What stones are we carrying?

Greetings from Israel!

It’s hard to believe we’re here in the land of the Bible.

Our flight into Tel Aviv arrived on time and after meeting for the first time as a group, we loaded the bus to start the tour. Talk about hit the ground running!

Our first stop was the ancient port of Joppa. This port town is just south of Tel Aviv’s modern city skyline on the Mediterranean. Stepping off the bus you could hear the birds singing, feel the breeze of the sea, and smell the flowers in bloom. It was a great start to the trip. I was amazed as we were walking the narrow streets that many buildings dated back to the Ottoman period.

Tito, our guide for the trip talked about the prophet Jonah leaving this port city to head to Nineveh. We passed the house believed to be the sight where Peter had his vision from heaven on the roof in Acts 10. This is even where King Solomon brought the cedar from Lebanon for the Temple as told in 1 Kings 5.

After having a delicious authentic lunch of falafel and shawarma in town, we loaded the bus and headed southeast to Rehovot.

In Rehovot, we visited the Ayalon Institute. Here we learned a true story that is a testimony to the Israeli spirit. The property which was a working kibbutz in the 1940s looks like it has been frozen in time. We learned of a courageous story of young Jewish workers who secretly worked in an underground ammunition factory below the laundry and bakery buildings. You can learn more at their site. http://eng.shimur.org/ayalon-institute.

Our last stop of the day was the valley of Elah, the place where David defeated Goliath. Steve Herzig, The Friends of Israel North American Director, gave us an encouraging word about God’s sovereignty. As we stood on Tel Azeka and overlooked the valley of Elah, Steve explained that David picked up five stones. He believed God would deliver him and was willing to obey Him. He challenged us with the thoughts, What stones are we carrying? How is God going to use us? Like David, we don’t have to fear. Tito showed us some pottery from the top of Tel Azeka, which was at least 2600 years old. Some of our group found pieces of pottery too!

We ended the day checking into the Dan Panorama Hotel overlooking the Mediterranean in Tel Aviv. Praying we have a restful night. We’ve got a packed day tomorrow as we head to the Sea of Galilee with many stops along the way.