Jericho and beyond

The Knesset

As we sit in our apartment today, not far from the Knesset (the legislature of Israel), we can't help but wonder what decisions are being weighed - and if they truly have a plan for the State of Israel.  The past few weeks have brought to this already fragile political climate a new (or should we say latest) era of doubt.  We are uncertain as to the type of government that will rise up in Egypt, and equally uncertain of the future results from the domestic upheaval in Libya, Iran, Yemen, Jordan and Bahrain.   Most of the news that's being reported around here is that it's "wishful thinking" to believe that Israel will be more secure once the 'revolutions' are over.  


We don't begin to believe ourselves as very knowledgeable regarding the details of the regional turmoil - but we're certain that when we're instructed in Psalm 122:6 to: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, may they prosper who love you", that now would be as good a time as ever.  


As we may question or wonder what political plans are being considered by the men and women of this nation, we don't question the plans that God has for His people.  Jim had an opportunity to see first hand the words of prophesy fulfilled during a recent trip through Jericho and the Dead Sea region and then north to the Galilee.   Jim was able to visit with a gentleman who assists Ethiopian Immigrants assimilate into Israel society.  They visited three Absorption Centers in Rosh Pinna and Zefat - cities just north of the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret).   


The ancient Jewish prophet Ezekiel said the Lord would find Jews from around the world and bring them into Israel during the End Times, Ezekiel 34:11-14. Another Jewish prophet, Zephaniah said there would be Jews from the African nation of Ethiopia that would come to the land of their forefathers in the Last Days, Zephaniah 3:10.  

The adventure started from Jerusalem and headed east toward Jericho and the northern edge of the Dead Sea (1,400 ft BELOW sea level) - the lowest point on earth.  We circled around Jericho to avoid the checkpoints and the potential hassle of entering the Arab controlled city and proceeded north along the Jordan River with the country of Jordan just beyond.  This area is the Judea and Samaria region mentioned in the Bible.  It's also referred to the West Bank in the newspapers - however Hwy 90 is a safe route to travel.  

An amazing sight to see were the numerous families who still lived in tents or shacks or some sort of makeshift material that resembled living quarters.  It seems to represent more of a choice they are making since some of these homesteads included vehicles, electricity, satellite dishes and external hot water heaters.  Or, it may have been that they were not willing to give up their land for some other reason - there could be many.


Once we arrived in the Galilee, we visited a hotel-turned Absorption Center for Ethiopian Immigrants who are learning how to live modern day Israel.  Many of the Ethiopian people come from a very rural and rustic culture and society.  Many lived in grass huts and basically farmed for their living.  Their Jewish faith has always reminded them that Israel was their home however.  In the Center, they would learn how to use modern appliances, cook, clean and raise families.  They would also learn the Hebrew language and computer skills.  It was a real blessing to spend a little time with the people from Ethiopia.

We also visited two other Centers (one a converted former police academy) both charged with the same mission, however each Center seems to receive people based upon the size of the family or marital status.  The most touching aspect of the adventure was learning that not all family members are able to leave Ethiopia together, so when they learn that one of their family is in fact coming (maybe many years later) then the excitement and anticipation is enormous.  It was an honor to tell them and show them that we are glad for them and that we are very blessed to be able to help them become the people God wants them to be.

Grass Hut Replica in courtyard

A short story before we close.  At the last Center we visited, many of the young men were playing an unfamiliar game of cards (it was raining outside).  Jim had taken a picture from behind one of the men and showed his "hand" to his neighbor on the camera.  He thought that was amazing and then the rest of the guys started asking Jim to show them so they could see his "hand"as well.  This made everybody laugh and we thought how amazing it is that just a few short months for some of these men, they were living in a hut, farming in the hot sun and living in deplorable conditions.  Now they were laughing with joy over a digital camera and a deck of cards - in Israel with an American!  

Yes, Linda and I are on an Adventure In Israel - but the people we met on this trip are on an Adventure Of A Lifetime.