This week was pretty slow for groups. We had traded our day off so we could spend more time with the Jutras. Pierre is from Quebec and Hanna from Poland. The two children are 9 and 10. They serve with our Fellowship in Poland and as some of you know, I was able to be there in March with a team from Canada. They have been in the country and traveled in the north with a rental car. Plans were made for them to arrive Tuesday evening near the King David hotel to return the rental. I walked up to meet them and direct them to their hostel. It was a rainy evening and they did not come. So the long walk back home. Finally we connected by Skype/phone. They were in the city in time but it is very easy to get turned around. Was about 7pm when we used the phone to "guide" them to a parking spot by the Damascus Gate. Only a five minute walk to our apartment where Donna had supper all ready. Later we walked them about 20 minutes to the hostel. Of course in the morning we had to be up early as Pierre and I had to get the car returned. For Wednesday and Thursday we were able to introduce them to many of the sites of the Old City. Each day we returned to our place for a warm lunch and to try to get all of us dried off. The weather was good for the country but not for touring.
Friday we had to be back at work and Jutras knew by then how to get around to many of the sites.
I had a group in the morning ( not many groups this week) and was not really aware of who the leader was. There was an older pastoral couple that I did meet so presumed they were the ones. As I was walking along someone said something to me about Col. North. The pastor did not look like my remembrances of Oliver North. I had a good session explaining at Skull Hill about the Gospel. I share my testimony and try to be clear about why there was a crucifixion and the wonderful truth of the resurrection. We finish our tours at the tomb. I had shared how I came to faith at age 6. As people are going into the tomb 7 at a time, I try to give opportunity for any questions. A man asked me what I had been doing with my life since then. As I was answering it finally dawned on me that this was Oliver North. When I finished, he came over to talk with tears in his eyes as he was so moved with the reminder of the cross and resurrection He took me to meet his wife. Later he wanted to meet Donna and made time to take her as well to meet his wife. It was like we had know each other or a long time. I was telling him about a rather well known man that I have mentioned before in my blog and how he was in a small group. He shared with me that he had been on the phone with this man 2 days before and how the man is so close to coming to faith.
I was not busy at the time and so stood at the back of Col North's group as he was speaking to them. He had shared with me that several were not believers. To hear him tell his group that he was aware of this fact and he wanted to have them know how they could come to Jesus was really great. He took time to explain to them Romans 10:9 and 10. Many of you may know his name as he was in the very public eye in the Iran Contra affair.
Anyway, the group I had were 40 people and all men except 3 young ladies. I asked where they were from and they were from Germany. Yet they all spoke English. My were they a hard group. They sat there at Skull Hill and listened but only 3 of the group seemed to have any warmth in their expressions to the things about the Lord. As I was walking to the next area I found out that they all lived in Germany. It was a group of U.S.military. I guess they were were being toured around and not really choosing to come to a Christian site. I did get to talk a little more with some of them. As hard as it was to lead this group , I thought what a privilege to be able to share like that with these young adults. We don't know what it will accomplish. A reminder that I sure value your prayers. Saturday was also more of the rain which does make it hard here.
Today dawned a bit warmer and sunny and should be that way until Wednesday. Even the Almond tree is starting to bud and bloom.
“Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what do you see? And I said, I see a branch
of an almond tree. Then said the LORD unto me, You have seen well: for I am ready to perform My word.”
Jeremiah 1:11, 12. It is the first tree to bud in the Spring. Very special for here as just 100 feet from where I do my presentation on Skull Hill(Golgotha) is Jeremiah's Grotto. Within 40 feet is a broken cistern.
Jutras came to our place early so I could give them a private tour of the Garden. We spent a few minutes at the house before heading to our church. It was back here for a lunch Donna had prepared. We spent the afternoon touring and a large portion of it was in David's City and the Pool of Siloam. We said goodbye as they headed back to their hostel. They fly very early back to Poland. While they were here they did a big service to the Garden by translating our brochure into Polish. Individuals can get a brochure that helps them tour with an explanation. We also have Audio guides in many languages. They are going to do the digital recording when they get home. If you want to hear what it sounds like in English, go to www.gardentomb.com There are other things about the property and ministry on the site.
We have a full week as our next day off is Sunday. The ladies do get a couple of half days to do laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping. God bless you all. gord and donna
It was such a blesses trip! Thanks Gord for your update and details. May the Lord bless even more the few days left in Jerusalem!
ReplyDelete