Dwelling together in unity

The morning ushered in another beautiful sunrise in these Judean hills, where we are staying while volunteering with FOI's Hesed Project.

Following another scrumptious Israeli breakfast, we journeyed to the Kehila ​(congregation) ​where we are blessed to worship while here in Israel. The opportunity to worship with other believers here is a special time for me personally. It reminds me of a few scripture verses regarding unity among God's people,regardless of any language barriers!

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity"(Psalm 133:1)​.
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"There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6)​.
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Today's time in worship of our Lord consisted of a few hours of song, study of God's Word​,​ and prayer. With the assistance of Hebrew and Russian translators, the whole congregation was able to be fed with God's word in a language they understood. I felt blessed to be there and he​ar​ God's word spoken and sung in 3 different languages!

Following our worship time, the congregation gathered for a time of food and fellowship. Surveying the room, I saw us graciously and enthusiastically welcomed back to this congregation and it warmed my heart to really see God's love in action.

I thought about how blessed we are as believers to have one another to share the joys and trials of our lives in Yeshua. We share common bonds which no language can separate​. ​Together, we are all in the body of Yeshua!

After saying our goodbyes we departed the Kehilia and returned to our hotel for a change of clothes for our afternoon outing. We traveled the short distance to the town of Abu G​h​osh to visit ​the ​Saint Mary of the Resurrection Abbey. We had researched that it was a Benedictine monastery, with 12th century Crusader history.

The church sits in a lovely park​-​like setting with beautiful gardens, nestled in a geographical area with three hills.​ ​After enjoying the garden, we entered the church and were greeted by beautiful frescoes on the church walls created by Byzantine artisans sometime in the 12th century. We had the opportunity to speak with one of the monks who provided more insight into the history of this monastic community and the biblical significance of the close geographical location to some known ancient routes to Jerusalem.

We returned back to our hotel for a time of sharing about what God has been doing through us as we labor for Him here in Israel. I am humbled and stand in amazement of the ways in which God is using us here to accomplish His plans. And I am grateful to be a part of this group of believers who love God in word and deed. To Him be the glory!

Shalom from Israel,

Lisa Ronco
​Lee's Summit, MO​