Pita Bread and Peanut Butter

Yesterday we journeyed north with our Jewish tour guide Avi to Masada, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea. Not only were we in the desert, but we were at the lowest point on the planet. As one can imagine, it was blazin'. Let's just say, they don't make SPF 400.

Masada is located in the Judean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. It was built as a refuge for King Herod in 37 BCE. Instead of walking up the plateau, we rode the cable car with 78 of our closest friends. No lie, this cable car can carry 80 people!! Once we got to the top, the view was incredible. Avi took us around the ruins of Masada and explained the historical events that occurred at this site. Masada is most famous for being a refuge for a group of rebel Jews who chose to take their own lives rather than being enslaved and murdered by the Romans in 73 BCE. Our team gathered in one of the rooms that looked out over the Judean Desert. There was a Brazilian group in the next room who had gathered to pray over the spot where so many were slain. Their intercession was beautiful and extremely encouraging. After touring Masada, we had our lunch...our 15th meal of pita bread and peanut butter!

After leaving Masada, we drove down the road to the oasis of Ein Gedi. Ein Gedi is the place where David hid when he fled from Saul. He wrote many of his Psalms in this beautiful place. It is literally, streams flowing right through the desert. Since we had been walking in the hot sun all day, a small waterfall and pool was a blessing from the Lord. Our tour guide Avi, who is originally from New York and spent some time on Broadway, took a dip with us in the waterfall! (He can sing opera AND hold his breath for a really long time!)

I'm not sure that we can accurately describe our next stop. Speedos were abundant and people who were caked in mud lined the shore. As the sea floor dropped off under each person, they were lifted to the top of the water as if on a raft. It was like being in space! They should train astronauts in the Dead Sea. The saltiness of the water is indescribable. Trey got some of the water in his mouth and almost vomited.

After we returned to the ministry house and had dinner, we walked to the church where we were finally able to meet Karen, pastor of Living Bread Ministries. She shared with us many stories of how she ended up in Israel and how she has seen God move in miraculous ways. She has incredible favor with both the Jewish and Arab people of Israel. After she shared, our team began to worship and the Holy Spirit filled the room. Each team member declared blessings of the Lord over their own life, their families' lives and the lives of others. After each declaration was made, it was sealed with a good strike of the gavel. It may have been the most powerful experience we have been a part of since we arrived. Our team opened up a lot with each other. We really bonded and the night was marked with breakthrough, love and encouragement.

Everyone is doing very well and we want to thank you again for all of your prayers!! They are powerful and effective!!

Blessings from the Holy City!
Jason and Laura