By Pastor Bobby Blakey
Israel Trip ‘08 Intro
http://www.compasschurch.org/upload/israel2008/intro.m4v
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The Israel team departs early Monday morning (today). Pastor Bobby and Brad want your suggestions of what they should do during their free day. Give them ideas in the comments on this blog and you just might see a video of them doing your suggested activity.
A day designed by us, eh? Well, I am sure we will all put on our thinking caps and plan the perfect day for you guys. Make sure those camera batteries are charged and ready to go!
Bobby and Brad… I want you to get a video of both of you on either side of one of the “goat heads” they sell in the Old City. And be sure and take a deep breath while you pose with the goat
It’s the most memorable way to thoroughly experience the authentic Jerusalem marketplace.
I’d go to the Tel Aviv Art Museum, but that may be a little boring for you guys.
Hey guys, I suggest Hezekiah’s cave. Be sure to bring the video camera to capture nothing but darkness or film one of your famous short-films in the cave….Have a great time!
Bobby, Brad and Compass family . . . Grab your shorts, sandals and a good flashlight and head to the Old City of David (overlooks the Kidron Valley) where you can take a “cool” walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel. Built in about 701 BC, the tunnel is about 1,750 feet long where you wade though 60 degree water that gets about three feet deep at times. Great way to cool off during the warm part of the day. Not recommended for the claustrophobic.
Hey guys….find a good archeology site and discover something. You could be standing over something important right now.
Let’s see some bartering…that could make a good video! But you’ve got to barter for some ridiculous item to make it really interesting…Have fun! We’re praying for you.
I like the idea of seeing you guys bartering in the Jerusalem marketplace and getting the video footage Pastor Mike described! Whatever it is you end up doing, I know we’ll love getting to watch the video of it!
Bobby! on your free day you should go eat some zainy food you have never tried before!!
Street witnessing
You should do nothing
Definitely street preaching to some Jews and Muslims — and we need a video of you guys bartering with some angry shopkeepers. Looking forward to it.
Boys, I think you should barter for a Keffiyeh and where it at the western wall.
Okay…Maybe not.
Here are some ideas, assuming you will be in Jerusalem.
1. Walk up the 15 steps to the old (Herod’s) Temple. Stop on each step and read one of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120-134).
2. Interview Shaban, the owner of the Ali Baba Souvenier Shop in the Christian Quarter of the Old City. He is the “contact” person inthe Old City for all the TMC IBEX students.
3. Have a picture of everyone eating a Magnum Bar (ice cream bars sold all over the place.) They are way better than any ice cream bar you’ll find in the OC.
4. Just for fun, walk through the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. It’s a real cross cultural expereince but they have some of the greatest food, spices, and candies anywhere. Just don’t dawdle too long.
Shalom.
Gently grab one the orthodox Jews by the scruff of their tunic, by the wailing wall, open your bible and exegete Jn. 1:1 and really unpack the meaning of 1:14, e.g., hypostatic union etc. May YHWH regenerate many elect Messianic Jews through the heralding of the true gospel by our CBC team! Soli deo gloria!! I’m praying hard and shooting a lot of US Coast Guard flare prayers on your behalf. (1 Thess 5:18; cf. Lk. 18:1) Lord bless always!!
Find an Arab speaking marketplace, and in your bartering, use the following language:
1. Ahlan wa’sahlan (hi)
2. Ma-fee massareh (we have no money)
3. Bas Feenah Norus (But, we can dance)
4. Shookran (thank you)
Not sure what you will walk away with, but you will get some laughs and maybe a video?
Don’t forget to stop by the “Stars and Bucks” cafe!
My computer won’t let me watch the video, but I assume from everyone’s comments you free day is in Jerusalem.
Assuming you will go to Hezekiah’s Tunnel and the Steps of Herod’s Temple reading the Psalm’s of Assent as a group, I would suggest a cultural tour of the Old City. One of the reasons I loved Jerusalem was the uniqueness of the city and the differences between each quarter.
1) Start with a quick walk through the Muslim Quarter, start at the Damascus Gate and walk through. Hopefully it will be extremely crowded and you will get the full experience. While you are walking through grab a shwarma, I think they are the best in the Muslim Quarter.
2) Head up to the Christian Quarter and have a conversation with one of the shopkeepers. They are always willing to have a cup of tea with a traveler who wants to talk (and will potentially buy). While you there, you might witness some Othodox priests parading down to the Holy Sepulchre.
3) Go over to the Jewish Quarter and watch the Orthodox rushing about the open courtyard. Grab a bagel in one of the stores or a Kosher pizza (not too bad when you haven’t had pizza in a while). As much of this section of the city was destroyed with earlier fighting with the Palestinians, it is cool to see the redone sections of the Jewish Quarter as well as ruins from the first century BC.
I think you two should barter and buy something in the market place