Rest At Last!

Since coming home from Israel, we have been so busy. We arrived home early Friday morning. in time to hit New York traffic for the drive home. We dropped Shawn off for school and went to bed. Friday was kind of a throw away day. Although, no day is really "throw away." what i mean by that is...I was useless. We were able to get all bags unpacked and many loads of laundry done. I only mention this because Saturday, I was back at work.

We returned home from Israel right at the beginning of one of the busiest times in our church calendar. Our annual mission conference happens in March. And you guessed it, it started the Sunday after we returned from Israel. Now that it is Sunday Evening, I want to brag a little, because I would not have been able to survive if it were not for the people with whom I minister.

First, Sunday services opened and everything was already set up. The music for the entire week was ready, thanks Gina. We had a continental breakfast Sunday to kick things off, thanks Larry. The speaker was ready and delivered timely messages, thanks Greg. My sermon Sunday night was enhanced by our missions family, thanks Bill and Ralph. The Bibles that we prepared were a blessing, thanks Scott. And the international dinner was tremendous, thanks Hazel, Lisa, Daphne, Ana, Stacy, Jeannette, Wanda and Larry. In all reality, there were so many people helping, it's hard to think that anyone was idle.

This was different from many of our missions conferences simply because it went from Sunday to Sunday. But the biggest difference was that we scheduled a 4 day Bible project int he middle of our conference. We planned to put together 12,000 John and Romans. I must confess, when I saw the the Bible being unloaded, I was sure we were in over our heads. In fact, I thought... "It's been a good 13 years, they will ask for my resignation on Monday." But I forgot what great people we have at Pond Hill Baptist Church. We worked with Scott Sandy and the Northeast Baptist Seedline. Scott was awesome and he coordinated us in such a way that assured success. We started work on Wednesday morning and completed the work on Friday morning. Whew...I still have a job. And not only that, but our church is energized that we made 8800 Bibles to go to Africa and 3000 Bibles to use here in North Haven.

Tonight was our commitment banquet. We had a regular chicken dinner with matza ball soup and a traditional Ecuadorian meal with beef and chicken empanadas. I, of course, had the Ecuadorian meal. All the food was excelled, and it only confirmed what I already knew. I am so lucky to serve with the great people of Pond Hill Baptist Church. Thakns again guys for allowing me to be your pastor.

With Love,
Pastor Mike

Home At Last!

It has certainly been a great trip! We have seen the landscape that Jesus saw, walked the paths that Jesus walked and listened to the words that Jesus spoke. And now it's time to soak it all in. The trip was so fast and so packed, that often, you did not have time enough time to sit and contemplate. It's like when we went down into Petra and the guide said, "take 5 minutes and then let's head up." Five minutes, what can you see in such an important place in just five minutes. To be honest I could have used more time in every place we visited. Well, that just means, I will have to go back. I told Shannon, I should take a sabbatical leave and stay for a couple of weeks in the monastery on the Mount of Beatitudes. I could really get into the solitude, but I am not sure I would be that good at the silence part.

Now that we are home, it is time to catch my breath. The end of March, is always the best time of the year for me at our church. It's mission time. I know mission happens every day, but the end of March our church focuses on world evangelism. We call our mission program Mission Involvement. I believe Mission is more than just sending money; it is partnering with missionaries around the world to do the work of Christ. We are constantly trying to find ways to get involved in missions, not just support missionaries.

This year, we have three days of services, followed by three days of putting Bibles together. this is the second time we put Bibles together, but I am especially excited about this years project. We are planning to put together 9000 John and Romans for the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa. Let me tell you why I am so excited. First, this is the largest project we have ever endeavored to complete. Our project guide believes we can do it, but there is a little fear in me that we have bitten off more than we can chew. "Father, we need to help to complete the task for you glory."

It is also exciting because two summers ago, we had an intern at our church for the summer. Eli and Ann were students at Boston Baptist College. We were able to have this young couple at our church for 13 weeks during the summer. This family was from Cape Verde and had already established two churches. In the back of my mind I can't help but wonder if maybe some of these Bibles that we are putting together are going to further those works. No matter where these Bible are going, it is a pleasure to partner with those who are giving the gospel out in Cape Verde.

Well, I was so excited to get home and get a little rest, but as you can tell, there is no rest available this week. Maybe next week. And on top of everything, I am sick! We can thank Shannon for that one!

Israel Trip Day 10

Our final day in Israel was like the calm before the storm. the morning started with a yacht cruise on the Red Sea. Well, actually, it was the gulf of Aquaba. This was to be a time of relaxation, but I was looking forward to getting int he water. I could spend hours snorkeling. In fact, on my honeymoon, Shannon and I did just that. We spend an entire day, on the water taking in the underwater sights. I just wish on that say I had worn more tan lotion. You guessed it, I got burned so bad that I did not wear a shirt for 2 days and slept on the couch. This time I was prepared.

After our cruise, I t was time to check out and start the long voyage home. It started with a flight from Eilat to Tel Aviv. the flight itself was only 35 minutes, but it took four hours to check in, get loaded, and unloaded. Then a bus ride to dinner only to return back to the airport 4 hours early to check in for the flight to New York City.

One AM finally came and we pulled away from the terminal for an 11.5 hour flight. I must confess it was not one of the smoothest flight I ever took. But I was able to sleep a little. But I was conferable in my shorts and polo shirt.

We arrived in New York at 7:15 AM, an were rudely greeted by 34 degree weather and falling snow. Welcome home to the USA, and more specifically, welcome home to winter. Now it is time to resettle into this time zone. Time for some sleep. The words are getting blurry and I am starting to not make sense.

I will talk to you soon. It is ogfdkl as if og,ne and good night!

Israel Trip Day 9 Revisited

Hello again. I thought I would finish up my thoughts on Day 9....

We had just walked for 35 minuted though the siq (the narrow passage) leading to Petra. We got to the bottom and the tour guide says, "take 5 minutes and look around." Now, I have never been to Petra before, but I knew 5 minutes was not near enough time. In fact, to see the full expanse of Petra would take days. So I asked if I could walk down as see the theatre. the tour guide pointed down the way a bit and said, "when you are done, head back up to the top."

I do not know if you know this, but I am in my element when in "explorer mode". Shannon keeps me balanced. We ventured off to see what we could find in the limited time we had. If you click the link above, you can see more of the full expanse that Petra offers the average hiker. We made it to see the theatre and some dwellings, but we did not have time to go up the gorge to the top and see the Church structure. It was an amazing site.

About and hour later, we made our way back up the siq, and into the nearby restaurant for lunch. Shortly, we back on the bus and ready for the 2 hour drive back to Israel. No rest for the weary though, I had to take a final and pack for our departure in the morning. I will have time to rest on the plane! LOL!

Israel Trip Day 9

Today started early. The days plans took us into another country. As many of you know, when you enter another country, it can take a great deal of time. So our day started off with a brief ride to the Jordanian border and a lot of waiting around. We passed through the Israeli border point quickly, but when we went to the Jordanian side, they took our passports and told us to wait on the other side of the road. Conveniently, they had a souvenir shop right there. How thoughtful!

So we waited around like all the other people who were "passportless" and souvenir shopping. Oh, yea, they also has coffee, but it was really strange. then out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of someone looking around the shop. It was Montel Williams. He was vacationing in Eilot and Jordan. in fact he wsa going to the same place we were going. We saw him off and on throughout the day.

His bus left and soon we were called to get our passports. Off to the Jordanian desert for a two hour bus ride through the Edom Mountains. Our destination for the day is one of the 7 new wonder of the world, and is one of the place I alwasy wanted to visit. Two hourse later we arrived at Petra. Petra, for those who do not know, was a city carved out of stone. It was occupied up until 1983. It is also mentioned in scriupture. Consider the following...

SELA (celah), "the rock," Greek, petra, (2 Kings 14:7); Isa 16:1, translated "send ye the lamb (tribute) from Sela through the wilderness to the" king of Judah; Amaziah had subjected it (2 Kings 14:7). See for its rocky position Judg 1:36; 2 Chron 25:12; Obad 3; Num 24:21; Isa 42:11; Jer 49:16. The city Petra, 500 Roman miles from Gaza, two days' journey N. of the gulf of Akabah, three or four S. from Jordan. In Mount Seir, near Mount Hor; taken by Amaziah, and named Joktheel, i.e. subdued by God, man without God could not take so impregnable a place (Ps 60:9; Josh 15:38); afterward in Moab's territory. In the fourth century B.C. the Nabathaeans' stronghold against Antigonus. In 70 B.C. the Arab prince Aretas resided here. The emperor Hadrian named it Hadriana, as appears from a coin. - Fausset's Bible Dictionary


The tour guide said it was a mile walk down to the site, but I think he lied. After about 35 minuted of walking we arrived at the first major sight called the treasurery. It is at least 5 stories tall. Around the corner was more interesting sites.

We have limited internet access here, that is why I have not updated the picture. I will update them as soon as I get better internet access. In fact, I have run out of time now, so I must let you go. I will finish this post later. We will be home on Friday.

Israel Trip Day 8

Today we started with a tour and a service at the Garden Tomb. We learned that the exact location is really not known, but that there is great evidence that the death, burial and resurrection actually took place right where we were. The site was located right outside of the Damascus Gate of the Old City. The Romans used this areas as a rock quarry for building on the Temple Mount. We know the Romans liked to crucify people in a public place, near a major road. Also on a side of the quarry there looked to be a skull formed in the natural rock. This was another clue. We also know that the tomb was not far from Calvary. The Garden Tomb was near located in a garden. We also know that the Tomb was new, carved out of stone. The Garden Tomb was new, even to the point that it had an empty space next to the place where Jesus laid. There was also a cross with the letters alpha and omega painted in the tomb.

There was much evidence that this was the place, but the greatest reality of the tomb is...It is empty! Our Savior lives and because of that we live.

After the tomb we loaded on the bus for a 6 hour ride south to Eilat. Tonight we rest in comfort at the Queen of Sheba Hilton in Eilat Israel. tomorrow we head into Jordan to visit Petra.

Israel Trip Day 7

Today we visited the Temple mount. It was hard to be there. It is on Israeli soul, but it is controlled by the Muslims. Of course, we know that the Dome of the Rock stands where the Temple of Israel once stood. To think that the place where God should be worshiped is now a place of pagan worship was a little was a little discouraging. But remember, that while the temple was standing, even then, God's people rejected the Messiah. So not far off int he distance was our site for tomorrow..Golgotha and the empty tomb.

Then we went to the Holocaust Museum, "Yad Vashem". If you would like to know more about this museum, please click the link provided. It was an emotion walk though the chronology of the Holocaust. the tour ended in a circular room with shelf after shelf, filled with book after book, with page after page of those who died at the hands of the Germany genocide machine.

Our last sop of the day was in Bethlehem. Bethlehem is under the Palestinian Authority. So, we had to change guides and buses. No Israeli is allowed on Palestinian soil and no Palestinian is allowed on Israeli soil. There are, of course, some exceptions. So, today, Shannon and I found ourselves on Palestinian soul visiting the church which stands over the place thought to be where Jesus was born.

Our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I did not expect this to be. If fact I thought we would be treated like we were a nuisance. Come to find out, one of the top industries in Bethlehem is...tourism. I am still not sure I understand the Palestinian/Israeli dynamic, but one thing I am sure of...Jesus died for both. And until they both realize this truth and turn to him for salvation, any type of peace will be fleeting.

Tomorrow, we be at the Garden tomb for our main services. Then we will be walking the "Via Dolorosa."

Israel Trip Day 6

It was a rainy day today! And usually rainy days are bad days for seeing the area sights, but here, rainy days are a blessing. Israel is in the midst of a 17 year drought. So, the rain is a great thing, even if it messes up the photo opportunities.

We started the day at the top of the Mount of Olives Did you know that the majority of the Mount of Olives is a grave yard. The Talmud says that when the Messiah returns through the Eastern Gate, the believers will be resurrected and will walk across a bridge to Jesus from the Mount of Olive. Therefore, if you want to be first, you need to be buried on the Mount of Olives.

You can see from the picture that the Mount of Olives is right across from the Eastern Gate. This is the gate through which the prophesied Messiah will enter and establish His kingdom. If you notice in the picture, the Muslims have made that area a grave yard as well. This is because a grave yard is an unclean place, and no righteous person would enter the Temple Mount "unclean". Notice also that the eastern gate is cemented closed. I guess you could say that the Muslims are a little scarred of this coming Messiah.

At the bottom of the hill we stopped in a small grove of olive trees. Theses trees have been in this place for nearly 2000 years. In fact, 2000 years ago most of the Mount of olives was a garden. We know it as the Garden of Gethsemane. What a change, from a place of peace to a place of death. It is really sad to see, but we know that is not how it will remain.

The day was cut kind of short, but we also visited the Tomb of King David and the location of the Upper Room. Tomorrow, we visit the Temple Mount.

Israel Trip Day 5

A new day brings new destinations. If there is one thing I dislike about taking tours like this is... Well, let me tell you some interesting things that have happened so far. There are around 350 people in our group, and the group is divided into church folks, mainly from Thomas Road Baptist Church; and college age folks from Liberty University. We are staying at two locations, but on some occasions we eat together. This is a logistic nightmare. Have you ever gone to a sit down restaurant where 350 people arrived at the same time? Better yet, Have you ever been in a restaurant where 350 people were seated at long table where you were seated shoulder to shoulder? This can sometimes be tedious.

To make matters even more stressful, you are in a foreign country, eating foreign foods. Even the McDonald's are different...there is no cheese on the burgers because that would not be kosher. Of course, they do have nuggets! Our first lunch was a bit trying for Shannon. They first served all 350 of us appetizer of some kind of toast and falafel. For those who don't know, because I sure didn't know, that's a hush puppy made out of chick peas and pine nuts. I am sure they would disagree with my simple definition, so I have provided and link for you to look it up yourself. But then the main course come out. It was fish. Shannon does not much like fish, especially when the fish is starring right back at ya'! That's right, the fish was still in tact with fins, gills, head and eye balls, oh, yeas and bones, lots and lots of bones. The scales and inside were removed allowing the fish to be cooked whole and slapped down on our plates. Needless to say, Shannon did not eat much. I, on the other hand, ate just fine, although I could have used some tartar sauce.

Today, we left at the normal time and check out of our hotel in Tiberius and made our way to the Yehuda Desert. Three stops for today before checking in to our hotel in Jerusalem.

The first stop was Masada. This fortress places high upon a plateau was built by Herod the Great, but is most often remembered as being used by the Zealots to make a stand against the Romans Army. Read the link above to gain more information about this fascinating place. I must confess, this is one of my dream come true. I have always wanted to see Masada and scurry around on this major archeological find. I love archeology and especially biblical archeology. I have been a subscriber to Biblical Archeology for many years. I have read many article on Masada, but nothing could compare to feeling the breeze from on top of the plateau. On one end of the fortress Herold built his sprawling palace. It has many levels, but sets precariously on the North end of the plateau. This palace uses the end "steps" of the plateau cliffs as the perch for two lower levels. The only way to get to them is the climb down a three story stair case that is hanging off the side cliff. Then walk a small path on the cliff that leads to another two stories of stairs hanging off the cliff. oh, and did I tell you could see right through the stairs. It was so awesome! I went down, took some pictures, then made my way back to the group. You can see the picture by clicking the "Masada" link on the left column.

We left Masada and went to another archeological find. This find was the most significant find relating to scripture. We went to the Caves at Qumran. This is where some ancient scripture were found hidden away in some caves. Again, I would love to spend more time with the significance of this find, but it is past midnight and I have a 6:30 AM wake-up call. We will talk about it soon when we actually get to visit the Museum that holds the dead sea scrolls.

We finished our day with dip in The Dead Sea. Yes, it is really salty. The Sea contains about 27% salt. The oceans only have about 3-4%. So hopefully, by the time I get home my skin will be soft and shinny. Then we loaded the buses and headed toward Jerusalem.

Oh yea, guess what was for dinner...beef tongue!

Israel Trip Day 4

It has been such a treat to be in Israel for the last few days. For those days, we have walked the paths of Jesus’ earthly ministry. We have been to The Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Caesarea, The Jordan River, and the Sea of Galilee. Our feet had stepped where the feet of the Master once walked, and it has been quite humbling. Today we went to another significant site.

Okay time for a little Bible Study. Take you Bible out, if you would, and read the story of Peter’s Famous confession of who Jesus really is. It is found in Mark 8:27-30. The Ruins of Caesarea Philippi were once a place where Jesus walked and taught his disciples. Listen to the words of one Bible scholar, “From Bethsaida Jesus and His disciples came hither, and on the way Peter made his famous confession, after which Jesus began to tell them of His coming passion (Matt 16:13 ff; Mark 8:27 ff). Some think that on a height near Caesarea Philippi Jesus was transfigured.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

This city was the location of a spring that feeds the Sea of Galilee and later the Jordan River with natural water. It was a place of great value to the people, but it was a place that was given totally to idolatry. From its earliest existence, it had been a place of idolatry. And now Jesus walks the streets to give a new kind of spring…a spring of everlasting water.

From Caesarea Philippi we traveled south along the Golan Heights. We learned about the importance of the Golan Heights and event learned much about Israel battle for survival as a nation. Our final stop of the day was an overlook of the entire Sea of Galilee area. Directly across from this overlook was Tiberius, where we have been staying, and not far from us was another significant place. A little north of where we were at, there was a place referred to in the Bible as the land of the Gadarenes. I will not say anything further about the place, but leave it up to you to find out what happened there. If you know, just leave a comment below.

I want to let you know that I am in the process of setting-up a picture site that you can see all the pictures. So this entry will not have any picture. Hopefully, I will have it set up by tomorrow. He are changing hotels tomorrow as we transition our attention away from Galilee toward Jerusalem. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.

Israel Trip Day 3

Today’s journey took us away from the Sea of Galilee to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It was about an hour drive though the mountains, hill, and finally to the flat coastal area. All seven buses arrived around the same time, so we immediately went to the theatre. Charles Billingsley lead the worship and provided a couple of songs as specials. Both Jonathan and Erjin gave small devotions and from scriptures that took place at Caesarea. Caesarea was named after Caesar Augustus to show Herod the King allegiance to the New ruler of Rome. The entire city was built to hone Rome. Two key features of the city were the Theatre and the Hippodrome (the place where Chariot races took place). We also saw the remnants of the palace that overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. It Even has access from the palace right down to the water’s edge.

From there, we drove to the Jizra’el Valley. Actually we were on top of a mountain that over looked the valley. The mount was called Mount Megiddo. Our guide led us to read from Revelation about the day the Lord Jesus will return to this area. When you look over the topography of the area, you can truly see why this would be the place for the Lord to come and save His chosen people. This valley runs directly from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan Valley which in turn runs the entire length of Israel.

But the highlight of the day was our trip to Beth She’am. This again was a Roman city that was completely restored by an earthquake. The remains have been unearthed and the entire site is an archeologist dream come true. The city lies just beneath a mountain that is actually the covered remains of the city being destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries. The city is one of the first cities with running water. The main water drain runs right down the middle of the street, with trenches running into the local businesses. In one section, the columns which had once lined the streets all lay flat in the same direction, demonstrating the awesome destruction inflicted by the earthquake. This city also included a theatre, a place of worship, a ruler’s mansion, many places of business and traditional homes.

One of the realizations that one makes on a trip of this sort, is just how to place everything together. It’s one thing to look at a map and see where the events take place, but it is something else to actually see the land, breather the air, and walk on the dirt. It also awakens one’s mind to the greatness of our God. Not only has he saved us, but he continues to care for us. Even though we sometimes ignore Him, like many in Israel have, Still He is good to us. Israel is truly a land that is alive. The valley today was green with life. On top of Mount Megiddo, there were date palm trees. These kinds of trees are not even nature to Israel, but the excavators who worked the land years ago ate the dates and spit out the seeds on the top of this mount of rubble. The trees grew, and now they produce fruit. Every obstacle thrown at the Israeli people, they overcome. Some would say by the knowledge of their agriculture engineers, but I choose to believe it is the hand of God. Even though they have chosen not to believe, God is so good to them. And the same God that is gracious with people, who have turned their back on Him, is my God. And He is good to me!

Israel Trip Day 2

It all started at 6:30 AM. The phone rang for our wake-up call. Shannon, of course, was already awake and finished with her devotions. I on the other hand was not, and quite honestly could have done without the rude interruption of my beauty rest. But it was necessary to get up, because the bus was going to leave at 8:00 AM sharp.

Breakfast included fresh fruit, cheese, baked breads, olives, eggs, mushroom gravy, a baked tomato with fresh cheese, and assorted breakfast beverages. Then off to the bus, for a busy day of touring.

the first stop was The Mount Of Beatitudes. On top of the Mount there is an 8 sided chapel that serves as a reminder of the Sermon that Jesus shared there. It is believed that Jesus shared that sermon down toward the bottom of the mount, but the chapel sets at the top of the hill giving it a splendid overlook of the Sea of Galilee and the area where Jesus completed 80% of his earthly ministry. The actual location of the delivery of the sermon is down toward the bottom of the hill marked by simple iron fencing.

The next stop was the Byzantine Chapel that marks the placed where the feeding of the 5,000 took place. This simple chapel is filled with mosaic tile work depicting the miracle that Jesus preformed here. At the alter of the chapel is a stone that is said to be the very rock where Jesus broke the bread and fishes to feed the multitude.

The next stop was in to Capernaum. This was a excavation site that showed the many unearthed building including what many believe to be the traditional dwelling of Peter the Apostle.

Israel Trip Day 1

Well, we have arrived safely. After a 2 hour car ride to the airport; 9 hours in the airport; 10 hour flight; one and a half hour to get through customs, get our luggage and get loaded on the buses (7 - 50 passenger buses); a 2 and a half hour ride to Tiberius; and a few minutes for an evening meal, Shannon and I are ready to turn in for the evening. In case you didn't do the math while reading, that is about 24 hours of travel time with only about 3 hours of sleep. Shannon got a little more sleep than that, but she is also feeling the need to turn in.

It is now 9:30 PM here and we are unpacked in our hotel and are about to call the kids, just to let them know we are safe. We have one that worries, so we do not what to add to that pressure.

I would love to tell you all we have seen thus far. The inside of JFK international airport. ?They have quite a nice mall to visit while you wait for your flight. The inside of an El AL 747-400 airplane. And although this one was huge and had two decks, if you have seen the inside of one airplane, you have seen them all. The Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. As we were leaving the airport, we noticed many grapefruit orchards. But by the time we headed down the road the sun set and all we saw for the next two hours was lights on the hilside.

So for now, that's all...but tomorrow we will have more, since we are slaited to tbe baptized in the Jordan River.

Pastor and Shannon