(View all photos here) 

Going to Israel was the fulfillment of a 37 year old dream. When I first heard God's voice in 1970 I wanted to know everything I could about the Person behind the voice. I knew someday I would visit Israel and God's hometown, Jerusalem. It finally happened.

After a night in Tel Aviv we were off and running on an itinerary that would test all of us. Everywhere we went we had ample opportunity to be overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of revelation of our God and His glory. It was immediately apparent that we had to gather the revelation quickly because the bus was leaving for our next destination. And the next... and the next. 

After two days it was time to go to Jerusalem. As we drove up the rise to Jerusalem I suddenly began to quietly weep, sensing that I was finally "home" at my Papa's house. I was going to dine with Him, and that's exactly what happened. The next few days were a buffet of sumptuous experiences too numerous to fully explain, but will provide a lifetime of memories.

The best part of any trip anywhere in the world is the people. My trip to Israel was no different, but this time it was specifically about the Person. He graciously, gently, but persistently revealed Himself no matter what I was doing. I walked where He actually walked and saw things He actually saw. The times where it wasn't certain made no difference; the principles where the same. The Way, the Truth and the Life were with me no matter where I went.

On Sunday I got a chance to share a little bit about this. I am so grateful to all who prayed, to all who supported me financially and to all who truly love me. As I grow in Him and learn to love more adequately I am always humbled by the generosity of God and my fellow man. I pray your investment will pay interest and dividends in the days ahead.

I encourage anyone who would hesitate for a moment to go to Israel to do it... don't even think about it. You will be changed forever. I promise.

And, one last thing. If you fly, even a little, purchase a 1st Class Sleeper. Trust me.

Love,

Pastor Chris

(First, let me apologize for the lack of entries on this blog. We were so incredibly busy I only had time to upload pictures each night. I didn't even have time to add captions. Sorry.)

We awoke at 6:00 AM Friday morning, wolfed down a quick breakfast and left for Tel Aviv. The security at the airport was really amazing. With few exceptions, everyone behaved themselves even though we were all tired and looking forward to getting home. One interesting note: I always pack a pair of small scissors with me but I forgot to stow them in my check-in bag. The screener found them but told me they were OK in my carry-on. If they passed Israeli security they'll pass any security.

Our plane left on time at around 11:00 AM. As usual, the ten hour flight was uneventful. (My monitor worked this time.) I did something I have never done before: I sat in the wrong seat. Deeply engaged in a conversation with a new friend, the rightful owner to the seat educated me on my error. I asked if she would mind sitting in my seat and she didn't care so I continued my conversation with my new friend. We ended up speaking all the way to Newark.

After a mad dash through Customs and security (again), and then having to wait an extra hour to board, we eagerly boarded our plane. To my surprise I was seated next to my new friend again. (He invited me to speak at his church and I  accepted.) Our joy was short-lived: we sat on the tarmac for over two hours, praying that the storm holding up our departure would break up a bit so we could leave. It did and we arrived in LA at about 1:00 AM Saturday morning. My roommate in Israel had arranged a hotel room for me but one of the team members needed help connecting with his 6:00 AM flight so I stayed up all night talking with him and helping him get checked in.

I boarded my flight and thankfully sat in my seat (1-C) and enjoyed a wonderful quiche while my cohorts in coach were trying to swallow stale peanuts. (I spent an additional 5000 miles before I left to assure my first-class flight home. I highly recommend it.) I arrived home fresh and rested (yeah, right) on Saturday at about 11:00 AM.

I'll write more later. Time to try to stay awake. Thanks to all for your prayers. 

(Sunday, July 22nd: Touring: Ein Gedi / Masada / Qumran / Dead Sea and swim. Back to hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and begin Convention.)

Sorry I haven't been able to write. I finally found a computer and only have a minute. Please look at the new photos I've posted.

The main word yesterday was hot. Look up whatever 44 C. is and that's how hot it was.

The Dead Sea was amazing. Everything you've heard is true. You really do float without trying. You could lay there and read a book if you wanted to.

Gotta run. More soon, I hope.

Shalom,

Pastor Chris

(Saturday, July 21st: Touring: Golan Heights / Hashalom Overview / Bet Shean / Gideon Springs. Travel to Jerusalem and check in to Regency Hotel.)

Today was another incredible day as you'll see by the photos. Very hot (anywhere from 95 - 115 F) and lots of wonderful things to see and experience. But, coming into Jerusalem caught me by surprise.

I've wanted to travel to Israel ever since God spoke to me when I was 16 years old. As we were coming up the last little rise before the city came into view I wasn't thinking about anything in particular and a powerful emotional wave came over me and I began to quietly weep. It was like a huge relief to be "home". I'm not sure how to explain or define it and I'm not sure I need to, but it was powerful. Something inside me felt like I was in my Father's house. Maybe it's how Jacob felt when He sensed the presence of God and angels ascending and decending.

What shocked me out of that great time with God was arriving to do some shopping before going to the hotel. The last thing I want to think is shopping for trinkets. I hate trinkets. Tomorrow, hopefully, I will find Steve's friend in the Old City and begin some new relationships.

I wasn't in the hotel but a few minutes and I bumped into Corey Grinder, the gentleman who met me in Mongolia on my third trip. It was great catching up. He was in Japan (he lives there) when the last series of earthquakes hit. He mentioned it was pretty exciting.

The conference officially begins tomorrow night so keep checking this blog for further notes.

Blessings to all,

Pastor Chris

(Friday, July 20th: Touring: Boat ride and fish lunch / Mt. Beatitude / Tabgha-St. Peter's Primacy / Capernaum / Jesus Boat / Baptism.

What an incredible day! And now I'm too tired to tell you about it. All the photos are online and you can see them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25306214@N00/.

I'm off to bed.

I'll try to add some thoughts when we get to Jerusalem tomorrow night. Until then, thank you for praying for Gil Ritter, my family and me.

I love you all,

Pastor Chris