May 31 Jerusalem

Karilyn wrote a poem called, “Coming Home” which she declared as we drove.

COMING  HOME

Sing!

          Shout!

                       Laugh!

Cry in Jubilation!

For Israel is returning to her land.

Zion – Awake with joy

Dance for all your might!

The Lord is Calling,

                                 Calling,

                                                Calling you home.

Judah – stand.

You rise redeemed

Lift your hands and sing!

For Israel is returning to her land!

2 Chronicles 6:32-33 – Solomon’s prayer to God for foreigners was never more meaningful “Also concerning the foreigner who is not from Your people Israel, when he comes from a far country for Your great name’s sake and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm, when they come and pray toward this house, then hear from heaven,  from your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name, and fear You as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I built is called by Your name.” Lord, may Your people return home.

Our first stop in Jerusalem was at the Davidson Center where we watched a virtual 3-D reconstruction of the Temple Mount based on actual archaeological evidence. Then we walked through the ruins and observed the evidence! 

Flagging on the Southern Steps

On the Southern Steps of the Old City, we were finally in a place where we could be certain that Jesus had once walked. We filmed dancing and declaration. It is a great sadness to the Jewish people that not even one stone of the Temple itself remains as it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD and now the Muslims have built The Dome of The Rock on the very spot. Every Jewish marriage ceremony recalls the longing for the Temple as the bride and groom symbolically crush a glass.

Schultz Family on the steps of the Temple Mount where Jesus would have walked!

As we neared the Western Wall of the Temple Mount and then as we walked in the streets of the Old City, we realized the fulfillment of Zechariah 8:5: “The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there.” Tomorrow is Jerusalem Day and already the streets are filled with school children and Birthright young adults. Jerusalem Day celebrates the 1967 liberation and reunification of Jerusalem which had been under Jordanian rule, now once more under Israeli rule. Great excitement was in the air! We shared quiet contemplative moments at the Western or Wailing Wall.

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School students rejoicing near the Western Wall

After which we walked through the famous Zion Gate, sang a couple of songs to some more students and continued on into the City of David. Another completely new experience awaited: a 45 minute historic trek through Hezekiah’s Tunnel complete with cool, refreshing water (over our knees at times!) “Singing and rejoicing, we bumped our heads and arms as we made our way under the city through to the light at the end of the tunnel where the Pool of Siloam pool was recently discovered.” Peter Firth

Hezekiah's Tunnel

During supper back at Psagot, we were joined by Chris Mitchell, CBN’s Bureau Chief for the Middle East. This amazing day ended with prayer for Chris and his family.

May 30 Jordan River, Qumran, Genesis Land

May 30, Monday

After spending an enjoyable weekend at Ron Beach Hotel along the Sea of Galilee or the Kennaret as it is now called, we departed southbound along Israel’s eastern border. Arriving at Kaser El Yehud, a baptismal site on the Jordan River provided a first time sight of Israeli soldiers on one side of the Jordan and Jordanian soldiers on the other. 

This was a very special experience because six of our family were baptized in the same river that Jesus had been. For us it was evidence of desire to go deeper with God. Prayer for our family, filming, and worshipping through dance made it very meaningful. Costas spoke of worship being akin to digging wells. We’re not responsible for the water in the well, only to dig. There is great value in continuing to dig beyond the first bit of water so that more water can be held. The well diggers are the musicians who do the work even if other just stand around and watch.

Singing to the Israel Defense Force Soldiers at the Jordan River

The most hot and dusty stop followed with teaching and photos at the site of where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered at Qumran. The great honor the Jews have placed on the Torah was very evident. 

Karilyn pointing at the possible location of discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea is vast although it is shrinking. We observed a massive program to retain the water for tourist hotels along the Sea. The most exciting things was seeing the fresh water reeds and other vegetation growing where the water has receded. This hot and dusty experience was rewarded with a float and mud bath in the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth. Our children really are bonding with the other 5 young people on our journey.

Mud bath in the Dead Sea

A delightful and insightful experience awaited us for supper as we rode camels to “Abraham’s” bedouin tent. Those camel saddles potentially cause nasty bruises, as Kristi can attest. Abraham’s gracious hospitality included 3 courses and dessert which we enjoyed while lounging on mats around low tables! The desert surrounded us as we watched a quick sunset. 

May 29 Beautiful People of the Land

Part 1 from the "pen" of Kristi

The moments have slipped into days filled with wonderful, unexpected joy and the overflow of learning. This day began with a strong swelling in my spirit to sing love over the people of Israel who we would meet over the course of the day, so we sang ‘My Beloved,’ the new song the Lord gave yesterday. This simple, but necessary act of intercession was soon met with another first time experience for us; a visit to the Memorial centre for the fallen Druze IDF in Daliyat al-Carmel. “Druze?” you might ask. Well let me give you a few facts about these kindred spirits:

1. The Druze take as their prophet Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law.
2. The Druze community in Israel today numbers 140,000 and continues a long history of kinship with the Jewish nation.
3. The Druze were the only Arabs who signed a covenant with the State of Israel.

How precious it was to see Dean being led by the hand around the memorial by Mr. Amal Naser El Deen, an elder in the Druze community. Personally, I had never heard of the Druze and was shocked to hear of their deep mutual respect of Israel, their participation in the wars to insure Israeli independence and safety, and their selfless acts of binding themselves to the Jews. Wow! A quote from one biography by Mr. El Deen about Mr. Begin (a former Prime Minister of Israel) says in a prayer-like way to which Christians can agree: “We will keep these chose relations and together we will build the country and protect it from enemies and strangers until we accomplish the hoped for peace.” Amen!

We were joined again by Deputy Minister Ayoob Kara whom we met last week at the Knesset. He is Druze, and a most poignant moment occurred when Mr. Kara sang HaTikvah (The Hope), Israel’s national anthem, with a heart full of passion. As a Member of the Knesset, he encourages that HaTikvah is sung often in the halls of government. If you haven’t heard the song, YouTube it or better still – come to Israel and hear this beautiful song of Hope. In English it goes as follows:

As long as deep within the heart

A Jewish soul stirs,

And forward, to the end of the East

An eye looks out, towards Zion.

Our hope is not yet lost,

The hope of two thousand years,

To be free people in our land

The land of Zion and Jerusalem.

Dr. Faydra Shapiro teaching "Eating Jewishly"

What a beautiful way to be introduced to this little-known people group, the Druze. May we all stand so strong for the Jews and for the Peace of Israel as history has proven they do. J

Part 2 (Karilyn)

Visiting with Rachel (middle) in Mitzpe Netofa.

I wanted to tell you about a special moment that also took place today. After eating a scrumptious lunch with Dr. Faydra Shapiro, a Canadian orthodox lady who made Aliyah from Ontario with her family almost three years ago, we enjoyed her  Selah Workshop. Faydra lives in Mitzpe Netofa in the Lower Galilee.  She taught us about Jewish eating customs which was very enlightening. My sisters, Stephanie Bourassa and myself were invited to the home of Rachel Jehuda who we spent Shabbat with, and it is so wonderful to build a friendship with a Jewish girl! I felt so blessed by her hospitality and kindness. Her affection for her family and God gave me a bigger love for her people.

Part 3 (Kathleen)

This part of the blog consists of the discovery of the Brethren of Early Christianity community in Magen Shaul, not far from Afula. Before we came to Israel, our family was privileged to spend several days at the Return Ministries’ base in SW Ontario. While we were there, we had the opportunity to tour the Brethren Farm in Bright, ON, and were informed that the arms of the Brethren of Early Christianity stretch overseas to Israel. The Brethren’s desire to bless the Jews was seen in Israel yesterday! We were able to visit and see the wonderful enterprises the Brethren have become involved in and hear their amazing testimonies of grace, mercy, humbleness, and faith. I saw that since these families choose to align themselves with Israel they are being blessed in the shadow of His wing.  

The Brethren factory that we visited in Magen Shaul.

These Brethren in Israel are people that want to remain hidden so that all the glory will go to God! How humbling is that!? It was beautiful to come together as sisters and brothers in unity, showing our support for one another and having a deep love that was based upon Christ’s love for us!

This entry was also published at http://return-to-israel.com/2011/05/

May 28 Shabbat

Dr. Jair Yehuda, daughter Rachel, son Noam with his wife, Yaffa and their 2 girls, shared singing and teaching with us for most of the afternoon. They are Orthodox Jews who love the Torah, Hashem (the Lord), their children, the land of Israel for starters. Last night when we welcomed the Shabbat together, we saw photos of the gathering and ceremony for Jair’s grandson’s circumcision. It was special for them to share this part of their lives with us. The Jews have weekly readings from the Torah called Parsha, this week’s parsha reading comes from Numbers 3. Redeeming this first born son was part of the ceremony.

Here’s what we’ve learned about Shabbat since participating twice: Shabbat is the only day off each week so the Jews really keep the observance seriously. There is a ceremony to welcome it and to bid it farewell, in fact the rest of the week is spent either anticipating it or glowing from it! It is primarily a time for family and the giving of blessings. Jair spoke of “the notion of the Shabbat being a gateway to ascribe to return to intimacy with the father,” and that although “the Jews kept the Shabbat, the Shabbat kept the Jews” through all these thousands of years. One more significant thing Jair shared was when we reconnect with God, the earth responds! Things will grow. We were introduced to a new website that Dean Bye, Jair and others are involved in developing which will facilitate communication between Jews, Christian Zionists and Muslim Zionists! The goal is to study the Bible and to seek a greater understanding of God and each other to spark the development of unity! Praise the Lord for e-noam. Another aspect of Jewishness that I want to learn more about is celebrating the Biblical feasts such as Passover (thanks Mom for a really great start), Tabernacles, and Harvest. 

BELOVED ONE

 (written by Karilyn during our time in Galilee inspired by Isaiah 60, 62)

Nations shall see Your victory

Every king Your majesty

 You shall be called by a new name

A name that the Lord will bestow

On you, on you

Oh Jerusalem, O Zion

The name His delightful One

 The name His Glorious Crown

 A Bride who’s waiting for her Groom

 The name His Beloved One

The Name His Shinning Star

A bride that’s being called to her Groom

Nations shall see Your radiance

 HaShem’s presence over you

Your sons shall be brought from afar

All returning to You and calling You

So hear the Voice of your Deliverer

 Hear the Voice of your Redeemer

 Rise up and embrace your place as His pure Brides

May 27 Journey to Galilee

Date Palms growing in the desert

Kristi, Kathleen, and Karilyn dancing with Monica Di Francesco

Monica prayed as we left Psagot that we would be able to dance and worship the Lord! Driving through dusty hilly desert, a few minutes later our bus driver, Amos, stopped the overheated bus. We were in the Jordan Valley. The girls changed into their lovely costumes and danced on the road and on a gravel path with Monica. People drove by with varied reactions (mostly Palistinians - their license plates were white with green print; Jewish license plates are yellow with white print). Then a family with 6 daughters stopped to meet us. Perhaps the sacrifice of praise drew them (the temp was above 30 degrees and blazing sun), perhaps curiosity but at the end Dan spoke to the father who gave us his name and phone number(!) and told us there were many Muslims in these hills that want to live as Israelis peacefully (not as the Palistinians who reject Israel’s nationhood).We took pictures of them, Stephanie gave Canadian flags and pencils, they smiled a lot, we smiled a lot too. :) 

We reached our destination in Tiberius, along the Sea of Galilee, just after 2:30 in order to join Daniel Carmel on the vessel, Faith. Daniel came to faith in Yeshua through the witness of Christian who snag to the Lord on his boat over the years and now he enthusiastically sings lovely worship songs. The Shabbat was welcomed in with Jair Yehuda and family at the Ron Beach Hotel in Tiberius. 

May 26 Elon Moreh

Karilyn wrote this poem, “Beloved Israel” before we left home and it seemed so appropriate to read and proclaim it today: 

Once Lost

Now Found

A Price Paid

A Life Given

For a Life Taken

Do you hear a call?

A call filled with Hope

Sung from a Heart

                                Once weeping

                                                Now singing

Carrying Sheaves sown

Sown in Joy

Arise and Return

Alive and Reborn

Today started with a journey to Elon Moreh, where few Jews and Christians travel. Our guide, Gershon, lives in this beautiful village with his wife and six children. We saw schools, neat homes and yards, some with rose bushes fully blooming. 

Mount Gerizim, the mountain of blessing and Mount Ebal, the mountain of cursing can be clearly seen from here in the region of Manasseh. See Deuteronomy 11: 29 - 31. Although there has been much media and Muslim opposition to Elon Moreh, it is land clearly given to the Jewish people by God. We could see the ancient city of Shechem, where the patriarch, Joseph’s bones are buried, which has been renamed Nebulus by the Muslims.

John and David with an unexpected find.

A hill top overlooking Elon Moreh and Shechem

We were served a delicious lunch by Nir and Shira Lavi on the top of Mount Gerizim in a quaint building. They are fulfilling Amos 9: 13 - 15 with a pioneering spirit and diligent labour.

Then a guide from the Shomron Liaison Office joined us to view the three seas: the Sea of Galilee, the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. Here in the heartland of Israel we made Biblical declarations and our dancers worshipped the Lord of the dance. 

We then travelled to Itamar where a random act of terrorism in March, 2011, killed some residents. You can read about the Fogel family at  www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=211863 

Kathleen was moved to pen this song from a possible perspective of Tamar:

Oh what a price we’ve paid,

The pain won’t go away,

For to live a life,

Taking a stand against the strife

Father, Mother gone,

My life is turned around,

Hope is fading now,

Yet I’ll hold on, hold on

For You, O Lord, are my strong tower (yeah),

You, O Lord, are my Saviour,

And I’ll put my trust in You, I’ll put my trust in You

I will not be moved, my feet are planted here,

I will not release the promise from You

Stretching out my hand

For unity – in the nation,

Turning my cheek – to the left,

Oh help me, God

Understand me, here’s my story, in the land together, in harmony

We traveled to Givot Olam Organic Farm where this hardworking and enterprising Jewish family sells organic meat and milk products. We were privileged to enter an amazing ancient wine cellar built at the time of Joshua while in the preparatory stages for becoming a tourist attraction! 

At Shiloh

Hillel, another guide joined us as we journeyed to Shiloh to the site where the ark of God stood in Shiloh for 369 years. As we listened to Hillel, I investigated a square meter of vegetation around  the rock I sat on. The varieties of plants (some succulent, some wiry, others wispy, or thick) reminded me of the varieties of people in Israel with the same possibility of mutually beneficial relationships! We had an extended time of intercession, worship, mediation, singing and joy as the Lord met each of us among the ruins of where His glory presence dwelt. 

Resting in Psagot

Tired yet with full hearts, we finally reached Psagot, where we returned to familiar sleeping quarters.

Sleeping in the vineyard

May 25 Jerusalem

After a sleep in the vineyard (which is actually an act of intercession), between the young grape trees, Kathleen, Karilyn, David, John and a few others joined us for a quick 6:30 am breakfast. We are staying in an Orthodox Jewish community (amazing?!!) in the Benjamin Region in the dwelling the vineyard owner and his family (beautiful people) lived in until last fall. 

Our first stop was on the Mount of Olives where we continued to film teaching, worshipful dancing and amazing views. Some tasks our children have engaged in: lugging equipment, assisting in footage being filmed, holding the boom mic, dancing, singing, acting, playing guitar, still photography, and last but not least being joyful! It is such a blessing! :) We are learning so much and looking forward to sharing what we have learned. 

Filming in Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives

John, Kathleen (brown headscarf) and David helping with filming

Schultz family

After leaving the Mount, we walked down the very steep Prophet’s Trail and observed hundreds of graves/tombs on both sides of the Kidron Valley. We could easily see where the East Gate of the walls of Jerusalem has been blocked off by Muslims who want to prevent Ezekiel 43:4. Apparently some have paid even $60,000 to have a spot. Another striking comment was Muslims in the US wanted to build a mosque on the site of the Twin Towers just like they built the Dome of the Rock mosque on the Temple Mount site and actually on every Biblically significant site in Israel (Bethlehem, Shechem - renamed Nabulus). 

In the Garden of Gethsemane, we were reminded to “watch and pray with Jesus” so that Israel would not be handed over into the hands of sinners. 

One of the very ancient Olive trees in Gethsemane

Israel's Knesset

We then traveled to the Knesset (Israel Parliament) for a visit with 3 Members of the Knesset. We met Mendi, the gentleman who burned the “midnight oil” for Antoinette’s sake. Once through security, we were warmly welcomed as these men acknowledged we Christians and Jews are all people of the Book! There are actually monthly meetings in the Knesset for an established Christian Alliance Caucus. They spoke warmly about the results of our recent Canadian election. :) Some nuggets: Israel is at the front of the West (If Israel is strong, the West is strong), Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, our coming has a strong effect (it comforts and encourages). Kristi, Kathleen, Karilyn, David and John sang the song Kristi had written - it was so cool! Then on the street across from the Knesset, the song was given once again to a group of girls on a field trip. When Dean Bye, Return Ministries director, blessed the girls and said may they all be mothers with many children, their hearts were so open! 

Next stop was the International Israeli Christian Caucus Headquarters where we were excited to learn of the alliance the Israeli government seeks with Christians. See www.iiacf.org 

May 24 Neot Kedumim and Psagot Winery

May 24 brought the most wonderful entrance of Antoinette at breakfast - our God is SOOO amazing! - you can learn about the miracle of Antoinette’s release from an Israeli Detention Cell and a summary of our activities on Tuesday at http://return-to-israel.com/2011/05/24/film-tour-update-tuesday-may-24-nothing-is-impossible-for-god/

Pomegranate blossoms in Neot Kedumim

John working the water wheel in Neot Kedumim

Excitement with the unrolling of an ancient Torah Scroll at Neot Kedumim

Part of our tour of Neot Kedumim (a beautiful fulfillment of Is 55:13 and Is 35:1), a Nature Reserve in the West Bank. See www.neot-kedumim.org.il/public/english/what/what.htm  Our guide lead us through a very meaningful dramatic reader’s theater of the story of Ruth where our Karilyn was Ruth and it was very moving. 

Karilyn in front of a grinding wheel.

At our last stop at the Psagot Winery and Benjamin Visitor’s Centre we watched 3 very well produced multimedia presentations in 3 different theaters 1. Yaakov Berg’s story (the way God worked in his heart to stay in Israel rather than follow the path of a promising career in the UK), 2. Israel’s journey to obey Hashem, 3. a game to get to know facts about Israel and especially the Benjamin area and how vital it is to all of Israel.  www.psagotwines.com/102442/About We have learned that for a vineyard to produce marketable wine it takes at least 7 years, which is an evidence that the people are setting down roots and plan to remain. Wine is very important to Jewish people and this is difficult for our family given our choice of position on that topic. (Since we have close relatives on both side of Kim’s family that struggle with alcoholism, we choose to abstain.) 

May 23 Independence Hall

Schultz Family at the Mediterranean Sea

May 23 began with a run on the beach for the girls. We explored a street market later and the girls purchased some lovely articles of clothing. Later we caught taxis to meet our  friends from Return Ministries at Independence Hall where we were given a passionate introduction to Israel’s nationhood 63 years ago - it was like we were there on May 14, 1948. We met a large group of Jewish 18 - 25 year olds with a Birthright  group (Americans who received a free passage and 10 days in Israel to introduce them to their birthright... the land of Israel (paid for by US philanthropists). At that museum we saw a photo of Tel Aviv 102 years ago - sand dunes! Independence Hall was the former home of one of the first settlers. Amazing!

Independence Hall, Tel Aviv, Israel
Front: Birthright group
Far Right group: Return Ministries group

May 22 Our First Day in Israel

Tel Aviv, Israel

Dan with new friend, Omar

Our Israel Adventure has truly begun! Before arriving we had read that perhaps one purpose in traveling to Israel was to bring comfort to the people of Israel. I wondered how fulfillment of Is 40:1 might appear.

We arrived on May 22 about 4:00 pm and were greeted by Isaac (front desk) and Omar (cook) at the Gilgal Hotel in Tel Aviv. After unloading our gear we all walked the 3 blocks to the Mediterranean Sea. 

Enroute to the beach we noticed a gathering like a rally on the sidewalk parallel to the beach. Lots of Israeli flags, shouting, and singing set us to pondering. We came upon 2 men bearing flags waiting to cross the road at the same time as us. Dan asked them if it was a rally, to which they replied affirmatively. They said they were gathering to protest Obama’s speech of a few days ago (in front of the US Embassy Office). Dan related that we were from Canada and that we support Israel. The men gave us genuine smiles of appreciation. Ahhhh....comfort!

The Mediterranean Sea was amazing: clean water, fine sand, and refreshing relatively warm water! Omar provided a feast for Gilgal guests but especially for us. He was so generous! We felt the Lord saying, “Welcome to My Land, Welcome to Israel!”

May 20 - Warwick

Castles, Princesses, Battles, Ramparts, Rose Gardens, Chivalry, Knights in Shining Armor.... sigh! 

Yesterday, dreams came true as my family and the Talbots took in the marvelous sites of Warwick Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in the 10th century and continually kept up to the times by royals such as Henry VIII,  Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria, and Diana, Princess of Wales, Warwick Castle was a beautiful, family fun experience (my personal highlight of the England leg of our Schultz Adventures). 

God blessed us with a very unique experience! We were asked when we entered the castle if we wanted to be the Trebuchet runners (medieval peasants who would run in the hamster wheel of an 80 ft. catapult!). Of course we said yes! And before we knew it, James, Kathleen, Karilyn, David, and myself were being trained as ‘hamsters’ to power this 7 ton war machine; the only ones to control it for that day with an audience of a few hundred watching across a small river. 

“Walking around the ramparts and walls of the castle was amazing!” - John

                  No words need be spoken about this photo.. ;)

“The strong contrast between the dungeons and the church upstairs made it very hard for me to see their real love for God.” - Dan 

“The wax figures were so extremely life like! So freaky!” - Kathleen

                   Met her majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

“The roles that people filled as actors were wonderfully done, it felt surreal to be on top of a castle in England and exciting to work the catapult!” - Kari

                   Our catapult crew ready to rumba!

All in all, an experience I would love to redo again! And we would all deeply recommend it- Catapults and all!

~ Kristi