It's now Monday morning in Beersheba (or Beersheva). About time for breakfast. Yesterday after our worship time in the morning we went to Tel Beersheba, a very fascinating "dig". We have a nice selection of pix so might present them sometime. We also found a grocery store. This far south as I mentioned before there much less English so shopping was quite the experience. Although "Pringles" still look like "Pringles" :). But the cucomber chips didn't turn out quite like Costco ... very "dill". Anyway it allowed us to make pita's for supper instead of eating out. Today we leave for Eilat, Lord willing.

And by the way, also on Sunday afternoon/evening we visited 2 WWI memorials in Beersheba: one to Turkish soldiers who died in the area, the other to the Australian Light Horse Brigade who killed them in the process of liberating Palestine from the Ottoman empire after the Turks had joined up with the Germans. It happened Oct 31, 1917, so there were wreaths at both places. And we rode the elevator with people who were here from Aus/New Zealand to celebrate and have pix of their wreath at the Aus memorial.

Just a quick note. It is now Sunday, Oct 31, 10:20AM in Beersheva. In lieu of finding an English speaking congregation (we had no internet until now & there's not much English in this town, far from the more tourista places like Galilee & Jerusalem) we had our own worship time in the hotel room. Cindy picked songs, then we studied the various references to Beersheba in scripture ... primarily the home of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob of course. Then sang some more. As I left the room to go to the Business Lounge where I could have internat the guy next door to us, a Londoner, came out and told us how he appreciated our singing. I told him we wished there had been a way we could have known that he, another believer, was there because we longed for fellowship beyond our own 2 selves.

Yesterday was long. At Colombo airport at 2AM, 3 hrs early, so we could get through security and sit for 2 hours. :( Left at 6A (20 min late), arrived Amman just in time to leap chairs and other obstacles to get to our short flight to Tel Aviv. Picked up the car and began the drive to Beersheba ... only about 90 kilometers, but we drove in a relaxed manner (after the life-threatening practice they call driving in Sri Lanka) and also enjoyed a stop at the first McDonalds we saw. Went to bed early (of course; 3 1/2 hrs diff between SL and Israel so some jet lag issues).

We included a wonderful time of prayer for our family, our church family, and others we have been keeping up with on our journeys. Today we hope to see Tel Beersheba, which I understand is a dig that goes back pretty near the time of Abraham. Then relax some more. That's supposed to be the main theme for these last days.

God bless!

Greetings on day 33, Friday. This is our last full day in Sri Lanka. We are still in Colombo staying with Pri at his brother’s house. Again we have been spoiled. Anna went way beyond the call of duty for breakfast this morning and fixed “American” … scrambled eggs, bacon and waffles with genuine maple syrup. Wow was that good!

Anyway, we did some packing this AM, then headed for the Indian Ocean. On the way we caught a “tuk-tuk”, the little 3-wheelers you see all over the streets here. He took us the rest of the way to a hotel that had a private beach which we were able to use by just buying a couple glasses of fresh-squeezed orange juice. No problem there. This was our opportunity to swim in another ocean. It was actually a little more refreshing than the Med Sea on the Israel coast. Didn’t stay in too long, just long enough for pix. Then we went to lunch with Pri, meeting a friend of his, Evangeline, a Sri Lankan believer who has her degree in psychiatry and has been using it not only in SL but in Bangladesh.

Now we are back at the house, finishing packing, wrapping up financial and ministry related matters with Pri. We are trying to come home with some improvements in the way Pri reports the camp finances so we at CBC can satisfy the IRS (is that ever possible?). We will go to bed early (Lord willing, we hope) and be up by 1AM for a taxi to the airport. Have to be there 3 hours early apparently. Don’t actually fly out until 5:25AM, back to Tel Aviv for the final few days in Israel. We may be away from the computer for a little while though should have internet by Sat night Israel time.

Thanks for you who have been travelling along with us here and on FB. We will be in touch again soon Lord willing.

Greetings on day 32, Thursday. Not too complicated. We left Kandy by train at 6:15AM. About 2 1/2 hrs of bumpiness. We were in the observation car, meaning the last car on the train, and the very last seats though faced out the back window for a great of view where we had been. Did I mention it was quite topsy-turvy. Or did I just say bumpy.

We are staying in Colombo at the home of Pri’s brother and family. That’s Danuk, Anna-Marie and Ashwan (my sp). Once settled in there we went over to Colombo Theological Seminary for a chapel service (we told them who we were and why we were in SL), ate lunch there, and then back to the house for a good nap. In the evening we went out for a little while to some nearby stores (one the SL version of Pier One Imports; the other a SL based department store). We had supper at the house and some good conversation about spiritual things.

Tomorrow will be somewhat of a slow day though we are meeting someone for lunch. Pri & I will have business to work on throughout the afternoon. Do be in prayer about this as we seek to wrap up some things related to our main reason for being here. And don’t forget to pray for the camp. The current legal issue and it’s satisfactory outcome are the matters in need of prayer. And for Pri as he walks with the Lord through this time.

Not sure where we left off but Tuesday morning Cindy led a Bible Study for women using the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4. In the afternoon we saw a few sights in Kandy. Tuesday evening we were truly blessed to go to Pri's home where he lives with his mom & dad. Wonderful meal. Really wonderful people.

This AM we were at Lanka Bible College to speak at their chapel. And then this afternoon at the "Elephant Orphanage" ... yes, an orphanage for elephants. Truly fascinating. Had the opportunity (first & last) to ride on an elephant.

Here's the outline from the chapel message. I put it here because it was such a feast for meditationn and worship of the Lord Jesus Christ for what He did for us and it's continuing effect today.

The topic was Jesus' words from the cross, "It Is Finished", asking the questiion, "What was finished?" 7 points.
1 He finished His Father's work (John 4:34; 17:4; 19:28; Acts 2:23)
2 He fulfilled all the prophecies of the suffering of the Savior (Gen 3:15; Ps 22; Isa 53, etc)
3 He He fulfilled all the types (e.g. Isaacs birth, Gen 21; "death", Gen 22; marriage, Gen 24).
4 He fulfilled the law (Matt 5:17-18; Rom 8:3-4; 10:4; Dan 9:24)
5 He completed redemption (Psa 49:7-9,15; Heb 9:12; Ezek 18:4; Heb 2:9)
6 He completely satisfied divine justice (Isa 53:4,10; Rom 3:25)
7 He finished loving His own (John 13:1)

Picking up from the last blog, Sunday afternoon we went to a little village church at Kadugannawa. A road that got progressively more & more difficult ended at a wonderful setting. Perhaps 25 people, nearly half children, meeting outdoors next to the house of a village leader. It is a church plant of Kandy Bible Fellowship. What a great time we had though by the time we got home it was late & we were pretty much dead tired.

Nevertheless Pri had us up early ... okay, it was 9AM when we left for a visit to a tea plantation. That was a beautiful drive way up in the hills near Kandy to the Glen Loch plantation. We toured the plant, learned about making tea, ate at the buffet, bought some tea and then headed back.

At 3:30 we met with the Miracle Valley Trust board. That was a great meeting as we met people who are involved in and burdened for the work of the camp. 3 hrs plus later we ended with a time of prayer, said our goodbyes, and then had a bowl of soup with our hosts the Rubeshes.

Again there are some new pix on FB. Pray for Cindy who will be leading a ladies Bible study in the AM. Wed I will be speaking at Lanka Bible College and Thurs, Lord willing, we will leave Kandy by train to return to Colombo. We'll visit Colombo Theological School and stay with Pri's brother for a night or 2 before departure early Sat AM. Enough!

Our love to you all. You are in our prayers as well as our conversations.

Just wanted to say that yesterday (Sat) afternoon we went to the Miracle Valley Camp. It is a beautiful place. What a joy to ride out with Pri as he told us of answers to prayer, of people he has had the opportunity to share the gospel, of ways God is working. And then on the way back with Pri to hear of the vision for the future and how he sees God using the facility.

This morning we were at Kandy Bible Fellowship Church and spoke on Amos 5:16-27. It was an English speaking service (the Sinhelese service was earlier wiuth fellowship in between, coffee, tea, cookies ... sound familiar?). What a wonderful time. First time since we left home 4 weeks ago that we could sing out. And the 40 or so people just filled the room with their praises. Check FB for a few pictures.

For lunch, rice and curried meet/lentils/veggies. Definitely spicey and definitely good! This afternoon around 2P we are going with Pri, the pastor of KBF (Herman) & his wife (Jillian) to go about 45 miles to a church they are starting. Service will be in Sinhelese so Pri will interpret for us. More later.

Ron & Cindy

Greetings on Day 27. That's Saturday for people like us who are having trouble keeping it straight. Here's why ...
Thurs 7:30P we got on the all night train to Kiev. Not extremely restful but better than the all night bus.
Fri 6A we arrived in Kiev. Our usually reliable driver was not there to meet us ... still not sure what happened ... but anyway God provided a taxi driver who spoke some English and we had a very nice time going to Borispyl Airport (with Boris).
9:25A departed Kiev for Zurich (3 hrs, which is exactly the opposite direction, but such is travel with Expedia when you settle for the best price). Even the airport in Switzerland was okay; more color, more like home. But it was temporary because ...
1:30P departed Zurich for Amman (4 hrs). Arrived 10 min late but had only 45 min to begin with. So we walked fast, but again the Lord was good. Others on our flight were headed for Colombo, so they held the plane.
7:30P departed for Colombo, arriving 10 min early. Customs & immigration were a snap. And, praise the Lord twice: our bags arrived, and Pri was there to meet us (it was 4:30AM).

The drive to Kandy was about 2 1/2 hrs. Rather interesting. No, let us be honest, absolutely scary. For one thing it's English ... driving on the left. And they make good use of the entire 2 lanes, resulting regularly in 3 to 4 lanes of traffic. And while in the dark you use your lights (the dimmer switch is used a lot); after sun-up it's use your horn as in Ukraine & Israel.

It is now 12:40P and after sleeping for 2 hours we have freshened up, will have a bit of lunch and then are going to the camp. Sunday we will preach at the English speaking church. Monday Lord willing speak at the local Bible college. Pri has a full schedule for us for which we are thankful. And what a beautiful country, and beautiful "cottage" we have to stay in. Although there was something about being sure to put the mosquito net over the bed tonight. And so far, so good: the anti-malaria med is staying down. :)

Greetings on day 24. It's Wednesday, 2:45PM as I write. Should make it about 6:45AM in Montana. Last night we went to the Petrenko home ... so that's Leonid & Lyuda (papa & mama, pastor at South Church), and Dima & Nella & Ian & Vika (Leonid's son and family). Some of you who have been here with us will remember Dima. Originally he was the driver for the school. Now has a rather high class photography business. Does some pretty amazing high-end work on weddings and other important family events. Dima and Nella lead a couples Bible study every Wed night at S Church. It's their "small group". Seems that the Lord is really using them. We had a nice time looking at pictures, theirs and ours. And a wonderful meal. Love that eggplant. Then Dima made all manner of coffee/latte/espresso/etc and herbal tea for those that didn't want to be up all night.

Today, up early (4:30A, which isn't that hard ... still a little wacko relative to the time zone we started in several weeks ago, :) ). Had to finish preparing the test for tomorrow so Jane the interpreter could translate it. In class we finished John 20, right on target. We will have the test 1st hour, then last hour have a fellowship time (i.e. drinks & cookies) & talk about John 21 & answer questions.

Cindy has been spending a lot of time yesterday and today in the library helping Victor with a project. Good for her and very valuable for Victor.

Tomorrow after class is over (2:30PM) I have to complete grading tests and assigning grades. Then there is a fellowship for teachers & students that the students are sponsoring, at 3PM. Our bags have to be packed and we will likely be picked up around 6:30P to catch the 7:27P train for Kiev. Arrive around 6AM, flight leaves at 9:25A so not a lot of time to relax with those who pick us up. Flights are Kiev to Zurich to Amman, Jordan to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pri plans to pick us up after our 4:20A arrivel. Pray for us as the Lord leads although there are many others whose needs are greater.

God bless!

Here's the latest from Zaporozhye. In classes so far today we have studied John 16-17. So it has been wonderful. The prayer of Christ is amazing. But here, let Cindy give you a report on yesterday (Monday) & her trip to the orphanage.

My trip today to the orphanage at Matveyevka was a real highlight of this trip. Nicholai Proshak took me there, with Sveta Baclan as my interpreter, where we met with the director, Larissa (“Hi” to Conrad!) and, as always, we were treated to a typical Ukrainian lunch. This time was different in that Larissa, who is always preoccupied and very busy, actually spent most of 2 hours with us, sitting down for a good visit and taking us to see sleeping 3- and 4-year-olds, showing us their classrooms, as well as new bathrooms, improvements in the dining room, and a new outdoor concert/game area and some beautiful landscaping. We also saw some older kids in different settings and went to the room designated for Nicholai’s classes and to another room that he will be able to use after it is renovated (needs lots of work).

After we left the orphanage, we took a young couple home (20-year-olds married only 1 year) and saw the house where 3 graduates of the orphanage live under their care (instant family of 3 teenagers for them!). This is another aspect of Nicholai’s ministry – to provide a Christian living environment for some of the kids after they graduate – families are needed to help with this. Another aspect is just giving the kids time away from the orphanage for a day or a weekend with a Christian family. He and his wife, Anya and their 3 girls open their home for this and are always looking for other Christian families to help. After being sick for several days and feeling quite useless here, I was happy to be able to spend this time with good friends, learning more of their work and their needs and will have lots of prayer requests to share when I get home. Love you all and miss you very much.

Greetings! It has been several days since we were able to post. We have no internet at our apartment, only at the college, and we were away from school for the wekend. I think I will keep this short & give more detail later ... I am between classes. Cindy has not been feeling well at all and has had trouble shaking whatever it is. First a cold, then intestinal stuff. Please pray for her. We had a wonderful weekend in 3 churches including one that was new to us. Will tell you more later. And will add to facebook when we get a chance a little later today, which will still be before most of you rise for your Monday. God bless!

It's Wednesday, Oct 13, Day 17. In my class today we covered John 5, 6 and were well into chapter 7. It was a truly exciting day ... remembering that for me, exciting may be something quite mundane for the rest of you. But class was definitely more lively. I felt quite engaged, thank the Lord. I included a picture of myself with my interpreter Jane. As always the interpreters are key to making things go smoothly.

And perhaps it was because Cindy finally made it to the school. It is energizing to have her here. She knows so many people and was blessed to renew many friendships and relive past memories. Victor (the librarian) invited Cindy to sit in the library and read for a while today, and then asked her to begin helping with a project in the library tomorrow afternoon.

Last night we had dinner with Mark & Joanne Mackey. Mark was formerly president of the college before turning it over to a Ukrainian, Vladymir Dygterov. Before dinner Mark took us over to the new building which will officially house the college in the near future. It's not ready yet but it is getting closer. We will include a few pix on facebook.

Please keep Pri from Sri Lanka in prayer. We haven't heard any update from him but are still burdened for him. (Yesterday's blog contains information on him if you did not see it yet.) And after that please pray for us as well for strength.

Perhaps the verse for the day from class is the shortest one ... John 6:48 ... "I am the bread of life!" Praise the Lord. As Cindy reminded me too, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled."

Ron and Cindy

Greetings! It is Tuesday at lunchtime. Just had a wonderful lunch of borscht (sp), cole slaw and macaroni with meat. And bread, as always. Very enjoyable.

To update you in my classes, we have 3 classes each day, each 1 hr and 15 min. By end of today we will complete John 4, Lord willing. Between classes and at the apartment I am usually doing some form of preparation including wirting down possible test questions from the lecture/discussion of the day.

Cindy spent Monday at the apartment & is again today washing clothes, getting groceries, cooking, ironing clothes. It is always a blessing for me to have her here. She will have an opportunity to be involved in other forms of ministry besides the one she is excelling at already.

My main reason for writing today was to encourage prayer for Priyanka Madawala whom we will be seeing, Lord willing, in Sri Lanka when we leave Ukraine. I just got an email from Pri saying he spent the weekend in jail, something to do with the camp ministry. He has a court date. Perhaps you who are part of our church family know of this and are praying but I want to encourage all of you to pray for him as you are praying for us.

God bless!

Just a short note (I thinnk) to let you know we have made it to Zaporozhye. We flew from Tel Aviv to Amman, Jordan then on to Kiev. We were met by a young man, Vadeem. After a rather interesting drive (although nothing near as interesting as the drive to the train station) through Kiev we arrived at the home of his mother, Svetlana. Many of you know the people of whom I speak. Her husband Viktor passed away this last January. Sveta is having a hard time and will probably try to sell her home this summer. Yes, that is a prayer request.

We arrived at the train station in time to catch the Zaporozhye train. We had a cabin with all 4 beds purchased by us. Suitcases stashed we went to bed immediately (even after 2 weeks I don't think we are over the jetlag completely). I think we both slept well considering how noisy and "moving" the trains are here.

Arrived in Zap at 6:25A, met by Volodya who is again driving full time for the school. He took us to our apartment where I had time to shower before a quick breakfast (thanks Brenda) & off to school by 8A for devotions and first class at 8:30A. I have 7 students you see the pix with Jane, my translator), a little larger than I had thought ... including 2 "sisters". Classes are over for the day and I'm saying I think it went well.

Check facebook for a few pix. Pray for the Holy Spirit to have a good grip on my mind & heart, that I might be yielded to the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for Cindy. She spent the day in or near the apartment. It's a different one that we have ever had so the neighborhood is a little unfamiliar. But I'm hoping she ventured out, exchanged $ for hryevna, and picked up some groceries. We are staying again with Brenda from the Chicago area who is teaching also.

Well here we are, sitting at Ben Gurion Airport, and will be for awhile. We have a 7:15A flight to Amman & then Kiev. So we were picked up at the hotel at 3AM for the less-than-one-hour trip to the airport in Tel Aviv. By 4:20A we were through the xray machine (our luggage), did not have to go through the step where they open our bags, went right to check-in. So now we have coffee (can you believe the 25 star hotel or whatever didn't have a coffee pot in the lobby ... any half star hotel in the states has that :)), a roll and some grapefruit juice, doing computery stuff. It appears we will be sitting at this nice table for over 2 hours until time to board. At least it wasn't the mad dash through the airport like in New Yawk.

Anyway, as for Day 13, Saturday, we visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, walked a bit of the Via Dolorosa, then went through the Armenian section of the Old City to walk what our archaeologist guide thinks was the real Via Dolorosa, and then went to the Garden Tomb (Gordon's Calvary).

Brief note. We were in the line at the traditional sight of the cross & resurrection (Ch of the Holy Sep.) for a very long time, most of it spend in line (over 2 hours), inching our way along, trying to keep our group together, tussling a bit with the group behind us who got upset that we weren't moving, and enjoying one of the Spanish speaking ladies in our group who was deeply moved by the experience and kept singing, mostly in Spanish but sometimes songs we knew and could join in. I will say that is one of the cool things about visiting these sites: you often hear groups singing as you pass some holy site. And all the waiting in line so we could arrive at the entrance into this cave kind of place with a guy telling you to hurry up, turn your camera off because there's no time to take pictures. Of course we took pictures.

How unlike the visit to the Garden Tomb. This one is a late discovery of a rock formation that looks like a skull and a cave/tomb nearby. It is run by protestants, should I say evangelicals. At least our guide, from England, was a joy to listen to. We entered as a group, walked to a place where you could see the crucifixion spot where he spoke wonderfully of the cross and what Jesus did for us, then to a seating area near the tomb where he spoke powerfully of the truth of the Bible and the power of the resurrection. Then we were allowed to take our time enjoying the empty tomb which we did. I have what I hope is a great video of the entire talk before going to the tomb.

Back at our hotel we had supper and then said goodbye to most of the group, esp Dave & Bev who were catching a midnight flight. So they packed and had no sleep; we packed and then slept from about 8:30P-1:45A ... not enough but we are quite thankful for that.

So now it's on to Zaporozhye. Please pray for us, for strength, for health, for the ability to be useful to the Lord in every way. Perhaps in our weakness we will be at His best!

Day 12
It’s hard to believe the time in Israel is almost over. Some in our group must leave early Sat morning, others (like Dave & Bev) late Saturday or early Sunday. Our plane leaves at 7:15AM, we must be at the airport at 4:15 & thus will leave our hotel by 3:15AM. Hmmm … whose idea was all that.

Meanwhile we had another exciting day today. It began with the “Rabbinic Tunnels”, excavations done under the temple mount. This was actually the closest we have been to the place where the Holy of Holies was likely situated, assuming it was on the peak of Mt Moriah. Then we went to Bethesda where Jesus healed the man on the Sabbath. We read John 5:1-15 while there.

We sat for awhile at the place where it’s believed Peter gave his sermon on the Day of Pentecost. We also had a half hour to be at the Western (Wailing) Wall (not just seeing it as we did the other day). We also went to Bethany to the tomb of Lazarus. Then back to Olivette to see various sights, perhaps the best being a little hike through the Kidron Valley.

We’re thankful for the time we have had here. Just seeing some places that clearly fit the Biblical account has been wonderful. Whether that particular cave in Bethany was Lazarus’ or not to me is inconsequential. We actually learned something about modern day Bethany that was of interest, on a day when according to the news there were a couple terrorists in Hebron who were killed by the Israeli’s resulting in some demonstrations. Interestingly enough, we knew nothing of all this during the day, only when we got back to the hotel and saw it all on the news.

Remember to pray for us, for strength, for prepared hearts as we move immediately from Israel to teaching in Zaporozhye. Our love to you all!

I have fallen a bit behind because WI-FI has been tougher to get. I’m actually using Dave Browns laptop tonight. Anyway let me catch you up …

Day 9 (Tuesday)
This morning we spent some time at ruins of early Tiberius while waiting for a lady in the Spanish group to get medical care at a clinic. She seemed to have “bells palsy”.

9:30A: We are following the Jordan River, Hwy 90, & thus seeing the fertile Jordan Valley. Just S of Bet Shean we saw the Gilboa Mtns, where King Saul & sons were killed in battle. Read 1 Sam 31. The geography perfectly fit what we saw(duh).

10:30A: Entered the West Bank through a checkpoint. We stopped at Argman for a rest stop. There were Israeli soldiers there. Not unusual but just thought I’d mention it.

11:45A arrived at Qumran. In 1947 the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered here. Parts of every OT book but Esther were part of what was found and the end result was that the manuscripts already in use were confirmed by these oldest manuscripts. Read Isa 55:10-11 or Ps 119. The word of God endures!

After lunch we arrived at Masada around 2:45P. It closed at 4P (last cable car down from the top or you have to walk). So our guide Mike (who speaks 4 languages: Hebrew, Arabic, Greek, English) and who is a wonderful Christian man (along with Nareet, our Jewish guide who speaks Spanish and translates for a few in the other bus) got us quickly through the top of the mountain. Masada is a Jewish landmark, where in 73AD a group of Jews decided to end their lives rather than give in to the Romans. As Mike wonderfully pointed out, their leader never did give them the alternative of simply trusting God, whether by fighting the Romans or giving themselves up. Mike has a wonderful grasp of the truth of Scripture.

From Masada we arrived at the resort area at the south end of the Dead Sea and had time for a “float” … not a swim but a float. The picture is on FB if you want to gross yourself out.

Day 10 (Wednesday)
Wow, what an exciting (and exhausting) day! The keys are: JERICHO AND JERUSALEM! If you have a map of Israel it might be helpful.

We left the southern end of the Dead Sea heading back north to Jericho. First we turned East toward the Jordan River, waiting at a gate for 4 Israeli soldiers to show up and let us in, along with 5 other busses, for a baptism service in the Jordan. Several of our group were baptized.

Then we headed into Jericho, with the Mt of Temptation on the West side of the city. This required our group getting on the Spanish group’s bus (since our driver was Jewish and was not allowed in Jericho)and going through (rather easily I might say) a security checkpoint run by the Palestinian Authority as the PA is responsible for security in Jericho. We went through town, seeing the “Zaccheus Tree” as we drove through town (right city name but who knows what tree), to a tram that would take us to the Mt of Temptation (read Mt 4:1-11 and be encouraged on the matter of resisting temptation by use of the Word). Once there we still had a rather steep hike up to a monastery where there is a cave thought to be one Christ stayed in and then an Orthodox shrine/church. Quite the fascinating place. And my knees hurt.

Returning from the mount we had lunch and then went out to Tel Jericho, a mound with several versions of the city piled atop each other. And by the way, from the Mt we were able to see to the Jordan River and Mt Nebo on the other side (where Moses saw the land but was not permitted to enter) and the likely place where the Israelites crossed the river and then made their way to Jericho. Hot stuff!

Leaving Jericho it was now time for our ascent to Jerusalem. What an exciting ride. It was very mountainous, bringing to mind the words of the Pilgrim Psalm 121: I lift up mine eyes to the hills, from whence cometh my help? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth! As we were nearing our first view of Jerusalem our guide played a version of “The Holy City”. The first view was exciting, and the view we had toward the end of the day (not great for pictures as the sun was setting behind the old city) was inspiring and thrilling. On the way we stopped on the Mt of Olives for stops at the Church of the Ascension & the Pater Noster where the Lord’s Prayer is displayed from nearly every language on earth.

Tonight we went shopping (hot diggity). Actually, it was in Bethlehem at a shop run by Christians. It was a surprisingly an enjoyable experience.

Day 11 (Thursday)
Today the keys were 1)Temple Mount and 2) Bethlehem. We began boing to the Temple Mount, seeing the Western Wall, the only part of the 2nd temple (in use in Jesus day) left. You have seen the Jews praying there I’m sure. (Cindy was in tears thinking of why Jesus Himself wept over the city.) Then we went to the Dome of the Rock and al Aksa Mosque … not inside either, of course, since we are not Muslims. The gold Dome covers the top of Mt Moriah, where Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac. We also went to a room commemorating the Upper Room and had a communion service. That was cool!

We then went to a shrine (church) St Peter in the Gallicantu … beats me but it commemorated his denial of Christ. What was interesting and so inspiring was a stair-stepped pathway that descended down Mt Zion to the Kidron Valley, linking the other side of the valley (the Mt of Olives). Christ would have walked this path, probably, leaving the Upper Room for Gethsemane, and then being brought back to appear before Caiaphas after being arrested.

In the afternoon we were in Bethlehem. I was not quite as taken with what we saw, personally. The Church of the Nativity had a cave in a lower part of the church where Mary supposedly had the baby Jesus. People were there kissing the spot. We also went to the Milk Grotto commemorating the place where Jesus grew the first 2 yrs, being nursed by Mary. Some of Mary’s breastmilk leaked or something, making the walls white, providing a powerful enablement for fertility, as indicated by many testimonial letters on the site. Do you see why I was not particularly taken by Bethlehem … the “Mary Cult” has a great emphasis as it did around the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth.

We did visit the Shepherd’s Field. That was cool. After all, that was ties to a Biblical story (Luke 2) and not some fantastical story.

So much for the account. Quite long. I really suggest you check us out on Facebook, not only while here in Israel but also in Ukraine & Sri Lanka.

I’m asking for prayer as, besides the wonderful things to see here, we are thinking about our upcoming time in Ukraine and being prepared for the first day or 2 of John’s gospel. The time in Israel has, of course, been helpful but it still has to be put together. And time is moving on. Can’t believe as I write that it’s Thursday evening! God bless.

Day 8

Greetings! It's now Day 9, 6:40AM, the air has cleared somewhat just in time to get some nice views from where we are at the south end of Galilee (Magaan) to the north end (Capernaum). Thankful for that.

As for Day 8 it was a long day as our guides had many places in mind for us to see. It began at Kursi, the place where Jesus cast demons from 2 men, sending the demons into a herd of pigs who then ran down a steep hill into the Sea of Galilee. Then to the Latin (Catholic) Capernaum which has archaeological sites of the home where Peter lived (w/his mother-in-law, bet that was tough on the big tough guy; Matt 8:14-17) and of the place where the synagogue was where Jesus taught (see esp John 6:22-59). It is thought to be also where Jesus restored Peter to ministry (John 21). Then we went up a nearby hillside to a cave, and then above the cave to the place where Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7; we read the Beatitudes, 5:3-10).

Then it was time to leave Galilee for Nazareth. "N" was a small town in Jesus day (perhaps 200 people); today it is a major city, perhaps a quarter million. This is the place where Jesus grew up. The Bible of course says very little about Jesus' life until He began His ministry. Nevertheless there are many shrines, the chief ones we visited including the Church of the Annunciation (Catholic, commemorating Gabriels announcement to Mary, largest RCC church in Israel), San Gabriels Church (Eastern Orth commemorating the same thing, but includes a spring that goes back to Jesus' day & a nearby well where Gabriel spoke with Mary, acc. to tradition, "The Gospel of James" ... it's not in your Bible), Mensa Church, Joseph's Church, and I'm pretty sure some other places.

The highlight was not one of the shrines but the Nazareth Village, a "reenactment" of life in Jesus' day that is run by Christians. It included a museum, and then a walk through the village seeing the shepherd at the door of the sheep fold, a watchman on the wall, Joseph & his carpenters shop, Hannah (Joseph's sister) making yarn and weaving. It was repleat with several donkeys (burro's; remember we are travelling with a Spanish speaking tour), sheep, and the shepherd, watchman, Joseph & Hannah were all real live people. Our guide-ette was a believer from Manitoba, volunteering at the facility, sent there by her church.

One other thing: had pork ribs for lunch. Yes, you heard it right. At Nazareth. See the FB pictures for brief explanation.

Today it's time to head south to Qumran and Masada and then staying on the Dead Sea tonight. Should be a picture of a large object floating on top of the water in tomorrow's collection. :)

We hear a lot about "walking in Jesus footsteps" throughout the day. We are working to remember that the goal is to enhance our understanding of Scripture, and that is happening, and to enjoy thinking of Christ in real live settings. But walking in his steps is not about being in Israel but is about following Him from the heart, the mind, the will day by day. Mt 4:18-22 has been helpful ... "Follow me and I will make you fishers of MEN".

God bless! See you tomorrow on the internet Lord willing.

It will simply have to do for me to list places we were today. Some pix are on Facebook. The picture here is of the sunset taken from the East side of Galilee. Cindy got some wonderful pictures. It was very hot & humid today but there were some clouds to give a little effect. Still quite hazy so pictures are not the best. By the time we got to our hotel for the evening we had traversed the entire East side of Galilee, the area of the Decapolis.

Departed Nazareth, through Kana (Cana) to Tiberias
Caught Galilee Boat for ride to Ginnosaur, Galilee Boat Exhibit
Drove by Valley of the Doves
Brief stop at Migdol/Magdala (hometown of Mary Magdala)
Church of Peter’s Ascendency (where Jesus restored Peter, John 21)
Kibbutz Ein-Gev for lunch (inc fish from Galilee)
Orthodox Capernaum (tomorrow the Latin or Catholic Capernaum)
Chorazin (city Jesus cursed along w/Capernaum & Bethsaida)
Site of feeding the 4000
Site where the swine ran over a cliff into Galilee
Kibbutz Maagan where we are staying for the night

We prayed for you all at CBC today. So happy for our wonderful brother Terry Longenecker to share from God’s Word. He has such a deep love and passion for the Lord and His Word.

God bless till we meet again!

It warmed our hearts when we saw them come into the arrival hall at Ben Gurion Airport. Also in the tour group are people from Havre, Cut Bank, Polson, Ronan and Whitefish. There is also a small group of Spanish-speakers who mostly speak English.

We had time for a swim in the Mediterranean earlier today. Amazingly warm for those of us familiar with the Pacific Ocean. The security man, upon learning we were “touristas”, insisted that we bring the car in through the gate to a secure area. That was nice.

The tour group, because it was Shabbat (Sabbath) and we couldn’t get to the hotel because no one would have our rooms ready, took an side trip to Mt Carmel, which we of course had already done. Unfortunately D&B had been sent on ahead to Nazareth so they missed Carmel. Pretty sad.

Be sure to enjoy Psalm 17 today! Shortest Psalm. But so good. The merciful kindness of the Lord is so great. We will think of you all today at CBC, our wonderful family. Nazareth is billed as the place where 3 religions meet. Well fine for sure. But today we will exalt the only Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, who grew up in this area, and ministered, but who, more than anything showed the kindness of God on a hill outside Jerusalem. Praise His name!

Enough!

Greetings on Day 5. It continues to be very hot. Now I am not unfamiliar with "hot" as I grew up in it. But still as we are constantly thinking of our Lord walking this area we are impressed with that aspect of His incarnation. We grumble & groan and then get back to the air-conditioned car. He left the glory of heaven and lived among us. What a God!

We spent the day around Tiberias where we have been staying each night. Tiberias is on the Sea of Galilee (also called in John's gospel the "Sea of Tiberias"). We walked the "beach" area (the Prominade) and had one of our 2 meals each day (breakfast at the hotel and the lupper or linner or dinch).

We also went to Mt Arbel, a national park. The mount (just outside Tiberias) is a cliff. You can hike to the edge and look over. And you are way high with great views (as the pix indicates) of the Sea of Galilee, esp the north end (including Capernaum or Kepher Nahum and the Jordan Delta). On a clear day you can see the Golan Heights & Mt Hermon (so we were told; we have not had a clear day ... no clouds for days but very hazy). At the bottom of the day we topped it all off with a swim in Galilee. That was pretty neat. After Flathead it was boringly warm. And shallow ... we waded out perhaps 75 yards and were still head & shoulders above water.

Tomorrow Lord willing we head back to Tel Aviv in time to catch the 1:30 tour bus for Nazareth and some time with the Browns. More then!