February 26, 2010
Friday before going to Israel.
Eph 3:20 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask of think, according to the power that works in us.”
It is God’s power that works in us. So the exceedingly abundantly above stuff is a real no brainer. Is it not? If God indeed created the whole Universe in all of it’s complexity by just speaking some words like “let there be light” then taking care of me is a no brainer.
It is just my responsibility to believe Him. Or that he has done it. Yet this passage does not require me to believe. Only to ask or think. It is His Power that works in me that brings about the abundance.
Tuesday night I condensed my drams and visions into two words. “Financial Independence.” I backed up these words with a seed of $500. Much more than the $100 I first thought of then had changed to $200.
Pastor Mark said to make the seed proportionate to my faith. I believe that was so. I could have given $10,000 but we do not have that. I believe that I have proven my faithfulness in stewardship over the past 2 years.
Pastor mark was animate about coming out. I am coming out of the 40 years of desert wasteland> These past few years have been ones of intense struggle as we started moving through the woods just before entering in to the promised land.
It was like the Israelites with Moses. 40 years ago I became a Christian (was delivered from Egypt).
I went to the Holy Mountain and received the 10 commandments (Immersion in Gospel Chapel).
I was sent off to spy out the Promised Land (Literature Crusades).
Came back fearful of what I saw as the other spies (Let Tongues ruin my calling – and the Coop at church).
Wandered for 40 years in the desert/wilderness (Total un-involvement in church) (Apposty, falling away)
Was delivered again as Joshua (WOLCC and Ana)
The dreams of old have been cast off and new dreams put in place. Calling, vision, words, prophecies. Yet an intense struggle through it all.
Pastor Mark enlightened us Tuesday. We, as the Israelites with Joshua, are going through a forest just beyond the Jordan. The thickets tear at our clothing. The enemy is strongly resisting my every advance. For he knows that I am back on track to accomplish that which God had started in me 40 years ago.
When I first became a Christian I was totally on fire for God and missions. Yet so many things were thrown at me to stop my progress. Richard, Lowell Ramsey, LC. And it did stop me. Dead in my tracks. I did nothing meaningful for Christ all of these years.
The trip to Africa got my photographic spirit fires up. Yet the trap of Satan killed any good that could have come from it. I then I spent the trip to Kansas praying for deliverance and guidance. Immediately the opportunity to take pictures in Juarez came up and my meeting Ana.
That very fateful day started our journey out of the desert towards the Jordan and the promises land. But the forest of trees came into our walk. We have been struggling for the past 2 years trying to make it through.
What Pastor mark said has opened our eyes and enlightened us to what is happening. We now have renewed hope that there is an end in sight and that we will break through in just a few months. A break through where all of the doors will be opened to us.
Next week in Israel is going to be a great time of revival and change. Our future will open up and new direction will be unfolded before us.
My asking for Financial Independence will be the gateway to our future. We have demonstrated our ability to travel, preach, witness, tithe, pray, study, read. With uninterrupted resources we will then have means to make many trips and sponsor many outings.
To this end we go forth my Lord. You who will do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.
Amen.
March 1, 2010
Today we set off for our trip to Israel. Up at 3 and feed the dogs, shower and shave. Then off to the airport. Parking and checking in bags. Oops! This one is 1 lb. over and this on is 3 lb. Over. With a little rearranging we are on our way. They had wanted $150 for the excess weight. No thank you Satan. Then the in-humanity of the security check in – all because of the radical Islams the threated every day to kill us infidels.
Then we eat a bit and have a coffee. Then to the gate which is already boarding. BUT. When we give them the boarding passes they tell us to come over here. The flight from Minneapolis to JFK has been canceled as well as many other flights to NY. Another bout of prayers were sent off to Heaven and the attacks of Satan once more rebuked.
The attendant found a non stop to JFK that leaves at 10:45 and gets in at 4:55. This gives us just over an hour and 20 minutes to make the connection. We had her check for other ones but they are all being canceled due to the snow.
I called Frosh Travel and they said to take that flight. They would guarantee us another flight leaving JFK to Israel at 11:30. We had the bags checked all the way though to Israel.
Father we thank you for you Grace and care for us. We are going to Israel to fulfill a calling we have had on our lives. We will accomplish this in Your Name. So we are again set for our trip. A bit frazzled but going nonetheless. Spite of what the enemy is trying to do to us. Satan we put you on warning. God is with us on this trip. Nothing you can do to us will hinder us from accomplishing what we have been called to do. We rebuke your attacks and assignments in the precious name of Jesus Christ.
It is because of Jesus Christ that we are going on this trip. We desire to connect with the very place that He walked and talked and preached. We wish to breathe the very air that He did during his 33 years on Earth. We desire to touch the stones, walk the dirt, and see the sea’s that our Lord did 2,000 years ago.
So now we sit for another few hours before our flight takes off. This was brought about for a divine reason. We are in a position to minister to some one that we otherwise could not have. Or to be in a place at a time we would not have been otherwise. I do not know. I can only thank you Father for this change in plans. Bring glory to yourself through what Ana and I are going through and accomplishing this week.
Frosh called back and said that they will guarantee us on the next flight to Israel at 11:30 tonight. If that be so Lord we will be on it. I would rather catch the 6:20 one as planned. There are things the tour was to do that I do not want to miss out on. I believe they were going to plant trees in a valley.
Lord, give us an overpowering dose of Your Anointing and quiet our queeze stomachs as we wait for this day to unfold. All for You glory.
12:00 we are I the air on our way. I took my glasses off to get a little rest, when I tried to find them they were on the floor and had been stepped on. Brought back memories of when I snapped a pair in half one Saturday evening. Lord help me get them straightened out so that I can see. Just another hit by Satan as he tries to dampen the Glorious Spirit that is flowing through Ana and I.
Step out of the way evil one. We are on a holy mission for God and you will not interfere in it any more. We will overcome and have dominion over you; because He that is within us is greater than you who are in the world. No weapon formed against us will prosper. The Word of God is mightier than anything the devil can throw t us.
This has started out as a great trip and will continue as a great trip. Many things will be revealed by this adventure. We are not just going on a trip to Israel, like going on a trip to Disney Land, No! We are going on an assignment to the Holy Land to be filled with new and wonderful Spiritual Gifts from God.
The past few days at church Pastors have spoken about things just as this. We have the seeds of Spiritual Gifts already planted within this Earthly vessel, out bodies. The rain comes down from God to water the seed and activate it’s hither to for dormant state into one of life and activity. These new gifts will spring forth in our lives to be used to glorify the Father who is in Heaven.
The gift of prophecy, or healing, or discernment, or one of 6 others, is laying dormant deep within me. It had been planted their by my Heavenly Father before I was ever conceived. It has been dormant awaiting an awakening and nurturing to bloom into a glorious praise to the Father.
Yesterday we were anointed by Pastor to pull out of him blessings that would awaken in us new spiritual gifts. By honoring the Prophet of the house we will receive a prophet’s reward. We were also told that we would be receiving a double portion of Gods anointing. As the mantel is passed down to us we will be wrapped in it entirely. Surrounded by its glory and filled by its richness.
This new anointing is coming to us because we are the chose generation to enter into the Promised Land that lies just before us. This is a new generation, a new age, a new decade of prosperity and glory for God.
Pastor spoke of people being hungry for a personal touch from God. Not just any touch but a touch that has the Supernatural dripping from it. This is like Sid Roth’s Supernatural presentation to 400 Jews in NY where nothing was made spiritual or religious yet ½ of them received Christ into their lives.
The message was about Supernatural happenings that Sid had been involved in. This led them to Christ. Peter Youngren mentioned a similar thing. He goes to preach to 100 of thousands of people. They are told there will be healing there. They come for the healing but wind up getting that plus salvation. After receiving the supernatural healing it is only a short step to receiving the divine salvation of Christ.
This is what Ana and I are about. We are a part of the new era of Word of Life. We are about being used of God to bring healing and salvation to many people; much more than that though. Just what it will be I do not know.
Pastor mentioned that we are going to a place that no one was ever at. That there were no maps prepared for it. We are going in with just God as our guide. We are going into the unknown but not un-anointed. This place has been anointed as ours since the beginning of time. Prepared before the world began have been created for just a time as this.
This trip to Israel is the trip spoken of. It is the trip as we have left the 40 years of wandering around in circles and have started towards the Promised Land. We are going through a forest of tangled snares and torments from Satan as he does his last ditch effort to stop us from advancing.
But we are advancing in the direction of the holy Promised Land. It is just around the next corner. It is coming into view where the doors will be opened up wide. Not just a door or two, but all doors will be knocked down making our entrance into the land freely available. We will find much favor as we venture forth.
Pastor mentioned that when we arrive in this new land, and this new era, and this new age that people will already know what we are about better than we know ourselves. They will tell us to preach them the truth and lead them into salvation; they will give us their inheritance for doing so.
As the children of God were lavished with the spoils of Egypt when they left there, we will be lavished with riches as we leave this forest and enter into His promised land; the wealth of the wicked that has been laid up for the chosen ones. This will be the fulfillment of our prophecy of a miracle in our resources.
It is getting very bumpy on this flight and I can not type well now. Bye.
We made it to JFK at 4:20 and got through the ticketing process OK. The rail system was out of the way but quick. Customs/security was nothing more than we had at Denver. I thought the international would be tougher.
As we approached out gate there were several hundred soldiers waiting to go obviously to Iraq or Afghanistan. When they went to board all of the people clapped for them. That was warming to the soul.
There were many people wearing John Hagee badges as we found our gate. We were only there 10 minutes before they started boarding the large 747-400. It was exciting to say the least. There were a dozen or so Jewish men there in black suits, long beards, and big black hats. Several were carrying Hebrew books, probably the Talmud.
We anointed the plan as we entered the door as we always do on any flight. Asking God to bless us and protect us. This was a big plane. We were to set in row 42 and they were boarding 50 to 62.
When we got on and Ana saw how big it was and after seeing all the people and Jewish men and soldiers, she was in tears for quite a while; being grateful to God for allowing us to be on this flight.
It took a long time for the plane to be filled and I think it was 20 minutes late getting off. But at least we were now on the final leg of our journey and would not have to worry about being delayed or canceled.
Another little dart from Satan hit Ana. She could not find her cell phone though we looked and looked for it. After a short prayer we located it and things are again on the right.
I had started reading a book by Mark Chironna “Live Your Dream”. It is so timely and fits in with what he spoke of and also Pastor Jake and Bagwell. We all have a dream planted inside of us that is our calling to do the work God has destined for us to do. This dream will carry us forward and will be a blessing for the rest of our lives if we let it come to fruition.
I have know of this dream all of my life but have never know just what it was. It is elusive and gets hidden in all sorts of baggage. I once saw it as anything to allow me to escape from doing computers. It masked itself as art and photography and crafts and ….
I am closer to unraveling just what that dream is. It has all to do with what I am doing right now. Traveling to a diverse place on Earth to be about Gods work. I felt this so closely when on the beach in Puerto Vallarta. I felt at home and that this was what God has intended for me to be doing all of my life.
I sort of started out to accomplish this when we went off to Literature Crusades but that was a total worldly attempt by me. I was not anointed or under God’s covering at all. It ended just as it should. But regrettably its ending ended my Christian walk for 40 years.
Father, I know that I am now on the right track to fulfilling the dream You place within me at the beginning. It has just taken so long to come about. Still I do not know its all in all. How it will all come out.
As Pastor said, I am just coming out of a dense forest into the light, going into a place that has no maps since it has not been visited before. But I do have an awesome guide, the Creator of all things. So as this venture begins I am excited and expectant of great things to begin to happen. Sunday I received from the Profit of the House the awakening and anointing of the seeds of Spiritual gifts within me. I fully expect them to start to grow and flourish.
Writing is one of those Gifts that Ana has seen within me since the very beginning. It is a gift that started out slowly and is growing more and more each day. More will crop up as I become more obedient to Him who has called me.
(Eph 3:20 [ASV])
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
This verse still fills me with peace and contentment. It is a great promise of God that I can hold on to and take strength from sine it speaks of the future I have before me.
It is 10:30 New York time. We have 7 hours of flying left. I will sleep peacefully in the rest of God.
March 2
As the sun came up we noticed several of the orthodox Jews doing their prayers. For some it was an elaborate ordeal with prayer shawls and prayer tablets. Others were all in black suits with black hats. All in all it was inspiring to see them humble their selves in fervent prayer.
At times it reminded me of the rituals done by the catholic priests. But it was much deeper than that. One old man had a long white beard and an equally long and white head. He was the first I saw.
Ana was moved by it and picked up her Bible and began her own prayers. We pray a lot together but not with such notoriety as these men.
There is no wonder that God favors and protects the ancient land of Israel. So man revere God in such a way and bring glory to his name.
Soon the lights were turned on in the cabin and we opened the windows. Down below we were passing over the Grecian Islands. Ana said “Did you ever dream that you would be doing something like this?” No I had not, but I knew I would be doing something. This is going to be a trip of our lives, but not the last. I see many more in our future. Paula prophesied that she saw us going often. Ana said it would be nice to bring our prayer team on one of these.
We had a nice breakfast and have just a short while till we land in Tel Aviv. The the journey begins in earnest. Thank You Papa for making this possible. Thank You for letting us make the flight connections and be on this earlier flight. We now have the chance of going on the tree planting trip. It will be nice to plant a tree in this land chosen by God from the beginning of time to last until of time of man and Earth.
Walk with us these net 10 days Lord, as we trod where Your feet trod and see what you saw and touch things that You touched. Reveal to me Your marvelous mysteries and great love for me and Ana. Make us to shine brightly as the beacons of hope that You have made us to be.
We are on this plane filled with people going on the same tours. Many of them are probably committed spirit filled Christians. I believe that the majority are just Christians going on a tour with John Hagee. Ana and I are on a missions trip. To do just what remains to unfold. But unfold it will because that is what we are about and why You brought us here.
It is a beautiful sunshiny day and is 62 degrees at 11 in the morning. The start of a beautiful week with You. I just looked over and see Ana writing like crazy. I think she has written 4 or 5 pages in her journal.
We landed an found that our baggage did not make it. We filed a report.
We caught the bus anyway though we were late. The tour to Tiberius was interesting. David the driver and Amnon the tour guide. We learned much as we made the hour plus trip to the hotel.
The hotel was average not much like the web site.
We went to where Jesus gave the Beatitudes. Ana was filled with the presence of God as we walked around. Pastor Matt gave a nice sermon on the mount. This took the place of the tree planting since it had just rained and the place was too wet for us all to tromp around.
Back to the hotel and we had a nice Dinner – buffet style.
Our luggage was delivered to us around 8 PM. Thank You Lord. During the process of filing papers for our luggage we met Jim and Sharon who became very close friends throughout the 11 days.
March 3
I dreamt that I was fighting with Satan. Pastor Matt was at my side. Then another time I was facing Satan head on and I told him to get out of my way. My big brother is just behind me. There was Jesus standing beside me. Satan fled. I woke up thrusting my hand into the air with a sword in it.
This is the beginning of increased boldness in me. I dreamt more of myself being very bold in speech and actions.
We started the day with a cruise on The Sea of Galilee in 2 large boats. There are 12 buses carrying 580 people. Pastor Matt and Pastor Hagee were on the other boat. After a while the two boats lashed up and we had a great sermon about Jesus walking on the water.
The scenery was gorgeous and the trip was great.
We visited the ancient boat at Nof Ginnosar. It was discovered near Magdalene by the sea. It is close to 1500 years old.
We went to Capernaum where Jesus spent a lot of time and is mentioned many times in the Bible. The guide related the same town to several passages in the Old Testament. Showing how all areas in Israel are towns built upon the ruins of older towns, called Tells. He said that Capernaum was 25 layers deep and that at one time the sea came up to the base of the hill.
Someone asked about the terror now present in Israel. He said it is a constant terror to live with it each day. Never knowing if your children will be coming home from school or not.
This became obvious as we crossed the Jordan into Syria and the Golan Heights. We can see the heights from our hotel across the sea of Galilee; something to think about. Just a few miles away at one time there were big guns waiting to attack at any moment. The threat is evident and ever present.
When we were driving from Tel Aviv he mentioned the walls and fence set up to keep suicide bombers out. They live each day fighting off attacks of Islamic’s who wish to destroy them.
We then visited the site of the loaves and fishes. When we went into the church it was very cold and not at all spiritual. It was catholic.
We then were baptized in the Jordan river near where Jesus was. There were close to 600 baptized by John Hagee. It took a long time and was hard to get changed and carry all the clothing. But the spirit of God was thick. Ana was totally immersed in the anointing. So much so she did not want me to even touch her. The water was cold but waiting and walking and being immersed in it did not affect us. Ana said that he was actually warm. The anointing was thick.
We bought a bunch of items for others. We bought a Menorah for our front room; also two necklaces for Ana and me.
We then had the tree planting service. We each held a tree as Pastor Hagee spoke and prayed. Then he planted a olive tree. Our trees will be planted in a forest tomorrow.
At noon we ate fried Tilapia at a beach side cafe. I used my fingers a did Jesus and his disciples after the resurrection. It was good. I did mess up and gave the man a $50 bill Ana gave me thinking it was as $20. So the enemy took $30 from me once again.
Dinner was an extravaganza. We sat close to the Hagee’s. The meal was good. At one point Ana saw balls of fire in the distance, thinking it was an attack.
Soon a boat pulled up and sat off flares as they played a tribute to America and John Hagee. I went up to Pastor and thanked him for what he was doing for Israel and how his work has pulled Ana and I into doing what we are now doing.
This was a full and tiring day.
March 4
Amnon our guide gave us a long description of the plight of Israel. Sine 1948 till now. The struggle has been to just keep what is there’s, not to war and take away from others.
We passed a point where Israel, Syria, and Jordan met. What a moment, three nations together, each one wanting to take over Israel. He told a long story about when Kissinger was here and decided not to give Golan Heights away.
The world thinks Israel want to take peoples land away but they really only want to keep what was given to them.
We visited Beit Shean an ancient Roman ruins. At first it did not seem like much but it went all over. There were theaters, amphitheaters, Coliseum’s, bath houses, columns, and walls of buildings. It was massive and interesting. We also climbed up the hill to where the original city was built level upon level.
They just uncovered it in the recent past. Floods and earthquakes and covered over with mud. He said there were 40,000 to 60,000 people who lived here. The theater could hold 6,000 people at one time. The bath houses had an under floor heating system.
We spent 2 hours there and walked around a lot. I never knew there were such things to be seen on this trip.
We passed fish raising ponds where they raise the fish we ate yesterday; they did not come from the Sea of Galilee. 🙁
We just passed Mount Carmel where Isaiah prayed for rain 7 times and then saw a cloud the size of a mans fist. There is so much history everywhere. All (most) of the things in the Bible took place in this area. Before when I read something it was always about a people so far away. Now is can see just where they were and it is all more meaningful and personal.
Judges 6-7 – a spring we just passed is where this happened. Gideon was here.
We just passed Nazareth to the right on the hill.
We went to the orphanage. It was great. The presentation was good. Ana was reminded of her works with orphanages.
We ate Falafel and salad for lunch. I talked with Pastor Matt an explained about the tree. Then thanked and congratulated him.
We went to the aqua Ducts right on the Sea of Galilee. It was reminiscent of Mexico.
We then went for a long tour of Capernaum where Peter was called to Cornelius house. And Paul was in prison before going to Rome. It was all so beautiful.
John Hagee gave a nice message there and explained the prayer shawl to us. Then they had a birthday party for Dianna.
Long drive back to hotel. We had to pack things for the move of hotels tomorrow. We have way too much stuff. I think we will have to buy another bag and pay the excess baggage to get it home.
We are growing closer to Jim and Sharon. They are nice and believe and have heard many of the things we have about Israel, US, Muslims, etc. This will be a nice relationship; they are equals with where we are in our beliefs. We try to eat with them and set with them whenever possible. Thank You Lord for bringing them into our lives.
March 5
The average income of the Israeli’s is $85,000 per year.
We visited a village just outside of Nazareth where Joseph and Jesus my have worked as stone builders. The bible was incorrectly translated since there is not much wood in Israel and all houses are built out of stone.
We visited Zipori just near Nazareth which had many elaborate mosaic tile floors. It is possible that Jesus worked here.
We drove by Nazareth and went to the mount they wanted to throw Jesus off of after he read in Isaiah about being the son of God. It was here that Mary received word of her inception of Jesus and here is where Jesus started his ministry.
Just across the way was Mount Carmel and in the other direction was the Mount of Transfiguration. All of this was within easy view of us; thousands of years of history in just a small area.
Ana asked Amnon if he ever became angered about the Palestinians trying to take away his land. He said yes. He said that he wished that they all be gone and not allowed in Israel. He has to live daily with the incursion of Palestinians into his home land.
When he would read about what Jesus did in a certain place it became more alive since he would point to a place and say this is where Jesus did this and then went up or down to this place, He would point to each place – only a short distance apart. It made things more clear because you could envision what Jesus was actually doing at the time. We were on the mount where they were going to through him off. It was very steep and rocky.
A moments drive from Nazareth and we were in the Jezrell Valley.
We are now heading to Mediggo one of Solomon’s chariot villages. This site has 25 layers of civilization built upon each other. The English removed the top 5 or 6 layers and stopped at the Solomon layer. From this city mount there is a valley all around it. The plains to the South are where the last war will be fought. Armageddon.
I have seen places where battles were fought but never a place where a battle will be fought. The great war will be right there. The Bible tells of the mount being surrounded by armies. It is a very beautiful peaceful place. It is hard to imagine that such a battle will begin there. Not to far from this place we could see Mount Carmel and the Mount of Transfiguration and many other places.
Ana has been passing out prayer cloths to people she is moved to give them to. She pushed one into the cracks of two hewn stones at the top of the mountain. She said that someone will find it in the great battle and use it to heel people. What a soft spirit she has and so in tune with the moving of Your Spirit Lord.
Give me such a discerning spirit that I may feel and become immersed in your presence as she is.
We then toured the shaft from the middle of the city down 182 steps to the springs below where they could get water without being noticed by the encamped armies. This was nice.
As we ate lunch Ana asked me what I was getting from this. Before we left I asked God to change me and fill me with the fullness of his spirit and to anoint me with more spiritual gifts. So far all I have received it the boldness I had battling with Satan as Jesus (my big brother) was standing behind me.
I feel that tonight as we pray at the West Wall that I will be immersed in the Spirit and come barefoot before God; maybe not physically barefoot but in the spirit. I long to be changed Lord.
I have been impressed with the extreme beauty of the land. It is like a garden paradise; not at all like I had envisioned it before. The physical placement of all of the sites we visited is so close together. From now on as I read and hear of a place I will know where it is in real life. I will have been to it or close to it or have seen it.
Lord, give me a dose of discernment so that I can get as anointed as Ana does. I want to feel being wrapped in your spirit as she does. But whatever gift you unravel on me I will accept and use to my fullest. I have asked for the gift of prophecy. That is the greatest gift. That would over shadow any other. Your will be done that I may accomplish what you have in store for me.
Open me up spiritually this week. I want to be filled of your glory and anointed by your grace for your glory Lord.
Jerusalem. We turned a corned and the guide said you are now in the City of God. Awe fell over the bus. He started paying a Jerusalem song. It was wonderful. There are 600,000 people here. The buildings all look alike. By law they are all made of limestone and can only be up to 16 stories high to give the city an manicured look in height.
We went to the temple area around 4ish and were told that Sabot starts at 5 and we could no longer take pictures after that. There are also many different sects of Jews and some take offense at us being there.
A couple days ago the Prime minister told the Arabs that they could not have rights to one of the holy shrines. So there is direst among the many people. When we go near the temple there were many soldiers carrying riot gear and guns. The guide said that the could be acts of violence against the Jews, mostly demonstrations.
At one point he said we were now on Mount Zion. We went to the Upper Room of the Last Supper. Of course it was not the same as Jesus used since the entire city had been sacked in 70 AS. But the Last Supper occurred some where very near. The Place we were in was done up by the Catholics and was again sort of cold. I did not feel anything spiritual about it, but we were close to the actual place.
We then headed towards the temple. We had to pass through security before entering. It was exciting to see the Wall. It was set down lower that I had expected and sort of in a corner. Yet it was touching. It was 4:45 and we only had 15 minutes to be able to take pictures.
There were many orthodox Jews with furry hats and white stockings. People were milling about, many tourists who obviously stood out. We were allowed to go to the wall but cautioned.
We saw John Hagee being filmed there. Later I saw him at the wall.
The women had their own piece of the wall, much smaller. But Ana said that this was right since the men are to be the Priests of their households.
As I approached the wall a young man came out and asked if I was Jewish. I thought he might turn me away. But not, I guess if I was a Jew he would have informed me that I was not dressed properly.
I went up towards the wall. There were tables elaborately covered in red velvet with prayer books on them. Many men sat at these reading. Many more were sitting on white plastic chairs praying. The majority of the black hated men were to the left corner of the mall in a large group. To the right it thinned out and this was the area towards the women’s part.
I was determined to go to the wall even before we got there. So the warnings of the guide were not taken to heart.
I found a spot with a gap in it from men. I walked up and laid my hands on the wall. I prayed. I anointed the wall with oil. I laid my prayer clothe on the wall and rubbed it over the oil and the wall. I prayed in tongues. The Jew next to me was praying in tongues also (Hebrew). I took out the prayer request from Paula and Carolyn and placed them in the cracks. There were hundreds of the crammed into every conceivable place. Many were on the ground having been knocked out and fallen out.
I then prayed the prayer requests we had; our declarations and our prophecies. I then shoved them into a crack to be witness before the spirit of God.
The guide said that when the temple was destroyed that the spirit of God left the temple mound and went to the Mount of Olives. Latter after many years it moved to this place and is why the Jews pray here.
The guide said the Jews will pick up the prayer notes when they fall to the ground and place them in a nice wooden box, and burry them in a holy place. They are still prayers of the people and need honor on them.
I prayed with one of the men from the bus that was next to me. I put my hand on his shoulder. I saw John Hagee go up to the wall. I took some pictures of the men, the wall, and our prayer requests.
We then had a Sabot dinner that was way too much food. The rabbi gave a good talk.
March 6
We drove around and then turned a corner and the whole of the old town of Jerusalem was in view. It was bright and sunny and the Dome of the Rock shown brightly Golden. We all took many pictures there.
We walked down the road to Gethsemane and saw the old trees there and a church in its name. We then walked to Golgotha and the Tomb. There is no way of knowing just where these places are but they can tell the approximate area. They had a 100 year old photo of what seemed to be Golgotha. And then we went into what they believe is the tomb. There were not a lot of people there. It was moving to walk the garden and then go into the tomb. We sat and prayers and meditated for a while. Ana was deeply moved.
Then we went to a very expensive store with $2,000 necklaces. It was poor tastes to go to the rich materialistic store just after visiting the tomb. We also ate lunch there. The same lunch we had eaten the past 3 days. Good but so, so.
After lunch we went down Palm Sunday road to old town Jerusalem where there were many shops like in Puerto. We visited the traditional site of The Church of the Sepulcher. There were thousands of people there. All forms of Catholic and Greek types of priests and people. It smacked of Catholicism to no end.
There was incense and candles and priest and people laying on the stone and rubbing articles on it. There were 4 of the Stations of the Cross there. They had supposedly moved the actual tomb of Christ there. There were lines waiting to go inside the chamber and light candles. People were lighting handfuls of candles and then snuffing them out for relics. It smacked of religion.
We then walked down the Del a Rosa road where Jesus carried the cross. It was jammed with shops and people and cars.
Ana witnessed to Amnon at a coffee shop. He was almost in tears and said he might when asked if he would accept Christ in his heart. We all thought he was a Messianic Jew but earlier that day he said the he was not. Ana had been moved for days to witness to him if he was not a Christian.
She said it was not over yet.
We bought another bag to carry all our stuff back in.
March 7
We had a long drive to the Dead Sea.
We saw many native nomadic tribe people called the Bedouin.
We visited Masada the fortress of Herod. “Masada will never fall again”
Beautiful views of the entire Dead Sea. We could see the mountain where Moses died Mount Nebo.
Pastor Matt had a service from the top. This was the first such service since 1962. It was Sunday and the site is normally shut down. This is the first time they were opened on Sunday since Clinton visited years earlier.
Many date palms and tomatoes growing near the lake. The Israelis have developed an electric plant generating from fresh water, salt water, and gasoline. Amnon told us of the need to keep the sea full, and of plans to make a canal from the Red Sea to fill it up. Their lives and economy depend on the Sea and its fragile resources. There are many rich resources available from the Dead Sea.
Ana and I were discussing why God put his holy temple and the Dead Sea so close together. Ana discerned that the sea was full of things that people will desire and be valuable to Israel.
Many makers of Dead Sea products were there, very expensive women’s beauty care products.
We visited where the Dead Sea scrolls were found in several caves.
We went floating in the Dead Sea and put on mud and let it dry. It smelled and taste like heck. The water is 10 times the salinity of sea water.
Great dinner in a Arabian camp setting where George Morrison’s group met up with us. We had fresh fruits, nuts, bread, etc.
Long drive back to hotel. We got back at 1 AM.
March 8
Since we got back to the hotel so late last night we had a real late start today at 10:30.
We had communion at the Garden of Tomb with Pastor Hagee and Pastor Matt. It was moving and wonderful. We had The juice in small wooden cups which we kept. I picked two sprigs of olive leaves to keep in our bibles.
We visited the university museum where there was an accurate model of the city of Jerusalem.
We saw the actual Dead Sea scrolls which contained the complete book of Isaiah. It was 92 feet long and Amnon said that it reads as accurately as we now have in our Bibles.
We went through the Burnt House which is one of the oldest house found in Jerusalem, possibly one that burned when Jerusalem was sacked in 70 AD.
Then we went to the Jerusalem International Convention Center for The Night To Honor Israel. It took hours to get all the people through security. Prime minister spoke to us and was very blunt about the threat of an atomic Iran.
Pastor Hagee was also very blunt about nuclear Iran. It was great.
March 9
We went to the Holocaust museum this morning. It was very moving and graphic. There is no way to see it all in the time given. There is no way to see it and not feel deeply moved. Ana cried a lot. There were times she had to move away.
They did a wonderful job setting it up. There is no way the world can deny that it ever happened. They had many video stories from actual survivors who told of the terror and inhumane ways they were treated.
We went to the International Convention Center and had a Middle East Briefing. John Hagee gave a good speech. There was a Holocaust survivor who told his story. I filmed it all.
Then one of the CUFI persons gave another moving speech about the plight of Israel.
We had a nice lunch
We gathered at the starting place for the march on Jerusalem. Over 1,000 people were there. Ana and I moved away from our group so that I could film some men beating on drums. It just so happened that this was where Pastor Hagee and his son were standing.
Suddenly they unfurled a banner and began the march down the street. Ana and I fell in directly behind them. I ran in and out the crowd to film from all angles and to film from in front of the marchers including the Hagee’s.
This was beautiful and a powerful witness to all around of our commitment to the Jewish people. Ana had a great time holding her banner high and waving the flags. It wound up at the Knesset where we had some more speeches and a Jewish dance. Ana joined in the dancing.
We had a farewell dinner. One half of the group left for the airport shortly after.
March 10
Last day and it is saddening to think that we have to leave. Part of my body wants to go home to more comfortable surroundings and part wants to stay forever. I had tears in my eyes at times thinking about it.
We went to the tunnel below the west wall. This was great. We saw the largest stone some 60 feel long directly below the west wall. We passed by the closest point to the roc of the mount, about 60 feet away. This would put us under the dome of the rock which is very holy place to Jews.
We prayed there for a while. It seemed to be closeness to God Himself. I started to sing “Let me in to the holy of holies” and Ana joined in. It was anointing.
We then walked down the path Jesus took on crucifixion day again. We then went to the west wall and I prayed there again.
We then went to the city of David and went up the steps that Jesus assuredly walked when entering the temple after Palm Sunday.
We saw David’s palace and the spring of Siloam where the blind man was to wash himself.
We saw The palace of Chiapas the high priest and the dungeon where Jesus spent the night he was captured in before going to Pilate
We then ate and went to a diamond factory. Israel makes over 25% of its export income from diamonds. I decided to look at a 1 carat diamond. It was over 8,000 and would cost nearly 7,000 with the discount. No way. It was an anti climatically experience after the anointed places we were taken to earlier.
This was the second time this dichotomy happened: today and just after going through the tomb. It is as if Satan arranged this to break the anointing that has just been poured out on us. It really did make us feel let down and overpowered by the greediness of the world.
Now we have a few hours to rest and pack. We load the bus at 6 eat at 7 then off the Tel Aviv airport for a 1 AM flight to New Your.
It is hard to believe that the 11 days is about over. It started out as a dream and is finishing as a dream. It all went so slowly at the time but as all things it must end.
I tried to sleep but images of the past 10 days ran through my head.
Why did we come here?
What did I expect to learn and see?
What changes will there be in my life?
What Spiritual awakenings will there bee in me and Ana?
We have a lot of questions.
I feel that I have been in a dream for 10 days. Every moment a new sight peeled straight out of the Bible was unfurled before our very eyes. I will start reading Matthew in a new light. Taking note of all the places mentioned and relay them to what we saw in actuality.
We will start our prayer group “Apple of His Eye” with fervor. We have material to overflowing about Israel; maybe not in paper but in spirit. I just hope that we can remember all that Amnon told us.
Lord help us through the mighty power of the Holy Spirit remember all that we saw learned and did so that we may be heraldor’s and beacons of light to the people back home.
March 11
The day that was.
We arrived at the Tel Aviv airport 3 ½ hours before our flight was scheduled to take off. There were to be helpers from Frosch travel to aid us in the checking process. But they were few and far in between.
There were nothing but confusing lines and masses of people everywhere.
I found that I needed to stand in a line to get my VAT money back. I sent Ana to the other line to have the bags checked. My line moved very slow with only one person working there. It seems that we need to show the actual items purchased. These were buried deep inside our bags.
There was much confusion about the whole process that could have been answered with a short memo before hand. I finally got to the window as a second person started working. They only asked that I show some of the items. I held up 3 bags and they accepted them.
This line was just to get the paper stamped. There would be another place after check in to get the actual refund.
I caught up with Ana who was sent in a different direction then the rest of our group. She had been standing in one place for over 20 minutes without any movement. We rebuked Satan and immediately a man came around asking which bus we were on. Red, Olive, Orange, we said Light Blue and he told us to come with him. We went sort of to the front of the line at the bag scanner.
Wait some more. Finally our bags went through. One of them triggered a warning and we were put into another line. This line was moving so slow that 4 people were laying on the floor waiting. We saw Pastor matt’s security guard being checked out. It took over 20 minutes for them to go through his bags, one item at a time. Scanning them and placing them in individual plastic bags.
Finally we get to be checked, with 50 minutes remaining for the flight to leave. The man went straight into my bag and pulled out a travel book of Israel that I bought in Denver. He questioned where I got it and if anyone had given it to me. Done.
Now another line of mass confusion as hundreds of people formed 10 or 12 lines leading to the 4 ticket agent windows. This is where Christianity seemed to fail as people cut each other off and got angry with each other. Slowly we arrived at the agent who took forever to check the ticket and grant us passage. 600 tickets from the same travel agency for the same flight, seems like it could have been easier. We are through.
Wait. Another security check line. 10 or so lines leading up to the 4 carry on baggage checking station. More mass mania with less then 30 minutes before take off. There was a man in extreme pain next to us. I thought he was having a heart attack. Seems that he had a hernia and was hurting a lot. Once again we made it through.
What? Now another line to check passports. Like all the others there was much confusion. Two more windows opened up to Foreign Passports and we jumped in front of the window only to be told to step behind the line. Which we could not do because of the people pressing forward.
Ok. Now we can go forward. She checks and looks and types and checks and looks and looks Suddenly she makes a questioning face. It seems the computer glitched. I asked if we could step over to another window since we now had near 10 minutes before the flight took off. NO. Finally stamp, stamp and we are off once again.
Now we are through everything and only have to rush a very long distance to the gate. But wait! What about the VAT refund? I asked and yes it was just down the path a little way. I ran ahead and stood in another line. This time it was short. The person in front of me was mad and got the clerk upset.
So very slowly, in true government employee fashion, they looked, checked, stamped, looked, checked, and stamped some more. Finally I had my $$.
Now to find Ana. There she was at the gate waiting. We go through our final line and step on the plan just minutes before it is to take off. We passed Jim and Sharon sitting coolly in their seats. “Where have you been” they asked. They had breezed through the lines and had sat at the gate for 45 minutes and then boarded the plane 45 minutes before we did. Satan is mad at us and is taking more hits at us to try to discourage or break us down.
12 boring hours of flying get us into JFK on time. We did sleep some and feel OK. Whew. We are nearly home.
We get our bags and get through customs like clock work. We have several hours to kill so have some coffee. Then we go find the gate and decide to grab some lunch since we will have only 45 minutes in Atlanta and will not be able to eat there.
There are some rumors about a big rain storm in Atlanta causing 45 minutes delay. I go to the check in desk and am assured that everything is OK. So not to worry.
We board on time and get settled in. The plane tarries pushing off the ramp when the pilot says they are being delayed 15 minutes due to storms in Atlanta. Not to worry. The connecting flights will be delayed also and we will have no problem making the connection.
We push off and head down the tarmac. Then we stop and there is another 15 minute delay. Then we move once again and then stop once more. This time he says that we will be there for another hour or so. The stewardess reiterated that the other flights surely will be delayed and we will make our connection.
Finally we are off almost 2 hours late.
We arrive in Atlanta ½ hour after the scheduled departure of our connecting flight. I ran down to the gate and sure enough – it was gone. I stood in line at another gate and asked what to do. They pointed to some black phones near another herd of people waiting to reschedule their flights.
Ring, ring. Put on hold. Wait, wait. Hello. I missed my flight what can you get me on. Wait, on hold, wait, wait. We can get you on the next flight to Denver tomorrow. How will that be? Not acceptable I tell them.
Wait, wait, hold, hold. We can get you to Colorado Springs tonight and you can rent a car. Will you pay for it? NO. OK we will take it. One moment while I make the changes and reroute your luggage. Wait, Wait, hold, hold. OK. Now you need to go to the automated check in terminal and get new boarding passes printed.
Once again we are on our way. New tickets in hand and 2 hours to kill. Well not quite kill. We need to find a way to get from Springs to Denver.
I tried to call Jeremiah at work but no answer. I called Jill and half way through the conversation the cell phone died. So we made a collect call and Jill had to enter her credit card info. The connection was terrible. She took our information and the pay phone number.
A little while later Jeremiah called and said he would probably pick us up. He gave me a toll free number to call him back on.
We decided to get something to eat and to kill the remaining time. After eating we called Jeremiah and he said he would pick us up.
We are off once again. The plane is not full so we spread out and get some sleep. The flight actually got in 30 minutes early and the pilot apologized for any inconveniences this may have caused. 🙂
We go to the baggage claim area and there was Jeremiah. It was good to see him.
The conveyor belt went round and round. I told Jeremiah what our bags were like and he was to pull them off. It stopped. There were no more bags.
Once again we are in a line trying to find our bags. Immediately they said that there were waiting at the Denver airport for us. They made arrangements to have them dropped off tomorrow morning after 7.
Will this torture or testing never cease?
We go home very tired and meet our little family of puppies. Off to be at 10:30. Tomorrow I have to work to save a PTO day for future trips.
As I backed out of the garage I noticed our bags pilled on the front steps. They must have delivered them some time during the night. So this trip is finally over.
Lord, may the blessings from this ordeal far outweigh the problems encountered. Of course they have. This was the most blessed trip ever. We have returned home full of the Spirit and Presence of God. The problems with the travel are only mosquito bites in comparison.
Thank You Lord.