Hello Friends and Loved Ones!!

Much has happened in this life since the last time I wrote.   

If you would like to sign up to receive my updates as I write them, you may sign up to do so on this page, right hand column. 

The Lord answered a prayer of mine recently and surprised my family and I with the ability for us to be together on my Dad’s 75th birthday.  My 2  younger brothers from CO, Rob and Paul, and I met up in Houston, the home of my youngest brother Aaron and his family.  Dad was visiting Aaron’s (from NH) and did not know we were coming.  To the best of our recollection, it has been about 10 years since we were last together so it was such a gift for all of us. 

We had so much fun together.  I think I smiled the entire time I was there - even in my sleep.  I so love my family and was so happy to see the men, along with my wonderful sister-in-law and awesome nephsters.  

I took so many pictures.  To top it off, we were able to stay at a beach house in Galveston for a couple of days and the weather was beautiful, as were the water, sky and company!  What a super time.   Was only there for about 3 days, but it was beautiful and I am thankful.   I gave Dad a tallit for his b-day that I had gotten him while I was in Israel.  He really likes it.

Upon my return to IHOP-KC from Israel in Feb., I have been working on project specific assignments.  Most of my time has been spent working with the team that is spearheading the FY 10/11 budget / business planning process.   “About as much fun as watching paint dry”, as my good ole Dad would say.    I love you Pop!!!   We anticipate the whole thing to be wrapped up by the end of this month, but I would not be surprised if we carried over a bit into June. 

I have been involved in a number of prayer groups whose main focus is Israel, and have been focusing on learning as much as I can about this people and Land that God’s calls His chosen.  I am a bit overwhelmed as this has not been something I have really spent much time learning about, and sincerely wonder how I have gone this long without an understanding of the roots of my faith.  I cannot help but view and interpret the meaning of Scripture through very different lenses. 

I participated in an awesome seminar recently (with my beautiful friend Sarah, at right) that the Israel Mandate Dept. (of which I am a part) put on here on the Base.  We had a surprising turn out, more ppl than we anticipated.  There are many who are hungry to learn what Scripture has to say about Israel and why this small land and ppl hold central stage in world affairs.  What is it about this people and Land? 

We went for 5 consecutive Sunday afternoons, and covered topics such as the Hebrew roots of our Christian faith, the history of the Church, Replacement Theology, God’s feasts, and a bit about God’s redemptive plan for Israel (Rom 9, 10, 11).  HE is certainly not through with her yet.  He has great plans for her.  It was fascinating, and gave me just enough to wet my already wet whistle.    

When I returned from Israel, my position here on the Base was no more.  My boss had returned to the marketplace, which I thought might happen while I was away.  I have prayed and sought the Lord’s guidance as to what the next season of my life may look like,.  In the process I have spoken to a number of individuals here about various staff opportunities.

While I was in Israel, I had a strong sense that the Lord may have me return to the Land during the August (‘10) time frame.  I have carried that in my heart since January or so, praying for the Lord’s direction in this matter.  All the while I was talking to folks here about staff positions, I just had this sense that  I was not to take another staff position right now; rather prepare to go back to Israel at the end of July or so.  

Recently I shared what has  been in my heart with some of those who I am connected to relationally and all have pretty much had a unanimous response.  “It feels REALLY RIGHT that you would do this.” 

While I was in Israel, a lady gave me a prophetic word that I have carried since then.  Basically she shared that she saw me crossing a river, jumping from rock to rock to get across.  Each leap took a measure of faith from me to make it to the next rock.  I concurred - this was a picture of my life over the past number of years.  

She said, “Then I saw you take this HUGE leap off the last rock which resulted in a LONG free fall.  You fell and fell and fell.  All of a sudden, I saw you land right in the palm of God’s hand.”  I have felt very strongly since she and I had that conversation that the Lord has been preparing me to take what would be for me a huge step of faith.  It is all very connected to Israel somehow.   

I feel like God has been doing something very significant in my heart and life over the past number of months as it concerns Israel.  I won’t go into all of the particulars, but suffice it to say, He is changing my heart and mind and inner workings to better align with His own in the matter of His chosen ppl Israel and the Land.  He is doing a deep work in me and I have sensed He is preparing me for something that will be surprising even to me when it comes about.  

When I have done things in the past, or gone places at what I have felt to be the Lord’s leading, I usually feel as if I am being sent on an assignment or something along those lines.  

This time it is different.  It feels as though He is extending a beautiful, divine invitation for me to join Him in something that is very significant to His heart, as if He reallt wants  me to join Him, partner with Him, in something He has for us to do together.  It is quite sweet and very special.  So, day by day, I say yes to Him and follow to the best of my ability.  The difference may be that I am maturing in my intimacy with Him …  That is likely.   

So when I sensed Him speak to me a few weeks ago, “When are you just going to say yes” (to His invitation to go), I did so.  Since that time, I have been heading in the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical direction of returning to the Land for 3 months.  I have many ideas and thoughts about what the time might look like, but I am waiting for the Lord to reveal His agenda.  I did make a number of contacts while I was there and there are many people on this end who are beginning to connect me with individuals in the Land. 

I suspect I may not know fully the purpose for my trip until I get there.  For now, I feel as if I am going to “scout out the Land.”  It may be that the Lord has a longer term “something” for me there.

I am planning a trip to Colorado to visit my loved ones and friends there at the beginning of July and from there, leave for Israel at the end of the month.  Still working out the logistics.

So – there you have it!  My update.  Next time it probably won’t be quite so long b/c I won’t wait quite so long to write.  Please see below for some great resource options!!

If you would like to support me in the work has called me to, you may do so easily by using the PayPal option here on this site.  For other options, please email me and I will gladly send you information on how you can do so.

May the Lord bless and keep you, and make His beautiful face shine upon you, and give you peace!

With Love,

Val

Here are some links to resources that I believe are well worth your time.

The first is a 2 part series by Stephen Venable that he did at church a couple of weeks ago.  I am STILL undone by His message.  It is about the glory and worth of Jesus and how this reality is to be the central aspect of who we are and how we live our lives.   I have heard in my journey a few messages that struck me to my core, that God used to change the direction of my life.  This was one such teaching.  I believe every Believer would benefit from hearing this message.  If you do listen, I would LOVE to hear your feedback. 

http://www.ihop.org/Group/Group.aspx?ID=1000023246

or go to [www.ihop.org > Resources > ihop.org / weekend services > date of Archive:  April 25 and May 2]

Also ~ the Israel Mandate Conference begins on Friday.  Here is the link.  Dan Juster, Eitan Shishkov and Robert Stearns and Mike Bickle are speaking this year.  It will extend through Sunday.  Should be AWESOME!

http://www.ihop.org/Group/Group.aspx?ID=1000023246

We welcomed in Spring with a pretty hefty snowfall here in KC.   I took a walk late morning to a house in the neighborhood where I had breakfast with friends I met in Israel.  Rachael is from Australia and Stan is from Philadelphia.  What a joy to have them here at IHOP for their first visit and it has been great to get to know them better.  Rachael is staying in a room in the house where I rent, and Stan, her friend, is staying just up the street from us.

Later in the day, we headed to the Prayer Room for Misty’s set then hung out in Higher Grounds, our coffee shop, enjoying the warmth of one another’s company.  We hope to spend some more time together prior to their departure this week.

I want to pass along some great resources to those who may be interested and unaware that they are now available. 

The Prayer Room can  be viewed online 24/7 @ www.ihop.org for free now.  There is no longer a subscription fee, but they do ask for donations if you feel so inclined to support. 

 Many of Mike Bickle’s resources (MP3 teachings, videos, and notes) can also be accessed free of charge on a new website.  What a treasure chest for those of us who appreciate Mike’s teachings.  Check it out!  http://mikebickle.org/.   AWESOME!

We are still holding the Student Awakening Services every week, Wed-Sat, at 6p-12mn. 

onthing ‘09 archives are also available on the website.  Lorn Cunningham and Mark Anderson spoke this year about how close we are to reaching the ends of the earth, and unreached peoples with the Gospel.  http://www.ihop.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=1000058046 

I hope you are blessed with these valuable resources. 

May God’s rich blessings of peace and tranquility rest upon your heart and mind this week. 

Val

Hello to All ~

Well, it’s been about a month since I landed back in the U.S. and can say I am pretty much reacclimated, which is a great thing.  I miss Israel already, though, and am looking forward to my next trip to the Land. 

On the tail-end of my Israel trip I was able to spend a few days in Colorado with family and friends before coming back  to IHOP-KC.  Was able to spend some time with one of my granddaughters, Lexie (11) which is always such a TREAT!!  I missed my other kids this trip, but hopefully it will not be long until I see them again.

 Almost immediately upon my reentry to the IHOP Base, I was assigned to a pretty big project with the team who is facilitating our annual Budget/Business Planning process for the next fiscal year.  Work on that has kept me pretty busy and I am doubly busy because of my need to catch up on many personal issues, as well.  Fun things like taxes!  Finally got them off and to the accountant this week. 

Since my former boss is no longer working with IHOP in the same capacity as he was prior to my departure, that means a change in roles for me as well.  Until the end of May, I will be involved in this budget project, which is good.  It allows me the opportunity to serve in a vital capacity here right now and also allows me time to discover and transition to the next thing the Lord has for me on this exciting journey of life. 

At the moment, I really don’t have much of an idea where I will be or what I will be doing.  I have talked with a few people about potential positions here on the Base, but nothing concrete at the moment has surfaced.  We will see what the Lord has in mind for this next season of my life.  Not sure if that will mean continuing on at IHOP or if He has something very different in mind.

It has been good to reconnect with my friends here and to share stories and photos of my trip.  Reliving the adventure is almost as enjoyable as being there.

Not a whole lot to report, really, but just thought I would drop a line to those who follow my blog to give an update on my haps.

I may start to post some of my writings a few days each week like I’ve done in years gone by.  Would provide a creative outlet for my love of communicating this way and hopefully serve to inspire, build, encourage and strengthen those I love so very much. 

Some Food For Thought: 

I have been reading “The Knowledge of the Holy” for the second time (A.W. Tozer).  What a thought provoking, stirring book.  I would like to include just a few excerpts for you to chew on, if you are so inclined to ruminate with me: 

“The low view of God entertained almost universally among Christians is the cause of a hundred lesser evils.”

Chapter 1 – [My paraphrased prayer:]  “Enlighten our minds, God, that we may know You as You are, so that we may perfectly love You and worthily praise You.”

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.  No people has ever risen above its religion.  Worship is pure or base as the worshipper entertains high or low thoughts of God.  The gravest question before the Church is always God Himself.  We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God.” 

“The mightiest thought the mind can entertain is the thought of God.”

“That our idea of God correspond as nearly as possible to the true being of God is of immense importance to us.  Our real idea of God may lie buried under the rubbish of conventional religious notions and may require an intelligent and vigourous search before it is finally unearthed and exposed for what it is.  Only after an ordeal of painful self probing are we likely to discover what we actually believe about God.” 

“The man who comes to a right belief about God is relieved of ten thousand temporal problems…”

May the Lord Bless and Keep You All in His Love! 

Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace (the peace of His kingdom) at all times and in all ways [under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes]. The Lord [be] with you all.”  2 Thes. 3:16

Val

Thank you all so much for your loving support while I was in the Land flowing with milk and honey.    I had an unforgettable, life-changing time in Israel and am very thankful to have had the opportunity to encounter God in new ways, to experience His Land, and the many beautiful people of that Land.  It was an honor and privelege to worship the One Who alone is worthy of all praise in the very heart of the earth, the place to which He will retrurn when He comes for the second time. 

The photos above – Me talking to an American born Jewish man on the street, me at the Sea of Galilee, a woman at our Jericho meeting who reportedly died during childbirth, encountered Jesus, and was restored to life, a time of worship in a home in Bethlehem with the Living Bread Team, the wall separating Bethlehem from Israel, an Arab family in Bethlehem.

I met so many amazing people from all over the world and was surprised at how many of the Believer’s I connected with are well acquainted with and very fond of IHOP-KC.  That was fun.  One precious young lady and her friend will be visiting IHOP-KC in March and she will stay in the home where I now live.  I met people from the U.S., Canada, Italy, Zambia, Ethiopia, Australia, Russia, France, Sweden, Poland, Norway, etc. 

A beautiful sister who prayed for me before I left the U.S., shared that she saw me with a large basket of bread in my arms and I was handing out bread to children around me.  She felt that I would be leaving a rich deposit in the Land.  That was one of my many prayers while I was there, and I do hope I was able to make an eternal impact in that special place. 

During my last days in Israel, I ventured out some on my own around the City.  I was able to spend some time alone, just walking and taking in the sights, sounds, tastes and everything else that I could absorb. 

I got to know many of the other volunteers who have been serving with for some time, along with those who came to serve at Living Bread for the month of January.  That was a joy.  We all enjoyed time together, meals at Foccacia Bar, sunshine on the roof, talks about Jesus and His wondrous nature, and meeting others in the Land during our last week together.  One precious lady from Rome invited me to her home in Italy.  The Lord knit our hearts during the short time we were together and hopefully we will be able to spend more time together in the future. 

During my last week in Israel, we traveled to Bethlehem to worship and pray in a place Living Bread rents there,and visit with the family who lives downstairs.  Later in the day manhy of us found our way by walking along one section of the walled city, until we found our way to Rachel’s tomb.  That was an interesting venture interesting. 

There we met and conversed with a Druze Israeli soldier.  He was a very warm, kind man and we found him to be very helpful.  As so many of the Arabs do, he invited us to his home in Haifa and gave us his contact information.

Sorry again for the unprofessional formatting when it comes to posting photos.  Haven’t got it down quite yet. 

The 22 hour trip home (flights and airport time) went very well.  I “flew” through Israeli security, for which I am most grateful.  I ended up being awake for about 48 hours and am still recouping. 

I flew back to Colorado Springs where I was able to spend time with friends and family for a few days prior to heading back to KC.  Am now back at work and ready to step into a new role helping a new gentleman who joined the IHOP staff recently.  This will be a temporary assignment - I will be helping him with annual business planning / budgets for 60 plus departments.  Should be fun.

Thanks for joining me on my trip.  Blessings to you all. 

Love, Val

Hello All,

It has been a wonderful week or so since I posted last. 

The internship here at Living Bread ended around the 2nd, and the Burn Team from OK when home about a week ago.  They are an awesome group of young people and I had such a blessed time connecting with them.

Shortly thereafter, a couple of the women who were here during January, and I took a short trip to the Galilee region.  And am I GLAD we did.  It was so spectacular.  We stayed a couple of nights at a guest house right outside of Tiberias, and then went up to Haifa (Or HaCarmel) for a single overnight stay.  Wow.  I think I could spend a lot of time around the Sea of Galilee and be quite happy there.  Such a peaceful, beautiful area of the Land. 

Will have to post more at a later time.  There is so much I have not seen and experienced here in the Land, which means another trip here in the near future is a MUST. 

The people are beautiful and the Land is amazing.  The Lord has truly blessed my life in such a rich way while I have been here.  I am forever changed.

It’s late and I need to get packing.  Am leaving Living Bread tomorrow, and will spend my last few days at the Jerusalem House of Prayer for All Nations.  Hope to get some quiet, alone time there prior to coming back to the States.  Has been a busy time since I have been here, and have not had hardly any alone time – so am craving that time with Jesus. 

Love to all,  Val

Hello All,                                                    

Here’s a brief run down of this week’s activity…. but first a few thank you’s!

Mom, I took this picture for you.  This pretty geranium reminded me of you and your plants.

Aaron, Suz and boys – My Under Armour keeps me toasty each and every day!  What a timely gift and ohhhhhhhhh so welcome!!    Especially wonderful b/c there is no central heat here.  We use space heaters and where our coats indoors the majority of the time. 

To all of those who are praying for me and the team, THANK YOU SO MUCH and to those whose hearts and thoughts are with me, may the Lord Bless You Richly!  I look fwd to sharing about all the Lord is doing in my life when I return to the States.

I am checking email every couple of days, ideally, so feel free to contact my Yahoo address.  I did update Facebook with some pictures.

We did not get the anticipated approval from the Israeli Army this week to go into Gaza, but did hear from them today, informing us that we have been approved to go in.  There is another glitch now, however, as at the govt level there is a hold up.  Due to the fact that the Burn Team will be flying home to OK on Tuesday, they will no longer go in with us.  The Army instructed us to call back on Tuesday of this coming week to see if we have been cleared by the Israeli govt. to go.  We continue to wait on the Lord.  The team that goes in now will probably be about 8 of us, I am thinking.

Plans have changed.   The Burn Team went to Haifa this weekend, and I did not feel a peace about going with them.  There is a good chance I (along with a couple of the other women here) may go up tomorrow or Tuesday.  We are hoping to stay at David Davis’ ministry on Mt. Carmel, Carmel Assembly, http://www.carmel-assembly.org.il/.  I am not sure when, but I am also making plans to spend a couple of days at Revive Israel, about  20 minutes from Jerusalem (Asher Intrater).

I posted some more pictures on Facebook.  Dad – You need to let one of the boys hook you up with a Facebook account.  K?  Say yes!    So many pictures of Matt’s kids, etc. that you will be able to view. 

Mon 1/25 – Zedekiah’s Cave  We worshipped and prayed for a couple of hours in this expensive cave right in the heart of the earth below the Old City.

Also known as Solomon’s Quarries – this is 5 acre underground limestone quarry that runs the length of five city blocks uner the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.  It was carved over a period of several thousand years and is a remnant of the biggest quarry in Jerusalem.  Interestingly, it is a very old traditional key site where Freemason’s gather anually to hold very significant meetings.

Tues 1/26  Was a cold rainy indoor day when many of us just hung out and rested and got better aquainted.  Later in the afternoon we had an Arabic lesson from a woman who comes to the house to give lessons 3-4 times per month.  I love learning Arabic, and am picking it up bit by bit.  I learned a few phrases a number of years ago, and plan to further my learning of this beautiful language when I return to the States.

I am also prayerfully considering obtaining an ESL certificate.  May come in handy. 

The woman who gives instruction is a brand new Arab Believer and she shared some of her story with us.  Oh, my!  My heart ached and broke for her as she shared of a relative (I think it was her brother) who was killed in Gaza sometime over the past couple of years.  That was only the beginning.  We ended up crying with her and praying for she and her family.  That was a precious time.

Wed 1/27  Spent the afternoon on Ben Yehuda St. – a popular open-air pedestrian mall, in the heart of downtown.

Cafés have tables out on the cobblestones; vendors display inexpensive wares, and musicians can be seen playing tunes old and new. It’s a great place to sip coffee or munch falafel and watch the passing crowd.  Since we are Daniel Fasting coffee and tea as well, many of us stuck to water.    Picture of me above is while we were walking back.

We took instruments to the street and talked to some of the interesting people on the street.  I did not realize that evangelizing (as we know it in U.S.) is illegal here.  I spent a good amount of time talking to an interesting Jewish man who has been in the Land for 20 years.  He is from U.S., San Fransisco and NYC.  He gave me a history lesson and I hope to meet up with him again for further discussions before I leave.  He said that he hangs out a lot in that area.  His eyes showed signs of lonliness and I grieved inside for him, and silently prayed that he would come to know Yeshua very soon.  I have so much to learn about how to minister effectively to Jews and Muslims.

Saturday 1/30 – A couple of the gals and I toured the Old City some more; went into the Jewish Quarter which I have only seen briefly.  So interesting and fun.  At this point, every day (almost) is an adventure.

Px below:  Damascus Gate (not part of Jewish Quarter but passed it on our way).  Other 2 px are within the JQ. So clean and peaceful in that area.  Looking fwd to going back there again when we have a bit more time.  It was Fri afternoon and everything was shutting down for Shabat about the time we arrived.  Next picture is of Sweet Kat and self, and other px walking back to the church for the Arab Friday night service.  Some of us stood outside the door of the church handing out free bags of rice and Forgiveness books.  It was great.

Sunday 1/31 – Gaza Update

We had our little service this morning at the church and I came home with Karen to help with the Gaza project.  Others went to Ben Yehuda and the Holocaust Museum.  I will have to see it another time.

Our plans have changed some for Gaza.  Instead of meeting with a group of select students from the school (as previously planned) it looks like now we will be meeting with many more than originally intended.  School was not in session this week when we were going to go, but select students were going to come in to school anyhow, to be with us.  Our aim is to establish friendships, let them know they are not alone there, and encourage their hearts in whatever way Holy Spirit leads us to do so.  Also, we will be helping them improve their English skills and doing some grafitti workshops, where we will be joining them in some wall paintings in Gaza City – writing words and messages of LIFE and HOPE on the walls.   It looks like we will be going, pending govt approval, this coming Friday for 4-5 days or so….  Still working out ever chaning plan.    God is in control, for which we are thankful.

Will close for now.  Sending my love to all!  Val

All is well here.   This picture was taken when we were in Hebron at Abraham’s Spring last week.

After our morning worship and some time at church today, some of us went to one of the malls here to buy a few things for the Gaza trip, then walked through the Old City on the way back.  I found a few items I have wanted to pick up, which was good.  Was a pretty cool day.  Is pouring right now, which is a good thing for this dry land.

Update on Gaza trip: We have had our applications under review by the Israeli Army since this past Wed.  I completed the required paperwork for everyone about 3 weeks ago, sent it in, and they said they never recieved it so we had to do it all again.  This past Tuesday night, Karen and I ended up going to a post office to fax it all to the Army and they have been working on it ever since.  Think we are waiting on FBI clearance at the moment.

We heard this morning that the person in charge of this project on the Army end expected to hear something about the approval this morning, but did not.  She hopes to have some info for us tonight or in the morning.

Our current team consists of 21 of us. One lady volunteered to stay behind and “hold down the fort.”   Half of us are over 30, the other half are under.

This may be the last correspondence you have from me for the next number of days. Our hope is to get the ok by tomorrow morning, and head for Gaza in the afternoon. We hope to come out on Friday morning.

From there, I anticipate a trip to Haifa with the Burn Team for 1 1/2 days then back to Jerusalem. Plan is to go to  ministry of David Davis. http://www.carmel-assembly.org.il/   Have been really wanting to go there to check it out. Don’t know much at this point as have not been able to look online at their ministry.  My access to internet is very limited.  Life here is much different in many ways than it is in the West, but I think I could get used to it.

It has become a secret desire of mine to be able to spend a year in the Land and cover it from top to bottom – an educational adventure of sorts. 

We would appreciate your prayers for: Team safety and unity, clear communication between those on team, anointed communication with those we interact with (students and teachers at the school where we will be working), favor, etc…..

Am told that God really shows up with His agenda during Karen’s Gaza trips, so that is the way we plan to flow.  During the last day of the trip we plan to do some graffitti painting with our students.  An artist from England has flown in to join us, and will be instructing students on the how to’s.  From there we will find some walls in Gaza City and write “Life to Gaza”, “The Lord give you peace, Gaza,” Gaza will shine like no other” etc….  Already been approved (the terms). 

So sorry that my communication is not the best when I blog.  I have limited time to write when I do so, so write in a hurry.

May the Lord bless each of you who read this in rich ways.  I am so thankful for each and every one of you.  My life is really being changed while I am here.

I love you and miss you all, my Friends and Loved Ones. Val

Hello All -

I have posted new pictures to Facebook, if you are interested.

As I sat in church this morning, the Spirit of the Lord touched me in a powerful way, for which I am grateful.

B/c we leave the doors of the church open our worship music can be heard in the streets as people pass by, and oftentimes they poke their heads in to see what is going on inside.  All kinds of people – mostly Arab men come in and site for a while in the presence of the Lord.  I was so touched today when about 10 different men came in and spent time (they come in one by one or in two’s) with us.  It was precious to witness.  Some stay a while and play the hand drums; at other times they will just sit quietly and watch us and listen to whomever may be speaking or praying.  Sometimes I do what I did today which is stand by the open door and welcome them and invite them to come in.  Many hesitate to do so, but a smile and warm greeting goes a long way toward drawing them in.  We trust that the Lord is allowing us to sow seed and do some watering in the hearts and lives of these precious souls.  We also offer them Arabic Bibles and / or a book about forgiveness written by John Arnott.

Today as I studied one young man who cam in, I just began to weep and weep for lost souls.  I sensed how extremely blessed we are as Believers, and cried for the lost, hurt, desperate and bound.  My thoughts revolved around the Arab community globally.  No doubt God is doing something in my heart in this season of time in Israel, though I am not quite sure what it is.

Gaza trip update:  This afternoon we received news from Hamas officials that we have been approved by their Minister of Education and the Minister of Interior to go in and work with Hamas students.  As I believe I have mentioned, we will be working with 14-16 year old young men and women helping them to improve their English skills and just encouraging them and imparting hope, etc.  We had not known that there were going to be young women there as well so for that we were grateful.  The women on the team were not going to be able to work with the male students.

God’s plan and agenda is starting to take shape and we are becoming closer as a team.

Most (if not all) of the team has been sick for the past week.  A cold/flu thing really spread quickly throughout this camp.  I did not start getting it until a day or two ago.

Will update again soon.  Love to all!

Val

Hello All ~                                                                               

I hope you are doing well!  Here is a run down of recent activity.

1/14 Friday – Pool of Bethesda and Eastern Gate (above) of the Old City plus more.  Awesome day with team.  Many pictures posted on Facebook (soon to come) if you are interested.  Takes very long to post px to this blog.  You can find me by looking up Valerie Harvey.

1/16 Saturday – Shabbat.  Had the morning free.  About mid-day went to Garden Tomb to spend some quiet time there, but it was closed so went to tour Old City myself.  Am getting better acquainted with the area, so felt comfortable with that.  Was a lovely, warm day.  Watched a man making fresh orange / pomegranate juice for customers and later that night had a dream I was swimming in it. 

As a group, we walked to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre later that afternoon and walked throughout.  We spent time praying quietly in various rooms.  Spiritually, I found it to be a very “heavy” place to be.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, is a Christian church in the Old City of Jerusalem.  It stands on a site that encompasses both Golgotha, or Calvary, where Jesus was crucified, and the tomb (sepulchre) where he was buried.  The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century, and it remains the holiest Christian site in the world.

Spent time that eve talking with Dave Fritch, the leader of the Burn Team, getting to know a bit more about what they do and who they are as an organization.   Their vision is similar to IHOP in many ways,  but has more of a missionary emphasis.  http://burn24-7.com/

This is such a great group of young ppl!  I have come to begin to just love them, and have so enjoyed our time together.  They are so much fun to be with.

This week we had a 2 day teaching time with Pastor Paul Teske from U.S.A.  On Friday night, we had a service where we prayed for many Christian and non Christian Arabs which was a powerful time. It was hard to get testimonies from ppl b/c many did not speak English.

1/17 Sunday – This was an amazing day.  One of the best so far.  We left on a big bus in the morning for a few destinations South of Jerusalem.  We visited Kfar Rafael, a community for those with pretty severe disabilities.  It is a beautiful little “village.”  Karen often buys the anointing oil that they produce from olive trees right there.  They have a tremendous garden and the community is very self sufficient, with all of the handicapped villagers playing a part in making it all work.  They make candles, rugs, anointing all – all sorts of things

From there we went to Be’er Sheva – Machpela (above), where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are buried in Hebron, and then to Abraham’s Spring for more baptisms.    I did not participate in this one, but it was a great place to to pray and worship. A couple of Israeli soldiers looked on while we did so.  They gave us a thumbs up and were very interested in what we were doing.  We talked to them a bit before leaving.

We had packed bags of rice and forgiveness books to hand out at one of the refugee camps that afternoon, but our day ran late and it was dark by the time we made it to that area.   I would have liked to spend more time in Hebron, but perhaps another time.

It seems my heart is very drawn to the Palestinian refugee areas of Israel.  When we left Hebron, in the dark, I just sat in my seat and wept over what I saw while we were there.  Much about the landscape was lovely, so different than U.S., but my heart broke for the people in the area.

So tired now.  Will hope to write again soon and post more px.

With love to all,

Val

Hello All,

For some reason, I have had so much trouble with my blogs “disappearing” since yesterday.  Have worked couple hours writing and posting px over past 2 nights, and again, erased.  Part of the joys of learning this application, I guess.

Anyhow, I will post brief note since time to get ready for tomorrow.

Monday 11 Jan – Internship officially started.  Went with all (35) to Jericho that day to Prophet’s House which I wrote about in previous blog.  Also went that day with Karen to meet with the Israeli Army to firm up plans for the group to go to Jordan River for baptism on Tues.  That was interesting.

From there, met rest of team at PHouse.  Was a lovely afternoon at that location and wonderful to worship in the house with those from different streams, and some new and not so new Muslim Born Believers from Jericho.

Tues 12 Jan – To the Jordan with a bus load for a day at the Jordan River.  A wonderful experience was had by all.  Thankful for a warm day as the river water was very cold.  It was quite a bit to even consider that Jesus Himself was baptized very near the spot where we were dunked.  Had a powerful encounter with the Lord on the way back to Jerusalem from Jericho, for which I am grateful

Wed 13 Jan – To the church this morning, as is normally the case Mon – Fri to worship and pray for 1 – 2 1/2 hours then we listened to a pastor from Connecticut who has come to teach on healing, etc.  Was a good time.  We will be holding a healing meeting for those in the Muslim community, primarily, on Friday who are in need of healing.

We came back to the house for lunch, then all went to the Old City where we visited the Upper Room, Via Delorosa (sp?), the Western Wall and Stephen’s Gate, where he was martyred.  We also saw a few other sites.  Worshipped for a while near Zion’s Gate on Mt. Zion (all in the same area).  Was a blessed day.

Val