Welcome to the lowest place on Earth!

The Salt Sea is about 1500 ft below sea level. Ever since I was a young boy reading up on all things geography, I’ve dreamt of floating in this body of water and finally as of today, I’ve done it! It’ll probably be the only time I do this though – it can get pretty gross with all the mud silt formed on the bottom. It is true that after you lather yourself with mud, your skin feels 20 years younger due to the exfoliation of the salt/sand particles embedded in the muck. I can’t even remember when the last time I had skin so buttery smooth! Just make sure not to imbibe or get any salt water in your eyes or you’ll be in a world of hurt.

You are the salt of the earth…Matthew 5:13

Hey all, I didn't have consistent internet access the past few days, so here's a deluge of posts :)

Shalom again! Today was a great day to experience meditation amidst the ancient ruins of Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee – Jesus’ central area of ministry and where some disciples called home. After coming down from the Mt. of Beatitudes, two friends, Lyle and Jimalee led a time of meditation next to the synagogue where Jesus used to teach. We got a chance to look at our own selves and ask what God has been showing us lately in our spiritual lives that lead us to the trip some things that are holding us back. While meditating, there was a nice cool breeze during my chat with the Lord. He just told me to rely on Him and not to worry about things we can’t control. He also wanted me to have more quiet times with Him since I sorely lack in that area in my life currently.

To complete our time along the shores of Galilee, we had a tasty meal consisting of St. Peters fish (tilapia). They served it complete (head to tail) and grilled served with a side of lemon. It tasted surprisingly good considering it had very little accompanying spices/seasonings. It harkened back to the time of Jesus having breakfast with his disciples after the resurrection. 

May we all be strong in our faith and that His presence be amongst us!

-GDC

This is it! After being fully rested and a nice Mediterranean breakfast which included tons of cheese and potato knishes, we were off to tackle the first day of seeing the holy sites. But before leaving, we were warned of a mini heat wave, so hydrating was an absolute must!

Today’s activities is the start of a visual history that links past and present – signs that even after Jesus’ living sacrifice, the darkness is still present.

First up was a trip to the ruins of the Roman port city of Caesarea where at one point Pontius Pilate lived for it was the Roman seat of government back in the time of Christ’s earthly life. We saw many typical structures that defined Roman life i.e. theater, hippodrome, bathhouses and the lifeline of a Roman city – an aqueduct. This city was also the location of where Paul was briefly imprisoned and where by the grace of God, Roman centurion Cornelius and his family were saved.

Our next stop was Mt. Carmel – a high topped natural mountain that served as a beacon of light for mariners back in the day. This was also the location where God’s prophets Elijah included did battle against Baal’s prophets. How great is our God that the false teachers were exposed and eventually smoted! My oh my did King Ahab run astray, not unlike some of today.

* The view atop Mt. Carmel

* Moi on the top of Mt. Carmel with Elijiah in the background

Which finally leads us to Megiddo and Nazareth. The former represents the location in which the final battle between the forces of good and evil square off (Revelation 16:16) while the latter location represents the ancestral home of the Virgin Mary. For you see, Nazareth is divided in two; the Arab section and the Jewish section, with the Arab section being significantly larger. At the moment, these two cultures coexist peacefully, but it wouldn’t much to create a spark of discontent. Having said that, amidst the two halves lies a speck of Christendom – the Church of Annuniciation which represents the location where the Angel Gabriel had a conversation with Mary. It is the largest church in the Middle East and surrounded by tacky souvenir shops and schwarma/falafel stands.

This area is so contentious – three faiths consider Jerusalem and the surrounding lands holy ground. It truly is astonishing and sad to see so much disobedience in faith today; for some to come to terms with the one true God – the triune God. We can only intercede on their behalf – that they have an emptiness in their heart that can only be filled with Jesus!

* Meat plate at dinner! Kefte, chicken schwarma, and beef sausage

Until then, many blessings!

-GDC

SHALOM saints!

We have arrived here in the Holy Lands safe and sound with no complications whatsoever thanks to your prayers! Both flights were pleasant. I must commend Lufthansa on the excellent service – the hot towels were especially a nice touch.

The schedule for the first day was “light”; thank the Lord. After arriving at our hotel in the coastal town of Netanya, the whole group had a chance to eat a nice Mediterranean style meal and catch the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea. I can only imagine a similar image that Paul saw as he went on his missionary journeys to Rome.

Afterwords, we were able to catch up on much needed sleep for the next day is going to be packed with activities ranging from sites from Acts all the way back to the time of Elijiah!

Sunset over the Med:

and our first meal together as a group:

And they took in their hands some fruit of the land and brought it down to us, and brought us word again and said, 'It is a good land that the Lord our God is giving us.' Deuteronomy 1:25

Well, friends, it is now t-minus 20 hrs until Pastor and I embark on a journey of a spirtual sort - our hope in where God will be revealed to us; utilizing all our senses to take in what transpired 2000 years ago. We will be renewed and enlightened by the Lord and to bring back a report of joy for the church. May we also be mindful of our conduct for we are Christ ambassadors in a foreign land. I am thankful for all the saints back home for commissioning us and through their kind, heartfelt prayers. We hope you can join us in excitement as we update these blogs and posts.

To God be the glory!

Geoff

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path - Psalms 119:105 ESV

Like a hiker/scout/soldier walking their way through the night, we use illumination to light the trail/path/way. Without it, we would wander around bumping into trees, tripping over rocks or quite possibly, falling over a cliff! Like living water, let us be thankful that God has given us another spirtual tool - His Word to light up the darkness and we can see where we are going. Let's never forget that light always triumphs and penetrates over shadows and the dark. His Word is mightier, powerful and true. When someone comes about denouncing our faith or causing us to stumble or even when we stray in to the darkness, let us remember His word to light our paths.

Therefore, let us be diligent daily to delve in to His mighty Word, keep us straight and true and to be a shining beacon to others. Amen

-GDC

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven - Matthew 5:16 ESV

This blog will be devoted to being points of light - we shine with the reflection of Christ. Let us not hide away our light in a basket, but illuminate proudly for the advancement of His kingdom.

Stay tuned...

GDC