Destination....JERUSALEM!

Tel Dor

2010-04-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

Our final trip before we headed to the desert was to the nearby ancient city of Dor. The city goes back 4,000 years to the time of the Canaanites. From a Biblical perspective, Dor is known for its history of the purple dye used for the blue thread (tekhelet) in tzit-tzit.

Numbers 15:37 Again YHWH spoke to Moses, saying, 38 "Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. 39 "And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of YHWH and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined.

The people of Israel were commanded to affix a blue thread (tekhelet) to the corner of their garments as a constant and conspicuous reminder of their obligation to keep the commandments. Israel was also ordered to use the blue dye for the Tabernacle’s curtains, its inner partition and for the priests’ garments.]

Historical and geographical factors caused the tekhelet-making process and the source of the dye to be lost even though tzit-tzit continued to be worn. What was the source of this Biblical blue?

Talmudic sources claimed that the blue dye was extracted from a Hilazon- a marine mollusk covered by a shell, who was “similar to the sea” and could be found along the northern coast of the Land of Israel. They also mentioned that the color of the dye was similar to that of the sky and sea, and it was extracted from the mollusks while still alive.

Attempts to re-track the organic blue dye started in the 19th century. The Radzyner Rebbe led an expedition in search of the lost Hilazon. He was convinced that a certain squid was the source for the color. The Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Rabbi Herzog, later the Chief Rabbi of Israel investigated the results of the Radzyn Teknelet, and came to the conclousion that the squid was not the source of Biblical blue. He proposed the purple dye snail as a likely source for tekhelet.

So is there any evidence for this? We went to the Dor museum to find out.

North to the Tel, an area of rockcut pools and channels has been unearthed, interpreted by scholars as a system of dyeing installations or ponds for keeping Murex snails in captivity.

Also in Tel Dor, some large piles of crushed Murex shells were uncovered, evidence of a local industry. It takes 20,000 snails to make 2 grams of blue dye. We can be certain that this area was a purple-dye installation!

Also interesting to us as believers is the fact that the book of Acts tells us of a women was a ”seller of purple”:

Acts 16:14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. Adonai opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.

The actual building that houses the museum was also interesting to us as it was connected to the history of Zichron Ya’acov. It was initially a factory for glass bottles destined for the winery at Zichron Ya’acov. It was founded by Baron Edmond de-Rothchild in 1891, as part of his support of the Jewish settlement. The factory suffered from many difficulties. The local sand was unsuitable for glass manufacture causing the production of dark glass. There was a lack of knowledge and experience in running the factory. Many people died of Malaria. The factory was closed in 1896.

The museum also displays two impressive cannons found during underwater surveys of the bay at Dor. The actual canons are exhibited on replicas of the original wooden carts. They were part of the equipment thrown into the sea at Napoleon’s order when his defeated army was camped on the beach on the night of May 21st, 1799. The smaller canon was in French use after it had been captured by the French army in one of its wars with Spain. The inscription on the canon relates that it was cast on December 12th, 1793 in Seville (south Spain) for the army of Carolos the Fourth, king of Spain, using copper from Lima, Peru.

The Turkish cannon bears the Ottoman emblem of the moon-crescent and star. This was one of the Muslim cannons lost to the French during the battle of Jaffa. These weapons were only a small part of the artillery cast into the sea. We learn this from letters and diaries of French soldiers that endured that horrible night on the beach. Lois-Alexander Bertheir writes: “…Bonaparte decided that all the means of transport would be preferably employed for evacuating the sick and the wounded. He had 22 canons thrown into the sea.

Dor was a port city and there are many anchor stones from up to 3,000 years ago on display

A few pictures of the Mediterranean and ancient Dor -

Back to Jezreel and Haifa

2010-04-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Hey, we're back in touch! We have continued to have a wonderful time in the Land, and I am sorry that it was not possible for me to update the Blog. I will try my best now to recover the past few weeks and I have some great pictures to share with you of the Land! I probably won't finish the blog before we are back in the States, but soon I will finish it!

The visibility was better this day, so we returned to have another look at the Jezreel Valley.

From one spot, you can look west and see the Mediterannean.

Israel is so narrow, from the same spot you can look east across the country and see Jordan.

A good view of the airforce strip. A lot of action was going on there this day.

Haifa, the beautiful port.

From Haifa, you can look north to the white cliffs of Lebanon. In the last Lebanese war, rockets were fired from there upon Haifa.

A long established German community in Haifa.

Always beautiful flowers

A walk along the sea side

Some thoughts and some pictures

2010-03-21T13:02:00.001-07:00

Wow! I just really want to tell you tonight that our Heavenly Father is moving mightily in this Land. If you do not understand the significance of Israel, the people and the Land, then I would beg you to read through the entire Scriptures looking for the Father's heart in all of this. Yeshua came to restore Israel to the Father. He came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel! Yeshua did not come with a new agenda. Believers are a part of this plan, but certainly do not replace Israel. Today He is rejoining the Jewish people with their lost brothers. It is visibly happening in the Land and we see that revelation is happening everywhere as Jew and non-Jew recognize that together they are Israel. The brothers are moving toward each other with an ever quickening pace! Pray that the Holy Spirit would give you truth about this! It is an important prophesied end-times revelation!

Here are the lyrics of a song we heard sung here. I promised you these in an earlier blog. Dawn Rogers and Tricia Walker are on the sheet I have a copy of. I know you can find this song on I-tunes.

Verse 1 - Who am I to be part of Your people; the ones that are called by Your name? Could I be chosen as one of Your own, could it be that our blood is the same?

Chorus 1 & 3 - Baruch Hashem Adonai, Baruch Hashem Adonai. Blessed be the name of the Lord, Baruch Hashem Adonai.

Verse 2 - How can a stranger, a remnant of nations, belong to this royal line? You showed Your grace when the branches were broken, and I grafted into the vine.

Chorus 2 & 4 - Baruch Hashem Adonai, Baruch Hashem Adonai. Blessed be the name of the Lord, Baruch Hashem Adonai. Blessed be the name of the Lord, Baruch Hashem Adonai.

Verse 3 - How could You show me such bountiful mercy by taking the life of the Lamb? Your love is greater than I can imagine, I bless You with all that I am.

Verse 4 - Praise to You, Jesus, the veil has been parted, and what once was secret is known. Now I can cry to You, Abba, Father, and praise You as one of Your own.

Okay, I also want to share with you a few pictures from when Cal and I travelled up to the Golan for an overnight stay.

First view of the Sea of Galilee

The beautiful Sea with the visibility a bit better now.

Some interesting facts about the Sea

En Gev - The beautiful kibbutz on the east side of the Sea.

A curious friend.

Her egg was huge!

The Jordan River Paradise!

Dead Sea, Judean wilderness and Samaria

2010-03-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry so long to post some pictures. As relationships are being built, there's not much time to blog except for sleep time! We took a wonderful trip to the Dead Sea this past week.

The Judean hills are spectacular this time of year.

Splashes of green like soft carpet.

Happy sheep feeding on the spring grasses.

This was exciting. We were in the lowest part of the earth here, near Jericho. It's also the area where John the Baptist was baptizing people for repentance. In humbleness, Yeshua was baptized here, picking up those sins that others left in the River. We also know this to be the area where Elijah crossed the River and went up into the clouds. And this is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Land of Israel. Notice the valley between the mountains. Continuing on through this valley would take the Israelites to the Mount of Blessing and the Mount of Cursing where the covenant would be renewed with the 2nd generation out of Egypt at Shechem.

Interstingly enough, our Jewish friend told us everything green we saw in this area was edible. We munched the salty herbs along the way.

And here, my friends, is the Land the Israelites walked on. We took off our shoes and walked on this holy ground. Moses would only have seen this Land from across the Jordan on Mount Hor. The second generation of Israelites were also circumcised here.

It's a good Land, flowing with milk and honey!

An abandoned tank from some previous war.

Dead Sea and Jordan in the background.

More of the same.

Across the Dead Sea to Jordan.

We avoid these many, many busses! But happily, many people are in the Land!

Spectacular shots of the Judean wilderness.

More splashes of green. An awesome view.

A bedouin camp in the valley below.

Have I showed you this one yet?

Flowers are coming to life everywhere.

The wall of protection, sad but necessary to preserve life.

A checkpoint.

Ooops! Wrong turn!

One of many mountain tops where fires were once built to signal Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) clear to those in Babylon.

Beautiful evening entering into Samaria.

Numbers 10:10 "Also in the day of your gladness, in your appointed feasts, and at the beginning of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be a memorial for you before your Elohim: I am YHWH your Elohim."

Our guys blow the specially made silver trumpets for New Moon.

The peach orchard

2010-03-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

Today we went out to the peach orchard. Below are some of the beautiful trees.

Here are some fruitful branches. Sadly, this fruit must be thinned or none of the peaches will grow to be large, beautiful peaches. I think you can compare this to fruit in our lives. Do we sometimes get too many things going, so that nothing becomes fully developed?

The peaches on this thinned branch will become large, beautiful peaches!

Another of the many orchards of some indigneous fruit.

Aliyah Museum - Zichron Ya'acov

2010-03-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Aliyah Museum is 120 years. When first built, it was the most beautiful building in all of Israel. The following pictures were taken in the museum. Most speak for themselves of the courage and the tenacity of the Zionistic settlers who established Zichron Ya'acov in 1882.

The original main street of Zichron Ya'acov

The same main street today!

The following pictures were taken from a movie from 1913!

Nili Spies

2010-03-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

Zichron Ya'acov was the home of a very historically significant family in the defeat of the British over the Turks in the early 1900's. Following is my small attempt to give you just a part of the story. For the rest of it...how about coming to Zichron Ya'acov? We will start in the year 1516...

The cruel Turks

Sarah Aharonson's family resided in Zichron Ya'acov during this time period.

Sarah's biography

Aharonson family

Sarah's brother Aharon

The beginning of the spy network . The vision was for a free Jewish state in Israel.

Avshalom Feinberg

The Nili objectives. NILI is an acronym for a phrase in 1 Samuel 15:29 - the glory of Israel does not lie.

The Aharonson estate today on the main street of Zichron Ya'acov

The family house

The beautiful courtyard

Aharon Aharonson's house. At one time he owned 26,000 books. Today 4,000 remain in the house. 22,000 were destroyed by the Turks.

Sarah's fate

NILI makes a difference

Tribute to Sarah in Zichron Ya'acov's cemetary

Sarah's gravestone

March 11 - teachings and pics

2010-03-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

Another valuable teaching from 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 on fleshly vs. selfless love. Selfless love looks out for one’s brother and sister. One who carries the love of the Messiah sees the resurrected Messiah in one another. The enemy wants to bring to the surface those things which are not perfected in one another. We must not speak out mistakes, but instead build each other up. His will is the perfection of His people, the body of Messiah.

2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Messiah compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Messiah according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Messiah, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Yeshua the Messiah, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Messiah reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Messiah, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Messiah's behalf, be reconciled to God.

What is an ambassador? An ambassador must have citizenship first. We must completely belong to Yeshua. We stand on behalf of His Kingdom. He pours His love into our hearts and we make room for it.

Cards

This afternoon we were able to buy some cards made by the children of the community. It is a wonderful project for the kids as 100% of the proceeds goes to feed poor children in Israel. I took pictures of a few of them I purchased. They're really not so crooked...just my picture taking skills!

The last teaching of the Bible course was given on Ezekiel 37, beginning with the dry bones. The bones had to come alive and experience that He is God. The bones were not a functioning part of the body anymore. They were scattered in the nations and had no flesh on them. They needed the breath...the Holy Spirit to fill them that they might know that He is YHWH.

Ezekiel 37:4 Again He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of YHWH! 'Thus says Adonai YHWH to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. "I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am YHWH." ' "

The body first comes together, but it needs the Holy Spirit to bring life -

Ezekiel 37:8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.

We have come to this time when the body is being completed. God will leave not one bone behind in the completion of the body. It begins with the Word. Without the Word, nothing happens.

Ezekiel 37:10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.

The picture of Ephraim and Judah coming together...two kingdoms, that they may have one Shepherd. In the physical, we need a breath to live, and the same is true in the Spiritual world. Without the Holy Spirit, we have no spiritual life. He is completing His body of Israel through His dynamite power.

Zechariah 4:6 So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of YHWH to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says YHWH of hosts.

God's plan goes forward. It never stands in one place. He is building a Temple from living stones. In building, a living stone is one that has been prepared and made to fit for a purpose. If we have to fit this stone in a wall, it must fit together with the other stones. A dead stone does not fit. The capstone...this is the stone that is at the top of an archway.

1 Peter 2:7 Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,"

The capstone holds the whole arch together. He is the Head. He carries all the weight. The building cannot be finished without the capstone. If you have the Messiah in you, then you have been a part of bringing the redemption here to the Land!

Evening with the rabbi

Tonight we were blessed to have a local rabbi come to the community to share some teaching. This man has been very Zionistic and in fact all of his grown children live in Samaria (West Bank). Some years ago he was discouraged by the lack of morality and spiritualism in Israel and was driving his car and asking God about this. Had the Jews chosen the wrong time to return to the Land? Where was His Presence? He rounded a corner and what he saw made him stop and pull over to watch. Here were a group of about 20 small children from the German community, clean and neatly dressed, all holding hands. The little girls had their braids flying in the wind. All very orderly with a couple of adults. He felt God said to him...Here I am. He asked, however...isn't it the Jews who are supposed to be a light to the Gentiles? Instead I see Gentiles being a light to the Jews! Today, this rabbi's wife is a teacher in the community's school and she loves it! There is a mutual appreciation between this Jewish family and the community.

The rabbi gave a teaching from the book of Esther, explaining to us how historically speaking it all makes perfect sense.

Teaching

2010-03-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

Teaching was mainly on Isaiah 42. I learned much from this.

Isaiah 42:1 "Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.

Of course, “My Servant” is Yeshua, but Yeshua also has a body. He's called a people to be His special servants. A servant knows the will of His Master. The first characteristic of this servant is one who He has put His spirit into.

Isaiah 42:2 He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.

The second characteristic…he has a quiet spirit.

Isaiah 42:6 "I, YHWH, have called You in righteousness, And will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, As a light to the nations, To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the prison, Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.

The servant is reaching out to those who are taken captive by their old nature.

Isaiah 42:8 I am YHWH, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images. Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them."

Our great God has everything under control. He will declare everything to His servants before it occurs!

Isaiah 42:13 YHWH shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies.

It is YHWH who will cry out and “prevail against His enemies.”

Isaiah 42:18 " Hear, you deaf; And look, you blind, that you may see. Who is blind but My servant, Or deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is blind as he who is perfect, And blind as YHWH's servant?

His servant is completely dependent on the Father. His servant…he is deaf and blind…but it is to the world that he is not listening to or paying attention to!

Isaiah 42:20 Seeing many things, but you do not observe; Opening the ears, but he does not hear." 21 YHWH is well pleased for His righteousness' sake; He will exalt the Torah and make it honorable.

Well I could keep pointing verses out, but instead I’ll just give you a couple more things that YHWH says about Israel - Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says YHWH, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am YHWH your Elohim, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you…

March 10 - Vineyards

2010-03-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

Our experience in the vineyards

John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.

Truly a learning experience. I want to share some of our friend, Daniel's thoughts. The disciple John tells us in John 15 that Yeshua is the true vine and the Father is the vinedresser. The vines we were working with were already pruned. In the above picture, Cal is playing the part of the Father as the vinedresser. In the picture you can see the thicker, older part of the vine and you can see as he is "dressing" the vine, bending the branches around the wire that they may become fruitful.

Before the branches are forced to yield by bending around the wire they are straight and knobby. We had to crack each joint in order to bend the branch around the wire. This is like taking our man-made traditions and ways that are contrary to the ways of the Father and yielding them up to the vinedresser. Sometimes instead of yielding, the branch actually cracked and broke. Then it became useless.

Beautifully yielded!

The vine and the branches with a section perfectly dressed and ready to leaf out and be fruitful!

Another variety of vines which are flourishing!

Already becoming fruitful!

John 15:2 "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Pear trees. They are covered with a netting that holds in the humidity.

Wheat field

Notice the wheat as it matures. It begins to bow. This is how one could finally begin to tell the difference between wheat and the tares. The wheat bows as it matures, whereas the tares continue to stand straight. This is only apparent as you approach the harvest.

March 9 Golan Heights

2010-03-10T06:02:00.000-08:00

It’s been such a joy living in community here in Zickron Ya’acov. I’ve heard it said more than once – it’s not about uniformity, it’s about unity. We all need to be directly connected to the head. I see it like the spokes of a wheel. Messiah is the middle of the wheel. We’re all connected through Him. Community is in the heart. We can get to it by laying down our lives. It was Yeshua’s desire that we become one (John 17).

Today we took a bus trip to the Golan. It is so beautiful there this time of year with everything lush and green after the spring rains (latter rains in Scripture). There was, however, much sand in the air from the Humsing winds – i.e. the winds from the Egyptian desert. Visibility was quite limited, but I hope you still enjoy the many pictures. The Golan is a high plateu. By law no Arabs are allowed to live on the Golan. It is a miracle that Israel was able to acquire this Land. When you travel here, you see why it is essential to be a part of the Land.

Upper Galilee

Beautiful olive grove

A park on Mt. Meron

View towards Lebanon

Northern Israel near the border of Lebanon

Beautiful trail near the top of Mt. Meron, 2nd highest mountain in Israel

A little hazy, but still beautiful

Enjoy the Land!

Spring Color!

An olive tree on an island!

Flowers on the Golan

Tzfat, the 2nd most religious city next to Jerusalem. The city is built spread out in order to cover as much land as possible.

The Land is so fruitful!

A boat trip on the Sea of Galilee

A view of the "valley of the shadow of death" from the Galilee

Anyone for walking on the water?

A demonstration of throwing out the nets

The rolling hills of the Golan. These hills will be completely barren as soon as the hot, dry summer comes into season.

Date palms

Onions on the Golan!

The community's factory on the Golan very near the Syrian border.

Irrigation...this could be a scene from Iowa.

Wheat field.

Beginning our journey down from the Golan heights

Hairpin turns and steep roads! Our bus driver did a fine job! We learned later that this was his first trip down these roads with a bus!

Border fence with Jordan and Syria

March 8th

2010-03-10T05:32:00.000-08:00

Insights from the teachings….to forgive is also to give. God forgave and He gave of His own heart. Give me a heart like yours. If I am easily offended, there’s something in my heart to work on. It’s a symptom of darkness. Light has no fellowship with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). No mixing God’s ways with any others!

Concerning false christs and prophets – in Messiah it is not possible to be deceived. He keeps us strong for it is not possible for us to keep ourselves. He wants genuine followers. I’ve been crucified with the Messiah and I no longer live. We’ve been empowered, but we are nothing.

Evening with Jonathan and Raquel

This evening we were invited to the house of one of the young couples married in 2001. They live a short distance away with a handful of other families from the community. Underneath of their houses, they have built bomb shelters – enough for 500 people. That means they have built enough shelters for hundreds of their Jewish neighbors should there be a need.

Jonathan and Raquel have gone through a difficult period and many childless years. They went through a period of testing and three years ago completely gave it over to the Father. We rejoice with them and thank the Father that they are expecting their first child! Their joy is overflowing!

We talked some about Hebrew roots and Ephraim. (In Jonathan’s words) we’re in Israel with the 1st born double portion. We’re here to pour it out on brother, Judah. The blessing of the 1st born is for the redemption of the brother. We’re here as his kinsman redeemer. We’re here to live out Messiah amongst our Jewish brothers.

I realize that if you are not studying Hebrew roots, this may not make much sense to you, but if your heart longs to know more, why not seek out the Scriptures on this? Of course, I’m always available to talk things out with you, also!

Rest of March 7th teachings

2010-03-10T05:30:00.000-08:00

In this teaching, the brother spoke on end times and our stand and intercession for Israel. These are some verses I’d like to share with you that you too might cry out for the people of the Land: Joel 2:17 Let the priests, who minister to YHWH, Weep between the porch and the altar; Let them say, "Spare Your people, O YHWH, And do not give Your heritage to reproach, That the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?' " 18 Then YHWH will be zealous for His land, And pity His people. 19 YHWH will answer and say to His people, "Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, And you will be satisfied by them; I will no longer make you a reproach among the nations.

After the service we were invited into the home of one of the elders. He is one who has been in Israel for 30 years. Following are some of his thoughts: The Lord has to do a very hard work in our heart….to change us into His image. The greatest testing of all times is a life of ease.

He also spoke to us about the moment when he became on fire for Israel. A sister gave a message on what the Scriptures have to say about Israel and the heart of God. At the end she said, “Who will give their life for Israel?” He said the entire congregation stood up. It is a story of love that continues here in the Land amongst the people of the community.

March 6th - Shabbat

2010-03-10T05:19:00.000-08:00

A tidbit from Shabbat teaching – if our tongue has been sanctified, than all of us speak one unified language, glorifying the Lamb.

Tonight we were blessed to have a visit in the community from John and Una Gere. The couple lives in the city of David in Jerusalem amidst the Arabs. They run a sort of “walking on the water” ministry that includes a 24 hour prayer room, that has been operating for 5 years. The room looks over the Hinnon Valley of Jerusalem, the location near the Temple where children were once sacrificed.

From John and Una - don’t pray the problems, pray the solutions.

John and Una live a faith walk, knowing that they are doing the Father’s work and understanding that He will protect and provide for them. They have travelled the world by His sustenance, seeing houses of prayer established in Syria, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, northern Iraq, and China. They have seen many people travelling the old silk road in China back to Jerusalem. John and Una feel they are forerunners, preparing for others to come behind them, returning to Jerusalem.

Isaiah 62:10 – Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations.

John and Una also take a prayer tour down Highway 60, which takes you down the route from Be’er Sheva, through Hebron, Mt. Moriah (Jerusalem), and Shechem. At these places, Abraham built altars and reaffirmed the covenant. All these places are under contention today! On the 60th anniversary of Israel, they took a prayer tour down highway 60, praying Isaiah 60!

Here is some of that chapter in Isaiah: Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of YHWH rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thich darkness is over the people, but YHWH rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn…. Read the whole chapter!

They also spoke on how the Father is raising up Asia! The Chinese, the Koreans, Tai’s, Japanese, all have a vision from the Father for coming back to Jerusalem! This is not from man, but from the Spirit of the Living Elohim. And it is happening in our time. It is too big to ignore.
Psalm 125:2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So YHWH surrounds His people From this time forth and forever.

March 7, 2010, Caesarea

2010-03-07T23:37:00.000-08:00

This morning we took a trip through modern Caesarea before arriving at the ancient city. The modern Caesarea is one of the most affluent cities in Israel. The Prime Minister has a home there. We took a quick visit through a park to see a mosaic which was the center of a large mansion home built at the end of the 6th century. It was covered with sandy soil and discovered by a gardener when they hit rock.

King Herod was the builder of Caesarea and many other palaces throughout Israel. In addition, he is credited with much enhancement to the Temple in Jerusalem. The city of Caesarea was dedicated to the Caesar in Rome. They needed a fresh water source, and they built this aqueduct along the coast. It had to have just the right grade in order to keep the water flowing. Considering it was nearly 5 miles long, this was quite a feat!

Walking along the top of the aquaduct.

View from the side

Entering the theater

The amphitheatre, from Herod's time, originally had 12 rows of seats, with place for some 10,000 spectators.

While we were there, some Asians were singing praises (sitting up in the stands) shouting Halleluyah! The Jewish boys in the forefront starting yelling back, Halleluyah!

Soon the Jewish fellows ran up to stand together as one with the Asians, continuing to sing together!

View from the tunnels underneath the amphitheater.

The remains of another oval Roman amphitheatre, probably dating to the 2nd century CE, were uncovered here. It was used for gladiatorial and animal combats.

Herod's pool jutting out into the Mediterranean, which was part of the palace

Inside the pool

Warehouses

The beautiful Mediterranean

The port, now filled in with sand.

Remains of an ancient walkway to the port

Anchor

In the early second century one vault was converted to a Mithraeum. The contrast between the dark vault and the shaft of sunlight reaching directly the altar from the opening in the ceiling played a role in the worship of Mithras, the Unconquered Sun god.

The altar where the beam of light would have fell during a certain time of day

Moat around the city from the 9th century period

In Acts we learn that there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion, who lived in Caesarea. He was a God-fearer who had a vision to send for a man named Peter from Joppa. Peter also received a vision as he was praying. Acts 10:11 - and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." But Peter said, "Not so, Adonai! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean." And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common." This was years after the resurrection. Peter had never eaten anything unclean. Was this a change in the laws of the Scriptures? If you continue reading this passage in context it will be clear that Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision when the men came from Caesarea to take him to Cornelius. Then he understood that the dream was not about food, but about people! The Jews had considered the Gentiles to be unclean, but God made it clear that ALL believers in Him were to be considered “cleansed.” If you continue in Acts, you will see in Acts 15 that they did not want to make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. They gave them a list of rules including abstaining from food polluted by idols, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. Then he reassured them that they would continue to learn for “Moses is being preached in every city in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” Yes, the early believers were learning the commandments of the Torah on Sabbath, in the first century after the resurrection of the Messiah.

The coastal train

A bit of teaching from Ariel at Merchavia

2010-03-07T23:35:00.000-08:00

Before our erev Shabbat meal, Ariel gave us a teaching. He spoke of the different weekly Torah teachings and how they all fit together. He gave the example of how you can grab a hold of someone’s finger and you are essentially holding on to the whole person. Each parasha opens up all of Torah. The Word is alive and complete!

Ariel also spoke on Balaam, the prophet who Balak hired to attempt to curse Israel. He was not successful as he continued to approach the camp of Israel from all angles. What was he looking for? He was looking for a crack in their unity. Reading from Bemidbar (Numbers) 24:2 – When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of Elohim came upon him and he uttered his oracle: “The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly…How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob your dwelling places, O Israel!

To have unity is to be one…to believe is to have a complete heart. This is what protects us from the evil one. Isn’t this what Yeshua prayed for in John 17?

March 5 - Mount Carmel/Jezreel Valley and Sea of Galilee

2010-03-06T21:41:00.000-08:00

On our way up to Mount Carmel. The trees are nicely pruned from the bottom up by the goats.

Statute of Elijah slaughtering a priest of Ba'al (1 Kings 18). Mount Carmel is where Elijah confronted the people with who they would serve...YHWH or Ba'al with nothing in between and NO mixing of religion.

View from Mt. Carmel. Although there was a haze, the clouds, mountains, and valley were breath-taking.

A look down at an olive grove.

A hazy Jezreel valley - Valley of Armageddon

My favorite place to snap a picture of the valley

We found a John Deere tractor up there for Cal

A lady along the roadside

One of the many olive/cheese/vegetable/flower stands along the road

The fertile Jezreel Valley on our way to Tiberias

A haze over the Sea of Galilee with the Golan in the background. Beautiful!

City of Tiberias

See the tires on the right? Water is very important in Israel. The Sea has come up with the rains, but it still should be at the level of the tires.

A view of the Golan across from the Sea.

Walking on the waterfront along the Sea

A little girl on a motorized 4 wheeler. She was everywhere!

Seagulls

Fish anyone?

Many Orthodox live in Tiberias

Leaving Tiberias

It's a beautiful time of year after the rains. These green rolling hills will be totally barren in the summer.

Arriving at Merchavia, a Kibbutz near Afula.

Small buildings being restored.

One of these small buildings was where Gold Meir, Israel's 4th Prime Minister stayed for a time.

The main building of Merchavia with history following...

The building is now run by a Jewish couple who believe in Messiah. They run a bed and breakfast here with teaching sessions on Hebrew roots of the Bible. They also have an outreach to the poor, especially elderly Holocaust victims.

Banner in the synagogue. The Hebrew above the Menorah reads "Yeshua."

Erev Shabbat at Merchavia

March 4 - Jerusalem!

2010-03-04T20:32:00.001-08:00

Psalm 122:1-4 A Song of Ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of YHWH." Our feet have been standing Within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem is built As a city that is compact together, Where the tribes go up, The tribes of YHWH, To the Testimony of Israel, To give thanks to the name of YHWH.

Making Aliyah! Going up to Jerusalem!

Kosher McDonalds!

City on a hill.

Judean wilderness to the east of Jerusalem.

A shepherd and his sheep, at the base of the Mount of Olives.

The many graves in front of the Temple.

The Eastern gate (built by the Turks) of the Temple and the graves the Moslem's have put in order to desecrate the Temple and prevent the Messiah from entering!

The Southeastern corner of the Temple.

City of David. The city is not within the walls. This is where the Ark returned and David danced. After David got in trouble for counting his people, he was lead to the buy the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite which became the site of the Temple.

Actual destruction to the street from 70 A.D.

Ancient mikveh baths for those entering the Temple. Baptism was not a new concept! It represented a change in status.

The Southern wall. These arches were tunnels that went up to the Temple Mount.

The long line leading up to the Temple Mount.

We made it through the door! These are the arched doorways in front of the Al Aksa mosque.

These are the skylights showing where the Moslems dug underneath for some sort of meeting area. They weakened the walls to the South and destroyed many ancient artifacts as they hauled them away as trash. You may have heard this on the news the last couple years.

The line of vision from the Holy of Holies to the Mount of Olives. Imagine Yeshua praying on the Mount of Olives, looking towards the Temple in His grief. The Mount of Olives is also where the Red Heifer sacrifice was done and what many believe would have been the sight of the crucifixion. For from here it would have been a straight shot for the centurion to see the curtain of the Temple torn.

The infamous mosque on the Temple Mount.

Walking through the Arab quarters.

Entering the Jewish quarters.

Prayers at the Western Wall.

Prayer notes in the Wall.

A young girl praying.

Where are the watchmen on the Wall?

A Jewish home taking a stand in the midst of an Arab area.

Southern Jerusalem

Psalm 122:6-9 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, Prosperity within your palaces." For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, "Peace be within you." Because of the house of YHWH our Elohim I will seek your good.

March 3 Bus trip to factory

2010-03-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

On our bus trip this morning, our first stop was Magen Sha’ul to visit the factory, tech school, and the kindergarten. The country is still showing the effects of the wonderful rains we have had. There is much water still flowing in the ditches. Years ago this part of the country used to be swamps, but now the water is channeled by ditches into reservoirs.

Magen Sha’ul was established as a Jewish city in 1976 by Iraqi Jews. Plans were made for thousands of people, but only 45 families came. The city is situated near the unfriendly city of Jenin and a couple other Arab villages, but the Iraqi Jews were used to living with Arabs. They specialized in flowers and for 10 years it was a good business. Then African flower growers took over the European market and most went bankrupt. Today there are only two farmers left who grow flowers. Many of these greenhouses are empty, although the community is talking about renovating them and growing vegetables in them.

The community was not really looking for this place. They were looking nearby and had bought a plot in a nearby Jewish village. But when they found out they were believers, and not Jews, they were not welcomed there. At this meeting, the mayor of Magen Sha’ul was present and he encouraged them to come to his city. The Jewish residents voted and most agreed. One was against them and ironically he became their first employee. We were told that today this Jewish man would give his life for the community members in Magen Sha’ul.

The community planted olive trees along the road to Magen Sha’ul. Last year they harvested two tons of olives from these trees which produced 700 liters of olive oil. Today the community has 6 houses, mostly 2 family dwellings and rents two other houses. They are in the process of buying more properties.

The dedication for the factory occurred in 2003. They were given 5,000 roses from the Jewish farmers for the dedication. This was the verse that was read during the dedication: Isaiah 14:1 For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will still choose Israel, and settle them in their own land. The strangers will be joined with them, and they will cling to the house of Jacob.
Our brother leading the tour shared with us – The Jewish people welcomed us here. We can only say the Lord moves the hearts. There is a drawing towards one another here. There has been an economic crisis, but we’ve grown during that time. This is God’s blessing. We thank those who pray.

The community created a training center instead of learning at the factory. They purchased lower cost machines overseas for training. The course is somewhat sponsored by the government. Students get paid a little while taking the course. Last year was the first training course lasting 8 or 9 months. Several were hired at the end.

Quick stop at the kindergarten where they community takes care of both their own and the Jewish children.

Arab city of Um el Fahem

Army base in Samaria

Shakhak is an industrial park which is a combination of three Jewish cities come together. It is on the northern edge of Samaria. It would actually be in the West Bank, were it not that the government showed them favor and took the fence around their industrial park like a finger.

The first factory was dedicated in 2004. The community originally feared building up this property because if the government gives this Land away they will lose the factory, but the Father gave them this verse: Isaiah 54:2 "Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes. 3 For you shall expand to the right and to the left, And your descendants will inherit the nations, And make the desolate cities inhabited.”

They now have two factories there and plans for a third. At one of them, they make injection molded parts for irrigation, electrical panels, and hospital equipment that requires a ‘clean room’ (a place where masks, overalls, booties, etc. are required). The other factory makes filters that are used anywhere air MUST be pure, such as where computer chips are made or in hospital operating rooms. Israel actually has a law that requires every public building to use their high quality filters. They had begun making filters to protect against chemical and biological weapons in the 1970’s!

One of the filter factories has a small park area open to the sky in the center of the 4 story building. It reflects the long term commitment to Israel industry.

This metal sculpture was created by one of the workers during breaks in his spare time at the factory. Obviously a talented artist!

Tomorrow we will be all day in the City of the King!

March 2

2010-03-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

Another day of the word being poured out on us. In the morning the brother spoke to us about how the Father does not judge according to outward appearances, but according to the heart and according to the Word which He has spoken. The Word tells us that we should be perfect as He is perfect. How can this be? We are small and He is the living and eternal Father. Yet this is the desire and the longing of the Almighty God. Because He has asked for this, we ask Him to transform us and make us perfect.

In the afternoon a few of us went to visit a dear friend, Sister Rina. Sister Rina lives in the Priest’s home. It was a joy to sit and visit with her and hear her testimony. Her room is filled with reference books galore. She speaks 6 or 7 languages and was a teacher here for many years. She is Jewish and her father was an ardent Zionist from Poland who immigrated to Israel before WWII. She credits this move to saving their lives.

Rina herself was an atheist until she went to a Christian school in Israel because the curriculum was better. There she became friends with an Arab Christian who led her to God. Still she describes herself as being stuck in the Jewish religion. She became involved with a kibbutz to rebuild the country as a young lady. She was engaged to a commander of the Hagganah. At the kibbutz she took up the art of evaluating handwriting. This is what she was doing one day when she read a letter from a Jewish believer. She found the Messiah!

Her fiancé was not happy and he ripped the Brit Chadasha (New Testament) from her Bible. She ran away to Jerusalem. That was where we had to end the story for it was meal time. To be continued. What a precious soul, our sister Rina!

Another brother spoke after supper. He spoke on the concept of holiness being that which belongs to God. Israel is holy for they belong to Him. They must not mix themselves with Egypt, but leave the old behind in the same way the people left on the exodus.

We were so blessed with another evening visit to a family of the community. This family has 6 beautiful daughters and one son who just became engaged. The night turned into a night of singing and praise and I heard one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. I will share the words with you when I get a copy. The words by themselves are so inspiring. I can’t remember ever being in a community home that didn’t have a piano.

March 1

2010-03-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

Today we had two intensive Bible studies by the elders. Every message seems to be a message of the heart. The Father desires to fill the heart and when it becomes filled with Him, there is no room for anything evil. He puts so much effort into changing our hearts, because He wants to dwell there. He wants to place His dynamite power within.

The service concludes with prayer. One of the sisters had a word for us – the love of God is burning within us. Take this word back with you, keep His Word and bring many back with you.
We found a very lovely fruit stand near to us. Margalite is a sweet Jewish woman that sells her own organic fruit. We love buying such sweet, ripe strawberries, bananas, and even some pomegranites!
For the families who first came in 1882, it was very difficult. Many of their children died in the first few years of malaria. Their graves can be seen in the cemetery here. It is a sobering thought that to come here often meant the sacrifice of your children.

This grave is of a small three year old. Judging by the number of stones on the grave, this child's relatives are probably still in the city. Stones, as eternal remembrances are placed on the graves instead of flowers.

You may recognize the hand forming the Hebrew letter shin for the Aaronic blessing.

Fruitfulness in one of the yards!

Tonight we were blessed to visit in one of the community homes. We learned that in the last four days there have been 200 millimeters of rain to fall in Jerusalem! That is about 8 inches! Baruch HaShem! The family we visited came in 1965. It was difficult and required much perseverance and love. For many years, they were required to come in, and then leave because of visas. Problems made them more humble and stronger. They stayed during the many wars of Israel. The Jews wondered why? They told them…to be with you, to love you, to stand with you. Throughout the wars, they helped as much as they could – often transporting food and supplies to those in bomb shelters.

The story of the community

2010-03-02T21:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight we were given the story in a nutshell. To the Father be the glory for the things which He has done! We began with a movie of Israel. Israel…where the earth and the sky meet. The Land of faith and history. The Land where the past and the present reveal themselves.
Our brother in the community spoke with joy about what the Father has accomplished here in the kibbutz. The community came about because of a young German nurse during WWII. As a child she saw the anti-Semitism in her own neighborhood. The sister comforted the Jews and told them it was a privilege to be Jewish. She planted love in their hearts.

The war began and she became a nurse. She was not protected from X-ray radiation and she was diagnosed with cancer. So severe that she was told to go home for she would only live a couple more months. She and two others knew in their hearts that if the Word is true, He could heal her. So they prayed and she vowed that if He would heal her, she would do whatever He asked. She stayed to serve. She was given a dream with a basket coming upon her filled with fruit. She recovered.

She went back home to share with her family. She left the state sponsored church in which religion was dictated and became a member of a small fellowship. The focus was on total dedication to the Father, and they saw many healing miracles. The congregation began to donate money to Youth Aliyah for Jewish kids to return to Israel after the war. In 1963 she received a prophetic vision to go to Israel. In the same year the Aliyah group invited them to come and visit the land.

They ended up in Zichron Ya’acov, a location where they were able to buy property. They bought House Zion and every occasion people came here to work on the house. They were zealous for their Jewish brothers and went to the local Synagogue on Shabbat to sing and blow shofars. They were not well received! The locals saw them as Germans (only 18 years after WWII) who they must fight against. They cut their irrigation pipes, set fires, and threw stones at them. It was a test for the Germans. They never pressed charges. Once some teens were caught, but the community asked for them to be released. Charges would have meant that they were not able to serve in the army or pursue education. Thirty years later one of these boys became a mayor in Samaria. Not many years ago he thanked the community and came to an understanding of their love.

Things have changed over the decades. It’s only been in the last decade or so that the Jews have begun to respond to the love of the community. It has truly been a selfless love. Today the Jews bring busloads of people to tour the factory. When this happens, the community pulls their young men off of their jobs to sing in a choir – Hebrew to their brother, Yehuda. Many times, they are reduced to tears. There is forgiveness after the terrible tragedy of the Holocaust. And their is a beautiful testimony of the love of Messiah Yeshua.

Feb 28 - Touring the kibbutz

2010-03-01T20:58:00.000-08:00

Today we toured some of the kibbutz which is nestled within the city of Zichron Ya'acov. The first house was purchased 47 years ago. First stop was the kindergarten which is the babies through age 3. Such wonderful loving care from moms and grandma's! The 3 year olds sang to us in 3 languages - Hebrew, German, and English! The next stop was the High School where they begin their day with lessons on the fear of God and love for Yeshua. There are both German and Jewish teachers. On to the factory!

The community came to the Land with a commission to bless Israel. This is the sign posted at the entrance to one of their factory buildings - written in Hebrew and English. 1 Mose is German for the 1st book of the Torah, the Old Testament, which would be Genesis or Bereshith. Genesis 12:3 is where God speaks to Abram telling him to leave his country and his father's household and go to the land He would show them. He tells Abram, "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." The hearts of the people we are hosted by are for our brother Yehudah. I am unable to describe to you the blessings that have been poured out on them from our loving Abba as a result of their faithfulness. They constantly give all the glory to the One who has given them this privelege of being in the Land to care for His people.

The factory's main product has been filtration systems for sealed rooms. They also make filters for the army's tanks as they move through the dusty desert. They are able to filter out 89% of the dust, keeping the tank functioning. I will have Cal write more on this soon. On to the farm!
The kibbutz owns about 50 cows which supplies them with milk, butter, yogurt, and cheese. They also butcher about 60 large animals a year to provide meat. Their kitchens are kosher (blessed by the rabbi) as everyone eats for free, including their Jewish employees, at the factory.

Thought you might like to catch a glimpse of their newest bull - his name is Jumbo and he stuck out from all the others!

There are have many fields and vineyards. Oranges are in season and Cal can tell you they are sweet and juicy! Our room has taken on the aroma of oranges! There are several greenhouses. This one houses cucumber plants. The plants will eventually follow the rope up several feet. We weren't able to visit all of the greenhouses because they have had much rain. This is a great blessing.

More on Zichron Ya'acov

2010-02-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

I wanted to give you a picture of my friend, Ohad, from an earlier post. This is his wonderful wooden toystore, Noah's Ark. We've already been able to bring some of our friends here, 2 by 2!

In the late 1800's when Zichron Ya'acov was established, it was under the control of the Turks as a part of the Ottomon Empire. It was illegal to build a synagogue, so they got around it by building a haybarn which they needed for their farming operations. It was not illegal to convert an existing building into a synagogue, so soon their barn became what is the oldest continuous synagogue in the Land.

Shabbat

2010-02-28T20:29:00.000-08:00

We delight in the Shabbat! (Isaiah 58:13) After the rains, it was wonderful to bask in some sunlight. Our morning started with breakfast with treasured friends of the community. Conversation centered around family, the greater family of Israel, and the heart. How thankful this German couple is for their 15 years in Israel. Plus…all of their five children and grandchildren are here…two of their children are Yehuda and Ephraim. They were born on the same day…3 years apart! (and they were given these Hebrew names at birth while living in Germany). The children endured much anti-Semitism just because of their names! He also spoke to us about Yeshua having two flocks (John 10:16). Those two flocks will be joined together under one Shepherd…our Messiah Yeshua! And the very picture our host spoke of is displayed in his own family! At the end of our breakfast, they gave me a special gift. It is an interlinear Brit Chadasha (New Testament) in Hebrew and in English! This is a treasure to me!

Later this morning we had a Shabbat service with the community. It was on the heart and I was especially touched by this verse:

Isaiah 62:6 I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; They shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of YHWH, do not keep silent,

This is what we see here amongst these people. They are constantly interceding for His people and for Jerusalem. We have seen a picture of what "day and night" looks like.

Isaiah 62:1 For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace, And for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness, And her salvation as a lamp that burns.

The afternoon brought a bit of midrash for some of us visitors here. When Cal and I walked outside we were so touched by a boy (14 or so) sitting on a bench with his grandfather. He had his arm around the elder and he greeted us saying, "This is my grandfather." The elderly are so treasured here. They are given an elevated position. All have some sort of a job to keep the kibbutz running. Many of the elderly work on making down filled quilts and pillows, but their main job is to pray for the community and for Israel. Thus they live in what is called the "Priests house." The job of the priests, as you know, was to assist the people in coming near to the Almighty with their sacrifices. The elderly here are priests according to the order of Melchizedek (means King of Righteousness - Hebrews 5:6), as in the name of Yeshua our Messiah they lift us the needs of the community and the praises of the King of Righteousness.

We ended the day with a time of fellowship with the English speakers at the Kibbutz. Many testimonies and great singing. EVERYONE who lives here sings. And I mean with a beautiful voice. One of the young men here told us that it was only last year that he discovered that there were people who couldn't really sing! Well together we were all able to make a joyful noise.

Erev Shabbat!

2010-02-27T21:26:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry, I don't have any pictures of Magen Sha'ul right now. We will be returning. Magen Sha'ul means "shield of Saul". There are community believers who also live in this town, situated very near the Palestinian city of Jenin. In fact there is an electric fence right in their very back yards. These believers have positioned themselves as a "shield" between the Palestinians and the Jews of the city of Magen Sha'ul. As we relaxed in one of the homes with a precious family, we heard the speakers go off. It was erev Shabbat and the time when the daily prayers turns into a time for political incitement and they throw out their curses against the Jews and the people of the city of Magen. Truly an eerie sound. However, we threw ourselves into worship and praise of our Messiah and fully covered over the evil!

Shabbat Shalom! We were so grateful to our host for such a pleasant Shabbat. Our first in the Land! The food was beautiful and amazing. We ate, worshipped and sat around to midrash. Daniel spoke to us about the power of forgiveness. He and his wife told us of a time when they were in a restaurant, and she received the wrong meal. The lady was so apologetic and Carol was quick to tell her that it was OK. She would try it and perhaps it would be just fine. The waitress was still apologizing and told her she would get her the right meal if she did not like it. Carol actually did not like the meal so asked for another. It was brought to her, but the girl was still apologizing and even brought the manager. Finally it occurred to Daniel what the waitress needed. He told her he knew that she made a mistake, but that "they forgave her". Wow! It ended it all. They all got what they needed! They took a couple steps back and accepted their forgiveness. It ended it all! Forgiveness! That is what we all need most from our Messiah. But it is also required that we give it to each other. Matthew 6:14 - If you forgive men their tresspasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Daniel spoke much more about forgiveness, especially at what Messiah Yeshua has done for us, but we all have the same Book! Shabbat Shalom!

February 26, the rest of the day

2010-02-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

Tel Jezreel - not such a popular destination for most tours, but an important place just the same. Underneath this ground would be the remains of the ancient city of Jezreel, home of the wicked king of the Northern Kingdom, King Ahab and Jezebel. Jezreel was united during the time of David and Solomon's kingdoms, with the split of the tribes ocurring with Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. Ahab was worse than any other king at mixing the truth of the Father with pagan practices. This was the whole reason why Elijah confronted the priests of Ba'al. In the Bible, repenting is the process of returning. Returning to what? Returning to the ways of the Father. Yeshua came to show us how to do this. His first words in Mark - The time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the Gospel! Yeshua came to do what was written in the prophecies...return us to the ancient paths. So we took some time in prayer on this hilltop to repent and return. And as written in Daniel 9, to repent for our sins and the sins of our forefathers. After Daniel's prayer, it says in Daniel - ... while I was still in prayer, he was told by the angel Gabriel, "Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding."

I challenge you to read and pray the prayer of Daniel in Daniel 9.

February 26th - Rain!

2010-02-27T06:41:00.000-08:00

This is a welcome sight in Israel this time of year. Those clouds threw a lot of rain on our day and NO ONE complained. Rain is such a blessing in the Land!

I call this picture...Is this Minnesota? Wow! It is amazing how lush everything has become with the rains. This is the forest on the road to Mt. Gilboa and an overlook of the valley below. Actually this forest wasn't here several years ago. The Israeli's have been planting trees since they entered the Land and it is not longer an empty wasteland. The Land has responded to Yehuda's return.

We saw an ancient tomb along this same road, not unlike the tomb that Yeshua was laid in. See the large flat rock? This rock has a trench that it rolls in to seal the grave. Amazing what you find just along the road. Only in Israel!

In between the rains, we stopped and got a view from Mt. Gilboa. The Bible says that this mountain is where the Philistines fought against Israel and many were slain, including King Saul and his son, Jonathan. Today you can view many fishponds down in the valley from here. The ponds are just a flooded field. After awhile, they remove the fish, drain the field and flood a different field, leaving the richness of the fertilizer for the crop. I will have to finish the rest of this day later!

To Samaria!

2010-02-25T11:58:00.000-08:00

Today we took a day trip to the beginning slopes on the west side of the hills of Samaria, commonly referred to as the West Bank. Our destination was Alfe Menashe, which means “thousands of Menashe” and comes from Devarim (Deuteronomy 33:17) where Ya'acov (Jacob) is blessing his sons. The city itself is one of the gateways into Samaria and the gateway to the Mount of Blessing and the Mount of Cursing in Samaria. Alfe Menashe is surrounded by 5 Arab villages. Each village has 5 mosques and each mosque gives a call to prayer 3 to 4 times a day...more during certain times of the year. The Arabs not only use the speakers for a call to prayer, but also for polical incitement against the Jews on Fridays. Jewish believers in the city proclaim the Name of our Elohim and are praying and blessing His Name.

Both of the above pictures are of Alfe Menashe, a beautiful spread out city. Many of you would probably like to know that this is also the city of our friends Ephraim and Rimona Frank.

We were blessed to spend time with Charlotte and Uzi. Charlotte was born in South Africa and Uzi was born on a kibbutz at the foot of Mount Tabor (the Mount of Transfiguration). When the Yom-Kippur War started, he was called up to fight in the bitterest of battles in Sinai, as a reservist tank-driver. His battalion commander was Israel's former Prime Minister, Ehud Barak. During the last hour of the war, he was injured by a piece of shrapnel penetrated into his skull. This head injury left him paralyzed in both legs, for 17 years.

During 1990 he was sent to South Africa for business. He was lonely and disabled. But here he found Yeshua! And two months later, he met Charlotte. Then in October 1990, on the exact day of the 17th anniversary of his injury, he was healed from his paralysis! Since then, they have been serving Yeshua and worshipping Him through praise and worship.

Following are some of the beautiful flowers from Uzi's (name means strength) yard...

Bird of Paradise

This rose was as big as it looks!

A beautifully manicured olive tree in their front yard.

The following couple of pictures are of a memorial in Alfe Menashe of the 1st Lebanon war in 1997. Israel is very big in remembering its fallen. There was a tragic accident that occured in the Galilee area. 73 combatant soldiers were killed when two helicopters collided. Two were from Alphe Menashe. The double stone is actually made from one stone, memoralizing the two from the city who lost their lives.

A final story from Uzi and Charlotte's...we spent time singing and praising with them. Uzi is actually a Levite and at the end, he blessed us with the Aharonic blessing in Hebrew! In fact he came around and placed his hand on each of our heads. Let me share these verses with you in English:

The LORD bless you and keep you. The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Now see what follows these verses in Numbers 6 - So they will put My NAME on the Israelites, and I will bless them.

I can only tell you, it was an awesome moment for us to be blessed by a Levite and have him place the Name on each of us in the hills of Samaria. Please pray for the area of Alphe Menashe and for the believers there who minister and serve their own brothers.

Now for one last thought from tonight - We met with elders in the community tonight to share our stories and here is what one of the elders spoke to us in the end...We wish you all would lose your heart here in Israel. We live no more for ourselves. We have a target, a direction. We've got a job to work together with Yeshua. Live only with Him - in a frame called the end of days. One promise after another will be fulfilled. Seeing these things happen strengthens us. Go with love.

Shalom and lila tov!

Ardelle and Cal

Message from our host

2010-02-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

One of our host brothers gave a message on the Kingdom. He began with Luke 12:32 and pointed out that the Father has already given the Kingdom to His “little flock”. The Kingdom is eternal and not earthly. He asked us to see where our focus is and where our joy comes from. Is our walk worthy of the calling? He ended with such beautiful verses: 2 Peter 1:3-10 ... as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Adonai Yeshua the Messiah. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

A bit of history

2010-02-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

I know you just probably want to see pictures and I hope you don't get tired of me going on and on, but I wanted to start to give you a bit of the history behind Zikhron Ya'acov. I will give it to you bit by bit and try to get some pictures to go along. For now, bear with me.

In the 1800’s, a Zionist Congress was held in Europe. It was actually promoted by Jews and non-Jews. No one really liked them in Europe. Of course this battle goes all the way back to the Garden and the attempt to keep YHWH’s people away from His Word. Get rid of the people…get rid of the Book.

The Ottoman Empire was in Palestine (eretz Israel) at this time. Actually, the Muslim rule was better than the Pogroms which were occurring in several countries at this time. There was a hill called Zamarim Hill purchased in 1882 by the first settlers. But Zikhron Ya’acov was one of five communities established in the late 1800’s. They are known as the first Aliyah communities. Zikhron Ya’acov is not on the list of most tours from outside of Israel. But IN Israel, school children, the IDF, all make trips to the city. It is a part of their heritage. It is really the beginning of brother Judah returning to the Land. It’s “Remembering Jacob”…I see it in the same way that the Father remembered the Israelites when they were in Egypt. In Hebrew, the word for “remember” means to begin to act on behalf of. After hundreds of years, the Father once again began to remember…once again to act on behalf of His people. Brother Judah first, just as always. Surely, according to the promises, the rest of Israel shall be “remembered”. All this preceded the state of Israel in 1948. There’s always a remnant that begins the process….

An unrolled Torah Scroll museum with tiles picturing the history of the city -

Ohad's story

2010-02-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

Here is the story of Ohad that I promised you. Ohad is the Jewish owner of a toy store. I’m not a shopper (except of Israeli things!), but 5 years ago I walked into Ohad’s wooden toy shop and fell in love with his unique wooden toys. I spent a lot of time in there, looking at each particular toy. I actually ended up carrying many of them home in my suitcase (you were allowed 2 bags at 70 pounds back then). We also had wonderful conversations with Ohad. Last year, I was excited to take several friends to Ohad’s store to not only see the fun and unique items there, but also to meet my wonderful friend. Ohad remembered me, greeted me, looked at my crowd of friends in his small store and proceeded to tell us that we were only to enter a couple at a time. I was a little surprised to hear him say this, and my friends politely shopped for only a minute or two and we all left. Now…I must tell you what Ohad had to say when Cal and I walked in this week. He greeted us and told me that he remembered me coming in last year with a bunch of friends. Then he asked us…do you know the name of my store? I actually didn’t and he said, “Noah’s Ark.” He continued softly, “Last year when you came in I asked you to come in two by two. I was making like a joke, but I’m afraid I offended you.” Get it? Two by two into the Ark! For a year, this Jewish man, the Hebrew root of his name meaning "unity", had carried the burden of offending his brother. He seemed so relieved! Well, I am excited to take new friends to Noah’s Ark this year. And perhaps I’ll even take them…two by two! And you can bet I'll slip something into my suitcase!

In Zikhron

2010-02-24T21:16:00.000-08:00

Our wonderful friends picked us up from the airport and took us to the city of Zikhron Ya’acov, a little south of Haifa. This is where we'll be staying for the next 4 1/2 weeks. The beautiful town is on a high bluff, with some overlooks to the Mediterranean.

Zikron Ya'acov literally means "remembering Jacob". It is a city where Jews and believer live together in beautiful harmony. It wasn't always like this, but today there is a beautiful presence of servant-like believers who love on brother Judah. Cal and I and several others will have the privilege of learning from these servants of Yeshua the Messiah. We hope to share much of what we learn of this wonderful point in time when the Father is restoring and "Remembering Jacob".

Not any more time to write, but later I hope to share with you a wonderful story of a Jewish store owner who I met five years ago. Last year, although I didn't know this, he feared he had offended me and several others in our group. He had carried this burden for a year and when we entered his shop he was eager to explain his comment. I was so touched by this man and

you will have to return to get...the rest of the story!

Journey continues

2010-02-24T12:17:00.000-08:00

Feb 21/22 – On our journey to Israel, we were constantly reminded that the Father was in control. Our plane left late out of Cedar Rapids, arriving late at Chicago with only minutes until our next flight. We ran…I mean we raced to our next gate when Cal decided he had time to use the restroom. He started to walk away and I said, “NO! We’re going to be LATE!” I picked up all four pieces of luggage (only 2 on wheels) and headed in the direction of the gate. They called our names before I got there…we were the last two to be assigned seats, ducking in just under the wire. It was an uneventful and pleasant trip from Chicago to Philadelphia to Tel Aviv.

Our very first sight of the Land. This was my 6th trip to Israel and Cal’s 2nd and I wasn’t quite expecting the flood of emotions when we sighted Land. Cal thought I might need a bag over my head (hyperventilating), but the emotion was sweet. Every little sign, every little memory brought a sigh and a tear. Home! The Land of Promise for the children of Israel! It is so wonderful to be in the Land where the Father has placed His Name!

We were so blessed to be “serenaded” by a group of young Jewish boys as we made our way to the baggage claim. They were also returning from “somewhere”, wearing kippas and many wrapped in the flag of Israel. As they broke into song about “Yerushalyim”, the tears started all over again.

These Jewish boys went to the line to pick up their bags...you can't really read the sign, but it says "Warsaw". As is typical for Jewish youth, they had been to view the concentration camps. They returned with joy in their hearts for the Land. A few minutes later, they circled up and began to sing and dance, purely worshipping the Elohim of Israel.

From Iowa to Israel...truly aliyah! The temperature was mid 70's! So much more to write - I hope I can keep up. We have met some incredible people, and have learned much history about early Zionists. I hope to see you tomorrow! Shalom from the Land! Ardelle and Cal, too!

Leaving Iowa

2010-02-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

Oh, what a nice reprieve to get away from the cold and snow of Iowa! This was taken on our way out of town.

Leaving from the Cedar Rapids Airport. Nothing but snow, everywhere you look and the looming warnings of 8 - 12 inches of snow at our next airport destination! Can we beat it?

Shabbat before the big day!

2010-02-20T18:07:00.000-08:00

Peggy does a little lesson with some of our youngest members.

Cliff has something to say!

A couple of our friends made this Tabernacle model which helps us picture what we're learning. At the end of study today we had an awesome sendoff from all of our friends who laid hands on us and prayed for all the details of our trip! Next time we write it will be from Israel!

Erev Shabbat

2010-02-20T17:55:00.001-08:00

Our last erev Shabbat at home. This is our youngest daughter, Laura, lighting candles (and number 14 grandchild also making an appearance).

Beautiful challah! Shabbat Shalom!

Shalom to the Family

2010-02-20T17:06:00.000-08:00

A week of farewells. This is my Mom who many of you know from my emails. She is doing so well in the Care Center where she lives. She has learned how to let her light shine and be an encourager to the other residents.

We are so blessed to have all of our five children live near us. One of our daughters had the whole family over for a farewell dinner. This is just 7 of our 13 grandchildren, one of our daughters, and My Mom.

Cal and I would like to share the family with you. This was taken a few months ago, but it includes our 5 kids, their spouses, and our 13 grandchildren. Aren't they so beautiful?!! We will miss each one!

Cal's Mom and Dad live only a few blocks from us. Look closely at Cal's right hand. Those are the cookies that his Mom always has ready for him!! He doesn't usually get those at our house!