We were honored to lead worship on our last Sabbath at Narkis Baptist in Jerusalem. This was the first time we have led as a family. Nathan finally got to play the piano instead of the drums or guitar which he had always done the last couple years in his youth group back in Spain. Renae played her flute by reading the root note of all the guitar music she had on her stand. Justin played the drum set for all but the last song when I motioned for him to come join us at the mics. Justin kicked off the the first song with a basa nova beat under “Those who Trust”, which we did as a funky blues style with harmonica. The following songs were “Beautiful One”, “Over all the Earth”, “Shout to the Lord”, “He knows my name”, “Jesus, Lover of my Soul”, and ending with “There is a Redeemer” which we sang partly a capella. The Lord blessed despite our failures, his name was glorified, and his children were encouraged. We didn’t have an offertory ready but a young friend of ours was prepared to play the piano and sing a beautiful song (The Valley) about God’s faithfulness. This fellowship has been sweet and the bible studies deep. Although I won’t be weeping on the necks of the elders like the Apostle Paul did at Ephesus, it is still sad to move away from here. Pastor Chuck and his wife Liz are amazing in their kindness, humility, knowledge, and talent.
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One of several services that blessed 1000 plus people each time. This video composite merges a sample of the worship we heard. We couldn’t see the band this time, or even the empty tomb, and the video is simply from our perspective. What was amazing was to look around and see people from all over the world sharing in joyful confidence of the risen Jesus Christ.
Afterwards we visited with believers who had come from Nigeria, India, and several other places. It is profoundly supportive to see how the good news has continued to spread from two women at an empty tomb to billions around the world. Even though multitudes of followers don’t make something true, it is encouraging that over 500 people reported to have seen Jesus alive within the few days between his resurrection and his being taken up.
On March 6, 2008, dozens of teenagers were studying in their school library in Jerusalem. Some were planning a celebration of Purim, the festival initiated in the book of Esther. Suddenly, a 25 year old Arab burst in spraying bullets from an AK-47 machine gun. Continue reading ‘Did we play soccer with those kids that were murdered?’
We found this video hiding on our computer from last year. We don’t know why it was hiding. There’s nothing to be ashamed about… but we will let the viewer decide.
Also, Nathan would like to add: “I hope you learn a juggling trick from this video!” 
Who said home schooling was boring? Not these kids!!
Singing Christmas Carols in Bethlehem’s Manger Square on Christmas Eve was interesting and mostly enjoyable. The square was packed with Arab men, hardly a women in sight. When some teens came up from behind Nathan and untuned his guitar while he was playing it, he gracefully turned it into a drum. When other boys were getting too aggressive with making sexual faces at Renae, Karen pulled her in close and returned a glare only a protective mother could give, asking, “Don’t you have a sister?” in an attempt to shame them. Many, if not most, Arabs in Bethlehem understand English because their livelihood depends on the tourist trade. Despite these uncomfortable instances, the time was great fun and many gospel tracks in Arabic were handed out.
Continue reading ‘Christmas Carols in Bethlehem and Jerusalem’
“I want to know you more” sung in Spanish at the Santa Ponsa Community Church, on the island of Mallorca, Spain, January 27, 2008, evening meeting. An hour or so before the service, Pastor Rafael mentioned that he didn’t think he had anyone to lead worship. Karen and Nathan quickly put a Spanish set together and were delighted to help out. Usually the church has plenty of talented Calvary Chapel College students to lead but the semester wasn’t starting for a few more days and most had not yet returned from Christmas break. Pastor Rafael is an excellent teacher in both English and Spanish. We had a great three day visit before flying onto Madrid. It is so nice to have family where ever we land.
Performed by Renae for a play at E.C.A., Spain. Age 13, May, 2007
| While fishing in the blue lagoon, I caught a lovely silver fish, And he spoke to me, “My boy,” quoth he, “Please set me free and I’ll grant your wish: A kingdom of wisdom? A palace of gold? Or all the fancies your mind can hold? And I said, “O.K.” and I set him free, But he laughed at me as he swam away, And left me whispering my wish Into a silent sea. |
Today I caught that fish again (That lovely silver prince of fishes), And once again he offered me, If I would only set him free, Any one of a number of wishes, If I would throw him back to the fishes. He was delicious! Shel Silverstein |