The Sea of Galilee

June 26

Today we woke up and took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.  Yes that is right!  So amazing.  I didn’t know how much it was going to affect me until our tour host read Matthew 14:22-36- about Jesus walking on water and then asked Peter joining Him. 

I thought about how crazy that would have been to be asked such a question (even if it was Peter’s idea).  It was crazy enough that Jesus was doing it but to ask a mere man to do it also?  Sometimes we don’t see the things that people tell us are possible to do.  I limit myself in so many ways.  What am I afraid of?  I mean Peter walked on water… what cant I do if Jesus calls me to it?

Once Peter started to walk he got to a point where he started to doubt he could keep going because of the wind and began to sink. Peter called out for Jesus to help him.  I can imagine (the humble man Peter was) thinking He was the one in control- the one getting the glory for it and so Jesus tested him, bringing in some wind.  As soon as Peter called out for Jesus to save him, all of the glory went back to Jesus. In the moment Peter grabbed a hold of Jesus hand, Peter recognized Jesus is the one in control.  How much more powerful is your life when you do things that you know without a doubt you couldn’t do without Christ’s power at work in you?  The minute you feel Jesus grab a hold of your hand to catch you and pull you out of your thoughts, insecurities and fear.

We had a time of worship where everyone on the boat had time to reflect on this moment of awe we were all experiencing.  I was able to soak up the sea and feel the mist that came up to the edge of the boat as we went over the waves.  Jesus was calming the storm that was raging in my heart today, just as He literally calmed the storm on the same sea 2,000 years ago as mentioned in Mark 4:35-41.  What a wonderful Savior.

Among the Weeds

June 24

One great thing about this trip is the service projects we are participating in.  Today we drove up to Kibbutz Nir Am to bless the people that live there.  Before going inside we drove to the edge of the Kibbutz where we could see the Gaza strip about 1 km away from us.  A man told how his 9-year-old daughter is scared to play outside like a normal little girl would.  She had slept under her parent’s bed until 8 years old.  It broke my heart.

As we drove back to the entrance of the Kibbutz, I noticed many memorials.  We were told that there had been 800 bombs hit their kibbutz in the last 8 years.  We met inside a meeting room and got the instructions for the morning.  The man, who knows we are Christians, looked so excited to see so many young people coming to them to do whatever needs to be done.

Among the weeds I was pulling I could hear big boom noises.  Each time I heard it I couldn’t help but stop what I was doing and listen.  We were told everything was fine, but deep down we all knew this was just part of their life, the symphony they unfortunately hear every day.  Later it was confirmed that it was indeed activity that was going on in Gaza. 

Every new area we weeded we were pointed out which bomb shelter we would need to head to in case the alarm goes off that gives you a 15 second warning.  It’s actually enough time considering how many shelters they have.  Can you imagine designing your neighborhood and having to include an extra building for the bombs that may hit? 

It was such a blessing to bless the gardener of the Kibbutz, David.  He looked so happy and excited that he was getting help for his landscape.  The expression on his face was indescribable as we left.  He just got a glimpse of Jesus, His love shining through us to David.  What an honor!

After hours of weeding we met at the swimming pool on their campus.  We were warned right before heading over that the pool was half empty (or full- depending on how you look at it).  Someone must have forgot that we were coming and was emptied the night before.  It ended up being so much fun!  Later we were thanked for our attitudes, most of us jumping in and enjoying what we were given.  How could we complain after experiencing what they go through every day.  It was fun to bring the joy of our salvation on to the Kibbutz… hopefully leaving our mark that reminds them that “Yeshua was here”.

Tomorrow

June 21 is almost here!  On June 21st at 1:45pm I will be on my way to Israel.  17 Hour flight.  The farthest I have been is Hawaii and the only country I have traveled to is Mexico (just past the border) and that was almost 10 years ago.  This is pretty much out of my comfort zone and I like comfort.  But God doesn't call us to be comfortable.

Jesus told the disciples and us to "Follow Me" like He did in Matthew 8:9.  Matthew was doing his regular everyday job when Jesus asked him to get out of that tax collector's booth and follow Him.  Even though I work in Ministry and do get stretched,  God is calling me out of my comfort zone on this trip.

I feel called to go because I dont want to.  Do I sound like a brat?  Some people wait all their lives to go to Israel.  I get to go basically because Chris (my pastor and friend) said I had a choice:  Israel or Royal Family Kids Camp.  I chose Israel because I know I want to go to RFKC in the future.  I prayed about it and felt the push to utter YES when asked finally if I was in or out regarding this trip.  I know some people are doing both and that is awesome!  But I felt peace that Israel was it.  Do you have a "Chris" in your life that sees there is something missing and calls you out?  I was offended at the time wanting to say to him "hey I do stuff!"  I know Chris sees what I do, but he also sees what I don't do (dang it).

So I am going tomorrow.  Please pray for me.