On day 4 we had some wonderful experiences, seeing how shabbat impacts Jerusalem. We have blog write-ups from both Nathan and Omar and also some wonderful God inspired songs, one which involves a group which shows amazing creativity to get drum beats from a guitar and use a pack of skittles as a shaker. There is also a solo from Anthony which can only be described as a modern day psalm.. enjoy (i’m sure you will).
Nathan
Yesterday Morning, we went to the walling wall underground tour, which was showing us some history which was still with us in the present, from around 2000 years ago. It was very interesting to see that some rocks are still present even from Jesus times one that weighed over 600 tons and to this day modern scientists still have not figured out how such a heavy stone could have been placed here. There was other small stuff that was still there also, this was a real eye opener to see that God’s glory and creation is still around from a long time ago and that his glory shall always been among us and that his presence is still very strong when we ask for it. It’s been a great few days to come together as young men and walk where Jesus walked and king David was and a lot of other great people in the bible, its been a wonderful time to really take it all in, a real intimate setting to really ask God to change our hearts and to bring us closer to him and also to be a light in our generation.
Omar – 16 Years of age – 1st time to Israel
Yesterday we went to the Wailing Wall twice; the reason we went twice was as it was Shabbat many Jews were heading there to pray. In the evening we saw the Jews come by the hundreds, and witnessed their dedication first hand. We saw a lot of people out partying the night before but this night was different as the crowds were gathering to pray. Could it be that many Jews have become loose in their religion, and only really keep the Sabbath? Before I came to Israel I thought it would be a very Holy land and everyone would be respectful are follow their religion 100%, but we’ve seen that it is still a decision for the individual to live a holy life before God.
My experience in Israel so far has been that it is very tense, as we see Soldiers all over Jerusalem (men, women, boys and girls). I also understand the Bible more and wonder why some of the people of Israel are so stubborn as they have all the evidence that Jesus was the Son of God, and that what happened 2000 years ago really did happen. I cannot really describe the general atmosphere of Jerusalem, as you must travel here yourselves.
Yesterday Pastor spoke to us about praying for each other and loving each other as brothers as we were outside Caiaphas’s house, this turned our attitudes not just to praying for our own needs but for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Reflections from the Western Wall:
https://youtu.be/G7NxNMwnhrw
Anthony’s song:
https://youtu.be/dYc36ciatmA
Jerusalem Song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTxx00hWhCc