israelites - give me your water. The faithful gave first. Then he asked a second time. And then a third. Those in the last two groups were likely humbled as they gave of what they weren't willing to give at first. In Israel water is a precious commodity so one of the greatest sacrifices people can offer to God is their water. And even greater is to pour out their water on the ground for the Lord. Just as Elijah did. Not only was God going to prove Himself powerful but he also provided for those who sacrificed. We went down into a garden area and read the story together with different people reading the different parts. Amazing! And now as I review the story I see it all, the land, the terrain, the distance travelled and the preciousness of water.

Another thing that Ariay taught us was that Elijah had to ask only once for judgement but had to ask 7 times for grace. Rain in english actually means grace in Hebrew. And the root word for rain means incarnate so the cloud literally incarnates itself into rain. The same root word is used when speaking of Jesus incarnate.



We ate lunch and headed for the cliffs of Arbel which look down upon the sea of Galilee. (Matthew 14:22) It is here that our guide believes that Jesus retreated to after the feeding of the 5 thousand. As we were up on this cliff we could clearly see the sea of Galilee. Ariay asked why Jesus waited until the 4th watch to help the disciples. Simply because it was not the time to go any sooner. It was His time to spend with the Father. Often we want to rush to save and help those in need jumping ahead of the Lord and His timing. We must learn to wait upon the Lord and for His timing. He is the only One who can calm the troubled seas and the storm and it is our faith in Him that enables us to walk through difficult circumstances. Finally, the time would have been when most of the fisherman were back in their ports and so a miracle, Peter walking on the water, that Jesus wanted to be between He and Peter would have been seen by many.

There have been many times in the past few months where I have felt as though my life, and my faith, has been tossed about upon the stormy seas. God really spoke to me and reminded me that my faith must rest in Him. Not in Scott, my children, or in my pastor, not in my friends, my abilities, or my desires for life my faith must rest only and completely in Him!

The Land

Here we are in Israel and I'm beginning to glimpse how important the land is to the Jewish people. Today was our 3rd tour day and we have seen so much. My mind is full of the wonderful things being shared from the mind of our tour guide who is a Messianic Jew.

Today we went to Caesarea Phillipi and saw what is known as the gates of hell. The idea is that when Jesus was speaking of the conquering the gates of hell it wasn't just imageary it was literal regarding this place. I can barely touch on the things Areay (our guide) is sharing with us because I don't have the time...I have to pay for the internet. I also can't download pictures. So you all will have to be patient. :-)

So far we have visited: Joppa, Tel Aviv, Caesarea Maritima, Mt. Carmel, Arbel Cliffs, Mt. of Beatitudes, a boat ride on the sea of Galile, Caesarea Philipi, Golan Heights, and about a half dozen other places that my racing mind can't think of right now. Trust me though, I'm taking notes and I'm journaling. And wishing I would have brought my laptop. Oh well!

Scott and I are praying that we would not leave Israel the same as when we came. So far it's been like a chapel message at our alma mater Ambassador but with up front, hands on exposure to the Word of God. Amazing! I just can't even do it justice. There are times that I think we should have an invitation after some of our visits to places. To have all these places in my mind now is just eye opening. Such revelation. Life changing!

Isreal is a besutiful place. It actually reminds Scott and I of Southern California in some places. The haze from the heat, especially. Haha.

I'm going to close by asking you to pray for one of our ladies at Fundamental Baptist in Colonia. Sylvia Funes' sister, Elba, died from a heart attack yesterday! Both ladies are dear to my heart and so I mourn over the loss of my sister in Christ and grieve for Sylvia! Yet I rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ who conquered death. Elba is now in His presence! How precious a gift she has received!!!

Stop in Spain

Well Madrid is absolutely gorgeous! Honestly I was a little unsure I had the cities in S. America pverlaid on Madrid and to say the least I was wrong. We have seen a lot of the city and I´ll have to blog about that later because we are in a Cyber cafe using the internet and I have 8 minutes left...not enough time to tell you all about what we have seen. Maybe in Israel I´ll have internet in the hotel and will update then.

So far our trip has been fantastic. Tomorrow we will take the Metro (subway) to the airport and spend 4 euros instead of 40. After taking it to several places here in the city we feel fairly confident that we can get to the airport. Hopefully the check-in won´t be too bad. We will see. The flight is only 4 hours and once again I ask that you pray for a good trip. The flight here was excellent only about 1 minute of bumpy weather so you all keep praying!!!

I want to say to my kiddos that I love you all and miss you a lot! I have thought of each of you every day and I miss your snuggles. So here´s a cyber hug from me to you. Thank you Sanders and Lopez families for caring for our kids. (Gracias a las familias Sanders y Lopez para cuidando nuestros hijos!!!)

Until Israel!!!

The plane to Spain

We are waiting to board please pray for a good flight. By the way I continue to have good almost pain free days! Praise God!

On our way...almost!

It's just a little after 6 in the evening the night before we leave for our trip and the stress level is slightly high! Everyone is in the last minute scramble. Not fun! This is the part of trips that I really don't like. After 3 years of traveling on deputation I decided that I was wanting to stay at home and never pack another suitcase.

Ok, I know that's not at all reasonable, especially if I want to ever see anything of the world farther than my back yard. So here we are not heading to one place but heading in 3 different directions and I keep getting confused as to who is going where and with whom. So is life with 8 kids and a cross Atlantic/Continental trip with out those aforementioned kids.

Have I mentioned yet how incredibly excited we are about this trip? If not, let it go on record that we are ALL really excited about this trip. Even the kids. We praise God for the families who have so graciously opened their homes. Each one doubling in size for the rest of May. Now that's quite the thing. So let me say in advance, Sanders and Lopez families, THANK YOU!!! We couldn't do this without your help!

Tomorrow we will (hopefully) head out of Colonia around 4:00 a.m. and head to Salto. After we drop the oldest 5 kids off at the Sanders house we will head to Montevideo on a bus and stay the night there. Our plane leaves for Madrid, Spain on Wednesday afternoon. Scott and I will have a mini vacation there and will head to Tel Aviv, Israel on Sunday. Then it's all out after that. I hope to be able to upload pictures and blog a bit while we are there, but I'm not really sure what the internet will be like.

I really don't like flying so I would greatly appreciate your prayers for me to have peace during take-offs and landings. And since our flight to Spain is through the afternoon and night I ask that you pray for me to get some rest while we fly...something I never do very well on a plane. And, of course, for the pain to stay at bay. Last time we were gone for a few days our house was robbed...someone stole our keys while they were visiting us and came back and stole some things while we were gone. Anyway, everyone knows that we are traveling but they also know someone will be here during the day and night to care for the house. Please pray we will not have another break in. Finally, pray for safety and health for all our kids while we are gone. And that they won't miss us, and home, too terribly. (Ditto that for us!!!)

Well I think I have avoided my last minute packing responsibilities long enough. Until Spain!!!