I N T E R N A T I O N A L S . 2 0 1 0

Today we woke up in Eilat and loaded the bus for our almost 5 hour drive back towards the north of the country. We had a time of worship on the bus and a good discussion about our devotion for the day followed by some DST (designated sleep time) as we drove. We stopped and ate lunch in the city of Arad and then arrived at the military checkpoint where the IDF security vehicle met us and escorted us into Hebron where we would perform tonight for the soldiers who oversee the city of Hebron. This was a first for the Internationals to get a chance to perform in a base within the Palestinian Authority area of Hebron. In addition, our bus drivers' son, Amnon Nadivi, is stationed on this base so we got to see him as well.

 

We arrived early in the afternoon and the army graciously arranged to take us into Hebron to visit Ma'arat HaMachpela which are the caves where Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah as well as Jacob and Leah are buried. The patriarchs and the matriarchs of our faith! It is the land that Abraham originally purchased thousands of years ago to bury his wife Sarah upon her death. It was truly an amazing experience and a place where the average Israeli citizen is not allowed to freely go. In fact of all the years the Internationals have been coming to Israel, this is only the 2nd time we have been able to visit this place. We are so thankful to God for this amazing gift and are in awe that we were allowed to go.

 

The show was most amazing and we had such a good time. You may have seen on the news from just Monday of this week that one of the Jewish police officers in Hebron was attacked and killed just 2 days prior to our arrival. It is the soldiers at this base who had to deal with all of this mess and we had the privilege of coming to be an encouragement to them in a time of great stress on their base. God knew months ago when this show was arranged that this shooting would happen and that we needed to come to lift their spirits. The soldiers all told us that our show and our presence with them meant more to them than words can say and we know that it was the Spirit of God falling upon them that truly uplifted their spirits.

 

After the show we loaded up the bus and went up to Jerusalem. YEAH! Our favorite city in the world. It is the most incredible feeling that I cannot describe to you when you get to enter Jerusalem and see the walls of the city. Whether it is your first time or your thirtieth time, it is an indescribable and very emotional experience. Those of you who have been blessed to have this experience know what I am talking about. And for those of you who have not yet been to Israel, our prayer is that you will very soon have the life changing opportunity to come to this land. We got to the hotel about 11:30 pm and headed up to our rooms. This will sound really weird but I am telling you that when we arrive in Jerusalem, it is like we are home. We will all sleep well tonight.

 

Everyone is feeling good and we are blessed. Thanks so much for all of your prayers!