Jesus Ministry

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Matthew 14:19 (NIV)

“And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave then to the people.”

I’m not sure how to describe today except to say WOW, WOW, WOW! The emotions that have run through all of us are amazing. Today we truly spent time where Jesus was, and worked, and laughed, and loved, and taught, and preached, and fed, and healed, and did miracle after miracle. We spent the day in the places that Jesus did 80% of his miracles.

Our day started at the Sea of Galilee (which is the lowest lake in the world) where we took a boat out to the middle of the sea. Pilar said the good news was that we got to go on the boat, the bad news was we had to catch our own lunch.

In the middle of the sea the motor was shut off and we had devotion time. It was so calm and still today on the water and from the middle we could see all around the sea and all the places that Jesus did miracles. It was amazing.  After a good time on the sea, we docked in Magdala and head up the road called the “Way of the Sea.” Pilar said this would be like our route ’66. It’s the road Jesus would have taken to get from place to place.

We headed to the Mt. of the Beatitudes and had some quiet time there also. it was amazing overlooking the Sea of Galilee, listening to the sounds of the birds, feeling the sun and breeze on our faces in the same spot that Jesus would have been preaching.

From there we headed to the place where Jesus fed the 5,000 with just two fish and 5 loaves of bread. Again this was amazing and so heartwarming.  Needless to say several of us had liquid praise “tears” several times today.  We then went to the spot where Jesus asked Peter “Do You Love Me” three different times.  We also saw Capernaum, which is where Jesus stayed most of the time.

Then we headed to the Jordan river for a celebration of our baptism. 12 brave souls dawned white gowns and headed into the chilly waters of the Jordan River. The song says the Jordan waters are chilly and cold and it is soooooo true – or at least it was today. Pastor Steve Peters and I were so blessed to celebrate the baptism of 10 of our group. All went completely in the water but one and we put water on her head. I can’t describe the feeling I had. Two of my people, Barb J and Sue W were the first. Then after all 10 were done it was my turn, and Sue and Barb came back down to help Pastor Steve with me. It was amazing. We all remembered our baptism and rejoiced. There were about 6 HUGE catfish who were trying to help us. I’ll tell you more when I post pictures.

Tonight is our last night here. We go back to Jerusalem tomorrow morning early, get to see the Holocaust Museum and then head to the Garden Tomb where we will celebrate the Lords Supper all together. After that we have and early supper and head to the airport in Tel Aviv. Our plane doesn’t leave here until 11:10 pm Israel time, which would be 3:10 p.m. Iowa time. We arrive back in Des Moines at 10:46 p.m. Iowa time. Please pray for safe travels. Still one today who couldn’t go with us due to illness. It would be a long flight back if you were sick so keep all of us who have not had this in your prayers.

No blog tomorrow but will start putting picture up soon after I get home and my feet back on the ground. Between the group of those who went we have several thousand pictures.  See you all soon. 

All for now, more to follow,

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Deb

Traveling North

Well Hello Iowa. Hope that your weather is not bad. Sounded like you might be getting some winter today.

We loaded up the bus this morning and headed out North Caesarea. On the drive we saw quite a few changes. They had some rain in the night and it looked like they were not as dry there. The grass was much greener. Pastures green and it's not desert like around Jerusalem but green valleys and pastures. the soil is much redder in color but the area is much more agricultural. We saw our first cows of the trip. They have lots of fruit trees and other crops but not sure what all they are. I saw my first McDonald's of the trip - or McDrive as it was called. We also saw a Toys R Us and Ace Hardware Caesarea also has the ONLY golf course in Israel.

Caesarea was amazing. This is a town that King Herod built.It is on the Mediterranean Sea. He built it for the

same purpose as he built Masada. It was a place for him to come and get away - or hide - and was also a stronghold that he could watch who was attaching. As it is on the sea he built a port there so if they were being attacked he could hop on the boat and be in Rome in 9 days.

Herod built the city in true Roman style so it has a Theater that holds 4,000 people. This theater is till being used for plays, concerts, and musicals to this day. Got some great pics that will come when I get home.

The city also had a prison, and this is the prison (well one of the prisons) that Paul was in. In fact it is the last prison that he was in and then was taken to Rome to die, as he was a Roman citizen. I am still in awe that I am standing at these places. I can't tell you how much more alive the Bible is becoming for each and every one of us - including the pastors. Our guide is so good at putting all the peaces together and helping us see how things fit.

Also in Caesarea is a Hippodrome. This is where the Chariot races took place, Jessie - I stood where Ben

 Hur would have raced. It is also the place where the gladiators would have fought. At the time it was being used it would have fit 17,000 people into the stands. A tsunami took half of it some years ago and the other 1/2 as well as 1/2 the city is under the Mediterranean sea at this time. They are excavating under the sea also.

We then headed to Megiddo this. Is the place of the first recorded battle and according to Rev. it will be the place of the last battle ever. Lots to tell you when I get pics up to explain them. This is a chariot city built by Herod. Lots of things learned here.

Our next stop was Nazareth and Mt. Precipice. If you read in Luke 4:16-30 about Jesus going to his home town, reading the scrolls, and the towns people got upset and took him to a mountain to throw him off, this is Mt. Precipice.

We then went to Cana and the place where Jesus changed the water into wine. No we didn't have any wine. We didn't even have any water.

It was a wonderful day. We worshiped on the bus on the way to our first stop as it's about 2 hours from where we were. tonight and tomorrow night we are staying in Tiberius right along the Sea of Galilee. Tomorrow we take a boat ride on the sea, hoping someone walks on water - we go the Mt. of Beatitudes, Capernaum and the Baptismal site. about 15 of the 41 of us are remembering and celebrating our baptism in the Jordan. We as pastors get to do the honors, but I'm remembering mine also.

Will be another fun filled, educational, and blessed day.

All for now, more to come,

grace and peace,

Pastor Deb

Mud Bath

Grace and peace to each and every one of you. I hope this finds you all well. We had two more go down today with what ever it is that is going around. One better tonight -the other still not feeling well. everyone else is on the mend. Other than being a little sore I'm fine as are all from our group.

The weather here is BEAUTIFUL and none of us are looking forward to coming home to the cold.

Today we traveled to Mt. Monassa. (not sure that is spelled right and don't have it in front of me)

This is the place that King Harod built a vantage point fortress where he could go to relax and be secure when he wasn't in the city. It's where his family stayed, all 10 of his wives and all 10 of his mother in laws along with his children and servants. He could pretty much run every thing from there.

It was huge. Learned so much and when I get back and post pictures I'll teach you a little about it. We took a cable car up. It's right by the Dead Sea - which is the lowest place in the world, and it's very high up. The altitude bothered some of our people. But we had a great time there.Got some great pictures. by the way we saw our first guards today. Three armed guards were on the top of the mt. for protection. No danger for us - just something new thy are doing.

We then drove back to Jericho for lunch, (yes the wall is still down) and they served us pizza along with other things. I was ELATED.

Then we headed to take a dip in the Dead Sea. Many of us dawned our swim suits, \(can you believe in January we headed to the sea in swim suits) me included, and got in the water. Any one with heart problems or high blood pressure was advised not to get in, so many just waded in a little bit. I is so salty, and muddy. The mud is very good for you and the sea has lots of different minerals so we could only be in a short time. All you have to do is sit in the water and because of the water it's self you instantly float. You could not dive underwater even if you wanted to. It's impossible. And the bottom is so muddy that when you take a step it's like quick sand pulling you under. But we all came out with very soft skin - and looking at least 10 minutes younger. Was fun.

Tonight we pack up and leave this hotel in the morning and head north to Tiberius, Cana, and other places I can't remember now. My computer died so I'm on the hotel computer downstairs and don't have any of my stuff with me. Wanted to get this out however.

Short tonight as I have to pack for an early bus call tomorrow. Stay safe and I'll talk to you when we get up north.

All for now, more later,
Grace and peace,
Pastor Deb

At the foot of the cross.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have had another wonderful day. Before I start let me apologize that I did not get a chance to prof or spell check my post yesterday. We pay for the internet and just as I finished writing, before I had a chance to go back and look over my crazy finger and brain mistakes I had to post or lose it. Didn’t have any more internet time left. So again to those of you who are very offended by this – my apologies.

I’d like to assure each and every one of you, but especially our family members that we are very safe. None of us have ever felt like we are not. Even in the Muslim controlled areas and Bethlehem we felt safe. Pilar, our guide, says you just have to be careful as you would if you went to any big city, especially the ghetto areas.

Here are some ponderings and odds and ends about our trip so far.

Let’s call the first one the challenges of the “water closet.”

1.       How do you turn the water on and off to wash your hands. So many different ways here.

2.       How do you flush the toilet. I’ve seen one with either a foot feed or a brake pedal – not sure which. Clue – always look for something - silver some place close to the toilet no matter the shape or size.

3.       If you lock the door will it ever open again. Think I told you yesterday that I got locked in one.

4.       After you figure out how to wash your hands, how do you dry them. So many different ways and blowers over here.

Next in the lineup is how to live in Israel and not get killed – by a speeding vehicle.

Drivers here are CRAZY. Buses, cars and motorcycles are EVERYWHERE.  And the streets are soooooo small – and there are very few stop signs or stop lights. Motorcycles dart in and out as do cars. The national pastime in Israel is honking your horn. I think people who aren’t even driving have in horn in their jacket and honk it. That’s really why they all wear long black trench coats. The streets are all about the size of our alleys. Cars, small trucks and even a small tractor are often seen trying to get through the MOB of people walking down the street. And people will walk right out in front of oncoming traffic.  They are NUTS.

Now on to the street venders. They would LOVE to sell you something, ANYTHING! And some of them, especially in Bethlehem are really in your face about it. “Hey lady, let me show you this, make you a good deal lady.” Or Welcome America, you can buy this for just “one dollar – or maybe two dollar – or even 3 for 10.” One of our guys got 8 scarves for $20 from a street vender.

There are so many open air shops and shops in the walls one right after the other along both sides of the street. You can buy anything from souvenirs, to food, to clothing, to purses and on and on and on. Today we saw that we could buy Oreo’s, Pringles, Orbitz gum, Nike shoes and clothes, and even a Sponge Bob Square Pants doll. Go Figure.  We even had a chance to buy – and we did – Nestle Ice Cream at lunch today. Coke products are very common, but Sue W found  a Pepsi today for the first time. Someone saw a McDonalds yesterday but I didn’t. Could have really used a Burger.

I think the thing that hit me deeply today was seeing the little old ladies and men on the streets begging for money. I know we have these in our country also and think am I doing enough to help this situation? There was even a young woman sitting there with her tiny baby. That broke my heart. And the kids working everywhere. Why are they not in school? We found out yesterday that it is law that everyone go into the army at the age of 18. Women have to go for two years and men for 3. We saw some very very young men being trained yesterday.  

Some of the country is very rich but much is very, very poor. Especially in Jericho and Bethlehem. And just like home there are very clean places but also very dirty trashy places.

Today’s journey took us first to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This is the church that was built on top of Calvary, over where the three crosses stood and over the place where they lay Jesus to get his body ready for burial. There are 6 different religions (or branches there of ) that all have their spots in the church, and according to Pilar, NEVER THE TWAIN SHALL MEET. There are police there but she says it’s not to protect us, but to separate the fighting monks and priests.  

There we first saw where Jesus body was prepared for burial. The monk or priest who was in charge of letting people in and out was very rude. We had a lady who was having a hard time walking in which upset him and he and Pilar got into an argument.  We then went upstairs to the spot where Jesus cross was and had a chance to kneel at the foot of the spot where our Lord and Savior died.

From there we walked the Via Dolorosa – or part of it anyway, backwards. I don’t mean literally backwards but we started at the top and went down. I think the thing that threw me most here is that the path is lined on both sides with shops selling all kinds of things. It was like we were in Vegas or Branson and not walking the path our Lord and Savior walked to his death on. But I know He walked it for me and that’s all that matters.

We then went to Antonia Fortress, which is where Jesus as beaten. There, in a small chapel area I got to give a “short” message. I finished with a song that retired Rev. Walter S (from Perry) wanted someone to sing when he was there. So I sang “I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked” and those who knew it joined in. it was very powerful if I do say so myself, Praise the Lord.

We then went to Qumran, which sits on the Dead Sea,  and this is where the scroll of Isaiah was found, accidently by a small child. On the way we saw the Mountains of Ephra as well as Moab. The Dead Sea is 1,300 feet below sea level. Ate lunch there and then headed to Jericho.  Looked at what is left of the wall after God and Joshua got through with it. I do think I may have found Rahab’s apartment however. Just kidding.  While there we saw the mountain where Jesus was tempted by Satin. The day before we were at the highest peak in the city of Jerusalem – which is where  Satin told Jesus to jump off of and see if the angels would catch him.

All in all it was a great day. We have had 3 people come down with a tummy thing. Not sure if it is the flu or something they ate. Two are feeling better – one still not. We’ve also had two who have had the Olive Trees, or oil bother their eyes with some kind of allergy. They had meds now to take and are ok but they said it hurt like crazy. We are all a little sore from walking up and down and on some very rocky streets and very uneven cobble stone much of the time. Lots of hill.s

Tomorrow is a free day but most of us are going to Mount Masada and then back to the Dead Sea to with wade or float in it. Not sure what I’m doing yet but I’ll be in it some way.

We love you lots,

All for now, more to follow,

Pastor Deb.

Seeing God's Prophasies Being Fulfilled

Looks like what I posted yesterday didn't get on so I'll catch you up. Sorry.

We started out at the Mount of Olives and the Kidron Valley yesterday, walked down the road where Jesus came into the city on Palm Sunday. I could almost hear the cround yelling "Hosanna, Blessed is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord"and seeing all the Palm branches being thrown. There are plenty of palm trees around here to get branches from. The road is really steep.

We went to the Garden of Gethsamne and were able to kneel (at the Church of All Nations) in almost the same spot the Jesus did when he said "Father if you are able this cup from me, but if not you will be done." I have to tell you I knelt and cried like a baby. And I wasn't alone.

We went into Shepards field from there. Of course Shephards field stretches for a long way so only were in a little of it. A section of this is also where Boaz and Ruth met. We saw one of the caved that the shepherds would keep sheep in and sang a song there.Then we went to the Church of the Angels and sang there also. What beautiful acustics it had.

We went to the house of Chiaphus and walked on the same path that Jesus would have walked many times - even when he was being lead by soldiers to Chiaphus on the night before he died. We saw where he could have been held prisoner. 

We saw a Jewish burial ground and learned about the customs of burial then and now. We saw the Beautiful Gate - where Jesus road into the city of Jerusalem and where he will enter the city upon the Second Coming.

We went to Bethlehem yesterday also. We went to manger square and the Church of the natiity - and saw the place where Jesus was born,

In Bethlehem we saw lots of poor folks, Bethlehem seems much poorer to me than Jerusalem. We saw "John the Baptist" souvaneer shop and the "Christmas Bells Wine Tasting" and no one tasted.

We went to an Olive wood factory - well the place where they make and sell it - so some change was droped by lots of us.

Lunch yesterday left something to be desired, as did supper. Let's see what else yesterday - I almost - no I did - getlocked in the Water Closet and thought I'd have to spend the rest of my life in a small toilet in Bethlehem.

Today started off at the in New Jersalem in the Jewish Quarters. We went to the Upper Room and then saw the King David's traditional butial site. Acording to the Bible (and our guide) he is not buried here.

We traveled through the city and to the West Wall - or the Waling Wall. We all got a chance to pray and leave our prayers there. They were doing barmitfas today so we got to see lots of those and some even danced with the families.

We went to the Southern wall where Jesus sat and told some parables - it wa the main entrance into the temple and Jesus drove out the money changers  close to there. We also saw the walls of Solomans house that have just been uncovered. Along with lots of purification pools.

We then headed to the Pool of Bathesda and we sang several songs in a beautifu cathedral there with the most wonderful accustics I've ever heard. After I look lots of picture of the pools I headed back into the church. The Preast there asked if  I'd sing for him again so I did. Sang several. What a wonderful experience. Then he asked if I'd come and work with him. Talked to him awhile - and he wasn't kidding. Had to respectfully decline but would be a wonderful opportunity.

We have walked lots and lots of miles. Lots tiard, brains swimming, hearts so filled. Tomorrow we head to the Church of the Sepulchre, Via dolorosa, Ant5onia Fortress, and who knows where else.

All for now, more later - love and miss you all - from all of us
We are having a wonderful  and wonder - filled time,
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Deb

Jerusalem - Beginnings

Goodmorning my friends.

It is Wednesday morning here - about 6:00 a.m.

I have good news and bad news. As of right now I am able to post on here but not upload pictures. Seems as how I brought the wrong plug in cable for my computer - so until I find one I'll tell you what is happening - but you can't see it. Hopefully this will be a short lived problem.\

Monday 1/21 we were to leave Des Moines at 4:00. HOWEVER - the plane from Denver was late. Soooooo we left Des Moines late - about 5:10 and made it to Chicago - where they were holding the plane for us. Praise the Lord.

From Chicago we landed in Newark and because we were late - they held that plane also. We are loved. (and it helps that we are a big group and spending big bucks for this).

Left Newark only about 10 minutes late - must have been the tail wind. Flight from Des Moines was small plane - one seat on one side and two on the other.

From Chicago was 3 on each side. BUT at Newark we had 267 on the plane - Full - full - full. 10 hour flight - 5873 miles from Newark to Tele Aviv. Got served supper about 11 p.m. and breakfast about 3:00p.m. Jerusalem time. Some of us slept - some didn't. Speed of plane at times was 900 mph - reached 39,000 feet - and the outside temp at 39,000 feet was -75 degrees. When we left Des Mones it was 0 degrees. When we landed in Tele Aviv it was 75 degrees - Margaret says EAT YOUR HEART OUT! I'll say Praise the Lord.

Went through customs at Des Moines and then again at Newark with passport check and all. Then when we arived at Tele Aviv we had to go through another passport check. Only one baggage probelm (a lady from Fort Dodge)- but was fixed by the time we got to Tele Aviv.

Drove one hour from Tele Aviv to Jerusalem. We have a great driver and guide. On the way we drove through the valley where Joshua fought the Cannanites as well as the Valley where David fought Goliath.

Tuesday was election day in Jerusalem and Pilar (our guide) said that around 6 million would have voted. She says there is a Jewish movement to get back to the Bible - and if the new man is in that should happen.

As we drove into Jerusalem she played "The Holy City" and "Holy Ground".  Of course tears came to my eyes as we tried to sing along.

Supper at the hotel - which is wonderful by the way - was AMAZING. So many different kinds of dishes, fruit, salads, and the dessert bar was WONDERFUL. So much food. And yes Mom I'm finding things to eat. (so far).

For breakfast there is no meat and for supper there is no dairy. But it's all good.

Brothers and sister in Christ. I can't tell you how it feels to know that you are in the city where our Lord and Savior walked, where he preached, where he healed, where he stood. The feeling makes me cry just thinking about it. Someone told Margaret that it would change your life - I know that is going to be true for both she and I.

Today we are slated to go toGethsemanie: "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." AND HE DIED FOR YOU AND I. We also go to Bethlehem.

So for now - you have a post but no pics. I'm hoping to get this figured out today. If not you'll have lots of pics when we get home.

Know that we love you all. Know that we are all safe and having a WONDERFUL time. Time to eat now so that we can head to WALK WHERE JESUS WALKED.

Mom, Jess, Pam,(and family) Sharon, Rita, Dustin and the girls I love you. Harlan, Margaret loves you and misses you alot. But I kept her company with my snoring last night. (|Lisa, Mark and fam. she loves you also.) And mom - yes she put in the ear plugs

So all for now, more to follow,
Grace and Peace
Pastor Deb.

And the Journey Begins

Well the day is here and our journey begins.

Jeremiah 6:16 says;
This is what the Lord says:

“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.

 

The songs that keep running through my head the last couple of days are "I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked," and "I Can Only Imagine." I can't even wrap my head around the idea that in about a day we will be truly standing on Holy Ground. On the ground where our Lord and Savior, while all his friends slept, said  “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt 26:39) That we will be crossing the same water that Jesus walked on to reach the disciples. That we will be at the spots where Christ preached, and taught, and healed, first show us how to love others unconditionally. That we will have a chance to walk the Via Dolorosa, the last steps that our Lord and Savior took before freely giving up his life for OUR sins, for MY sins. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

 

It's almost time.  In the words of Peter, Paul and Mary, "All my bags are packed I'm ready to go. I'm leavin' on a jet plane." And as much as I'll miss you all here in the states - I CAN'T WAIT.

 

Our small group is meeting at Johnny's Steakhouse" for lunch before we go. Then it will be off to the airport. We leave Des Moines at 4:00 p.m., leave Chicago at 6:30 p.m.and leave Newark at 10:50 p.m.. Our arrival time in Tal-Aviv is 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday - but remember there is a time change of about 7 hours (I think) central time, so maybe about 9:20 central time. (I get so confused with the time changes and who is ahead and behind.) Doesn't matter, we'll be there when we get there.

 

So here we go! Walking in Christ's footsteps. Seeing our Lord and Savior in a way I can't even imagine. Being filled with a new fire and sense of purpose. Good friends and good fellowship. Learning and growing in our faith.

 

Lord Jesus Christ my God, be our Companion, guide and protector during our journey. Keep us from all danger, misfortune and temptation. By Your divine power grant us a peaceful and successful journey and safe arrival. In You we place our hope and trust and You we praise, honor and glorify, together with Your Father and Holy Spirit now and forever and ever.

 

Lord Jesus, You traveled with the two disciples after the resurrection and set their hearts on fire with Your grace. Travel also with us and gladden our hearts with Your presence.  During our journey surround us with Your holy angels and keep us safe from seen and unseen dangers. Grant that we may carry out your plans for this trip and fulfill our expectations according to Your will. Help us to see the beauty of creation, help us to draw closer to you, help us to love you more when our plane lands back in the states than we did when we took off, and help us to comprehend the wonder of Your truth in all things. For You are the way, the truth and the life, and to You we give thanks, praise and glory forever. Amen.

 

All for now, more later,

Grace and Peace

Pastor Deb

 

3 Days and Counting

Well it's Friday night and we leave on Monday.  I spent the yesterday and much of today in Williamsburg at St. Paul's UMC for our last Academy for New Ministry Class - so the packing is at the same place it was at my last blog. Finishing that is on tomorrow's agenda along with a couple of hospital visits.

Sunday is a full day with Worship, Sunshine Singers and Care Center Worship after that. I just hope I've gotten everything I need. Did throw my swim suit in (yes I know that some of you are cringing right about now) but remember I'm about 50 lbs lighter than I was  when I signed up for this trip. Hoping the Jordan River is not - as the song says - Chilly and Cold!

Our second Hotel is the Royal Plaza in Tiberias, Israel. I'm putting up a couple of pictures from it as well as a link.

It sits on the Sea of Galilee, or for all you Sunshine Singers the "Sea of Gennesaret" as the valley is called the Plain of Gennesaret - on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee.  This valley was also called the "Valley of Robbers" as bandits used to plunder the people who traveled up and down the pass.  The water you see outside the window of the middle picture is the Sea of Galilee.

Can you say Excited


All for now, more to come,
Grace and Peace
Pastor Deb

Day 5 and Counting!

In five days 41 disciples of Jesus Christ will board a plane (well actually 3 planes) and head to Israel to walk on the same ground as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On Monday 1/21/13 we will travel to Des Moines, then Chicago, then Newark, then Tel-Aviv Israel.

Our first destination is Jerusalem and our first hotel is the Olive Tree.

 

But as we prepare we pack and re-pack. And we ask ourselves and each other:
What do I take?
What do I leave?
What will I need?
What is the weather like?
How much does my suitcase weigh?
Did I leave enough room to bring back things?

I created this blog to allow our family and friends not only know that we are all ok, but also so you can all see some of the things we are doing. So hang on becaue it's going to be an exciting trip. Wish you all could be with us, but I guess this will have to be the next best thing.

Know that we love you all and will be holding you close in our hearts as we travel.

All for now, more to follow,
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Deb