The Negev

My sweet friend Niaya told me before i went on this trip that she couldn’t even talk about her experiences for a few months and today I find myself struggling as I’m eager to share stories of God’s great love, but also feel as if there are no words that could measure up. Today we were all pushed as we hiked to the very top of Mount Timna. We were told that this would be one of the hardest hikes of the trip so i was a bit nervous. However, each step i took up that mountain i felt God giving me strength and Him even breathing on us as we occasionally felt a sweet breeze. We finally make it up the mountain and the view was overwhelming. A site i will never forget is Joe Stallings gripping his son into a massive hug full of love. I was sitting at a distance but it brought me to tears as i saw them and everyone else persevere as so many of our ancestors did as they followed Moses through the desert.

At the top Pastor Scott talked to us about marriage with God. We saw a new perspective as he talked to us about the ten commandments being declarations. These were His vows to all the slaves that had been under Pharoah’s control. Honor thy father and mother is not something that condemned them but it was a declaration that they would be able to grow up with their parents and know them and respect them. Something slaves didn’t have the freedom to do before. After we discussed Pastor Scott asked us to pick up a rock and create a stack like many before us had. Once everyone put their rock in he invited us to then and there commit to God in a marriage, to have the chance to propose to Him. Before we took part though we had a beautiful celebration as Mrs. Becca and Mr. Robert renewed their wedding vows with Pastor John for their 33rd Anniversary. When it was time i stepped up to the pile of rocks and became emotional as i spoke to God and asked him to give me the honor of coming into a marriage with him.

I will say that I pushed my breaking point today and it was amazing and ugly at the same time. On the way down my body was not happy with me, it created huge internal frustration as my heart still wanted to fight as Jesus did for us so much. Fear started to creep in and try to hinder me on our way down but i am so blessed by this group that i now call family as they encouraged me and had my back every step of the way. I met God in the desert today and even had a little anger as I asked Him “what am I doing here!” But I know exactly why I was doing there. I was there to not just see Him but hear him too. I was there to strengthen bonds that I couldn’t have done any other way. I was there to be reminded that I’m only here because of Him. I don’t think I would’ve gotten out of that desert if it wasn’t for the safety of His love surrounding me and pulling me out. This will be the day to talk about, so far...

Sam Beever