March 6, 2017

Photo opp

Damascus Gate

Soldiers

Pools at Bethesda

Greetings,
For Newsletter with music and pictures click on;www.nursinghomemusicministry.com/3-6-2017.html

    Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie--the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. For an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
John 5:2-9

          Monday February 27 th ~

     Started this week in Tiberias, on the western shore of the "Sea of Galilee". Went on a sightseeing day-drive to the northern most part of the country into the "Golan Heights" near the Syrian border. On around through some mountain passes along the border with Lebanon. Then back to Tiberias for one more night.

          Tuesday February 28 th ~

     Drove south into the "West Bank" through the "Jordan River Valley" past Jericho. Spotted numerous shepherds tending small herds of goats along the way. Turned off on a road leading to the place where it is believed Jesus was baptized by John. But came upon a checkpoint which appeared to be a crossing into Jordan. Rental agreement doesn't allow me to take the car out of the country.

     So, continued on to Jerusalem, stopping at one point for a photo-opp with a camel.

          Wednesday March 1 st ~

     Rainy morning, which let-up by the time I got going. Hopped on the light-rail-train to the "Old City". Walked around the outside from the "Damascus Gate" to the foot of the "Mount of Olives". Then climbed the long steep hill. Spotted a little out-of-the-way alcove with a small sign, "Tomb of the Prophets". A man came out of a nearby house asking if I'd like to go down into the cave complex.

     He unlocked the gate, and led me down this creepy underground burial chamber where among others; Haggai, Malachi and Zechariah had been laid to rest.

     I came out alive and unmolested. Headed down the hill to the "Garden of Gethsemane". Through the "Lions Gate" into the "Old City" to the "Stations of the Cross" churches. Then back to the hotel by early afternoon to rest my aching ankles.

          Thursday March 2 nd ~

     Another day of exploring Jerusalem's "Old City". Including "The Rampart Walk" (path along the top of the city walls). Also explored "Zedekiah's Cave" (length of over two football fields angling down beneath the Moslem Quarter, maximum width 100 yards. average height 4-story building).

     There are sections of the city with numerous alcoves containing shops of all kinds from clothing to jewelry to food. Many people live in the different sections with schools and even hotels/hostels amid the many churches, synagogues and mosque.

     Might have overdone it today, physically. Too much walking and climbing.

          Friday March 3 rd ~

     Rested a bit the first half of the day. Then the Spirit moved me to take the guitar into the "Old City". Just inside the "Lions Gate" I ran across the "Valley of Bethesda". A beautiful courtyard and ancient pools where Jesus healed.

     St. Anne's Basilica (Church) built on the site allows singing. So, I broke out the guitar and with awesome acoustics, started singing Praises and Hymns. Many other tourist began singing along.

     One of the more special experiences of my time here in Israel.

          Saturday March 4 th ~

     Drove to Tel Aviv where I was able to check-in early at the apartment building I stayed at upon my arrival in Israel three weeks ago. As I was walking back after getting some lunch, I heard a church service going on in a building just a few doors down. Grabbed the guitar and walked into a congregation of African immigrants (Republic of Ghana) and sat at the back.

     The service was mostly in heavily accented English. Towards the end of the service a gentleman approached me and (after a few quick questions) said they'd like to give me a few minutes to tell about my mission. Shortly thereafter I was called to the front and handed the microphone.

     I spent two minutes telling about the ministry and the Lords provision, ending with my one-minute-sermon.

     While visiting afterwards I was able to leave the guitar with them to be used for the Kingdom, however they saw fit.

          Sunday March 5 th ~

     I've been a bit surprised by the fact that Shabbat-Sabbath-Saturday tradition is so ingrained here, that even Christian churches meet on Saturday. Sunday is considered the beginning of the work week ending about noon on Friday when pretty much everything shuts down.

     Last day here. Returned the car to the rental place. Preparing to fly back to the States tomorrow.      

        

And so begins another week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Your Brother in Christ, Larry Eugene Stevens

P.S.    To God be the Glory!