My time in Israel...

I know, I know - it's been way too long since you heard I was going to Israel and this actual report about it. Where does the time go, anyway?

So as a part of the DTS I was just working with, I was able to go and visit several of our Outreach teams as they were on the field. The heart of these visits is to encourage the team and to walk alongside them as they do ministry in that country.

And how great it was to see the Israel group! Two of the team leaders greeted me warmly on my first visit to this nation, and soon whisked me off to see the rest of the team.

And from that point on, I was able to work with them as they partnered with different ministries. We worked in the red light district of the city (sitting and talking with the women who worked in that area certainly opened my eyes), worked in a soup kitchen, and in a clothing distribution center - it was a busy time!

Then, much to my surprise, the team organized a prayer walk through the city of Jerusalem. I hadn't thought I would be able to go, but one of the team members did great research and we were able to pray at many of the major sites of this amazingly diverse city. To see so many of the places the Bible talks about made the words leap off the page, and taking time to pray at the place where they think that the Lord's Prayer was given was moving. As we prayed over the city, I realized again how many prayers have been prayed out over this land. There were moments when I felt chills as I realized all that had happened in this land. We saw the road where they think the Cross stood, overlooking the passersby. And then we saw this - the empty tomb! How awesome that it's empty!

We ended our time at the Wailing Wall, and as I gazed on the men and women of the Jewish faith touching this ancient edifice and saying their prayers, I was struck by such a deep feeling of history. This wall was here when Solomon lived, was here when Jesus walked this city. Amazing.

So, the time went well, and though I had a few interesting moments getting out of the country, I made it on to the next leg of the journey...but that's for another entry. :)

And so it begins...

Welcome to my new blog!

At the urging of good friends (thanks, Rob and Leah), I've now decided to try my hand at this Blog thing. I'm hoping it's not too hard (seems like its ok so far) and my hope is that we'll all be able to stay in touch a little more this way. Even though I like to send out newsletters, sometimes it's hard to keep up with all that's happening, and I'm hoping this will help cut the time between the what happens and me telling you about it!

So, here's to new beginnings - drop by often and leave a note when you can.