Day 6.5 - Leadership

Day 6.5.… a tribute to our leaders
I’ve been describing the places we’ve been but that’s only part of what we’ve been experiencing here. There is truly a sense of getting closer to God - His Word, and what He’s done for us here in the Holy Land.
I wanted to take a break from describing things, and say something about the people who’ve put this trip together. (In no particular order.)
Cinde Keller, the travel agent, has done a wonderful job of coordinating all the travel, from the airlines through the agents here in Israel. She’d done this many time before from Dallas, but had only traveled along once previously. She’s gently and quietly guided us through the hassles of the crowds, getting tickets, bags, etc. As one example, she did a terrific job of getting our overnight bags rerouted when they had to be checked, then the plane delayed in Dallas (without her, I don’t know if we’d even have made the Newark -> Tel Aviv flight. Thanks, Cinde.
Steve has done a wonderful job of teaching, leading, and keeping us going. He’s been our teaching pastor for a while now, and I’ve truly enjoyed and learned a lot from his sermons. But he’s demonstrated a depth of knowledge and understanding here that is truly impressive. His teaching, guidance, and leadership has been spot on, and we all have been very impressed and appreciative. (When he leads another trip Phyllis and I may sign up again, it’s been so enjoyable!) Thanks, Steve.
And Leor. Words cannot express… but I’ll try. Leor has been absolutely amazing. He’s firstly a Christian (born Jewish), so gives us a faith based perspective on the things we see. He has a tremendous depth of knowledge of the history of Israel (from the Canaanites through the Old Testament times, Jesus’ time, and recent Israeli/ Zionist history. He’s given us and extensive background on the Israeli - Palestinian situation (from an Israeli perspective, of course.) He’s been an amateur (semi pro?) archeologist on some of the digs around, so can gives a perspective on how discoveries have been made, what’s significant and what’s not, why they don’t find some articles yet an overabundance of other things. He’s gregarious, and really enjoys the people he’s with. He’s also a part time jeweler, but that’s another matter. Everyone who’s around Leor loves him. His testimony is amazing… see below. Thanks, Leor
Ah, Leor… he’s Jewish, but accepted Christ many years ago. His testimony is too long to describe here, but a summary… he’d become good friends with those at Fellowship Bible Church in Dallas. About 10 years ago, a bacterial infection had attacked and severely damaged his heart, and he needed a new one or he was going to die. By faith, Fellowship decided to bring him to Dallas. One member had excess airline miles, and donated them for the trip. Another was on staff at Southwest Medical Center, and was able to get him into the transplantation program. A wealthy lady from England (separately from Fellowship) had known Leor from earlier trips, heard of his problem, and donated enough money for the transplant. And a heart became available just 10 days after Leor arrived in Dallas. Separately, fortunate coincidences. Together , a God thing.

ps - Remember that tree on top of the tel at Bet Shean? It formed the cover for the album for the musical, 'Jesus Christ, Superstar'.