Stay The Course

Today we took them to the Golan Heights. We pointed out Hazor in the upper Galilee, as we’ve recently covered this in Joshua’s northern conquest. They had a study at Tel Dan, where Jeroboam built one of the two golden calves. We covered Matthew 16 at Caesarea Philippi, then we took them to Bental overlooking Syria and did a brief overview of Ezekiel 38. On the at back to our hotel, we stopped by an old tank for a photo and Olea Essence olive product company.

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The 1st 2 days of Bible sites were as follows: Caesarea – where Paul was imprisoned and gave his testimony in Acts 26. Carmel, where Elijah called down fire. Megiddo, at Solomons palace, where Josiah ended poorly & where The Antichrists armies will gather in the Valley of Megiddo. Then on the Galilee, where Jesus walked. Beatitudes (the Holy Spirit pressed upon us to finish with a prayer meeting), Tabgbah, Peter do you love me more than these? Capernaum, where so much occurred, and the Arbel possibly one of the mounts that Jesus climbed.

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On Thanksgiving the team sifted through Temple Mount debris. It was fascinating! Our archeologist was very informative. He told the team they exceeded expectations. It was a good day, we found many items, some over 2500 years old. One of our team members actually found a bead. Another found an item with gold.

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In the end we processed 15k lbs, 1200 crates which would feed 7000 families! One of the managers asked for my name and make a statement for why we are doing this. She then said she was so impressed with the teams energy and enthusiasm! She’s never seen a team work like our SOM team! We give glory to the Lord, they left a great witness!

Our foreman, my new friend Nibal. He’s a hard worker known for his long term commitment. He’s been here for 12 years. He told me in his broken English that he “loves it” as he pointed to his heart. Once we would fill the order he would move the order with a hand fork lift to the refrigerator.

Our team was assigned to a foreman would have us fill out an order. That would consist of various fruits/vegetables that would go to a non profit. It could be 15 crates of eggplant, 10 crates of lemons, 13 crates of sweet potatoes etc. The red crate layers would be staggered and interlock.

Today we served at the Leket distribution center. Over 600 farmers contribute unused produce to Leket here. They also have an operation that collects unused food from hotels as well. They serve 273,000 people every week. Volunteers come and help to organize and get the food out to the non profit orgs throughout the year. At least 22,000 volunteers have come so far in 2022. There is no money involved, only donations from donors pay for it and the employees.

The produce is delivered by the farmers in these huge containers.

We were separated into 2 teams. This team is acting as quality assurance, placing the good clementines into the smaller red crates. The bad are tossed into another bin for disposal.

After we finished at Leket. We took the team to Joppa. That’s where Jonah caught a one way ticket to Nineveh. I mean, he didn’t think he was going there, but God changed the itinerary on him. Also my favorite, the story of Dorcas being raised from the dead. Of course, it’s where Simon the tanners house is. That’s where the Lord arranged for Peter to meet Cornelius the centurion, and for Cornelius to be saved. It’s the beginning of the gospel going to the Gentiles. It’s ground zero for us gentiles. Pastor Tony taught a great Bible study in Acts 10. Then they had a great lunch.

Today we were glad to serve with Leket (gleanings). It’s considered the national food bank. Obviously after the command in Leviticus 19.9-10. It’s also carried out in the book of Ruth. The Israeli’s were supposed to leave some of the crops for the stranger, or in todays age it’s for the poor. Leket serves 273,000 families each week!

Today, we were picking Kohlrabi. Some of them were at least 3 or 4 pounds! The team really got after it. They picked at least 4,800 lbs that will go to at least 1,200 families. It’s a tremendous system and it was good to be a part of it today.

The SOM kids made it to Israel full of faith and enthusiasm. Low on sleep. Had a good meal and got to their rooms looking forward to their first day of service. We’ll be harvesting fruit for Leket (Hebrew “gleanings”). They distribute food to the poor. Our hotel is 1.1 miles from Simon the Tanners house. If we have time this afternoon I’ll take them on a hike and ask for the other Simon.