Journal's Coming Soon!

 James, Meg, Leighton, Cheryl, Jimmy and Regina

Cheryl Snyder 6-12-08

Wow, I stand in awe of how much God has taught me in just 2 days. To be here where Jesus ministered and taught, is so humbling. I keep trying to imagine what Peter, James, and John and the rest of the disciples felt and thought being in his presence and all the things he taught them. I am praying that God will open my heart and ears to hear all that he wants me to learn. Knowing that I need more of him and less of me. No matter how much we try to be obedient and serve others, the enemy is always there trying to make us focus on ourselves and make us ineffective.

 I loved visiting Capernaum yesterday. To stand and be in the same place Jesus taught, read scripture and ministered. The song phrase, " I stand, I stand  in awe of you, only God to whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of YOU!" kept running through my mind. I tried to imagine being there when Jesus was teaching, but Jesus teaches us through His word everyday. We don't have to be in a synagogue, anytime and anywhere we have the privilege of learning from our Lord because he lives in us.

 Cheryl and Jazmine working hard in Nazareth Village.

6-13-08

I just want to praise God for answered prayers! Yesterday, I was getting discouraged not able to keep a conversation going with some of the Arab youths and also hadn't gotten to know our other teammates very well. Today we were at Nazareth Village and I worked inside with Jazmine puitting together gift shop crafts to be sold. We had such a great conversation and feel like I really know and understand her better. Also, at lunch today I sat with an older gentleman and he was so sweet. We were able to carry on a coversation over lunch and he treated me well by giving us some falafel and making sure we enjoyed the food we were eating.  Both were huge blessings and I praise God for the encouragement and confidence he gave me today. I look forward to being in costume outside in the Nazareth village tomorrow. I have been thinking about our prayer supporters as well and praise God for your vital role in the ministry here in Israel.

 6-15-08

I am so thankful for the opportunity to be here in Nazareth to minister to the people. It is very humbling to be in clothing similar to what they wore back in Jesus day and to experience the type of work the people did. Being at Nazareth Village has helped bring stories from the Bible to life and to better understand the meanings. I respect and appreciate more the work they did back then and all the work the Village staff does to keep the ministry effectively reaching people. Today we visited the traditional sites of Mary's home and place of the Cana wedding where Jesus performed the first miracle. we also visited Mount Tabor where we could view the Jezreel Valley. It is a good reminder of the importance of sharing the gospel with others. To imagine the battles that are yet to come in that area just are not imaginable. So excited to head to Jerusalem tomorrow.

6-18-08

The past two days have been incredible. The first place we visited was the Mount of Olives and to look out onto the Temple Mount and trying to imagine the beauty of the temple that used to stand there. The best part is that even though the Temple was destroyed years ago, God continues to live in us and his presence is very real. It just humbles me to think he chose  to live in us. Hearing about the Temple and seeing and touching the original stones that fell off was very cool. The walls still surround the old city. There are so many traditional sites that are recognized by people and almost all have a Catholic church over them. No one knows the exact sites of some of the events, but based on scripture, artifacts and tradition there are other sites that we have seen that could very well be the sites. Above all we still need to worship God and not these earthly sites. The holy sites we have seen are all so neat to try to imagine and understand scripture better, but he lives in us and they are just material places and things. The impact He has in peoples lives are more important to me.

Putting tracks in mailboxes today was a neat experience we could never do in the states. We also helped at a church this afternoon playing soccer and helping with crafts. It was so much fun working with the youth.

 Cheryl, Regina, Jaz, Meg and Charlene on the Jesus Boat-along the Sea of Galilee

Meghan Maginnis 6-13-08

After a few days I have finally slowed down enough to write about my experiences here in the Holy Land. Coming over here twice in less than a year I had some idea what to expect and but didn't know whether or not I would learn anything new. I've realized that I could continue coming over here multiple times a year for many years and still never fully learn everything about the land, people and especially about the life of Christ.  Last night we had the incredible opportunity to minister with local Arab Christians in Nazareth. There is nothing like hearing people sing praise songs in a different language.  Today we worked in Nazareth Village. A place where people from all over the world can come and get a small taste of what it would have been like to live during Christ' time. As we dressed in costumes from that time period worked in the heat we began to have a better appreciation for what it would have been like to have lived during that time.

As we continue on our incredible journey through the Holy Land may people see Christ in our lives. May we be a light to those we meet in the next week.  Please continue to pray that doors would be open and we would be bold about our relationship with Christ, when talking with people we meet here.

 6-14-08

Today we finished our day at the Nazareth Village. A few of our team members, including myself were assigned the role of helping to build la "Mikva". What an incredible assignment. It's one thing to work in the hot sun, it's another to work in a long costume, with sandles and a head scarf. We now have a better appreciation for the men and woman who lived thousands of years ago.

If only you could have seen our feet today, after working in the dust with sandles. One of our team members made the comment that it gives you a better appreciation for the analogy of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. Our feet were sooo digusting, even we didn't want to touch them.

Tomorrow we're looking forward to attending the Church of the Nazarene. We're looking forward to seeing how other believers from this part of the world worship.

 Charlene, Cheryl, Jaz, Regina and Meg lifting their hands in praise.

6-19-08

Before coming over here a few weeks ago I made the comment to family and friends that I didn't believe anyone could come over here and not be somewhat influenced/changed by the land, people, and sites here in Israel. That statement is even more true after being here again. As we stood atop the Mount of Olives yesterday I looked into Jerusalem, God's chosen city, you can't help think about the past, present and future. We have been called for such a time as this. As followers of Jesus Christ what an incredible responsibility we have. Many of us have family and close friends who we love, yet we've hesitated telling them of our greatest love, Jesus Christ. Yesterday morning we had the opportunity to pass out tracks in the city of Jerusalem. Regina and I were paired up and as we walked through the residencial area's we could help, but think of all the people living here who have the truth facing them each day, yet they chose to ignore it. Last night we had the incredible opportunity to minister with fellow believers. What an incredible ministry they have here in the land. They are criticized and mocked each day for their stand for Jesus Christ. We as believers in the U.S. take our freedom of religion for granted. Tomorrow night we're looking forward to worshipping with these believers and hopefully ministering to them.

If we haven't done anything else in our two weeks here, may we have at least planted some seeds in the land. We may never know if we influenced anyone here, but we have been called for such a time as this to share with others what Christ has done for us. If you're reading this journal and you've never come over...I highly recommend it...Your life will never be the same.

6-20-08

Well, our trip is quickly coming to an end. My prayer is that those from the team will never be the same. My prayer is that they never read the scriptures the same way. My prayer is that they will become bold about their faith. The past few days we have been in Jerusalem, observing the Jewish and Muslim people of the city. What has struck me the most is how impersonal the two religions are. Both religions spend so much of their time focusing on tradition. They miss out on the most important aspect of any religion…having a personal relationship with God…even more, Jesus Christ. What an incredible responsibility we have been given as believers in Jesus Christ. We’ve had the opportunity to minister with a Bible believing church in Jerusalem. Tonight we actually had the opportunity to attend a service at the Jerusalem Assembly. What an incredible experience worshipping with fellow believers in God’s city, Jerusalem. As we sang praise songs in Hebrew I couldn’t help but get choked up. These men and women who love Jesus Christ are in the midst of the battle. We need to uplift them in prayer. Pastor Meno shared with us from Hosea, talking of what is to come in Jerusalem. What an incredible reminder, especially sitting here in Jerusalem and knowing the future of Israel and Jerusalem.

On a fun note…today we had the incredible opportunity to drive down to the Dead Sea. We visited Masada, one of the many fortresses of King Herod, we hiked up to the water falls of En Geidi and even swam in the waterfalls…at least the rest of the team did. I took the pictures! J As for my pictures, I’m up to 1,500. We then floated in the Dead Sea…we even covered our body with mud from the Dead Sea. Our team will never be the same. Most people say you’ll only do it once in a lifetime. Well, I proved that saying wrong…this was my third time.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for us daily read our blogs and even checked out our pictures. May you have been blessed by what we shared.

Shalom one last time from the promised land.

Leighton Chambers 6-14-08

Shalom from Israel!

We're all having a great time and learning more about the Lord every day. The last few days we have been working in Nazareth Village, which is a replica of Nazareth during Jesus' time. It's been a great experience working and living how Jesus would have lived. I had the chance to be a shepherd and get more of a feeling of how David and other Biblical shepherds would have felt.

We've been eating a lot of falafels and shwarma. I actually like both, but then I pretty much like anything. I'm running out of snacks that I brought. I may need to restock soon, assuming my money will last. I am also running low on clean clothes.  I wish Christian would have found his mp3 player before I left, because my cd player is broken. The plane ride was very long because my cd player is broken.

I'm looking forward to going to Jerusalem for the last week and wearing my last pair of clean pants. It's been great talking to the Lord every day.

Jazmine Hyde

6-20-08

Hi everyone! So its our last day here and I am finally journaling! Words can not describe how incredible this trip has been. I have been so overwhelmed at times that I cant help but just sit down, soak it all in, and just cry. I feel Jesus everywhere here. I was sick most of the trip (satan was trying to keep me from experiencing everything I could!) so I had to miss a few sights, but I didnt let that get me down. If I was to pick one highlight from this journey, I dont think I could. Everything has a special place in my heart for different reasons. From helping the Arab-Christian church in Nazarath to floating along the dead sea covered in mud, its all so uniquely beautiful! :) I just can't get over how much God has shown me. I have learned a ton and gained so much more that I thought. I came on this trip expecting to see the sights, do some work, eat weird food, do alot of walking, ect. But what I am coming back home with is a new knowledge of Jesus and his chosen people, a new respect for my christian family living in this volitile part of the world, a new curiosity in the Bible and its prophesies, and a new group of trusted friends..a new extended family. 

Peace and Love

-jaz

Shalom from Israel!

Final Thoughts by Regina

June 22, 2008 -- Don’t Stop There…

Lord, is there any way I could ever thank you enough for this life, soul-changing experience?

In actuality, the Cross would’ve been enough for us, but because of who You are, You don’t stop there. You call us to live the abundant live with you here on the Earth with a mission! Lord, I just want to hear from You…..the most important conversation I’ll have all day is with You….please speak to me…

Gina,

These past two weeks I’ve given you have been for purposes beyond you; now that you’ve experienced it, what you going to do with it? Please Don’t Stop There. Share with others about what I did in your heart and what I can do with a yielded spirit….

You know Me as your Savior, but Don’t Stop There. Please feed My lambs and take care of My sheep…

You laid some burdens down that I wanted you to hand over to Me completely. But Don’t Stop There. Carry another’s burdens so I may be glorified and people will feel a healing comfort that the world cannot give…

I’ve rescued you from a life of sin and destruction. But Don’t Stop There. Tell and show others how they can be free from bondage by Me, the great Liberator!

I’ve turned you sorrows into joy, but Don’t Stop There. Be joyful in all circumstances and others will see a Hope that is eternal….unchanging by life’s situations…

I’ve given you the gift of choice, the second greatest gift to show My love for you, next to salvation. I’ve given you choices that will test your faithfulness. But Don’t Stop There.  Pray for Me to guide you along the way and for a willingness to be a blessing for life—I want to grow deeper with you….

I’ve opened your eyes to see some of needs of the people around you. But Don’t Stop There. Using My strength, help meet those needs in My name….not your name….

I’ve opened your eyes to the urgency of My kingdom work and how I want to use you for bigger plans than you had for yourself. But Don’t Stop There. Be bold in My name and trust that I, who began a work in you, will see it to completion if you do your part too…

I’ve laid it on your heart that each day we meet there’s something specific I want you to learn and receive.  But Don’t Stop There.  Truly commit your time to Me so I may show you great and unsearchable things—things that you can put into Godly practice.

I’ve shown you that true spiritual transformation cannot be measured with an external checklist, but rather it’s gauged by and increased capacity to love Me and love others—the two greatest commandments.  But Don’t Stop There.  Continue to rely on Me to be transformed by the renewing of your mind and use the love of the Cross to reach the world for Me….

Lord, you call me and all of us to live a life of action, not just a life of learning!  Don’t Stop There Christians—there are souls at stake and true growth to be had!

Lord, help us be a people of action…please “Don’t Stop….”

I miss you guys already! I’m praying for each of You! Love ya!!

Gina

Regina Babcock 6-11-08

This trip has been undescribable! Jesus has spoken to me through His creation, His promised land, and His people here! Being here on the Sea of Galilee has reminded me of all the miracles that Christ has done and all the ones He continues to do in the lives of His people! Being in the synagogue today helped me realize that the same Jesus that taught and healed many, is the same Jesus that lives in my heart today! How thankful am I that He is mindful of me.....

With his Spirit, I know that He will continue to work through our team to touch and meet the needs of this land--His promised land. God is working in us as we even encourage each other. Please keep praying that He gives us divine appointments to make us fishers of men!

6-13-08

Today was very humbling....it was so neat to see how the people of this country are so passionate about where they live...after all they do live in the promised land!  I had the chance to talk to an Israeli Christian and share with her that she is not alone! She lives around many people who do not know the Lord and it was very uplifting for her to hear that she was not alone in the fight for winning souls to Christ. 

God has REALLY been speaking to me through my quiet times and I feel like God's voice has been resonating in my heart like never before!  God wants us to set our selves up to hear from Him....so many times the ambient noise of life takes precedence over hearing Him speak and no wonder we don't know what He wants!  If I had to pick one word to sum up today it would be humbling.  Please keep praying for divine appointments to share with others and to let the light of Christ shine in all we do!  And for those back home, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

6-15-08

Deuteronomy 11:26 says "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse..."  These past few days God has made it very clear to me that each day here and each day I live on this earth I have blessings and curses set before me in the form of choices that I make. I can choose to be a blessing to someone here by showing them Jesus' love in the things that I do or I can be a curse.  Choices.....we make them EVERYDAY! It's funny how our choices effect who we represent and many days we make poor choices because we bow down to ourselves rather than to the living King! God is showing me that I can effect the people here in Israel, and many people back at home, just by the choices that I make! Choices are willfully done and are ways to draw us closer to Him! Next to salvation, one of God's greatest gifts is the gift of choice. I pray that I CHOOSE to share Christ with the people here and back at home! I WANT TO CHOOSE TO BE A BLESSING FOR LIFE...Will you join me? :)

6-18-08

PASSION....What does it mean? 

During my time with the Lord this morning, I was reading in 2 Peter and chapter 2, verse 19 says..."For a man is a slave to whatever masters him." The past two days here I have been thinking a lot about the word "passion" and what it truly means to be passionate for the cause of Christ. God has opened my eyes here because of the great need of evangalism needed in Israel and nothing will be accomplished until believers start gaining their passion for God, MYSELF included! God soooooooo created us for passion that if we don't find it in Him and in His work, we will find it elsewhere....and how dangerous that can become! We will be passionate....no doubt about it because that's what we were created for. I pray we all will choose to be passionate about a cause that is greater than ourselves.

Okay, now a little about our ministry here!! Today working with the kids was definitely a highlight! Child-like faith is something that God continues to bring me back to when I interact with a child. To help in anyway we could made me realize what a servant truly stands for. Also, seeing the victims, espcecially children, during the Holocaust Museum shattered my heart. It's in those moments that it can be natural to question God's goodness....

What is so amazing about our God is that nothing can make Him "any less good." Sometimes we fall into the trap of equating God's goodness with our circumstances...

I can't wait to journal again and share with you the amazing things God is doing in our midst! Pray for the people of Israel....and PRAY FOR PASSION!

6-20-08

I can't help but be filled with mixed emotions as our time here draws to an end. My heart is so thankful and full of joy as I think about all the amazing things the Lord has done here, yet there's a sting of sadness as we have to leave this holy land and our fellow teammates that we have come to fall in love with.  However, the joy in my heart definitely outways the sadness because I know our mission is not done yet! God can use all of us when we go back home and minster there--wherever and however that might be! I can't pick just ONE highlight because there were so many.  All of the places we went to all pointed to Christ and it just hit home that He's the center....the center of everything! Of all the sights I saw and all the things we did over here do not compare to what He showed me during my time with Him.  This is not to down play all the amazing things God did in our midst, but being alone with Him and learning from His word and His voice was uncomparable!  I felt He laid things on my heart that were hard to hear, but I needed to hear. He laid things on my heart that I needed to hand over to Him and let go of.....

One of the things that I am taking with me is the truth that Knowing Jesus is better than life....so God's question to all of us is: Do you know Me? If that's a yes, then here's the second question: Since you know Me, what are you going to do about it? What are you going to do with Me?  I know that I want to answer that question with a "I want to tell everyone about You! I want to show that You live in me by the way I live!"  Sharing Christ's love with people here in Israel struck my heart of the importance of sharing that love with people that I come into contact everyday! 

Being where Jesus walked here in Israel and serving others through His Spirit lets us all know that His spirit knows no bounds....He is wherever we invite Him to. I am excited to see what God has planned for all us back in the states...His power plus our willingness will be explosive! I feel like Israel has prepared me for the Kingdom work that's in front of me. I will never forget this experience nor will I forget all the lives that touched mine....We serve a big God; a God that blesses us even when we think we'll be a blessing to others. I am a different person now than I was when I left....I am a sinner changed by His grace.... 

Charlene Bloomfield 6-11-08

We have spent two days here on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and it has been... shall I say ... indescribable!  From the early morning hours of meeting with our Lord out by the Sea - to the knowledge gained as we traveled from one location to the next around the sea - to the interaction with our team members - it has all been a wonderful blessing.  God has begun to do a good work as we prepare ourselves for what lies ahead.  Tomorrow we move on to Nazareth Village for orientation and a meeting with a young adult group.  I look ahead with great anticipation of how God will use us and work in each of us at the same time.  Our God is so good!    Praise His Holy Name!

6-13-08

Today we worked in the stone quarry at the Nazareth Village. It made me realize how difficult a job carpentry most likely was in Nazareth during Jesus time.  It also gave me a much greater appreciation for the ritual of washing feet. 

 I was blessed by the willing spirits of each of our team members to help out wherever needed.  Leighton went from the sledge hammer in the quarry to shepherding sheep,  Cheryl and Jaz did what ever was needed in the office area, while the rest of us continued to labor in the stone quarry throughout the hot hours of the day.

It is a real privilege to help out this ministry that literally reaches out the gospel to people groups from all over the world.  Thank you again for your prayers.  Please keep them coming!  God bless you all!

6-15-08

Today we had the blessing of worshipping with Arab believers here in Nazareth.  It was really interesting hearing the story of the Pentecost in a foreign language (through an interpeter of course).  The Pentecost is when the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples and they preach to the masses gathered in Jerusalem and thousands become believers.  It reinforced to me the miracle of each man hearing the Word of God in his own language (no interpeters were needed that day!)  But the highlight was the encouragment we were able to give to our beautiful Arab sisters in Christ. 

Later in the day, we went to Mt. Tabor and overlooked the Jezreel Valley.  It made us all ponder about what lies ahead and increased our passion to share the truth of God's love with others.  We appreciate your prayers and we are seeing and sensing the results of them.  Through your prayers, you are a very present part of our ministry here in Israel.  God bless you!

6-18-08

Humble Abode

These two words have been in my head since looking at the sites where Jesus would likely have been born and raised.  Nothing glorious - just a humble abode.  He still chooses to use humble abodes for His residence.  How blessed we are to be those humble abodes.  Oh that He might shine through us in all we do and say!  God bless you all!

6-20-08

Shabbat Shalom!

Tonight we had the privilege of worshipping with Israel believers at their Shabbat service.  The message was on prophecy and it was so very interesting hearing it from the Israel perspective.

The highlight from today however, is the moment on top of Massada when Leighton read the final speech given by the Israeli commander before they chose death over slavery.  Jimmy's reflection on the "Massada mentality" triggered some thoughts that I have pondered all day.  Christ died to free us from slavery - slavery to sin.  We are truly FREE in Christ!  Free FROM sin -not free to sin!  

Another thought that I have pondered is that it is a blessing to walk where Jesus walked here in Jerusalem, but an even greater blessing to walk with Jesus today - and tomorrow and the next day no matter where I am.  "And He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own - and the joy we share as we tarry there - none other has ever known.  

As I close, my reflections on this work/study project, I thank each of you for your prayers.  God has done a mighty work opening our eyes to His Word - to His people - to His Kingdom purpose for our lives.  May we return forever changed!

To God be the glory - great things He has done!

Shalom and God bless!

Charlene

James Whitmire 6-13-08

Shalom!!! My first trip to the Holy Land has been amazing. Walking where Jesus walked and worshipping where he worshipped has been a very powerful experience. Our group is small and not everyone knew each other before the trip but we act and share like we have known each other for years. My heart has been challenged to continue to live for Christ being in this holy place and seeing how close he is to returning to us has made me even more aware of how close that time is. But, also, being in this land has made me realize how many people are not ready! It is very heavy to walk where Jesus and his disciples traveled and ministered. The highlight of my trip so far was going to the synagogue in Capernaum and studying God's word and worshipping where Jesus taught and worshipped. We have been here almost a week but it feels like only a day it is going so fast, I can't wait to see what else God has in store for me the rest of the time, but I pray he will use me for his glory and to further His kingdom!!

6-18-08

Shalom again from the Holy Land! Our trip has been going very well so far, we have adjusted to the land, the food, and the heat but the only thing I couldn’t adjust to was how short the days are because 2 days ago we were getting off the plane in Tel Aviv and next thing I know a week and a half has gone by. Our time in Jerusalem these past few days have been the best ones so far for me. Tuesday was a very heavy day on all of our hearts as we got to see first-hand the old city of Jerusalem and walked the very site that has caused so much hatred and turmoil over the years all across the world. As we went to the temple mount to see the dome of the rock and then prayed at the western wall I saw thousands of people that are lost and probably will not spend eternity in heaven. This put a heaviness on all of our hearts that I don’t think we’ll ever forget but it also revived our hearts to realize the urgency that we all should have when it comes to sharing the gospel. Today, we got to do some more ministry by passing out christian literature and the joy of my day was working at a kids club playing with them and then seeing them learn God’s word. It was no accident that the 8 people on this trip are here together, God had a plan for us to be here to minister. This trip has definitely been a personal wake up call for me and has challenged my heart to evaluate how I live my life more and seeing what ways God can use me now and in the future.  

6-20-08

Shalom one last time and Happy Shabat! Two weeks has felt like only a few days. I don't remember time going by this fast when I was in high school. This trip has been amazing! God has shown me so many things. I'm ashamed that it took a trip to the Holy Land for me to realize how much closer to God I need to be but I thank Him that it happened. I could not have asked for a better team or a better leader. From the beginning we were all very comfortable with eachother, two weeks with the same people everyday can sometimes test your patience but I never felt that way with this group, I think we could even handle another week. Jimmy has been a blessing to us as a friend and a mentor. He has shown us things that we may never see again and revealed many things in scripture that we will never read the same.

   Our trip has been full of highlights and funny moments. Leighton and I started with the jokes on the 8th and they haven't stopped since. I think a few of my personal highlights was going to the top of Mt. Arbel overlooking the Sea of Galillee seeing what God has created and feeling so small in the midst of it all. Today we swam in the Dead Sea which was something I can try to explain to you but until you've experienced it you won't understand, I get a blister the size of a silver dollar on my foot playing soccer on turf grass so once I got past the initial burning I was able to enjoy the dead sea and my mud bath which left my skin silky smooth. My spiritual highlight was praying at the Western Wall next to a religious jew and an israeli soldier. As I prayed, I looked on each side and was almost overcome thinking about my religous freedom and all the times that I go through the motions in my times of worship when the people that surrounded me wanted nothing else than to be able to worship God the way they wanted in peace.

    My heart has been challenged to live more for Christ and not to keep what I've seen to myself. Jimmy has told us a few times that we now have a responsibility to share the things we've seen with others and help them to see the importance of everything we've learned. My prayer is that God will use me when I get home and I would continue to grow closer to him! So, one last time from the Holy Land, Shalom and Goodnight!!!

Leighton Chambers

6-18-08

Shalom. Its been a while since I wrote my last journal, and we have covered a lot here in Israel. We have been to numerous sights such as; the first chirch, the mount of olives, the temple mount, the dome of the rock (where I got my bible confiscated, don’t worry, I got it back) old town Jerusalem, the holocaust museum, a parking lot with camels, canan, out in the middle of nowhere / desert, Fauzi Azar Inn, Yad-Hashmona, the southern steps, but my favorite of all was the western wall. It was so amazing to go up to the giant wall where all of the jews come to pray. When we first arrived at the Yad-Hashmona guest house I was leaping for joy to find that they had washing machines and a large freezer full of ice cream.to bad my stomach is bigger than my wallet. It is beautiful here. The dinning hall is on top of a mountain, and there is a wedding here almost every night. Yesterday Jimmy Deyoung got a call from his father telling us that he got us reservations in the 5 star Regancy hotel for the last two nights of our trip. I can’t wait! The Lord is really speaking to me through prayer on this trip, and it is an amazing feeling to be in the spot where Jesus was at one time. God bless you and shalom from Israel.

6-20-08

I can't believe today was the last full day in Israel.  We have gone through so much in the last two weeks.  I would love to tell you everything I've done, but since I'm such a slow typer, that would take me forever. 

This morning we swam in a fresh spring on the side of a mountain in En Gedi.  Then we went to the Dead Sea to swim, but before I got there I burnt my feet on the rocks on the beach, because I forgot my sandals.  It was hot!

Next we saw the Dead Sea scrolls and went to a Shabbat church service. 

It has been great walking with and learning more about the Lord everyday.  He has really opened my eyes and ears toward Him on this trip. 

I wish I could stay here another week, but I have to come home some time.  The football coaches miss me.  

I would like to thank all of the people who have prayed and checked up on our team while we have been gone.

Thank you and God bless from Israel.

Leighton Chambers