Week 3 & 4, Jerusalem to Bethlehem

We are now in week five of our outreach in Israel and have moved on to Bethlehem. So much has happened in the two weeks since my last update. We have had a chance to get acclimated, see the sights and see the Lord guide us as we meet different people daily. Here are some highlights of the last 2 weeks:
Sakkot Celebrations in Jerusalem. We were able to be in the Old City and witness another holy feast for the Jewish people. Sakkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, was celebrated by the jewish people in Israel in fulfillment of the law given to Moses: "Live in booths for seven days: All native-born Israelites are to live in booths so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the Lord your God."
In addition, this year 8,000 Christians from all over the world came to the city to fulfill the scripture in Zachariah 14: "The survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles." On the last day of Sakkot, a we were able to go to the large booth near the Western Wall and join in the celebration with traditional food provided by a local synagog.

A three day break to Tel Aviv. We decided to take a break from the large crowds gathering for Sakkot and took a short trip to Tel Aviv. During that time, we were able to get some rest, enjoy the beach and do some ministry in the city. On one particular day, we went through the city asking the Lord for people we should pray for or speak to. I was led to a small boutique where I was able to pray for the owner and another clerk. It was awesome to be able to show them God's love and care from them.
Haley and I were able to spend a few mornings on the roof near our hostel over looking the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives. Reading scriptures from Isaiah and praying for Jerusalem in this place was amazing. It is so awesome to be able to pray and know that God will bring victory, peace and salvation in this place. As the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah: "As a lion growls, a great lion over his prey and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against him, he is not frightened by their shouts of disturbed by their clamor- so the Lord Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights. Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem; he will shield it and deliver it, he will 'pass over' it and will rescue it." Reading scripture and praying for the city and it's people. On one morning while Haley and I were praying, a young security guard came to talk to us. He told up of his experience on the front-lines in Gaza. We were able to encourage him and tell him that we love the God of Israel and support the people living there. We hope to meet him again next week. On another occasion, about 50 young men and women soldiers gathered in front of us to get thier daily instructions. Haley and I quietly prayed for them as they sat between us and the Temple Mount.
We finished up our time serving the teachers and students at the Anglican International School of Jerusalem. The last week we were at the school we organized two assemblies to the childern. The first was the story of Noah and the Arc and the second was a bible trivia game. Before we left Jerusalem, some of the teachers from the school made an awesome home-cooked Mexican dinner for us.
Meeting new friends. Since we live in a hostel, we have had a couple dozen new roommates over our 3 week stay. Our hostel became sort of a "hang out" for a couple of the youths living nearby. We had a young jewish girl stay with us and help us understand more of the Jewish traditions. In addition, the wonderful Armenian Christian hostel owner, Claire, became like a grandmother to us and was sad to see us go.
Outside of the hostel, we have been able to talk with our Mulsim street sweeper and meet another young Israeli Believer who is in need of some encouragement. We are hopeful to have more opportunities to get to know these people more.
Surprise visit. On our last weekend in Jerusalem, a freind of our DTS, Dan, surprised us and came to the city for a few days. We were able to get onto the Temple Mount and see the place that has caused so much controversy. Thank you, Yeshua, that your temple exists in us!

We arrived in Bethlehem yesterday by bus, passing through the giant wall separating Israel from the West Bank and being dropped off on the side of the road. The area is surpisingly calm and serene, with a small town feel. We will be seeing the sights and helping a couple of Christian organizations while here. Our accommodations are much nicer then those in Jerusalem. Our new home even contains a prayer room, balcony and wifi. Praise the Lord! We will have to dress more modestly here and the rules are much different. One man and one women can not walk alone together and we will have to "veil" when we go into Hebron. It will be an interesting experience and I'm excited for all God will continue to teach us.