Moments of the Heart : 2016

August 30^th+ 31^st- Days 7 and 8.
The 30th was our shopping day on Ben Yehuda Street. If you ever come to Israel, for sure go to Ben Yehuda Street for gifts, some history and just fun. We shopped in about 15 stores, bought a lot of things, we bargained a lot--since that’s just what Israelis do, ha ha--, and ate at a Kosher McDonalds. There are many different languages, people and cultures there which was fun to experience.

Day 8 a cat that kept us company every morning for breakfast jumped on the table, stole my chocolate croissant and ate the whole thing! It was so funny! J Afterwards, we went to a ministry called Bridges for Peace where they reach out to the Jewish people by serving with 14 humanitarian ventures, including doing home repairs and painting, installing hand rails through the hilly city, operating the food bank, helping non-Israeli Jews make Aliyah to Israel etc. Their purpose is for the Christian people to create a bridge to the Jewish people. They aren’t in Israel to aggressively evangelize the Jewish people but to serve them and love them. Of course, when it is appropriate, and they are asked, they explain that they want to share God’s love and plan with them and share the good news of Yeshua (Jesus). We received a wonderful tour around the Bridges base and met lots of sweet people. One of the ladies recognized us and asked “were you at Sukkat Hallel the other night?” She remembered that we had asked directions from group of friends that night. They seemed like angels that night because we were lost and they directed us to the right place. God sure does bring people in your life at the right time. With several Isralies we have met we mentioned Bridges for Peace. Each time, the person spoke favorably of Bridges. Over their 25 years of service, BFP has done a great job serving and creating relationships with the Jewish people and are indeed building “bridges” by putting Christians in a new and favorable light.

Next, we visited the Garden Tomb where Yeshua is said to have been buried. When you first enter, it is so beautiful with all the flowers, pomegranates etc. The garden is very beautiful with numerous types of flowers and trees. It is quiet and a great place for meditation and reflection. We headed to Skull Hill where possibly Yeshua was crucified. It sad now though because there is a dirty, busy, loud Muslim bus station and prayer tower, beside the fencing of the tomb complex. Then we went to the tomb. The original door was ruined when there was an earthquake in the 1900’s but the tomb is still there. We don’t know for sure if this was THE spot but it was pretty neat and special to go there. Walking inside the cave or tomb was very surreal.

On our way back to the hotel we stopped by a church called “Living Bread International” where my older sister went to when we she went to college. We had actually stopped by there before going to the Garden Tomb but no one had answered. So we’re back and rang the door bell several times and no body answered. My mom had silently prayed that we would be able to meet the pastor there, Karen. Right then and there, there was Karen walking by. Karen is a very courageous and brave woman. Her car has been blown up by terrorists, then those terrorists captured her, held her captive and tried to kill her. We visited with Karen and toured the lovely worship center. Unfortunately, a few weeks ago before this writing, the church was burned/destroyed by that same group of terrorists and had earlier tried to kill her. Karen’s trust in God is incredible. She still holds on to God, and hears from him that she is still to love the enemies who are trying to destroy her.

God kept having us meet special people during our trip. That night our family had dinner in Jerusalem, visited Moshe’s shop, and bought the best tasting ice-cream I have ever had. We then walked down to the Western Wall for the last time --until we go to Israel again. My mom and I shed some tears leaving this special city. The city of David. The city where Yeshua spent time. No words or pictures can adequately describe what this city does to a person’s soul. Next year in Jerusalem!