HAIFA

Rev 16:16

And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. The word Armageddon comes from the Hebrew word for hill "Har" and "Megiddo", which is the mountain across from Mount Carmel. It is in this valley that the Great and Last Battle is to take place.

The Valley of Jezreel toward Megiddo from Mount Carmel. 

This sculpture depicts Elijah cutting off the heads
of his enemies at Mt. Carmel 1 Kings 18:40

1 Kings 18:20-40 tells the story of how Elijah tested all the other false prophets and their gods. Each of them brought an offering and made an alter for their gods to see whose god was in fact more powerful and able to listen to their calling. Of course the pagans and the idols did no good. ONLY Adonai Elohim, the LORD GOD, listened to Elijah when he asked him to bring down fire from heaven onto the altar of sacrifice, and even after it was completely drenched with buckets of water.

Drew Grizzle mimics the compass map on the rooftop at Mt. Carmel that points out the direction of important cities in the surrounding area, including the Meditteranean, surrounding countries, and small cities around the Valley of Jezreel.

While in Haifa we had the privilege of staying in a bed and breakfast of some Christian friends.  They welcomed us as if it were our home and we enjoyed much fellowship with their family.

THE CITY OF HAIFA

Haifa is a port city in the northern part of Israel. It is also a large city that is culprit to modern living and lifestyle. A big New Age movement is prevalent and here is where I met the first people of the Druz religion that I had not known about before; they are a religion derived from Muslim religion.

The Bahai Temple is a prominent monument and museum open to the public and greatly visited. It marks the extent of freedom of religion Israel allows, regardless of the historical and biblical fact that it the Holy Land was given to the Jews by God, wherin he desired only ONE Temple to be built in Jerusalem.

Drew Grizzle, Steve Vigil, Stacy Abel and Melissa Smith, students from the Bible College in Jerusalem, joined me on this visit to Haifa to complete their community service requirement. Only certain people are allowed in the inner Temple.

 The "perfection" remade in the Bahai garden exemplifies how unauthentic man's recreation of God's religion and the Garden of Eden is. However, many in the world, and even in Haifa are amazed by the manmade ideas and wonders that leave out the One True God of Israel. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Where the Law was given through Moses and passed on to Joshua. Joshua then began to conquer this land and is given the go ahead to take possession of these promises for Israel. (Joshua 1)

Steve Vigil and friends by the Meditteranean Sea

Car Hotel?

Under Construction with bright bears climbing up

Drew Grizzle, our worship leader from CCBC Jerusalem,
and Robyn Miller from HSE, lead worship on the
Monday night Bible Study.

CALVARY CHAPEL HAIFA


Calvary Chapel Haifa is a "Satellite church Plant" that Calvary Chapel Tel Aviv heads. While the Bible College students were visiting, Bryan Harrington was conducting Monday night Bible studies from the ministry house found close to downtown.





The Bible study group is fairly small and beginning. Some outreach and street evangelism is done in the city to bring more people from the community in.

Melissa Smith, Drew Grizzle and Robyn Miller do worship.
Bryan Harrington teaches and Patrick's parents, another resident missionary,
worship along.

A New Ministry building is being built a little ways away, large enough to house homeless, be used for ministry, have a coffee house, and possibly classrooms in the upstairs. The Bible College students and I helped clean up, throw out trash, puddy holes, and paint.  This building is currently being opened downstairs to invite passerbys for cookies and coffee until more funding or work on the building is done.

Steve Vigil and Odell Burton plugging holes up in the walls.

This is the front room and future coffeehouse freshly painted.

The upstairs has many rooms but is still in dire need of construction skilled missionary volunteers. Drywall, plumbing and painting experts would help greatly to fix up the much needed repairs and prepare the building for future ministry use.

Drew Grizzle and Stacy Abel help sweep up the dust and dirt.

Melissa Smith cleans the blinds in the open area downstairs.

This is the upstairs back hallway with a back door needing much wall and ceiling repair.

upper rooms

This is an example of the extent of work needed.
This is a leaky faucet that has caused mold and mildew to accrue and paint to come off and should
altogether be replaced.

If you would like to inquire about forming a group of Construction experts to raise funds and volunteer for as long as possible or needed please contact me or Calvary Chapel Tel Aviv at:

Alexandrah:   Alexandrah777@gmail.com
Calvary Chapel Tel Aviv:    info@calvarytelaviv.org

Thank you and Shalom!

TEL AVIV

Tel Aviv waves on a good day, usually only when there's
a storm brewing in the Meditteranean

Israeli Pride

Proverbs 30:4

Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment?                                                            


Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, If you know?

The Original Surfboard and Grandfather
of Tel Aviv's Surf Shop. Started in 1967 when an
American surfer gifted the first Israeli a surfboard.

Outside of the Holy City, Israel is caught up in the Worldiness, "Modernism" and "Postmodernism" like any other Third World country today.  Holiness seems forgotten in general as the beach city is full of modern lifestyle and living. Above, at a free local festival and exhibit, half-naked and nude bodies are used as ephemeral canvases for artists to display their best work. Below, at sunset, as the Bible College students are studying at the park beach by the Meditteranean, a group of Jews rise up to pray toward Jerusalem. Even in the midst of this "lost" city, the Israeli Jews honor an ancient practice of prayer toward the Western Wall.

Local Graffiti Art

CALVARY CHAPEL TEL AVIV

Calvary Chapel Tel Aviv is founded and headed by Stephen and Patricia Apple; resident Pastor and missionaries from Calvary Chapel Vista, Ca. They have been faithfully serving in Tel Aviv for more than 7 years. They have a heart to reach out to the poor of Israel and the local Jews and non-Jews. Currently their Saturday, Sabbath, services are held in the skyscraper Metropolitan Hotel's banqueting hall, off the coast of the Mediterranean by the boardwalk in downtown Tel Aviv.

The hotel is generous to also provide refreshments, coffee, and pastries for the church. Students from the Bible College frequented this fellowship for fellowship, church, and even helped out to set up sound equipment when needed.
On the left standing up is Robyn Miller, resident missionary from Horizon School of Evangelism who has been serving here for over a year and is the worship leader when present.

Midweek studies are held at a ministry apartment that also houses visiting missionaries, a local "adopted" Israeli soldier, and many supplies and clothing for the ministry. The above photo is taken after a Wednesday study taught by Bryan Harrington, resident missionary and assistant pastor. On the left is Alex and Pauly, visiting missionaries, who spent 6 months living and serving here during this time. In this kitchen the food is prepared for the local park outreach depicted below.

Pauly is at the serving table after the local poor have received and eaten their food. They are also given a bag of toiletries, clothing, prayer, and an invitation to come to other ministries offered throughout the week.
On the right Patricia Apple is chatting with Priscilla Pascual, former servant at Tel Aviv, and other locals of the church.

^{Matthew 25
34} Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.'

Pauly, a local from the church, and Pat Apple after the outreach.

Alexandrah, Priscilla, and more frequenters of this outreach and the church.
Some of which found out about the church through this outreach and find family,
comfort and physical help from the church.

Most of the homeless in this park are Sudanese refugees that have come to Israel with nothing and are now living in the park under the trees. Here we see their "living quarters" and "comfortable" beds on mattresses in the park. Their situation is so difficult in Sudan that they find greater rest in these circumstances. It is these kind of people that the Apples have had a heart to reach. It is here that they receive help in their time of need.

Matthew 22:10
So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.


To find out more about Calvary Chapel Tel Aviv and if you would like to donate for the furtherment of their ministry please visit:

http://www.calvarytelaviv.org/ccta/welcome.html

Tel Aviv Sunset

SHALOM!

YERUSHALAYIM

Psalm 122

(ESV)

Let Us Go to the House of the Lord

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

122 I was glad when they said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
² Our feet have been standing
    within your gates, O Jerusalem!

³ Jerusalem—built as a city
    that is bound firmly together,
⁴ to which the tribes go up,
    the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
    to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
⁵ There thrones for judgment were set,
    the thrones of the house of David.

⁶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
    “May they be secure who love you!
⁷ Peace be within your walls
    and security within your towers!”
⁸ For my brothers and companions' sake
    I will say, “Peace be within you!”
⁹ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your good.

The Eastern Gate or "Golden Gate" where the Messiah is prophesied to enter through.  This wall has been blocked off by Muslim authorities and a Muslim cemetery is laid in front of the wall. All in hopes that it will prevent the Messiah from entering in. The Jews believe Messiah will enter in through this gate and then sit on the throne of the new Temple, the next temple they are waiting to build. Christians know that these details won't stop Yeshua from returning.

Full view of The Western Wall Plaza at night.

The Men at the Western Wall fill this area every day around the clock at different times to pray for their people, nation,  future and especially the rebuilding of the next Temple. The Western Wall is the only original remaining wall of the 2nd Temple destroyed in 70 AD.


Joshua 1 (NKJV)

God’s Commission to Joshua

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: ² “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. ³ Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. ⁴ From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. ⁵ No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. ⁶ Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. ⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

WHAT TO LOVE ABOUT THE OLD CITY

OF YERUSHALAYIM

Night view from the top of the Imperial hotel into the Christian Quarter by the Jaffa Gate. You can also see a section here of the moat that surrounds David's Tower.

We can only imagine the future,
New Jerusalem, will be made up of
GOLD,
and lit up by the presence of the
LORD OF LORDS.

Night view of the Moslem Quarter that is quiet and
empty since the shops are closed.
The Golden lighting against the Jerusalem
 stones gives the Old City
it's spectacular aura like no other city.

View of Yerushalayim from the top of Mount of Olives.

The New Gate. In Between the Damascus Gate and Jaffa Gate,

this enters also into the Moslem Quarter.

Entering Yerushalayim by Jaffa Gate entrance.

Exiting the Old City through Damascus Gate one must walk through the Muslim Quarter, one of 4 quarters that divide the Old City of Yerushalayim. This is the gate that Muslims believe Yesu, or Eesa (Jesus) will come through instead of the Eastern Gate.

THE JEWS

   

Traditional Jewish Barmitzva by the entrance of the
Temple Mount and the Western Wall Plaza.    

Traditional Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter Plaza.

This is a separate celebration of Independence for the Jews of when they won back the city of Yerushalayim. They fill the day with party and parades. Although they celebrate winning the city, the Old City continues to be divided being oppressed by the Muslim authorities. The oppression goes both ways throughout the land but is more evident of in Yerushalayim.

The Jews are God's Chosen People according to the Torah and
the Christian Bible. They were put in charge of taking care of the
Oracles of God. They have a definite place in Israel today.
And a definite role in the future.

 Male Orthodox Jews from a young age spend much time here studying the Torah, Tehillin, and other holy books. We see them praying by the Western Wall, especially on the Sabbath. They dress only in black and white everyday with traditional Yamakas and not so traditional Top hats. They keep separate of any other fashion or world culture besides this ensemble. They still pray and await the Messiah to come and reign and truly free their nation from oppressors of today.

THE ISRAELI DEFENSE FORCES

Through the Old City's corridors are many walkways covered from floor to wall with Jerusalem stones. Below, the Defense Forces gather in the coldesac of our very own housing at Imperial Hotel.

                                          

Israeli Soldiers on Jerusalem Day in the Jewish Quarter.

Even the women are fully equipped for combat.

All Israelis, men and women, are required to enroll in the Israeli Defense Forces at the age of 18 until 20.  They are not only trained for combat and stationed throughout bases around Israel, but they are also toured around Yerushalayim and taught the reasons for their battle. As they sit in front of the encased Golden Menorah, they learn about Israel's history and future hope, to instill in every Israeli an understanding of their existence.

THE CELEBRATIONS AND HOLY DAYS

Jerusalem Day Celebrations in the Jewish Quarter. 

All the Holy Days are filled with much celebration and parading throughout the city.
Here the Scottish Arab Christians have been parading all day into the night
in celebration of Resurrection Day of Yeshua Meshiach, or Eesa Al Masih.

Celebratory Fireworks on Israeli Independence Day in the Central area by the Western Wall Plaza and the Temple Mount. This marks the day that Israel became a nation, AGAIN, in 1948.

Palm Sunday

 Pesach

and Good Friday

THE BIBLICAL HISTORY

Remnants of original stones from the Destruction of the Temple Walls. It is believed by many that the ark of the covenant is buried underneath the walls of the Temple Mount today.

This is the highest point of the Temple Mount.  In the temptation of Jesus, this is where Satan was said to have taken Jesus when he was in the wilderness to show him the kingdoms of the world that he would give him if Jesus would bow and worship him.

 The Golden Menorah is about 45 tons with 90 pounds of gold. This is the actual Menorah housed outside in the Jewish Quarter that is ready to be used in the upcoming Temple that all Jews look forward to being built soon, as they wait the Messiah.

At the Temple Institute they collect information and house models, historical records, and the pieces of the Temple that will be used once it is rebuilt. The Temple Institute serves to educate and offer resources for those who wish to learn about the future Temple or help in the building of the 3rd Temple.

Walking through Hezekiah's Tunnel in feet deep water. This was the hidden water system in case of siege or war to allow the city to receive water from outside sources if in need.

THE LIFE

Mamila Mall, just outside the Jaffa Gate, is filled with outdoor sculptured art.

 

Mahane Yehuda Market, also called "The Shuk", is the open air market in the outer city of Jerusalem.

Coca cola... in Arabic it looks like it says Jesus to some of us

Turkish coffee served Arabic style with Robert Hamilton

Christian Quarter goods for sell

Israeli 'kit-kat'

local art displays

Believers in Yeshua worship Hashem in Hebrew and English

 

Arab Catholics recount the steps of Jesus down the Via Dolorosa carrying their cross, literally. 

THE LANDSCAPE

From the opposite side of the Mount of Olives Bible College students enjoy the fellowship and view of the Dead Sea and the En Gedi Desert. 

The Kidron Valley. Jewish students take a field trip day on Jerusalem Day walking this path. Yeshua Meshiach is prophesied to step on the Mount of Olives followed by an earthquake that will cause a river to run through this valley and fill the Dead Sea with life from Yerushalayim. Zecharaiah 14:4

THE EXCAVATIONS

Jerusalem is built city upon city. This is a work in progress of excavations to uncover
further historical evidences.

Model of the Old City and outer areas.

The only original wall from Nehemiah's time, found in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. This also gives example of how the actual city walls of the city must have been completely different than the walls found today. The Gates also differ from what is written in the Book of Nehemiah. And this wall would split through into the Jewish Quarter found today.

Typical Tower slits from David's Tower in the Old City.

Outside of the Old City, piles of excavated rubble from the Temple Mount are still being explored for further historical evidences. The authorities have prevented excavations on site, therefore they are done outside the walls today and have found everything from pottery to coins and bone fragments.

 JERUSALEM BIBLICAL ZOO

This is an example of scriptures recorded above biblical animals found in the Bible.

A small remake of Noah's Ark and Museum.

OUR MUSLIM AND ARAB FRIENDS

Leviticus 19

(NKJV)

³³ ‘And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. ³⁴ The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

Tzadiki is Arabic for friends. We spent some time with our newly made Muslim friends in Yerushalayim building peaceful relationships.

Snicker Chocolate Christian Bible College Student Cake.

Our Muslim friends visited us at the Imperial Hotel for one of our students', Odell's, birthday.
The owners of the hotel, also Muslim, have welcomed our school as
true Christians by example.

Spreading the Whosoever Love in Yerushalayim.

John 3:16

Jack. Our front door juice man and Christian brother. In Israel many Arabs are also Christian. On our off time the students helped him peel carrots. He disappeared for a little while helping his father that was sick.

Raymond's. Our local grocery store by our classrooms in the Muslim quarter.

Ezekiel 47:21-23

(NKJV)

²¹ “Thus you shall divide this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. ²² It shall be that you will divide it by lot as an inheritance for yourselves, and for the strangers who dwell among you and who bear children among you. They shall be to you as native-born among the children of Israel; they shall have an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. ²³ And it shall be that in whatever tribe the stranger dwells, there you shall give him his inheritance,” says the Lord God.

THE TOMBS

The Holy Sepulchre Church where Catholics claim
that Jesus was buried.
This church is another one of
 Constantine's mother's claims.
The keys of this church are owned by
Muslims.

The Garden Tomb garden where Christians
believe Jesus was buried.
Another example of oppression by Muslim authorities
building on unsafe ground without
relenting to other authoritative securities.

Absalom's tomb.

Jewish Cemetery overlooking Yerushalayim at night.

Close up of the Moslem Cemetery

THE OUTER CITY OF JERUSALEM

Calvary Chapel Bible College Jerusalem at Yad Vashem, Israeli Museum of the Holocaust.

Many orphans were adopted
during the Holocaust by
selfless and compassionate outsiders

Entrance into the Children's Exhibit
at the Holocaust Museum. Inside is all darkness,
four candles reflect on an endless amount of mirrors.
This reflects the many young lives that were
lost in this catastrophe.

Israeli Capoeristas on Ben Yehuda street in the outer city
of Yerushalayim.

Local and Popularly loved Israeli coffee shop at Mamilla Mall.

WHERE GOD, DESTINY AND LOVE MEET

Indepence Day in Israel 2012!

Psalm 137:4-6

(NKJV)

⁴ How shall we sing the Lord’s song

In a foreign land?

⁵ If I forget you, O Jerusalem,

Let my right hand forget its skill!

⁶ If I do not remember you,

Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—

If I do not exalt Jerusalem

Above my chief joy.