Saturday, July 28, 2007

Convention Notes


Go to http://www.foursquare.org/ to see some great day-by-day convention notes/synopsis from the conference sessions. Photos, too. (Tommy hasn't posted the songs yet, tho... yeah, Tom, I'm working on them)

In Jesus Name

During our offical touring we went to Yad Vashem the Holocaust Museum here in Israel. Because it is so big (maybe full of information, would be more appropriate?) it was very hard to look at much in the half hour or so that we were alloted. Because of this, yesterday part of our team decided to use one of our extra days to go back. We got there about 10:30 AM and decided to meet at 1 PM. Teresa and I had got about half way through the museum at about 12:30 PM. I'm telling you all this just so you can get an idea of just how much information is packed into this building.

Because the Holocaust has always been one of my favorite subjects, it was very nice to go through at a slower pace. Something that really struck me as hard to deal with (and even something that we've talked about in the conference) is how this was all done in Jesus' name. And how because of this, it's very hard for Jews today to deal with Christians. Just thinking of all the things that Jews have been subjected to because of Christians. It's very clear to me why these people would be horrified at the thought of thinking of Jesus as our Messiah.

Just some food for thought. I wish I had pictures to share but you aren't allowed to take pictures in the Museum. Here is the Yad Vashem website if you are interested.

Jasmyn

Our Last Day in Israel


Our last breakfast in Israel and we are very glad it is Sabbath. We all need the rest. What a blessed way to end our time here. I am wishing you all could have come but next time, yes?



Some of the team playing a game and just having fun.

Nana, Dad and I prayed for you. 'Hi' Jesse & Rebekah, Joseph & Snezhi, and Naomi & Skye wishing you all were here!!!!

Next time my prayer is that ALL my children and my friends can share in seeing the Land.

Love ya all so much, Cindy

Friday, July 27, 2007

Thank God for the Gift of Sabbath

Today a very tired team is receiving the gift of Sabbath. Jesus said that "the Sabbath was meant for man, not man for the Sabbath". Because of 3,000 people gathering for touring and Convention the last 8 or 10 days has been a much faster paced time than I had anticipated. (And the heat has been very draining as well!) I realize that this pace has been because of necessity, and I understand. At the same time it has given Jerry and I have much food for thought for future trips. (Clear your calendar for Spring 2009!)

In the mean time, we are very grateful that we have a Sabbath to spend in Jerusalem. We need it!

The pics below are of Sabbath candles in the hotel lobby on Friday night. The hotel provides candles for observant guests to light and say the traditional Sabbath prayers and blessings. We all gratefully receive the Sabbath peace and rest this day!

Love you and miss you,

Tom

The Home Team is back home!

Shalom, Havarim! Many blessings on the "Soggies"!
Dah-veed & Sha-rhon standing on the Temple grounds. I left my heart in Scotland. I left my tears on the Wailing Wall. God was truly in both places, and by His Grace, we KNEW it!
At Convention. (Yes, she is really standing up!)
Blessed beyond words.....The Word was there in powerful ways!
In the Garden
At the Tomb....He definitely ISN'T THERE! :o)
Sunrise in Atlanta....Glory from the East!

At The Jaffa Gate


Thursday, July 26, 2007

The Garden Tomb

This is part of our group sweltering in the heat and resting in the shade down by the Garden tomb. You can see that everyone is just drained. Once again, we must reiterate, it's been very hot. But still sooooo worth it!

I am also posting a picture of Karen standing by a sign just inside the tomb. Every time we have gone to one of these places where they believe Jesus *may* have been, I have been reminded of the angel that told Mary Magdalene and Mary "why do you weep. Jesus is not here for He has risen!" That helped to remind me that it doesn't matter where exactly Jesus was crucified or where his body was laid. What matters is that he was resurrected and we are saved. So I just had to get a picture of that sign in the doorway of the Garden Tomb.


This picture is my mom Karen coming out of the tomb.



Like Mother, like Daughter. This is a picture of my mom, Karen and me up on the Mt. of Olives with Jerusalem in the backround. Everyone has complimented us on our hats. Don't know if they are kidding or not, but we like them. But some have started to call us the "hat sisters".
Blessings to you all-Teresa

Donna and Carl at Lion's Gate


Our first trip to Israel - WOW!

What an adventure, both physically and spiritually. We are so glad we came.
It is almost like a fantasy. It is so unbelievable to actually be in Jerusalem. To say
we are writing to you from Jerusalem is amazing - The sights, the sounds, the smells of the shops, the places where Jesus walked. We really are in a different world than when we are at home. We recommend it to everyone. Carl and Donna
Hi Marcia- Everyone says Hi. They enjoy the blogs you have written. Carl is doing well. You would be very proud of him. He is being a real trooper. We are wearing out but want to see everything we can see. Got to "crash" a Jewish wedding here at the hotel tonight. Really interesting. We never did see the bride and groom. Love you, Donna

Shalom

Hey everyone!


Our offical tour is over as of yesterday afternoon. So today we dinked around a little in the Old City. We went to David's Citadel, which has been turned into a museum now. Also we went to this place that is reconstructing objects based on what the Torah says they should look like. They are recreating these objects so that they can go into the Third Temple when it is built. Which our tour guide said would be at least 500 years from now, so it's interesting that they have already started this!

Here are a couple of pictures from the last few days.



This is a picture at the Garden Tomb. This is a tomb that they believe is the tomb of Jesus. They have not found anything that is solid that shows for sure. But anyways, this is Andrea (that I used to work with at Starbucks) and I. It's so neat that we were able to meet up here and get to see each other. And to meet once again at the tomb.


Here is a picture of me in front of a Jasmine plant. We were at the garden of Gethsemene in this picture and the the background of the picture is looking onto the Golden Gate.
And that's all the pictures for tonight. I knew you would all be so interested in me, so that's why I just posted pictures of me. ;-)

Jasmyn

P.S. Did I mention it's hot here? We heard it's not supposed to get any better when we get to Greece. 115 degrees... that's too hot. Are you guys enjoying the rain?

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

He is not here, He has Risen!

We have pictures of the Garden Tomb, and we tried to download one to show, but it won't work at this time. Later! We had communion at the Garden Tomb today. It was good to be with old friends and with new friends from other churches on our bus #7. This has a special meaning to all of us. I have had a wonderful time in Jerusalem. It is amazing that I am here. I have felt the Lord at times and I hope to come home a new person in Christ. Continue to pray for me.
Hi Glynis, I promised to say hello to you. Thank you for your prayers. We have seen so much and it will take time to process everything. I will post a picture later. Love in Christ, Karen Ohlheiser.

On The Mount Of Olives




Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Last day of convention

Well, nobody has blogged in a couple of days. I feel like I am "talking" too much, but wanted to at least let people know back home that we are still all doing well.

The convention has been awesome. We have really been feeling God's presence here and I love hearing His word as he has been speaking to me. Last night, we saw a wonderful performance called The Covenant. It was very moving. It was a history of Israel and her people put on by some wonderful performers, showing how God has in the past and will continue to keep His promise, his covenant with Abraham to give this land to the people of Israel. If you get a chance, go to www.thecovenant.com and order it. I plan to buy it.

We get to spend time touring in the afternoons still. Yesterday we were up on the Mt of Olive and walked along the Palm Sunday road, and down to the Garden of Gethsamene. We spent some quiet time there. Very beautiful and peaceful place. We were right across from the old City, right across from the Golden Gates where Jesus will return thru. A front row seat :)

Last night, even many years of Pastoring and leading, Pastors Tom and Cindy and Jerry and Judy were ordained. It was also very moving. You all have been wonderful leaders and friends to us, and we are all truly blessed to know you.

Thank you again everyone back home. and I have to thank Lawrence for being ok with me being gone for so long and I love and miss you, and thank you to my wonderful mother in law, Bonnie for coming out from Baltimore to take care of my kids. I truly appreciate it. And to Zachary, Jonathan, Sarah and Jacob, I love and miss you!!

-Teresa

Sunday, July 22, 2007

First View of Jerusalem

Our days are even more non-stop now with the start of Convention. We begin with prayer and quiet time from 7:15 to 8:30, then quiet worship before the first service opens at 9. Our touring starts at noon, going until dinner, then a service in the evening from 6:30 to 9 PM. Last night Asher Intrater spoke on a 2nd Pentecost. He talked about how 120 became 3,000 which in turn took the Gospel from this city where we are gathering to the entire world.

Now there are 3,000 of us returning here, praying for Israel and the believing community here. The beleiving Jewish community here is believing for another Pentecost in these last days which will result in the final worldwide ingathering. They are praying for us that we will seek God for our own Pentecost for the winning of our own countries. They know that only another Pentecost will enable them to touch their own land for Jesus.

There are around 3,000 people here at this convention. May this 3,000 have our own Pentecost, then go out from here touching our world with the love and power of Jesus.

Seeking Him,

-Pastor Tom

Jezreel Valley

Here's a couple of pictures of us. These are on the mountain called "Precipice", a site like the one where Jesus was about to be pushed off a cliff by those from his hometown. It is outside of Nazareth and overlooks the valley of Jezreel, or as it is called in the book of Revelation, the Valley of Armageddon. The last pictures are taken at the Tel of Megiddo before going up to the archeological digs. The fruit are pomegranates, which were in trees surrounding the area where we had lunch.



Saturday, July 21, 2007

Busy, busy, busy!

We have been having a lot of fun in Israel, but it sure is tiring. We have been running a hundred miles an hour during the day, and come back to the hotel so tired at night. Tomorrow night the convention starts so it will be even more going on, because we are still going to be touring in between the morning and evening sessions of the conventions. (This is also the reason we aren't blogging more, but you can be sure we have stories to tell!)

It has been so amazing to see all the sights in Israel, learning about and seeing the sights that I have learned about in church and school. There really has been more that we have seen than I have time to describe (though I'm not tired, because I just drank my first cup of coffee in a few days and I'm very awake!), so instead I'll just show you some of the pictures I've taken.


This picture is from Ceserea (please forgive all my spelling errors now!), it's looking on to the Mediterranean sea. That little jaunt of rock is part of where King Herod built his palace out into the water. He was (at least building wise) a man way ahead of his time.


This picture is a view from Linda and I's hotel room, in Tiberius. That is the beautiful Galilee Sea, where Jesus walked on water. Of course man other events happened there also.





Bet She'an, wow! According to Cindy when they were here just a few years ago, before they had discovered this city, it was just nothing. Nobody had a clue. It's so amazing what archaeological treasures that you can find in Israel (and other countries that are SOOOO much older than the USA).



This picture is the famous Cave 4 from Qumran, where they found the most Dead Sea Scrolls out of all the caves. During Fall of last year, in my Old Testament class, we learned a lot about the Dead Sea Scrolls, since my professor had worked on them, so it was AMAZING to actually go to the site and see these caves in real life.


We had a little team meeting in the pool, wow these guys get wild and crazy when they are tired. Boy, I have some pretty good stories to tell. Ask them about the tattoos... ;-)



Tomorrow we go into Jerusalem full force, so that is going to be so wondrous. I hope that you all are having a good time back home.

Jasmyn

Boy is it ever hot!!

My previous trips to Israel have all been in the Spring. I heard a guide on the way down from the top of Masada say that he generally avoids leading tours in the Summer. I can understand why. The last two days of touring have been in very, very hot temperatures. I'm just not used to it.

We've been having a great time. As we looked at the Dead Sea today it was really clear that the sea is rapidly evaporating. The government is trying to figure out how to save the Dead Sea. It's not getting the normal flow from the Jordan River because Israel is using that water for the people.

Pastor Lila read us a section from Ezekiel , which speaks of the Dead Sea being replentished by fresh water. That will truly be a day of great rejoicing.

Well, I'm going to let someone else blog now. More later.

Pastor Jerry

Jerusalem, Jerusalem

We made it into Jerusalem last night. Sorry we haven't posted in a while, our days have been full leaving us tired at night. today was a little better. The heat has also taken it's toll on us. We have seen soooo much already. I don't think I could begin to describe it all. Yesterday, we saw a boat that was dug up out of the Sea of Galilee in 1987, that is dated to the time that Jesus was there. Amazing isn't it?? We also went to Bet Shean. Some of us braved climbing the tel there. Believe me it was high. But worth it even in the heat to climb it.

But it doesn't compare to coming over the hills into Jerusalem. what a sight. We stopped at one point so we could get out and look over the old city. From our side we could see the Golden Gate, that Jesus will come thru when he returns once again. It was just very awesome. Too many words to describe.

today was more laid back. we went up to Masada. What a site that is as well! Just amazing. if you don't know much about Masada, look it up. The building of that great fortress is incredible as is the things that went on up there.

Our last thing was floating in the Dead Sea and I am sure someone will show a picture of that. It was relaxing and enjoyable. but it's nice to be at our hotel early this evening. Oh there is so much more we have seen and experienced. Cesaerea, Megiddo, Qumran and more, but I must head down to dinner. I wanted to post a picture of The Old City of Jerusalem, but my camera broke and my mom's battery died just before we came over the last hill, so hopefully someone else will post one very soon. Thank you again for your prayers. Love and blessings to all! -Teresa

I am acutually here!!

The boat ride was really awesome. I felt the presence of God on the Sea of Galilee. We are in Jerusalem, Yeah. -Karen

Just a note from David and Sharon: Hello to Samual, Duncan, Skye and Naomi and a big hello to Judy! they are hoping to blog soon, but haven't had a chance.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

What about Bob?

This is what happens when you forget your long pants...



Day 1 - Galilee
















Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Sunrise on the Sea of Galilee


We are here!!

Well, we arrived into Tel Aviv about 5 and a half hours ago. I can hardly believe we are really here. Another team member said to me earlier that the first time she came to Israel, she really felt the presence of God and it changed her life. that certainly explains how I felt when we landed.

We have all been looking forward to this trip for over a year. The first time Pastor Tom mentioned this trip, my mom, (Karen) and I just looked at each other and we both knew we were supposed to go. Everything just fell into place for us for this trip. But as we have been planning and preparing, it has seemed so unreal until today. Even packing this weekend, it was still unbelievable that I was actually coming to Israel!

Today, as our plane touched down after the long flight from Atlanta, I just became overwhelmed with emotion. I could certainly feel God's presence as I looked over the land (I was fortunate to be sitting in a window seat) and all I could think about was this was the land that God promised to Israel. This was the land God promised to Israel and his children. this is the land that is so central to so much in the Bible, and to Jesus's life. I am just in awe. I am very excited as we begin this long coming journey. tomorrow we will be on a boat on the Sea of Galilee first thing in the morning. We will try to get pictures posted in the coming days. God bless all of you and thank you for your prayers while we are here. The flights were amazingly smooth and we all did fine and had peace (even myself, and I usually hate to fly).

-Teresa

Sunday, July 15, 2007

After planning for this trip for at least a year, the time has finally come. What has been a dream is now a reality. Pastors Tom and Jerry have spent a lot of time trying to prepare us for what we will be seeing and experiencing when we get there. The hardest part of the trip will be over by tomorrow night, the packing and the travel will be over with. I have packed my suitcase at least three times, Dave has been so patient helping me get ready.

There are so many emotions gettting ready. There is a sense of excitement, expectancy, awe, thankfulness and many more, including a slight case of the jitters. To me, this is a trip of a lifetime, and I can't wait to get started.

For those of you praying for us and keeping up with our progress, Thank you.

Anita
(Judy, this one's for you)

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

See you soon!!!!!

Can’t wait for you all to get here and share this beautiful country with you.



Tiberias











Haifa





Tel Bet Shean

Monday, July 9, 2007

Bye?


Well, I'm also on the leaving early bandwagon, though I'm not off to Israel just yet. I'll be flying into Wisconsin late tommorow evening. I'm very excited, though concerned because it seems that at least once a week, I find out that I'm allowed to take less and less baggage with me. But I fly out tommorow, so they can't downsize me anymore, right?


Here is a picture of my kitties [Bandito and Sandito], they really want to go with me. But we talked about it, and they realize that they wouldn't actually enjoy the almost 24 hours in my suitcase from Wisconsin to Israel. :-)
Jasmyn

Friday, July 6, 2007

Mary's Journey to Israel

My journey to Israel started almost 20 some years ago while I was in Bible College. One of my favorite teachers (Bro. Samuel Smith) went on a tour to Israel, shared about his trip when he came back and the Lord put a desire in my heart to some day go myself to the land where Jesus walked. I'm so excited to finally be heading to Israel for the Foursquare Convention and touring the land of my Saviour.

The preparation time to Israel has been exciting as God provided the money and the other necessities to make a trip of this magnitude. My greatest challenge in the preparation time was getting the care arranged with friends and family for my 4 children and my animals (1 dog and 3 cats) while I am gone for almost 3 weeks. Members of my own family were not able to care for the children due to their own vacation schedules, work schedules or health issues. As such, I had to relay on friends at church or other families to get their care arranged. Through much prayer and lots of thanksgiving, I finally have all the children cared for (God provided the last child care 9 days prior to leaving) and I am looking forward to being able to leave them in very caring hands. My animals will also be taken care by one of the young men from church who is willing to watch them for me. God is so faithful as we lay our requests before Him and look to Him for the resources that are necessary. I have been reminded many times to not become anxious over this need and just continue to trust Him and give Him thanks for His wonderful provision. Thank you to all that have been praying for this need to be fulfilled so I can join the rest of the team in Israel this year. Everything is almost packed and it's almost time to catch that plane to Atlanta and then onto Israel. See you soon!

Mary