Israel 2022 - Mount Carmel Reflections

    As a kid the story of Elijah defeating King Ahab, along with 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah, was one of the best stories in the Bible. I laugh every time when Elijah mocks these false prophets -- 

    "You'll have to shout louder, for surely he is a god! Perhaps he is daydreaming, or is relieving himself. Or maybe he is away on a trip, or is asleep and needs awakened!"(1 Kings 18:27)

But, as I stared at the statue of Elijah, I realized something. 

                                    He was all alone. 

In 1 Kings 18:22, Elijah said, 

 "I am the only prophet of the Lord who is left."

    Elijah was alone standing up to a powerful throng from King Ahab. But, even though he was fighting this battle alone, he had a powerful swagger as he mocked the enemy. He even went a step further and doused the entire altar with water, three times.

Why would he take such a stand when he was so greatly outnumbered? His own people had abandoned God. To everyone except Elijah there appeared to be no hope.

Elijah might have been the only prophet left to stand up against the evil, but he had all he needed. He prayed,

        "Lord, you are the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. Prove that you are the God of Israel and that I am your servant. Show these people that you commanded me to do all these things. Lord, answer my prayer so these people will know that you, Lord, are God and that you will change their minds." (1 Kings 18:36,37)

        Elijah stood up to nearly 1000 people and the King, just to save the people of Israel. He had such strong faith in the power of God and he wanted his people to have that same faith. But, that is not the end of the story. The people were facing a three-year drought. The power demonstrated by God was amazing, but that wasn't going to feed the people. Elijah said to King Ahab,

"Go get something to eat and drink, for I hear a mighty rainstorm coming!" (1 Kings 18:41)

    When we were standing on Mount Carmel, looking at the beautiful valleys below, there was not a cloud in the sky. When Elijah told Ahab there was a mighty rainstorm coming, the sky must have looked exactly the same. Seven times Elijah told his servant to look toward the sea. Then in the middle of the beautiful blue sky, a cloud appeared, the size of a man's hand, rising from the Mediterranean Sea, and it poured! God put an exclamation point in this wonderful demonstration of his power!

    Elijah stood up against evil, not just to show the power of the God he served. He stood up to evil to bring the people of Israel back to God. His "swagger", his confidence in the power of God, was all he needed and he knew when the people witnessed these amazing miracles, they would turn back to God.  

What am I doing to bring people back to God? Do I have the faith, the confidence, in God that he will show his power like he did on Mount Carmel? The God we serve is the same God that Elijah worshipped. Yet, we are reluctant to take the chance, standing against the evil all around us. 

Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for my weak faith. Fill my heart with your Spirit that I might bring others back to you. Give me boldness and confidence to share your message of hope with people that are hurting and are lost. I pray your power will be displayed through me, just like it was displayed through Elijah. I love you Lord and I want nothing more than to serve you! Amen!

The Jezreel Valley looking south from on top of Mount Carmel. Mount Tabor and Mount Moreh in the background.

The valley of Jezreel is a very fertile valley and also a valley that has seen many battles throughout the Old Testament and after. Gideon vs Midianites, Saul vs Philistines are just a couple of the battles that took place here. 

 On top of Mount Carmel stands The Stella Maris Monastery. The grounds are beautiful and very peaceful. 

Israel 2022 - Caesarea reflections

    Our Day 1 trip began at Caesarea Maritime. There are two Caesarea's mentioned in the Bible. This is NOT Caesarea Philippi. It was a Pagan city, but as the Roman world became a Christian nation crosses like the one below started showing up in the city. This is one of the earliest crosses that shows up in architecture. 

    This was Pilate's home. He did not live in Jerusalem. He was there when Jesus was arrested as it was the Passover and he had to be in Jerusalem for all major Jewish Holidays. But, this stone is one of the very few extra-biblical sources that testify to his existence and supports the Biblical Narrative.  

    This city was an amazing modern city with all the entertainment, blood sports, theater, pools, etc. Herod even built a breakwater to make this a port for ships. This theater dates back to the first century and is still in use today for plays. 

Herod's palace at Caesarea faced the pools and overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. What a beautiful place to start spreading the Good News of Jesus!

Reflection

    As I walked the streets of Caesarea I could not help but think of two major events that happened in Acts. One was the sending of Peter to Cornelius. Peter came from Joppa which was about thirty miles away after seeing a vision to a gentile and from that point on the Gospel was opened to everyone. (Acts 10:1-10)

    The second major event was Paul's trials before Felix and Festus with Agrippa looking on. (Acts 23:23-26:32) Paul had been arrested much like Jesus and the Jews were trying to kill him, and condemn him to death. All of this even took place here, at Caesarea, in the palace area and it was from here that Paul left for Rome. 

    Both Paul and Peter were opening up the Gospel to a new people. I cannot fully comprehend the tension Peter felt as he was going to this Gentile's home. Maybe I can compare this to the typical Christian having a dream to go and share the Gospel at a Gay Pride celebration or hold a Bible study with the workers of an abortion clinic. We would all think, "Lord, how can you do this to me. These people are evil and sinners in the worst way."  What would you do if Jesus spoke to you in a vision to reach these people?  I am guessing that many of you would turn the other way and NOT answer in obedience.  The gentiles of the first century had no hope until Jesus came to set them free. Jesus used Peter and Paul and many others to spread the Gospel from these shores on the Mediterranean Sea. 

Visiting Caesarea was a great way to see and feel the need for us all to reach ALL PEOPLE as is mentioned in the Great Commission. Stephanie and I are committed to sharing the gospel with all those who feel rejected by the church, those who feel they are beyond hope. I have received the same vision Peter and Paul both received. God has given us our marching orders.

Who is God calling you to share the Gospel with?  Are you ignoring that call?  What would have happened if Peter and Paul had ignored their call?  

These two biblical events are in the Bible to motivate us to act reaching others, the disenfranchised, for Jesus. 

 

Why is my path so crooked?

   

    Hello!  Stephanie and I have some news about our ministry and plans to go to the Missionary field in Germany.

    We have faced many barriers over the past few months. The first is our family's growing unhappiness with us going overseas. One of my daughters has been very vocal about us NOT going and today my 84-year-old mom also expressed concern. But our largest barrier has been health insurance. We have really struggled to try to find a company to underwrite our health insurance in Europe. We finally got a company to give us a quote, the cost was unbelievable AND we would have to keep our insurance here in the United States which is also pretty expensive. Missionary Ventures has been wonderful and they have also worked to find us something. During the past month, we have really been asking God for his guidance. Our prayer has been, “Lord if this is not what you want us to do, show us what you do want us to do.” God has been so faithful. Please read the entire post, I know it is long. I hope you will see how wonderful our God is through his miraculous answer to our prayer.

Stephanie and I are NOT going to Germany to serve as full-time missionaries.

 

    In some ways, it pains me to write that. Over the past year, I feel Stephanie and I have gone from one ministry opportunity to another. I am considering writing a book called "God: Why is my path so crooked?" It seems we have been going from one thing to another quite often in recent months. But, God has his plans, and he has us right where he wants us.

 

    As I was studying the life of Joseph and Mary, I am sure they shared the same feelings about the path God had them on. Their wonderful plans of getting married, having a family, and living out their life like everyone else, was disrupted with an amazing visit from the Angel of the Lord.(Matt. 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38) Turmoil and uncertainty entered their life. But, they were faithful and obeyed. Jesus was born, and once again, turmoil entered their life. Herod was going to kill their child. The Lord sent another Angel, and their zigzagging path sent them to Egypt.(Matt. 2:13). I am sure they felt like they just got settled when another Angel of the Lord came to them and sent them back to Judea.(Matt. 2:19) Then when they got there, another Angel of the Lord came and sent them to Nazareth. (Matt. 2:22) We often assume they knew precisely the plans God had for them and their wandering around the middle east. Yet, there is no indication they had any idea how crooked that path would be. Through it all, they were obedient.

    In November this year, I went on a missionary trip to Greece with Missionary Ventures and CMA. On my way home, Arlen, with MVI, asked if Stephanie and I ever considered being missionaries. I said no and continued on my way home. On the long flight from Greece, I read the book Contagious Disciples Making by Daryl and Paul Watson. I have never been so touched by a book (except the Bible, of course). It explained, in great detail, what God had placed on my heart before we retired. When I got home and shared Arlen's question with Stephanie, she said yes, she thought she would be interested in missionary work. That was such a shock to me. But, I felt God had his hand in this, so we started talking about it with our family, friends, and CMA co-leaders.

 

           Each of you knows the rest of that story.

    Since Christmas, Stephanie and I have faced one obstacle after another. Our daughter expressed strong resistance to our taking a missionary position in Europe. We listened and prayed continually about this change of heart. However, the greatest obstacle was with Health Insurance. With my diabetes, no insurance company would underwrite a policy for us in Europe. Finally, we got a company to make a proposal. It was just too much money, and even if we raised funds, it just wouldn't seem right. None of that money would go to ministry. So, the past couple of months, we have been in constant prayer, asking if God was closing this door, that he would open up another door.

 

On February 16th, I had a dream that was so vivid; it was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. In this dream, God took me to an old downtown storefront property with an apartment above the store. I went inside, looked around, and came back out. I recognized precisely where this property was. It was in Bluffton, Indiana. When I woke up, I didn’t share the dream with Stephanie. I really didn't know what to think, and after all the changes we had been through in the past three years, I just wanted to make sure I understood the dream before talking to her.

 

    Stephanie and I planned on coming home to attend our grandson's senior night basketball game on February 22nd.  On the morning after I had the dream, I vowed to go look for the storefront building. I wasn’t really sure what would happen if it was there. I was pretty sure it wouldn’t be. So, when we came back to Indiana, I went by myself to Bluffton. I had some other errands to run and planned to search for this downtown building. When I came around the corner, to the place where I thought it would be, I pulled into a parking spot in front of the building. A "For Rent" sign was in the window. I sat there dumbfounded. I was so shocked I couldn't even think straight. Before I knew it, I was dialing the phone number. A gentleman answered the phone. After we identified he was the owner of this property, I asked if an upstairs apartment was available with the building. He hesitated and then said, "Yes." Again, I just couldn't believe what I was hearing. He asked if I wanted to see the property. I told him I was on a tight schedule and couldn't wait long. That's when he said he had a man there, right now, that could let me in. So, I went in.

    To tell you I was overwhelmed is an understatement. As I walked through the bottom "retail" area and then upstairs in the apartment, I just couldn't believe it. It was exactly as I saw in my dream. The owner had gutted and redone the downstairs, and he was in the process of doing the same to the upstairs apartment. When I got back in my car, I just sat there. I talked to the owner and told him I would get back to him, and I just sat there trying to wrap my mind around what had happened.  God sent me a clear vision and it was real!

 

    For the next three days, I kept this encounter a secret. I had to process what had just happened, and I prayed for guidance from the Lord. On our way home to Florida, I finally told Stephanie. In a fit of defiance, I said I would not change our plans for going to Germany unless I got a definite from the Lord saying it was not going to happen. So, we waited. A few days later, as I was on my daily walk, listening to the end of the book of Job, I heard God chastising Job for questioning him and asking, "Who is it that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?" (Job 38:1) The Lord said, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's critic, but do you have the answers?" (Job 40:1-2) I felt God asking me, what more do you need? I just sent you a miraculous sign, and you are waiting for more? Who are you to question me?" 

    As I got back to the camper, I told Stephanie we were moving forward on renting the building. I called the building owner. Stephanie and I agreed to what we could afford to pay. The owner gave us a price way below what we could afford. We decided to rent the space. I wrote a letter to our daughters telling them of the change of plans. Yesterday, I went and spoke to Arlen at MVI. We are not going to Germany.

 

    Since committing to God's plan, God has been flooding my mind with ideas. I am writing them down as quickly as I can. We are overwhelmed with excitement and grief at not going to Germany. Yet, I am also filled with pure joy to see such a powerful display of God's majesty. God is amazing.

 

So, what's next?

 

Stephanie and I will be returning to Indiana on April 15th. We will begin moving in immediately if all the remodeling is done.

 

God’s plan is for us to create a place, where we will train disciples to make disciples. This place will be a place of learning, fellowship, sharing meals, and prayer. In this place, we will teach Christians to lead Discovery Bible Groups. The mission is to create these groups around northeast Indiana. Our target for these groups is NOT believers. Our prayer is to start them in jails, drug rehab centers, homeless shelters, motorcycle shops, diners, cafes, parks,  and other public places, NOT CHURCHES. The Bible Study groups are very different than the typical Bible study groups. DISCOVERY groups are not led by someone who shares their knowledge of the Bible. The leaders of these groups help members discover the voice of God through scripture.

 

As we get back to Indiana, we would love to share more about what God has placed on our hearts. Really, it is exactly what we were going to be doing in Germany. We have just changed our location. Since we already have relationships and connections in northeast Indiana, we are praying this will speed the spread of the gospel. If you are interested in Disciple Making movements, please order and read the book Contagious Disciple Making by Daryl and Paul Watson.

 

Otherwise, please feel free to contact us. We would love to share more about what God is doing in our lives.

We can't do it all! (Update on our Mission)

 It has been a while since updating you on our newest adventure.

    Most of you know Stephanie and I are in the process of pursuing ministry as missionaries serving with Missionary Ventures, possibly in Germany. 

For those that are unaware of that, now you know! 

We feel God is calling us to this crazy new adventure, but are still deeply in the process and waiting for God to show us the path in each of the small steps along the way. We are signed up to complete some training in March and April. We are planning on an exploratory trip in April or May. Our final training and orientation with Missionary Ventures is scheduled for the end of May. THEN we will start our process of fundraising as this new adventure will have additional costs outside our budget capacity. 

SO, we have a lot of hurdles to overcome and challenges ahead of us. A great example is the challenge we are facing finding health insurance over in Europe. I am a diabetic and this "pre-existing condition" is a problem. We are working with underwriters and certainly praying about this. God has his plans!  But, that is just an example of the challenges ahead of us. God only knows the time frame and the path of the story he is presenting to us.

Another barrier is our family and current ministry focus. We have served with the Christian Motorcyclists Association for over twelve years. When we retired all of our resources and energy were focused on this ministry. Whatever time we did not spend with CMA, was spent with our family. We have three daughters and fourteen grandchildren/great-grandchildren. Now, this adventure will change that focus and those relationships will change. 

If you can put yourself in the place of our daughters and their families, you can understand their concerns. We have been in serious prayer about this change in the lives of our daughters, their families, as well as our CMA family. We are taking things slow in order to make sure we are following the will of the Lord.  We also are aware that as we focus more and more on ministry, Satan is more likely to attack. Both Stephanie and I are devoting much time to prayer, searching the scriptures, and listening to the voice of God. 

Today, I was studying Luke 4:23-30 ---

"Then he said, "You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: 'Physician, heal yourself' meaning

do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum. But

I tell you the truth -- no prophet is accepted in his own hometown. “Certainly there were many needy widows in

Israel in Elijah’s time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe

famine devastated the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a

foreigner—a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. And many in Israel had leprosy in the

time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian.” When they

heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and

forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him

over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way. '

Luke 4:23-30

https://my.bible.com/bible/116/LUK.4.23-30

I have read this scripture many times. Today, the words about Elijah and Elisha really spoke to me. Through these two great prophets, God sent me a message:

"You are not called to do it all!"

As a follower of Christ, someone dedicated to the great commission, I want to save the world. I want everyone to become disciples of Jesus Christ. I want my family to grow in their love of Jesus. I want all my biker friends to grow in their love of Jesus. I want my past co-workers, my snowbird family, and I want my Muslim brothers and sisters to grow in their faith. When God says "go into all the world," he has a specific place picked out for us to go. For some that is your family, for some it is your neighborhood, your community, your nation. But, for some, like Elijah and Elisha, part of their call was to go to the foreigners and minister. But, We are not called to save them all. 

Elijah and Elisha have one thing in common. The choice of their ministry came directly from God. As I look back at the greats of the Old Testament, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon, Elijah, and Elisha, they were all successful when they followed the calling of God. They prayed to God about everything and God led them on their path. But, when they stopped praying, seeking God's guidance, and did things on their own, they stumbled and suffered terrible consequences. 

Stephanie and I remain in prayer about the insurance and all the other little details that need to fall into place.  We are consulting the Lord and waiting for him to act. He has called us to serve a specific group of people and we are willing to obey. If he says, "Go here," we will go. If he says, "Go there," we will go. We will follow him to northern Indiana or we will follow him to the ends of the earth. Wherever he calls we will go. 

Please pray for us as we continue this wonderful journey!!!!!!!!!