So Mandi & I woke up early Wednesday morning in Richmond, to drive 2 hours to DC, casually get some lunch, then head for the airport to check-in. In the midst of checking in, Mandi gets her ticket and seat assignment, but I get this stub that says I’ll get my seat assignment when we get to the gate. We dont think anything of it. We go through the long line of security, finally making it the the gate only to wait 3 long hours. We get the the gate, I had been wanting starbucks all morning, especially before the long flights, and there is one right out our gate. A Heavenly Kiss. After 2 hours of waiting, I finally go get some coffee, and end up getting a free Mocha. A second Heavenly Kiss. So, the flight people come to the counter and make this broad annoucement, that they have oversold the flight by 40 seats, and if you didn’t have a seat assignment to come up to the counter. So I walk up to the counter, to get yelled at, to sit back down. So everyone sits back down. Almost another whole hour passes, with lots of confusion going on. [In the midst of that hour, Mandi and I start praying, asking God for favor. Other older couples start praying for us. Other people are getting seats, and still no one is willing to talk to me. People are loading the plane, Mandi start getting outraged, and I start crying] In the midst of my minor breakdown, Im begging God to shift things, and the lady at the counter looked at me and said, “Oh, dear, please dont cry, let me see what I can do for you” 10 minutes later we were on the plane. One of the last few people on the plane. When we got on, all the couples who were praying for us, cheered. They felt like family. They were so sweet. That was Three Heavenly Kisses in one morning.
Then in London, after waiting for 4 hours (and being talked at for most of those 4 hours by an older gentlemen from London), we went through security when our gate number was posted. See London, only puts gate numbers up 30 min before the gates open for the plane. We walk through most of the main gates, and then go through this extra security, and into the side room. We called it the “holding room”. In this room we find out the we are now delayed another hour, because of mechanical problems on the right wing of the plane. Doesn’t make you feel good right before you get on a plane that supposed to take you over water! Two hours later, we finally are loading the plane. The reason why this room was called the “holding room” is because there was no way out, once we were in. No bathrooms, no doors, and high secuirty everywhere. We then get put on these buses that take us out to the plane, where we have to walk up the steps onto the plane. We got the honor of entering the plane from the rear. Ha! Then we were off to Tel Aviv.
Mandi & I waiting in the London Airport
On that flight, the guy sitting next to me, ended up helping Mandi & I get through the airport, through Passport, Security, Customs, & helped us to the Train Station. He was a huge help, and he translated for us. We needed one of him the entire time… (just kidding). We waited for the train for about an hour, and took a 15 min ride to Jaffa, where we then took a cab to where we were staying in Old Jaffa. Our group had gotten there the day before, and had explored that whole day, gone to dinner, and took a tour with Elana Cantor, King of Kings Ministries. When we arrived at the place, our goal was find our room, shower and SLEEP!!! The odds of waking up early were with us, because Mandi and I were both up and desiring to go on a walk around Old Jaffa. We tried to find the ocean, and later realized we were walking in the opposite direction. We actually ended up walking through the Arab neighborhood in Jaffa. Friendly area, for the most part. We then met up with our group for breakfast that morning, in the garden.
The Garden, where we ate
Our Mini Van for 12 people then showed up, and we crammed in, with all our stuff and we were off, up the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, to Caesarea. When we got there, we watched a video on the significance of this place. Why King Herod built it up to be the Port City it is now, and why all the generations from King Herod to now, always brought war to this spot. Now all that is left is beautiful beaches, and Ruins. We took time here and prayed for the Port City, those living in the area, then explored for a few hours. Some pictures to follow.
Me at the Caesarea ruins
Ariel cooling off
the bath/swimming pool ruins
Then after hours of walking, we all hopped in the mini van, and went north a bit, and stop at the still existing water canals from King Herods time. And Mt. Carmel on the way up to Haifa.
Water Canals
Faith, Debi and I testing the heights of the arch
Mt. Carmel
When we got to Haifa, we drove up Mt. Carmel [which is where the prophet Elijah battled Baal and won], and were able to see the entire coast and port of Haifa, which is its top trading port, incoming and outgoing. That evening in Haifa, once we were settled in our rooms [my lovely roommates throughout the trip, Mandi and Tamice], we ate dinner, then went down to one of the Port entrances, and prayed for Gods favor in their trading efforts, and for His spirit to rule and reign in Haifa.
Haifa Coast & Port
Haifa at night
In our hotel room in Haifa, under my bed was this trap door. We realized after discussion of what it could be, that it was a bomb shelter. In the hallway at the end, there was this huge volt door that closed off the last 2 rooms of the hallway. In each of those rooms where these trap doors (under the beds). We were later told that in Israel it is by law in the building code, to have a bomb shelter under all facilities. It really is just a whole other world, one in which we westerners take for granted, our daily safety. After a wrestless sleep (my whole room, we were up in shifts on the roof that night, it was weird), we met with our first Messianic Congregation, Tents of Mercy. This was probably one of my favorites of the entire trip. The worship was beautiful, all in Hebrew with some English subtitles. Then all of a sudden, they sang one of my favorite songs from IHOP, one that I actually had been wanting to hear. Another Heavenly Kiss. After the service, we spent about an hour talking with the members of the church. I met these 3 young IDF soldiers, one whom had spent 4 months at IHOP, in KC, before making Ayliah. He knew he had only a small window of time, to come and be an IDF soldier. The other members on his team, were like, “why would you leave your ice life in the USA, just to fight with us?” and his response was, “Because Israel, and the God of Israel mean the world to be, and I wanted to befriend His friends.” So powerful of a testimony, and he is making a difference over their daily. I also met the daughters of a Messianic Rabi (Jamie Cohen) here in Richmond, Tikvat. [If I were to spend more time in Israel, I'd like to spend a significant amount of time with this congregation.
Then we all jump in our new mini bus [the one we had for the remaining of the trip], and head to Megiddo & Jezreel Valley. Why come here, what is this signifiance of this place? This is where the nations will gather to fight. The world knows this as Armegedon. Jim & Chaille spent some time here talking about history here, and what is to come here. After exploring some of the ruins on Megiddo, we spent time a prayed. This was the 3rd time we had prayed as a group, and it was the 3rd time the wind [holy spirit] picked up in response to the prayers. Another Heavenly Kiss from Abba. We did go down into the Water Shed [which wasn't very impressive] and of course looked over the Jezreel Valley.
Chaille & Jim teaching
Jezreel Valley
Me on Megiddo
Me on Megiddo
team praying on Megiddo
with best friends, Tamice & Ariel
Our bus driver then took us to a little cafe for desserts and latte’s before heading to the Sea of Galilee in Tiberius where we were staying. It was Shabat [Sabbath] so we had to carry our own luggage up all the stairs, which wasn’t that bad. haha. Tamice, Mandi, & I went for a quick walk, then had dinner at the hotel and rested. Right after dinner, Tamice & I snuck away and went to the roof, and she sang to Jesus on her guitar and I listened and watched the clouds make shapes. At one point she was singing about the Father’s delight and His smile over us, and Im exagerating, the clouds shaped a smiley face. I felt like that was a Heavenly Kiss from Papa.
town where Centurion servant was healed
en route to Tiberius
still en route to Galilee region
1st site of Sea of Galilee
The next morning, Sunday, June 28, we took a tour on the Jesus Boat [a boat that would have looked similiar to the one in Jesus' time when He calmed the storm]. We worshiped & Chaille taught that morning. It was a great start to the day. We sailed all throughout the Galilee. Then we went to the Mt. of Beatitudes, where I spent time reading the Sermon on the Mount Mt. 5-7. This location, or right next to it, is where Jesus most likely gave this sermon. We then went to Capernaum and saw the ruins, and Peter’s house (what was left of it), and went down to the water where Jesus spent time and hung out. I then climbed up into a fig tree before we gathered to pray (where the wind really went crazy blowing in response to prayers! was so cool!!)
Jesus Boat tour on Galilee
fishing on Galilee
all the women
all the guys
Mt. of Beatitudes
Nun
inside Mt. of Beatitudes
Mt. of Beatitudes
the group at Capharnaum
where Jesus & Peter hung out
enjoying the sea of galilee by Peter's house
sitting in a fig tree by Peter's house in Capharnaum
Everyday at this point was a big day… during the trip I made a comment on a friends page that said, “Jim has us running around Israel, if Jesus is coming back tomorrow”. Its become the quote of the trip. The next day was a big day for me personally. Two nights before when we had arrived in Tiberius, I had walked down to one of the entrances at the Sea of Galilee, for some Jesus & Whitney time. And I just started to weep. At first as I began to pray, & I was like, what is this… why am I being so emotional? Is it because we’ve been going so hard, that I didn’t realize I wasn’t processing anything… but I thought I was… [really my mind was just spinning] and in a moments time, I was sitting there in the sand looking out to the darkness called the Sea of Galilee, my heart was beating fast and I was just longing to be face to face with Jesus, and He began to speak His delight for me and spoke of His pleasure in my sacrifice. I was hearing Him as clear as day. It was a special moment. And then He said, when I hit the depths of the Galilee, seasons would shift for me, things I’d been crying out for would come, not because He heard me, but because He loved me. [I had no idea what it meant, but to some extent, I was satisfied because He was speaking to me].
The next morning, Monday, June 29, Jim takes us to see the Jordan River, and Ps. 23:2-3 pops into my mind. I open up to it and the Lord said, “Whitney, this is where I am leading you.” It says, ‘…He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul…’ In other words He was saying to me, I am going to lead you by the quiet waters and I am not done with you, I am restoring you to the fullness I created for you. We saw a small portion of the Jordan River [which isn't really that big in general], that was running into the Galilee. We then went to a Messanic Swimming Park, and got baptized in the Sea of Galilee. I had been baptized when I pronouced my faith when I was a child, but at that time it never really meant anything to me. I had been wanting to do it again. When Jim and Chaille dunked me, I never expected anything to happen. In a split second, I felt my whole heart shift in love for something more, for a man, a real man named Jesus. I in a moments time, was completely lovesick. It actually physically hurt… my heart missed a man, Ive never physically met, and I knew in a moment, I had gone to the depths of the Galilee, and what I had cried out for, for months, I was in transition and beginning to feel that longing. It was surreal, yet very real. [Side note: we were orginially supposed to get baptized in the Jordan, not the Galilee, but when Jesus spoke to me a few nights back, He knew where it would happen, and when.]
right before baptisms
Chaille & Jim praying
taking a breath
extending hands
a special moment with Jesus
coming up a new man
grateful to Jim & Chaille
After the baptisms and some swimming time, we changed and headed up north to Golan Heights. We drove up the windy, mountainous road, which was beautiful. Once at the top of the mountain, we got to see the borders of Lebanon, Syria, & Jordan, and toured the old dug outs. There new/active base was on another mountain just through a small valley. We spent some time praying at this spot, for safety on the borders and for their allies. After this, we went and met about 15-20 of the young men and women on the active base. At first, we were escorted into their meeting area, where the kitchen prepared us plates of different melon’s and cookies. It was so thoughtful. We met personally with 3 of them named Carmel, Yanir, & Doroni [the doctor and leader of the base]. I felt the most connection with Carmel. She was absolutely precious. Chaille wanted to get them thinking, so he asked them what it meant to be an Israeli. Every single one of them said, “I dont know.” We talked about the their work in Golan Heights, what their duties are protecting the borders of three very hostile neighbors. Debbie asked some bold questions that brought tears to Yanir’s eyes, about the return of Jesus to their Land because of His love for them. It was powerful, and nerve-wrecking because all three of them became wrestles the more the questions became bold. Yet they, were open to talk and know more. They were hungry.
active base on the top of the right mountain
Golan Heights
me on Golan Heights
me in the old dug outs
Carmel, Doroni, & Yanir
Carmel & all the care packages
some of the young IDF soldiers
After meeting in the meeting room, we went over the their dining room and met some of the other young gentlemen. They were hysterical, and not camara shy at all. They actually loved it. As we were leaving, I some how was slightly left behind, and 5 of the young men, got down on bended knee and proposed to me. Not sure what to do, I laughed and walked out of the camp with Doroni to the bus. Looking behind me, they were all following, saying, before you leave, you know you need to choose. Almost at the bus, Jonathan and Chaille come back for me. I was thankful. The team thought the proposal was hysterical, and wished they had gotten it on film. After leaving the base, we went back to the hotel to pack up, eat dinner, and rest.
Early the next morning, we drove to the desert on one of the hottest days Israel had seen in awhile. Not the day to go the desert, but we did. It was way past 100 degrees that day. We started the day at Beit Shean. Which was in ruins. It was an older city, taken over by the Romans. I mean, what wasn’t taken over by the Romans, and in ruins today. Haha, just kidding… but still. the Romans were taking over the world, at least thats what they wanted to do. After exploring the ampitheatre and the bath house, I felt like i was gonna have a heat stroke and headed back up the orginial hill and hung out in the air conditioned gift shop with Tamice & Faith. With it as hot as it was, no one really cooled off like we wanted to before leaving. We did spend some time praying at this site, while we waited for Mandi to come down the mountain that she ran up in the blazin heat. She is a wonder woman, for sure.
Beit Shean ruins
ampitheater
After our prayer time, we got back on our bus and stopped at Ma’ayan Herod since it was on the way. Now what is this place? It was the exact cave and spring where Gideon picked his 300 men to war against the Medianites [Judges 7]. We all took this time to really cool off in the stream. We hung out in the stream for a very long time, under the shade of the trees.
Gideons Cave & Spring
the group cooling in the spring
In order to get to Ariel, where we were headed, [biblical Samaria], we had to drive almost all the way down to Tel Aviv again, around the West Bank, because its illegal for Jews and Christians to drive through. If you do, your asking for a death wish. It is a very hostile Arab/Muslim community, and its a very large community. Once we arrived in Ariel, and met with David Ortiz to get the Waller’s house keys, he took us to a local grocery store. We needed to get food for the next 2 days. Everything in the grocery store was in Hebrew [of course] but there was very little in English also, and most items had little to no pictures on it. Made for an interesting experience. Once we got into the house, settled into our rooms, we made dinner. We wanted to make it simple, pasta & sauce, with a salad. Simple enough. The stove at the Waller’s at this glass on it. We weren’t really sure what it was for, and there was no note left, like there was to turn the gas on and off in between uses. So Challie and I say, they have glass stoves in America, it should be fine. Tamice isn’t so sure… but no one really knows what to do. So, Im in charge of making dinner… I put the water in the pot, and in a team effort we figure out how to turn the stove burners on. [it shouldnt be that complicated, but it was]. Everything going normal, its slow, but some stoves are just slower. We finally put the noodles on, and heat up another burner with the sauce. We realize the sun is about to set, so quickly we all run up to see it set, though in the middle of it, Tamice goes back down stairs and is stirring the noddles. All of a sudden, Ariel and I hear Tamice yelling, “Help… someone Help..” The glass had literally exploded, and gone everywhere [even in the living room], with Tamice standing over the stove and the fire blazing. We turn the gas off, turn the burners off… and begin the clean up of glass. After a while, we figure the noodles and sauce were fine, since the glass didn’t go upwards, it scattered downwards, so we decided to not scrap our food and to eat it. Enough cooking for one night. We were eating, laughing away, when Chaille takes a bite, and realizes theres a big chunk of glass in his sauce. Quickly we all lost our appetite, and laughed for most of the night, while eating desserts instead. It was an intersting first night in Ariel. After a while, the group came over for a time of worship & prophetic ministry.
Ariel Sunset
Uh Oh
after our burner explosion
dinner table
Only 6 of the 11 team members stay at the Waller’s apartment. The rest stayed at a nearby hotel, which was really a family, renting rooms out of their house. They also drove us everywhere we needed to go in Ariel. Our morning started hours later than we had intended because of bumps in the road, but when we were finally picked up, and headed to work in the Orthodox Jew Vineyards on Mount Blessing. What we didn’t realize, is not only was it 30 minutes away, but we had to drive through the West Bank to get there. It surely kept our heart rate up, during the drive. No casual driving that day. We made it through several security check points [there and back... miracles!!]. The vineyard is actually in the West Bank. These Orthadox Jews share this mountain with these hostile Muslims, and yet over the years they seem to have a working relationship for the sake of wine. Ha! Once we got there, we were takin into the winery, and then to the hills to be vinedressers for the day. After a day of this, it gives real meaning to John 15 as Jesus as the vine, and the Father as the vinedresser. Every branch that bears fruit in Him, He prunes. I am the vine, and you are the branches. WOW! He is saying SO much in such a little passage. I learned so much about the Fathers & Jesus’ character just through picking the vines up from the ground, and weaving them into the wires, so the fruit would be exposed to the sun. It was a powerful day, and it felt good to be working, and feeling like we were helping them get ahead in some ways.
baby red grapes
me working in the vineyard
Mount Blessing Vineyard
After working in the fields, the family who owns the vineyard, made lunch for us. We hung out for awhile, as he spoke on his views about the rebuilding of the 3rd temple, and Yeshua’s return to Jerusalem. [We didn't share his beliefs, but it was interesting to listen to him]. We then drove back through the West Bank, went the safe route and made pizza that night for dinner, and then went to David & Leah Ortiz Apartment for a time of ministry. Before leaving we met Ami, who is a miracle within himself. For those that dont know, the Orthedox Jews [the hostile group] who hate Messianic Jews, sent a Purim package for David Ortiz, which was a Shrapnel Bomb. David and Leah were not at the apartment that day, and Ami picked it up, and opened it. And when he opened it, because of the force of it, Ami was thrown backwards unto the kitchen pillar and fell to the ground. There was shrapnel everywhere in Ami. In other words, Ami, no longer looked like Ami. Their maid had stepped out of the apartment to throw trash out, around the block. Because of the power of the blast, she had glass in her, from a neighbors windows. She ran up to the Ortiz apartment, and found Ami not only alive, but crying out to the Lord. In a moment, she gave her life to the Lord. Its been a year and Ami is still going through surgeries. But for the most part, he looks like a normal growing young man. Many around the world have heard his story, gave grown in faith, and many unbelieving souls, now believe in Yeshua because of Ami’s story.
Jim & Debi with Ami
Ariel Sunset
Early the next morning, packed and ready to go, we drive to Jerusalem, where we spend the remaining of our time. Its Thursday, July 2. En route, we find out that they’ve over booked the Gloria hotel, where we are staying and they bump us over to their sister hotel, The Knights Palace. It started off rough, but it turned out to be a bigger blessing. We were no loner at the Main gate, Jaffa, but we were a quick 4 minute walk up a small hill. It wasn’t bad. Before going to the hotel, we started our time in Jerusalem, on the Mt. of Olives. We walked down the road that lead to the gate called Beautiful. The gate that Jesus is to walk through in His Triumphial Entry, with the saints in glorified bodies following [I can't wait!] As we walked down, we saw the gated Garden of Gethsemane. They dont allow people to go inside, but it was filled with age old olive trees.
Mount of Olives
He said: I use to have a camel & then it bit me on the head, so I got me a donkey
Olive tree in Garden of Gethsemane
Garden of Gethsemane
The Beautiful Gate, sealed
After the Mt. of Olives, and our time of prayer, we went to Yad Vashem, the largest Holocust Museum ever. It was incredible, yet heart wrenching. The scripture on the outside of the Museum is Ezekiel 37: 14, I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it, says the Lord. Very profound, and very prophetic. That night we [Ariel, Jonathan, Jim, Tamice, Debi, and I] ministered at the House of Prayer Succat Hallel, on Mt. Zion, and declared over them Song of Solomon 1 & 2, the Father’s Love for them, Yeshua wooing them to Himself. It was a very powerful night.
memorial statue at Museum
Yad Vashem
The next morning, Friday, July 3, we woke up super early and drove down to Masada. We watched a film, then took a cable car up to the top of the mountain. We walked around the top of Masada for awhile, then took the cable car back down. [My pictures of Masada were accidently deleted]. Our bus driver then let us out on the side of the road to get some pictures of the Dead Sea. It was beautiful. Then we went to En Gedi. We hiked the mountain, in the dessert heat. Once we made it to the springs, in clothes in all, we jumped in. We found His Divine Joy, in those springs. After a nice swim, we climbed up even further, and found a larger and deeper spring, where we jumped off the ledge into the swimming hole at the bottom of the waterfall. It was a glorious time. We met many locals at this spot, and were very blessed by our conversations with them.
Divine Joy with Holy Spirit & Friends
En Gedi Waterfall
Ariel & I jumping off the ledge into the En Gedi Springs
Dead Sea
After the En Gedi springs, Juni, our bus driver took us to the Dead Sea for a “relaxing” float. I quote relaxing because, a couple steps from walking into the Sea are the huge holes, so walking in, it was a hit or miss. If you hit, you would fall down, but immediately bob to the surface in floating form. It was so funny to watch people enter into the Sea. Once I floated for awhile, I grabbed the natural mud from the bottom of the Sea, with all its natural minerals, and we all lathered it on ourselves from head to toe. We baked in the sun for about 15 minutes, then went for another float. We came out of there with new skin. Debi’s hands were touched in a significant way where she’d been having a major skin rash. [Now they have completely healed. Praise Jesus!]. After the Dead Sea, we changed and hopped on the bus where we got a driving tour of Jericho [in that its not very safe to walk around in], but we did pull over to see the only Sycamore tree left in Jericho, that is scientifically tested that it is older than 2,000 years. So it could be the tree Zaccheus, the rich chief tax collector, climbed into to see Jesus passing through [Luke 19]. Then we drove by and saw Temptation Mountain, where it is to be believed that this mountain was where Satan tempted Jesus in the Wilderness for 40 days/nights [Luke 4]. Then to all of our surprise, Juni pulls off in this Arab community, in the middle of the Judean Dessert, at this gas station for camel rides. Ha! It was hysterical. I did ride, and the getting up was easy. But when the Camel went down on his front knees to lower me down, I about slid down his neck, I grab the handle behind me, and held on for dear life. I was NOT expecting him to lower the way he did. Camels are not as easy as they look. But I am glad I did it, even if it were at a gas station. Haha! That was the end of our very long day, before heading back to the hotel.
Ariel & I at the Dead Sea
Me with the mud from the Dead Sea
Zacchaeus tree, with all our shadows
Temptation Mountain
the camel & I have the same face, classic!
Smile!!
On a camel in the Judean Dessert, at a gas station
The next morning, many in the group had woke up early to walk around Jerusalem, I wanted Sleep! I got it, then when the group did not come out, I braved the city and went on a walk. I walked around the Armenian Section, and circled back up through the Jewish and Christian Market. This was fascinating. Every shop looked identical, all locals trying to sell their goods. It was very bright with lush colors hanging from the rafters, in barrels, spices, and beads… and so much more. The old stone, and narrow walkways, with hundreds of shallow steps…. it was quite a whirlwind to walk through. Good thing I am gifted directionally, because if I hadn’t been, I would easily have gotten lost. I ended up at the main gate, Jaffa, and I met this older man, who grew up in Israel and was a tour guide. It was his day off, so after some chatting, he took me around to see the Church of the Holy Sepulcher [orginially built in 330 AD, is where they believe the Cruicifixion took place, and the tomb of Christ's burial], he then took me up in this tower where I saw the overview of the city [I never could find it again, as I didn't every really know where I was], then He took me to an overlook of the wailing wall, and then I actually walked down to the wailing wall. It was Shabat, so it is work to press a button on their Sabbath, so you are not allowed to take pictures this day. So I just walked around, watching the prayers go forth. Then I headed back to the hotel to meet up with the group. After meeting with the group, we walked the wall around a section of the old city. I almost died, by slipping on the old stone, and about flipping over the rail [which went up to my knee], but some how miraculously caught myself and hit pretty hard on the wall itself. I sacred the people below me pretty well, and gave Jim quite a scare. I made it out alive, but along the way saw David’s tower, and many beautiful views from inside and outside of the wall. I received some personal revelations during this time, about standing on the wall, as a gate keeper, and watcher [an intercessor]. The group then went onto explore everything I explore that morning, so I split off and went into the Arab/Palestine section. At the entrance of the Arab Market, and the Wailing Wall, I spoke for over an hour to this Greek Orthedox Rabbi, and he was trying to convince me that the only way to happiness was to find a man, marry him, and have children. I had the opportunity to tell him, that though those are desires of mine, those things alone, would not make me happy, that my true joy and happiness came out of my relationship with Yeshua. It was an interesting conversation, but an open door where I was given the opportunity to talk about Yeshua [Jesus] in my own life, not pushing it on anyone, but expressing the life I have in Him. It was good! As I walked through the Arab section, I felt like I was walking through a bewitched circus. It was intense, spiritually. I saw so many things, that quickly burdened my heart. After exiting the market and heading through the trash filled streets, I quickly decided this was not an area I desired to walk about by myself. I started to head back, when a riot broke out in front of me. I just stood there off to the side until the street cleared, and headed back through the Market, into the Wailing Wall, and through the other Markets before getting back to Jaffa Gate. I made it back in time for dinner, and then as a group, we rushed off to Saccatt Hallel House of Prayer for another watch. This watch was alot harder than the first for many of us on the team, but to those being ministered to, really enjoyed it. We did a mix between a worship with the word set, and an intercession set. After the watch, Debi and I walked down the street, to a cute resturant, where I ate sweet potato ravioli. Yum! It was a Great day!!! Over all, this day God did a lot in my heart, concerning His burden for the Arab people that I didn’t realize until after I was home. He loves them SO much!!! I also believe He allowed me to feel a piece of His heart for the Arab community because of what the Lord is doing in Iran right now, and our call to pray for them, especially the women.
Old City Street
Old City Street
Jewish Market
Christian Market
Scarfs in Market
People
People
inside Holy Sepulchre Church
David, my personal tour guide
Wailing Wall on Shabbat
people at wall
Tower of David
Inside the Outer Wall
Outer Wall
Outer Wall on Mt. Zion
Arab Market
Leading Worship at House of Prayer
Old City view from House of Prayer
The next morning Jim & Debbie, Challie, Paul & Sheri, Jonathan, Mandi, Faith, and I went to the Dome of the Rock [where the Temple Mount sits]. I was expecting to feel all this spiritual warfare, when to my surprise I felt the peace of God. It’s where the literal presence of God dwelt in the ark of the covanent at one time and even though its been a place of Muslim worship for so long, God still sits on His throne & has victory over all! Then in the account of looking for a disconnected team member, I got access into the Southern Steps of the temple. This is where Jesus taught some of the parables to the gathered people. After a quick lunch we went to the Temple Institute. This was really cool. I had heard a little bit about it before going, but it was neat to actually see. The Temple Institute is run by the Orthedox Jewish Community. They know it is their responsibilty, via Old Testement scriptures, to rebuild the final Temple. They believe that is will bring back Jesus [Yeshua], but not as Savior & Judge, but as Priest or Govermental Official, and that His coming will bring disaster. They have built and finished 72 of the 93 Artifacts that are biblically asked for in the Temple [in which were beautiful]. They have the blue prints for the Temple, and believe it will go on the same spot as the Dome of the Rock. They also said they were ready to build it, as soon as the time arose. After an hour or so, of asking them questions, I could tell them knew so much, but their only disconnet [which is Huge] was Yeshua as their Christ, but that once they got that, they would so far exceed us Gentiles, but that right now, just as scriptures say, their heart is hard, and their eyes are blind. The rest of the evening Ariel, Tamice, Mandi, & I watched a Jewish movie on the Holocaust, (Boy in Stripped Pajamas), and went to bed early.
Wailing Wall
entry to Dome of Rock
Dome of the Rock
South Steps of Herods Temple
Model of Solomon's Temple from Temple Institute
The next morning, our last full day together as a team was so relaxing and fun. Debi, Tamice, Mandi, & I started out in a Cafe at Jaffa Gate, relaxing to a Cafe Latte. Then Debi and I went through the Markets again, and I taught her how to bargin. She was funny to watch. We then found this cute shop that went back deep of a local artist of Jewelry who travels to L.A. to do shows. I have never in my life seen such beautiful Jewerly with such simplistic and originial designs before. We then went to the Cafe Debi and I went to earlier in the week with the rest of the group. After lunch, we went to the house of prayer for several hours and just soaked in the presence of God. It was soo good!!! After some soaking time, Tamice, her friend from IHOP Anna, Ariel & I went on a walk through some nearby Gardens, and around to a local modern shopping center for some Latte’s and talk. It was so encouraging to listen to her and her husbands story. She also enlightened us on how to be praying for specifics of Messianic believers, and those making Aliyah to Israel.
After our walk, & dinner, a few of us walked down to Gloria hotel [where we were originally supposed to stay] and went to the roof. We were able to see a free version of the light show, and see the Old City at night. It was beatiful. Then we had a time of worship, before the team went back to pack for their flight in a few hours. Ariel, Mandi, and I ran after these Jewish guys [who were radically speed walking] down to the Wailing Wall for one last look, and to see it at night. I was amazed, all the Jewish peeps come out at night. It was packed! We went up to the wall and prayed. I have to admit, I people watched more than prayed, it was fascinating to watch the women come up do their customs, then walk backwards tripping over chairs, falling down, dragging the children through the crowds. The Religious Spirit was INTENSE!! But, it was pretty cool to be at the wall, and look up!
Men at Wall
Women at Wall
Wailing Wall at night
man studying Torah
market at night
The next morning Tamice, Mandi, Chaille, and I met up with Anna for a tour outside of Jerusalem Old City. We went to the Kinessett [Israel Supreme Court], after that we walked through her old neighborhood, and off to the local market [tourist dont normally end up here]. Then we went to Ben Yehuda, which is an artsy local neighborhood and ate lunch, before walking back to the hotel for our bags & faith before catching our flight.
Mandi & I sat at Tel Aviv for 5 hours, went through intense security [which was a PAIN!, especially since everyone thought I looked like a Palestinian], then we had a 6 hour flight to London, hung out in London for 10 hours over night [which is probably where I got the swine flu], then I had a 9 hour flight to DC, and 5 hours of waiting in DC for Tamice & Faith to Land. It was a LONG two days. Then we had a 2.5 hour drive home to Richmond! We were all exhausted and glad to be home!
Thanks for reading and praying, and joining me in my 2 week adventure to Israel! Many Blessings to you!
