More pics

Monday’s post has been updated and now contains more pictures for your enjoyment

Grumbling in Sin, fresh water, broader horizons, fresh water

After our crazy trip, 3 hours of sleep didn’t seem like enough. However, after a VERY cold shower and a Redline, we managed to get ourselves going around 7:00 a.m. As we walked out of our room we noticed the beautiful Red Sea. Lori and I walked down to the beach and simply enjoyed the incredible blue waters. I guess I never pictured it this way, but man what a way to start the day!

By the Red Sea

We loaded up in 4×4 vehicles, 6 to a truck, and headed out to follow the wanderings of the Israelites through the desert. What a blast it was to romp and stomp through the desert. Our driver, Akmed, wasn’t nervous about hitting the gas and we were flying around in the back. Much better way to see the desert than wandering around

Hanging with our 4×4 drivers

Our Egyptian guide, Harry

As we drove we’d periodically stop and enjoy views of the desert. Our first couple stops were in the valley of Sin, named because that’s where the Israelites complained about Moses leading them out of Egypt. To be honest, after viewing the rough terrain, endless desert views, and heat, I can empathize with the Israelites a little better. One of the cool stops was a spot where the Israelites first encountered the Amelikites in a huge area. It was amazing to picture this as a battle field. We had a blast climbing sand dunes, building rock monuments and getting to know our Egyptian drivers a little better.

The group learning about the Valley of Sin

Running down a huge sand dune

Our next stop was for a true Bedouin lunch. The Bedouin’s are tribal people who have wandered the desert for thousands of years, much like the one’s who purchased Joseph from his brothers and sold him into slavery in Egypt. The Bedouin’s were very friendly, and I had a blast playing with their kids. It reminded me how kids are kids, no matter where they live, and also made me miss my children today! The lunch was awesome, consisting of chicken, cooked vegetables, rice, a pita like bread, and a few other things I don’t know how to explain   We were all a little nervous at first, but everyone thoroughly enjoyed the lunch. What a life experience!

A true Bedouin lunch

Lunch close up

My new security team!

During lunch our guide showed us the local Tamarisk trees, which in this region actually produce a gummy-like substance that’s edible and nutritious. The locals call it “manna”. Many believe this is actually the manna that was provided by God daily for His children right in this area.

The next stop was at the only fresh water spring in the valley of Sin. It’s extremely logical (and widely accepted) that the Israelites would have utilized this spring during their wanderings. It was awesome to see God’s provision for His children, literally providing a stream in the desert. I was also very touched to have wandered (albeit by 4×4) where Moses led the people. It gave me a much greater perspective on the book of Exodus, and broadened my horizons to how events in the Bible actually unfolded.

Fresh water spring in the desert

After driving out of the desert (with a little more romping ), we loaded back on our bus and headed to Cairo. Along the way we stopped at Marah, where in Exodus 15 God turns bitter water into fresh water. This is typical of what God does; He takes unusable and makes it usable, dead and makes it alive, bitter and makes it fresh I love our God. There are two wells at Marah, and I see how they were an oasis in the desert to the Israelites.

One of the 2 wells at Marah

We journeyed on to Cairo, witnessing the Suez canal (very cool), which had huge tankers passing through. As we entered Cairo we were amazed at the multitude of empty buildings. Cairo has 20 million residents, and as the city has sought to expand it’s led to uncontrolled (and unscrupulous) building. There are literally thousands of completely empty high-rise buildings that were never completed. The corruption is unchecked and leads to developers taking huge loans and bailing on the projects before completion. I’ve never seen anything like it! Until…

Cairo traffic. Man, this is crazy. People literally walk out onto the freeways (en masse) to hitch rides. They run in front of cars all over the roads. Kids dart in and out of busy traffic, never looking. Moms holding babies play “frogger” across 6 lane roads. I’m not talking occasionally, it’s every few feet. I was heart-broken at the state of this city, and it’s people living in rampant poverty. It reminds me once again how blessed I am and thankful for all I have.

It’s early Wednesday as I write this, and today we’ll be taking a camel ride (yep ) to the pyramids. Can’t wait to see one of the great wonders of the world, and I hope to blog it late tonight, as we leave for the airport at 5:00 am tomorrow for 19 hours of flying home. We all appreciate your prayers.

WOW, The Holy Mount, In the footsteps of Jesus

This was our last day in Jerusalem, including incredible stops, but also sadness that we will be leaving early tomorrow.

The day began very early with my favorite site of the trip. We were allowed to enter the Rabbi’s tunnel, which is a recently unearthed (last 10 years) series of paths from the time of Christ that lead along the Western Wall of the temple, underneath the current ground level. It’s so hard to explain what we saw, but at one point our guide (and other scholars I trust) stated that on the other side of the wall we were within 20-30 feet of the Holy of Holies, containing the Ark of the Covenant.

Fabrecio teaching us in the Rabbi’s tunnel

Inside view of the Eastern Gate

I know it’s easy to think Indiana Jones, but this is the real deal. To stand in a spot so close to the Old Testament dwelling place of Yahweh, containing the Ark where His Glory resides, was AWESOME! It’s a privilege that is very hard to attain, but we were truly blessed to be able to make it. Unfortunately, due to the conflict between jews and muslims over the temple mount, they are unable to dig through the wall, but that day will come. For now, I’m amazed to know that we were that close to the holiest spot on earth!

Next we went up to the Temple Mount, currently controlled by the muslims, where they’ve built a mosque (al-aqsa) and the dome of the rock. I’ve been here before, and it saddens me to see the Temple Mount covered in this way, but to know we were walking on Mt. Zion where the Temple once stood (and Jesus walked) was a great moment.

Group photo on Temple Mount

From there we visited the pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a 38 year old paralytic. Our guide gave a great explanation of why this was one of Jesus’ most important miracles, symbolizing that salvation was now directly accessible through Christ!

After this we departed the mount and headed to the Hebrew University, where our driver Elias had prepared for us a wonderful local breakfast of bread, hummus, tomatoes, pickles, eggs and a special local form of oregano. It was awesome!

Next we visited the Garden of Gethsemane, which means oil press. This is certainly where Jesus went to pray the night He was betrayed. Some of the olive trees date back 2,300 years, which means they were present at the time of Christ. If was cool to stand in the olive grove and pray, while looking back across the Kidron Valley towards the Eastern Gates. This is significant because Jesus traveled that route, but more importantly because He will one day travel it again to reestablish His throne in Jerusalem!

Me and some Israeli soldiers

We ended the day by heading into the Old City of Jerusalem to visit Kind David’s tomb and the upper room (no proof it was the actual one, but definitely in the vicinity). We stood in the upper room and read John 14, reminding us that all of the Scriptures point to the centrality of Christ and the Good News! Fitting end to a wonderful time in Jerusalem.

Teaching in the Upper Room

We ended the day early, but tonight we will head out on our own to experience a little bit of the city. Lori and I have heard about a great italian restaurant, and we’re craving it!

Self-portrait taken of Lori and I at the Western (wailing) wall

Sober Reality, Silent Night

We didn’t go to very many places today, but the depth of what we experienced was truly significant…

We began the morning at Yad Vashem, home of the holocaust museum. We were allotted two hours, but that was not nearly enough to take it in. This is my second time through this museum, but it was just as significant. Wandering through the pictures, remnants and videos of Hilter’s rise, his hatred for the Jewish people, the amazing unity behind his mission, and the blind eye the world turned, it was very disturbing (which is good). I’m amazed at how so many bought into the agenda of Hitler, and how deeply depraved the human heart can be.

Monument to Boris Korczak, who rescues hundreds of children during the holocaust

It is sobering to know that so much of the world turned a “blind eye” to the plight of the jewish people, and a reminder that we must always be vigilent against injustice. 11,000,000 people killed.  I was really touched by the children’s memorial, which remembers the 1.5 million children killed during the holocaust. As you enter the memorial you hear the names and ages of every child killed. As a father it was painful to listen to.

After this we visited a huge model of the city of Jerusalem. It brought great perspective to be able to walk around the model, seeing the size of the temple, the different walls and quarters of the city, and understading how life was lived in the time of Jesus.

It was then time to go to Bethlehem for lunch. Passing through security into the west bank was sobering; lots of guns everywhere. After lunch we visited the church of the nativity, where Jesus was born. It’s disappointing what religion has done to this site, as it’s all built over and reeks of incense. However, to sit the area where Jesus was born brought me to the remembrance of all my Lord has done for me.

Church of the Nativity

To end the day we visited the fields of Boaz and the shepherd’s fields. Very cool to sit on the hills and look back towards Bethlehem, with the same view the shepherds had the night Jesus was born. We read through Luke chapter 2 and sang “Silent Night”. It was a holy moment, one that will forever be emblazoned in our minds as we celebrate Christmas.

Falafell lunch in Bethlehem

Driving back to Jerusalem we got a great view of the gates of Jerusalem as well as the temple mount, where tomorrow we’ll visit. I’m whipped, so I’m off to bed! Shalom Alechem

Strategic Building, Holy Ground, Revolutionary Faith

Today was a transition day from Tiberias of Galilee south to Jerusalem. We were up and out early and covered a lot of ground…

We began by driving to Nazareth, the home of Jesus, then on to Meggido, a hill top fortress utilized by Solomon to control the region. It was cool to examine their gate system, which was well developed to protect the city. Also toured the stables that housed 40,000 horses and walked down into the cities water system, which also served as a secondary (emergency) exit to the city. Megiddo is on a hill (“Har” in Hebrew), which is where we get the term “Armegeddon”, which will happen in the valley at the base of Meggido (Revelation 6-7).

We then traveled a few miles to Mount Carmel, where Elijah called down fire from heaven to defeat the 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah, killing them all in the valley below (1 Kings 18). Very cool spot on the top of the mountain, realizing Elijah’s incredible victory happened right there, and then to look out of the vally of Meggido and picture the final battle. I truly felt like I was standing on holy ground.

Teaching at Mt. Carmel

Elijah with his sword

We stopped for lunch and then moved on to Caesarea Maritima (by the sea), a major Roman port city used to control the area. This was a huge city, and digs have produced a wealth of knowledge regarding how this city worked. We toured the different aspects of the city, including the stadium used for chariot races and then sacrificing Christians, before ending in the ampitheater. This was very moving as I stood in the very spot the apostle Paul stood in chains and addressed the roman governors and a stadium of witnesses. Standing literally in the same spot, I read Paul’s incredible sermon from Acts 25-26, ending with his statement “I wish you would all become like me, except for the chains”. Paul was a sold out follower of Christ, and even facing a death sentence he preached the gospel. I pray for more boldness in my faith!

The race track for chariot races, later used to sacrifice Christians for sport

Reading Paul’s sermon at the ampitheater

From there it was on to Jerusalem. Driving up to the mountain and seeing the city is truly breathtaking, a reminder that we are walking where Jesus walked. The group is doing awesome, really growing closer to the Lord and each other. New friendships are being formed, and unity is strong, which is always a blessing on a trip like this. Pray for us as we spend the next days in the area of Jerusalem!

Thankful today

1 Chronicles 16:34 (NLT)
³⁴ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

I have so much to be thankful for today (as do you), and I didn’t want the day to pass w/o naming them…

• I’m thankful for Jesus, the giver and sustainer of life, the author and perfecter of faith, my Lord and Savior.
• I’m thankful for Lori, my wife, my best friend, my ministry partner. 15 years and more in love with her each day.
• I’m thankful for my 4 children. They’re each unique, and in each one I see the imprint of a Creator who loves them and has big plans for their life. I’m thankful He’s entrusted them to me, and I relish the title “dad”, it means the world to me.
• I’m thankful for the awesome people of Palm Valley Church. I love being on the journey with Christ-followers who are committed to living authentic, sacrificial lives. Through all the ups and downs, God has molded a church family that I truly love.
• I’m thankful for an incredible staff. God has given PVC a wonderfully talented team who are deeply committed to the vision and people of our church!
• I’m thankful we live in a country that’s free. Even when we disagree, we unite as Americans. Given the events in Indian, I’m thankful we’re a country that doesn’t single people out due to their faith or color. I know we’ve got a lot of ugliness in our past in regards to racism, but I’m thankful we’re making progress.
• I’m thankful that today I’ll eat too much, but I’m more cognizant this year of people who won’t. I’m more committed to helping ease suffering for those in our world who don’t have the resources we have.
• I’m thankful for Value Baptist Church. What a great ministry partner we have. They think we bless them, but truly “it’s more blessed to give than to receive”.

I know it’s been a tough year for so many, my family included, but I choose to be grateful for what God has blessed me with, not worry about what I don’t have (or even have lost). God is so good, and I’m thankful today. Blessings to you and your family on this special day!

Seize The Moment

Over the next 4 weeks we’ll be re-visiting our Seize The Moment campaign. I’m excited to update our church on all that God has done in the last 18 months, and look towards the work yet to be done. Here’s an invitation…

Seize The Moment Invite from Palm Valley Church on Vimeo.

Post Election Thoughts

Today, we woke up knowing who our next President will be. Here’s some thoughts I have today…

• It’s a historic day, as we’ve elected the first African-American president of the United States. It says to me that we’re making progress as a nation to ending prejudice.
• Awesome to see voter turnout. I’m glad to see more citizens engaged in the process.
• I’m thankful for the rights we have in this country.
• I have deep respect for the life John McCain has lived, and his speech last night was very touching. He’s truly an American hero.
• Obama embodies the American dream. He’s accomplished a great deal. I pray that he will seek the Lord’s wisdom as he leads our country.
• I’m glad the election is over. I’m still getting emails from people angry that I guided people to vote for McCain, while others are chastising me for encouraging people to vote for Obama.
• I will never be apologetic for being pro-life. The Bible instructs us to be a voice for those who have no voice, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
• Thankful for a number of gals in our church who experienced teenage pregnancy, and are now looking to help teens who are currently pregnant with hope and encouragement.
• I pray our country will unify behind President-elect Obama. We’ve got some big challenges ahead of us.
• I pray that he will lead us where we need to go.
• Ultimately, our country and our world need Jesus. So, as a Christ-follower, today is the day to live out the Great Commission!

Weekend Reflections

This weekend we wrapped up Letters To The Next President. Here’s some thoughts…

• All-Church picnic Saturday was a blast.
• Baptizing people for over an hour straight was moving, reminds me we’re hitting our target as a church. 
• Some powerful moments in every service, but also some very tense ones.
• Adam did an awesome job leading worship!
• Got e-mails from people who felt I favored the Republican view during this series.
• Got e-mails from people who felt I favored the Democrat view during this series.
• I’m glad this series is over, it was draining.
• Next week starts “Seize The Moment”, it’s going to be fun!

Weekend Reflections

Can somebody help a brother preach? Man, I felt like I did some good old-fashioned preachin’ today, and it was tense! Here’s some thoughts from the weekend…

• Lilly singing “On Christ The Solid Rock I Stand” was moving, she’s incredible!
• The baptism video made me cry every service.
• Baptisms remind me of the changed lives God lets us be a part of.
• Can’t wait for baptims at the picnic next week!
• “Come and Listen” was perfect today, love that song.
• Still not happy with some of my message. I feel like parts came across a little condemning. I hope my heart came through.
• Truth is truth, it must be spoken.
• God is stirring my heart right now about some things; mostly how to help hurting people.
• I love our church.
• My prayer (and commitment) is that I’ll last the long haul!
• Big stuff coming with our building program, please be praying.
• Raiders. Uggghhh.
• Our Israel trip is 1 month away. I’m excited to lead a group to the Holy Land.
• It’s not too late to go with us, go to www.palmvalley.org for more info.
• Had a few comments telling me to speak slower so people can understand me It cracks me up because it’s true. I get flying and have so much to say