It is 6:30 am and we are in the City of Brotherly Love. It was so nice to touch down in the USA this morning.
Just to let you know, the video for our first day in Jerusalem will be up in about an hour.
God Bless
Tony
Friday, February 24, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Journey Home Has Begun
We left Jerusalem this morning from the Damascus Gate and travelled an hour to Joppa which is just to the north of Tel Aviv.
And yes, this is the city that Jonah decided to travel to when the Lord told him to go to Nineveh. And you know how that turned out.
This is also the city where Peter healed Tabitha.
It's been an unbelievable experience to walk in the cities of the Bible. It really does bring the pages to life in a new way.
And yes, this is the city that Jonah decided to travel to when the Lord told him to go to Nineveh. And you know how that turned out.
This is also the city where Peter healed Tabitha.
It's been an unbelievable experience to walk in the cities of the Bible. It really does bring the pages to life in a new way.
Lunch in Joffa (Joppa)
Here eating lunch in Joffa just outside Tel Aviv with Afif Saba and his nephew.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Last Post from Jerusalem
Yes, this will be our last post from Jerusalem. Tomorrow is our last day and we will be heading back to Tel Aviv in the evening to fly home.
So let me quickly catch you up on the last 2 days...
Yesterday began at Herod's mountain-top fortress, Masada. Herod never used it personally, but it was used 70 years later during the Jewish Uprising against the Romans. The pictures and video will tell the story best, but I have included a link below for more information.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/masada.html
Next we visited Qumran and the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls. How remarkable that the Word was preserved for over 2000 years.
Today began at the Garden Tomb. It was unbelievable to look upon Golgotha with my own eyes and then step into the tomb where Jesus was resurrected. A truly awe inspiring moment that cannot be described.
Oh, and then we met Gov. Mike Huckabee who was there as well. Imagine that; we travelled 6300 miles to see Huckabee.
Then we spent the afternoon at the Holocaust Museum. There was not a dry eye in our group. And then to honor the 1.5 million children that died, you go into a room with 6 candles that are reflected on hundreds of mirrors to give the illusion of a million candles burning for those children. All this while the names and ages of each of the children are read.
This trip has had a profound effect on me in regards to my relationship with God and the people of Israel. I am fired up to help reach the Arabs in Nazareth along side Afif and I hope you are as well.
God Bless and we will see you in Charleston.
Tony
So let me quickly catch you up on the last 2 days...
Yesterday began at Herod's mountain-top fortress, Masada. Herod never used it personally, but it was used 70 years later during the Jewish Uprising against the Romans. The pictures and video will tell the story best, but I have included a link below for more information.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/masada.html
Next we visited Qumran and the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls. How remarkable that the Word was preserved for over 2000 years.
Today began at the Garden Tomb. It was unbelievable to look upon Golgotha with my own eyes and then step into the tomb where Jesus was resurrected. A truly awe inspiring moment that cannot be described.
Oh, and then we met Gov. Mike Huckabee who was there as well. Imagine that; we travelled 6300 miles to see Huckabee.
Then we spent the afternoon at the Holocaust Museum. There was not a dry eye in our group. And then to honor the 1.5 million children that died, you go into a room with 6 candles that are reflected on hundreds of mirrors to give the illusion of a million candles burning for those children. All this while the names and ages of each of the children are read.
This trip has had a profound effect on me in regards to my relationship with God and the people of Israel. I am fired up to help reach the Arabs in Nazareth along side Afif and I hope you are as well.
God Bless and we will see you in Charleston.
Tony
Monday, February 20, 2012
Jerusalem Day 1
What an awesome day!
Out day began atop the Mt. of Olives and witness the place where it is believed that Jesus ascended to heaven. From there it was a steep downhill walk toward the city walls. But first we stopped and prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. I don't know that I've ever felt a closer presence to the Lord. It was incredible to see.
It was interesting to see the Eastern Gate. This is the gate in the city wall (which has stood for well over 2000 years) where Jesus is expected to enter the city. As many of you know, the gate has been sealed with cement and limestone rock about 10 feet thick. I'm hope that I get to see Jesus open that gate. Oh, wait; we will!!!
We then entered the city through the Zion gate at Mt. Zion and saw the church dedicated to King David. From there, it was to the place that was built about 900 years ago to commemorate the Last Supper. The reason it's only 900 years old is because as different countries and religious groups have occupied the city, they have decimated much of it and only about 20% of the original city around Jesus' time still exists. The Last Supper Room is located within about 50 yards to the east or west of where, the actual Upper Room was located. We had prayer, devotion and the Lord's Supper.
From there we were able to go to the Wailing Wall (or Western Wall) which is the last remaining piece of Herod's Temple which is where Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers. This wall is significant to the Jews. I will explain this as succinctly as possible.
You see, the reason why that particular piece of land, on which now stands the Dome of the Rock mosque, is because of that rock. The mosque (and formerly Herod's temple) covers the stone on which Abraham took Issac to sacrifice him to God in Genesis. Of course, the muslims want it because they believe that it was Ishmael that Abraham sacrificed. That is where the two religions diverge in history.
Well, that Western Wall, when Herod's Temple was built, was closest to the Foundation Rock. So therefore, the Jews pray at the wall as it is the closest place to the rock.
And that is your history lesson for today.
Unfortunately, due to internet restrictions at our hotel, It is going to be very difficult to upload video and pictures until we are back in the states. But I promise that I will keep you up to date by trying to explain the beauty of this place as we experience it. And I will upload all of the video when we are back so that we can all talk about it when we see each other on Sunday.
Everyone is doing well and while this is a wonderful experience, we all miss home and can't wait to see you all again!
God Bless and I will talk to you tomorrow!!
Tony
Out day began atop the Mt. of Olives and witness the place where it is believed that Jesus ascended to heaven. From there it was a steep downhill walk toward the city walls. But first we stopped and prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. I don't know that I've ever felt a closer presence to the Lord. It was incredible to see.
It was interesting to see the Eastern Gate. This is the gate in the city wall (which has stood for well over 2000 years) where Jesus is expected to enter the city. As many of you know, the gate has been sealed with cement and limestone rock about 10 feet thick. I'm hope that I get to see Jesus open that gate. Oh, wait; we will!!!
We then entered the city through the Zion gate at Mt. Zion and saw the church dedicated to King David. From there, it was to the place that was built about 900 years ago to commemorate the Last Supper. The reason it's only 900 years old is because as different countries and religious groups have occupied the city, they have decimated much of it and only about 20% of the original city around Jesus' time still exists. The Last Supper Room is located within about 50 yards to the east or west of where, the actual Upper Room was located. We had prayer, devotion and the Lord's Supper.
From there we were able to go to the Wailing Wall (or Western Wall) which is the last remaining piece of Herod's Temple which is where Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers. This wall is significant to the Jews. I will explain this as succinctly as possible.
You see, the reason why that particular piece of land, on which now stands the Dome of the Rock mosque, is because of that rock. The mosque (and formerly Herod's temple) covers the stone on which Abraham took Issac to sacrifice him to God in Genesis. Of course, the muslims want it because they believe that it was Ishmael that Abraham sacrificed. That is where the two religions diverge in history.
Well, that Western Wall, when Herod's Temple was built, was closest to the Foundation Rock. So therefore, the Jews pray at the wall as it is the closest place to the rock.
And that is your history lesson for today.
Unfortunately, due to internet restrictions at our hotel, It is going to be very difficult to upload video and pictures until we are back in the states. But I promise that I will keep you up to date by trying to explain the beauty of this place as we experience it. And I will upload all of the video when we are back so that we can all talk about it when we see each other on Sunday.
Everyone is doing well and while this is a wonderful experience, we all miss home and can't wait to see you all again!
God Bless and I will talk to you tomorrow!!
Tony
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Caption Contest
OK, so I know I wasn't going to post anymore today, but this is worth it.
Send me the funniest caption to the picture below and I'll put it in next Sunday morning's announcement slides.
Submit your caption in the comments section.
Send me the funniest caption to the picture below and I'll put it in next Sunday morning's announcement slides.
Submit your caption in the comments section.
An afternoon of rest
It seems as thoug rest has been limited since we arrived. The truth is, it has, but none of us have really cared. However, we have an evening off. We will be meeting with Pastor Afif about future plans and where do we go from here tonight at 7:30 (12:30 pm Charleston Time). But no plans to go anywhere, so an opportunity to recharge our batteries (both in us and our electronics) before we head out to Jerusalem tomorrow morning.
That starts four days jam packed with events and we will be posting new videos and pictures. Tomorrow we will visit the marketplace and the Wailing Wall (or Western Wall) to pray. If you have any prayer requests, let me know in the comments and we will carry them with us tomorrow.
I don't dare speak for anyone else, but God has been speaking to me this week about a great many things in my life and in my ministry and I believe he is doing the same to others in our group.
Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful day of worship. Decide now to give Him your all, not just on church days, but everyday.
I will talk to you Monday afternoon Charleston time.
God bless!!!
Tony
That starts four days jam packed with events and we will be posting new videos and pictures. Tomorrow we will visit the marketplace and the Wailing Wall (or Western Wall) to pray. If you have any prayer requests, let me know in the comments and we will carry them with us tomorrow.
I don't dare speak for anyone else, but God has been speaking to me this week about a great many things in my life and in my ministry and I believe he is doing the same to others in our group.
Well, I hope everyone has a wonderful day of worship. Decide now to give Him your all, not just on church days, but everyday.
I will talk to you Monday afternoon Charleston time.
God bless!!!
Tony
Saturday and Sunday Worship
God has truly moved here at the Good Shepherd Baptist Church.
Saturday was a wonderful message from Keith Biggs and a great rendition of Holy Ground by George. Two men came forward to ask for prayer for healing.
Today, Pastor Marshall blindfolded the Music Minister in a teaching about following on faith. It was very funny.
After service we stayed at the church for a wonderful dinner with the leaders of the church.
Pastor Ibrahim almost made us cry. He stood up at the table and thanked us for being the believers we are. He said most Christians come to Israel and snap pictures from the bus as they drive by just to say they had been there. He thanked us for staying, working, worshipping, and fellowship ping with them in true Christian brotherhood.
This place, and these people, are incredible.
During the morning, we met a couple who are missionaries from Scotland who currently live in Maryland and come to Nazareth for six weeks every year to work. Wonderful people and a fantastic sense of humor.
After dinner we were treated to an old fashioned Arabic Jam Session.
Saturday was a wonderful message from Keith Biggs and a great rendition of Holy Ground by George. Two men came forward to ask for prayer for healing.
Today, Pastor Marshall blindfolded the Music Minister in a teaching about following on faith. It was very funny.
After service we stayed at the church for a wonderful dinner with the leaders of the church.
Pastor Ibrahim almost made us cry. He stood up at the table and thanked us for being the believers we are. He said most Christians come to Israel and snap pictures from the bus as they drive by just to say they had been there. He thanked us for staying, working, worshipping, and fellowship ping with them in true Christian brotherhood.
This place, and these people, are incredible.
During the morning, we met a couple who are missionaries from Scotland who currently live in Maryland and come to Nazareth for six weeks every year to work. Wonderful people and a fantastic sense of humor.
After dinner we were treated to an old fashioned Arabic Jam Session.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Video: Jordan River Baptisms
Sorry these are broken up, but I wanted to post them for the families as quickly as possible.
What a morning
It's been a busy day already. We had 7 of our folks baptized in the Jordan and then after, we had 7 young men from Colombia come to Afif and ask him if he would baptize them. Then a young lady from the Philippines came as well.
Darla ended up leading one of the Colombians that came with the others to Christ. And she did it in Spanish! Unbelievable morning.
Until I can get the videos posted here you can go to YouTube.com and search for my username aws999. This will pull up all of my videos, then you can find the baptisms.
Darla ended up leading one of the Colombians that came with the others to Christ. And she did it in Spanish! Unbelievable morning.
Until I can get the videos posted here you can go to YouTube.com and search for my username aws999. This will pull up all of my videos, then you can find the baptisms.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Good Shepherd Baptist Church Revival
God is moving in this land.
I am going to post video and pictures of this night tomorrow, but I had to tell you about how God moved tonight.
It was amazing to sing God's praises tonight at church. As I sang "How Great Thou Art" in English, the people of GSBC began to sing and praise in Arabic. No cultural differences or language barriers would halt or hinder the praises of God.
Secondly, Pastor Jimmy, with translation assistance by Pastor Ibrahim, spoke a mighty word about unmerited grace. And God moved. So much so that at the invitation, 4 people raises their hands to receive Christ. Then, after the service was over, the brother and sister-in-law of the building's owner (both Muslim) came down to receive Christ!
6 people added to the kingdom in the Land of God!!!!!
I am going to post video and pictures of this night tomorrow, but I had to tell you about how God moved tonight.
It was amazing to sing God's praises tonight at church. As I sang "How Great Thou Art" in English, the people of GSBC began to sing and praise in Arabic. No cultural differences or language barriers would halt or hinder the praises of God.
Secondly, Pastor Jimmy, with translation assistance by Pastor Ibrahim, spoke a mighty word about unmerited grace. And God moved. So much so that at the invitation, 4 people raises their hands to receive Christ. Then, after the service was over, the brother and sister-in-law of the building's owner (both Muslim) came down to receive Christ!
6 people added to the kingdom in the Land of God!!!!!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Some traveling observatios
It's amazing how the actual experience blows away any pre-conceived ideas I may have had.
As we waited in Philadelphia for our flight to Tel Aviv, Pastor Jimmy and I took notice of all the Jews who were coming here as well; both Israeli and American. Pastor remarked how this reminded him of Ezekiel 38-39.
Ezekiel in the valley in which God said they would be resurrected and return from the valley. I believe that the influx of orthodox Jews we are seeing return 'home' is the fulfillment of that prophecy.
Our arrival at Ben Gurion airport was really like any other you would expect in America. Families embracing after a long separation, aunts and uncles seeing little nieces and nephews for the first time and tears of joy everywhere you look. It just struck me that we are from such vastly different cultures and homes, but that God's blueprint inside all of us remains and, in my opinion, is one of the greatest evidences of a divine Creator that the world could ever see.
Oh, and my final travel observation; my body was not designed for cramped spaces!!!
Video of days 1 and 2 to come soon!!!
By His Grace,
Tony
As we waited in Philadelphia for our flight to Tel Aviv, Pastor Jimmy and I took notice of all the Jews who were coming here as well; both Israeli and American. Pastor remarked how this reminded him of Ezekiel 38-39.
Ezekiel in the valley in which God said they would be resurrected and return from the valley. I believe that the influx of orthodox Jews we are seeing return 'home' is the fulfillment of that prophecy.
Our arrival at Ben Gurion airport was really like any other you would expect in America. Families embracing after a long separation, aunts and uncles seeing little nieces and nephews for the first time and tears of joy everywhere you look. It just struck me that we are from such vastly different cultures and homes, but that God's blueprint inside all of us remains and, in my opinion, is one of the greatest evidences of a divine Creator that the world could ever see.
Oh, and my final travel observation; my body was not designed for cramped spaces!!!
Video of days 1 and 2 to come soon!!!
By His Grace,
Tony
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Here in Philly
Well, we've arrived in Philadelphia and now have a 3 hour wait till our next flight. This is why I am happy to have technology. :)We've also run into an old friend.
Cassie came by way of New York and we've all had a great time catching up.
Cassie came by way of New York and we've all had a great time catching up.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Welcome
Welcome! This blog will update you on our trip to Nazareth and Jerusalem. That is, provided that our internet connections hold up!
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