Graffiti

The wall of separation makes for an enormous canvas. Here's a sampling of how people have decorated it.

Spreading out Gospels in Tel Aviv

Last night/this morning Audrey and I had the chance to work with the Jerusalem Bible Society. The Bible Society was handing out Gospels at a Russian Jewish concert. Audrey and I finished working at House of Hope at eight o' clock and went across the check point to meet others that we were working with. The group which consisted of nine people had a fun ride to Tel Aviv. We shared Chinese eggs, gummies, prayer, and fruit by the foot.
Once we got to Tel Aviv we arranged ourselves so we could be most efficient, in handing out books. We were paired in twos and threes, grabbed our gospels, all the while praying for the people who would read them.
I was so excited to be handing out these books but once I began Satan started his attacks. The first was the language. I do not speak Hebrew, other then about four words. Then I talked to one individual for awhile (in English) and he was trying to bring me down and push his views on me. As I talked to him I was praying in the back of my head. I prayed that the Holy Spirit would give me the right words to say. After a decent conversation he ended up taking the book and told me he would not believe. I did not care if he said he would not believe I was content that he accepted the gift.
I know that some of those books ended up on the ground last night, but I also know that some made it into the hands of people which I will now get to see in Heaven. God was very present last night. I had three very positive conversations with people that took Gospels. I thank God for the opportunities that the group had to witness and spread the Good News. May our efforts from last night bring glory to God.

Psalm 119:49 msg
"These words hold me up in bad times; yes, your promises rejuvenate me. The insolent ridicule me without mercy, but I don't budge from your revelation. I watch for your ancient landmark words, and know I'm on the right track. But when I see the wicked ignore your directions, I'm beside myself with anger. I set your instructions to music and sing them as I walk this pilgrim way. I meditate on your name all night, God, treasuring your revelation, O God."

Relief

Many of you have been getting bits and pieces of our visa saga over the last few weeks. Perhaps it would be helpful for me to explain to whoever reads this what's going on at the moment:
While the rest of the team received tourist visas that last until the end of June, Melody and I got one month tourist visas that expired on April 30 when we returned from Turkey. Last Tuesday, after our visas were one week past due, we received the long-awaited phone call that our volunteer permits for House of Hope were approved. Oh, ecstasy. I immediately went to the nearby Israeli military office to claim the permits and the following day we submitted all the necessary paperwork to get extensions that will last to the end of our term. From this vantage point, we have cleared a major obstacle and only have a few small hurdles left when it comes to visa issues--waiting for our new visas to be issued and traveling to Jordan to extend tourist visas for the rest of the team.

Bomba Mayla, outside of my comfort zone

I have to admit that I was nervous about going to a new age festival and doing evangelism. Handing out bibles to teenagers on the beach is not really inside my comfort zone. But this was an opportunity to leave the conservative Bethlehem and see what the Israeli culture is all about and reach out to Jewish teenagers who are searching for some meaning. We went out in pairs and small groups to meet people and start conversations with them. I was nervous about it because I knew that they were going to make fun of us or say really dumb stuff. A few times people snickered or just said "yeah yeah, whatever, I don't believe that stuff, leave me alone." But the adults that were in our groups weren't fazed by it. The just gently shared about the gospel and if the kids didn't like it, they would move on.
One of the guys in the group said it this way: we are lifeguards looking out into the sea and we can see all these kids drowning. The worst part is, they don't even know that they are drowning! I found myself at times not even caring about them. Why should I waste my time trying to save this person who is obviously so proud of their sinful life? Bad attitude, huh? It's hard to love. But Thursday made my whole time there worth it. I met a girl who was about 17 and was there with some friends. I started to tell her about my work in Bethlehem and how I came to Bomba Mayla to tell people about Jesus. I told her that if I wasn't a Christian, I wouldn't be here. I would not care about anyone but myself and because Jesus forgave me and loves me, I want to share that love with others. By this time I was getting ready to be pushed away, but she gently said, "I don't believe in Jesus, but I'm interested in learning about what you have to say." Surprised, I went on and described who Jesus was and what he did, and explained that I don't understand how Jesus and God are one, but that is where faith is the most important part. I took out a new testament and handed it to her. She looked at me and said, "Audrey, I'm scared. I don't want to take this bible because I'm just starting to believe in my religion and I don't want to get confused again." I wrote her a note of encouragement and my e-mail address inside it and told her that she should seek the truth, and it doesn't hurt anything to read about Jesus' life. She was hesitant but she took the bible and she wants to keep in contact with me. I was so happy that she sat and listened and asked questions. God was really moving in her and I felt so blessed to be used by God. Please pray for her.
This is her in the above picture.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Hot, sandy beach. Salty sea breeze. Loud music. Variety of religions. Thousands of teens. Out of control. Intimidating. Darkness. These are some of the words that come to mind as I reminisce about Bombamela, a new age festival held on Nitzanim Beach in southern Israel. The celebration is three days long and filled with uncontrolled teenagers looking for something in life. Audrey and I had the opportunity to attend the festival, but were not prepared for this kind of atmosphere. It was a big change from the little town of Bethlehem. At first, it seemed like harmless fun, but as the week went on we soon realized how dark and out of control it really was.

The festival sparked the interest of Jewish teens between the ages of 13-19. I thought there would be more of an older crowd, but I was wrong. This new age festival opened up an opportunity for Jesus Christ to be shared to these teens. There were other religions and spiritual aspects at the festival, but Audrey and I were there to share the love of Jesus Christ. We went with the Bible Society based out of Jerusalem. We stayed in tents along the beach. We met many people who all had the desire to share Jesus with these young people.

As we walked along the beach, we would randomly start up conversations with the teens. It was interesting to see why they had come to the festival, their beliefs, and desires in life. A number of times, I was able to start good conversations with people. A few times, I was able to share about how Jesus had changed my life. I asked each person I talked to, not take my word for it, but to delve into the Old and New Testament for answers and proof. Over and over I have learned to not trust one person's opinion, but to search to see if it is real. I got the overwhelming feeling that these teens do not search for the truth, but take ideas based on what they have been told by teachers and rabbis. In Matthew, it says "The spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matt. 26:41). As human beings, we fall short of complete understanding because we get bogged down by sin and distractions. We need to be willing to allow God to work through us so that we can understand. We need to trust in God and not just in the theology of man. This opportunity to mingle with Jewish teens allowed me to encourage them to search for the truth.

The spiritual warfare was overwhelming at times. We continued to have numerous problems with the Orthodox Jews. I was amazed at how much they focused on us and not on the other influences at the festival. There were all kind of horrible influences such as drinking, drugs, inappropriate outfits, and other religions. I began to see how much influence the name of Jesus Christ really has on life. Jesus Christ has the power even when the situation seems hopeless. We were the light within the darkness of sin and deception. We were able to being love, peace, and hope. "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Although it may seem overwhelming, we need to keep shining within the darkness.

Christmas time in April

The day before all the kids went home this past week, was one of gifts and laughter for the kids.
Each kid recieved a package from Samaritains purse. Samaritaians Purse is a Christian organization that has people in America and Germany fill shoe
boxes to give to kids in need. These boxes were meant to be given
for Christmas but the Israeli goverment held them for a couple months. To the children it didn't matter when the recieved the gifts they were just overjoyed to get them. Each kid had a huge smile as the opened the box and saw it stuffed with items. Little Aya was enthusiastic about her tissues that she got and took them home to her family. Hiba loved her new purse and Kias wore the biggest grin of all as he played with his airplane and teddy bear.


For me I really enjoyed handing out these gifts to the kids I see daily. There is so much grief here and this little boxes bring so much joy and hope. The joy also spreads to the families. As the kids went home with a box of toys and other items the parents would shake my hand and say thank you over and over. It was also an encouragment to me, since my church fills these boxes every year. It was neat to know that they really do go to the kids. Each box shows that someone cares for these little ones.

^ Razan and Aya open their
boxes


Kais and his
huge smile ->

Hiba showing off her new bag ^

Bad Faces All Around