Day 4: Staring at the enemy – prepared for war.
Destination – North to the Syrian border
Jeep used to get to the Syrian Border
The morning started early with a speaker at 7:30 and then packed and loaded, we’re on our way to the Syrian border.
I wonder what this day will hold as we are high alert, emotionally, spiritually and our bodies are tired by the weight of the mission. Last night was an incredible time of meeting with some very young IDF soldiers who were so grateful for our love and encouragement. They were interested in what brought us here now. The envelops of blessing were especially overwhelming to them. I hope they always remember that there are people of faith who will risk everything to stand with them.
I also met two young mothers who are displaced. They evidenced the impact of fear and uncertainty in their faces. Living in a hotel for 4 months isn’t the dream vacation that you may think. One mother was a teacher and a single parent, the other mother’s husband works a route delivering goods. While he’s gone, she worries and when he’s home (hotel) they are concerned. Again, envelops of blessing were a cup of cold water to a dry throat. Lots of tears and hugs.
Today has taken us to places where we met soldiers heard their amazing insights and imagined what they live with. Always on high alert knowing it’s not a matter of if, but when.
You see our travels today and as we head back to Jerusalem, we have been taught an extraordinary lesson today. Israel faces a very real enemy. We have a spiritual enemy that stands at our own borders and waits to launch an attack that we may not be prepared for.
On guard duty. Tank soldiers by the Syrian border.
Psalm 94 is a perfect read for today.
Today was spent in northern Israel. Spent time at a strategic think tank that regularly deals with critical events and situations. The military minds here are pretty amazing. As I stood by the Syrian border, I was reminded of what Matthew wrote about Jesus. “So His fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought Him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures and paralytics, and He healed them.” Matthew 4:24
Now, a 3 hour ride to Jerusalem.
Our speaker, Ilan Shullman. Fantastic communicator. Standing by Syrian border
Additional details
My day on Friday started with a lecture about antisemitism. It was an outstanding presentation of the history that starts early in the Bible and has existed ever since. I then went through Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial. I walked through the history of wreckage that eliminated over 6 million Jews during World War II. It was a stark reminder of what is endeavoring to happen in the 21st-century, right now. A very real, full court press effort to kill the Jews continues. Here’s a verse found early on in the Bible.
Exodus 3:9 - Now, behold, the cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing (harsh treatment leading to death) them.
I visited the security wall that divides portions of Israel from the Palestinian people. It was created to address the issue of acts of terrorism.
I had the privilege of experiencing a wonderful Shabbat dinner and conversation in the home of a Jewish family. What delight was had through a meal and conversation. They shared that their son was a survivor of the Nova Music festival, where many young people were slaughtered. He spent eight hours hiding and moving and trying to get out of the area. He was able to escape from the slaughter.
Thank you for being people who pray for Israel and the Jewish people. Thank you for loving the children of God. I am so proud to represent you here among the people of Israel
