DAY 8

CAN'T BELIEVE WE ARE ALMOST TO THE END OF OUR TRIP.  THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO HAS PRAYED FOR US!  WE HAVE FELT GOD'S PRESENCE AND BLESSING!

TODAY WE HIKED ALL OVER THE OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM.  WE TOOK IN THE TEMPLE MOUNT AND WESTERN WALL, WALKED THE VIA DOLOROSA, SAW THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE, THE SOUTHERN STEPS LEADING TO THE TEMPLE AND DAVID'S OLD CITY.

I'LL POST A FEW PICTURES FROM OUR EXCURSION YESTERDAY TO THE DEAD SEA AREA AS WELL AS SOME FROM TODAY. GOD BLESS!

WATERFALL AT EIN GEDI (DAVID)

PRAYING AT WESTERN WALL--TOOK TIME TO PRAY FOR FAMILY, CHURCH AND FRIENDS HERE TODAY!

DOME OF THE ROCK

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP IN THE JERUSALEM BAZAARS!

(YES CERTAIN GIRLS THIS IS FOR YOU!)

 

PRAY FOR US AS WE SEE THE PLACES WHERE TWO KINGS WERE BURIED (CAN ANYONE GUESS WHO?) TOMORROW AND CATCH OUR FLIGHT FOR HOME.



What a day!  We began our adventure in Qumran--where the Essenes faithfully copied God's word, then hid their scrolls when the Romans came to put down the Jewish revolt around 70 A.D..  Then in 1948 they were discovered by some young Bedouins and history was made.

Next we visited the oasis of Ein Gedi.  This is where David hid from Saul in one of hundreds of caves in the area.  We saw ibex and a beautiful waterfall.

Masada is a marvel.  How did they build that palatial fortress on top of THAT?!  Then we went for a float in the Dead Sea.  The water left a smooth, oily feel on our skin and the salt crystals on the bottom of the sea naturally scrubbed our feet.

Back at our hotel tonight we heard a niece of our own Miss Thelma share how God has brought her to live in Israel the last three years.  Our faith was challenged by Linda's faith in the Lord.

Then we heard a member of our group from Venezuela share about being kidnapped and held for ransom for 98 days before being released.  While he was captive he prayed for his kidnappers and read the scripture with them!  After many days they released him saying they had made a mistake by capturing a good man.  God blessed the faithfulness of this man not only by granting his release but in also saving a son through this experience.  That son was baptized in the Jordan while we were here!

Wish I had time to post a pic of David's waterfall, but we've got a 6 a.m. wake up call!  Goodnight!

In Jerusalem!

We pulled into Jerusalem just before sunset this evening.  Had time to pause at an overlook for a beautiful view of the old city then on to our hotel.  Nice accomodations at the Dan Boutique.  My room has a nice view of Mount Zion.  We'll start our day tomorrow by walking down the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane.  Caiaphus' home and Bethlehem will make for a great day!

Today we looked over the Valley of Jezreel/"Armegeddon" from the ancient city of Megiddo, stopped on Mount Carmel to commemorate Elijah's contest with the prophets of Baal and just had a short visit in Caesarea before being chased out by the Sabbath Police.  I was bummed out about it because it was not yet 3 oclock.  But we still had a great day.

 

Valley of Armegeddon

Orthodox Church of Annunciation/Mary's Well in Nazareth

 



Saw the water source of Megiddo and was reminded how Satan wants to cut us off from our Source and destroy--just like the ancients did in attacking a city:  cut off their water source and the outcome was shure.  Looked over "Armegeddon" and marveled how Jesus will return, not as a man, but as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to triumph over His enemies.  I will choose to profess this great reality now instead of being forced to recognize this truth after it is too late!