First night for Hank and Rolfe in Israel...
Hank Surbeck and Rolfe Carawan flew in last night from the US to spend a week together traveling, building relationships and worshipping in the Holy Land! It is a dream fulfilled after many years of waiting on the Lord for just the right time. And we each have a great expectation of what He has in mind after all this preparation!
We had a couple hiccups at the airport when they arrived but after we made it back to our apartment two of the three of us had enough energy left to go to Israel Pochtar's church and worship at their Friday evening Shabbat Service. It was a really sweet time with many friends and great stories we hope to share when we get home! But one thing, they prayed for Salt and Light as a Congregation and for us as we travel in Israel and me as I head into Russia after our time here. Russia has been really making things difficult for visitors from the US and Israel because of a spy exchange gone bad and recently they arrested one woman for having 7grams (1/4 of an oz.) of marijuana and sentenced her to 7 1/2 years of prison time. So the church is praying for protection and God's covering over all He has prepared for the time there.
Today we had a leisurely morning- just trying to get the brothers back on track after two grueling days of day and night travel! One of our friends here, Eli Nacht, is the deputy mayor here in Ashdod and another a dear brother who is an Int'l businessman decided to put on a wonderful BBQ for us with their families! They wanted to get Hank and Rolfe's first day in Israel off to a great start! It was very kind with great food and fellowship!
Jet lag caught up with everybody after lunch so we returned home and caught a nap before going for a walk in the beautiful Israeli evening. We were still too full from the BBQ to eat another meal so we found our way to a popular ice cream shop near by and bulked up on dessert! Somehow there is always room for ice cream!
In the morning we take turns leading a devotional relating to the Bible events that happened in whatever area we are traveling to that day. Then each night we are going to have a prayer focus for a couple hours of intercession together. Tonight we held up all of Hank's extended family and it was really a powerful time!
After each of us has had a chance to hold up our extended families together we intend to turn our intercession to ministries we are each involved in. It really is a unique opportunity to have this kind of time together with brothers who have been walking together for so many years...our heart's desire is to realize everything God has purposed for this time and share His light and love everywhere we go!
We are all so humbled and grateful for all the loved ones back home who are earnestly interceding for us and God's wonderful purpose for these days... Thank you, thank you, thank you!!