SABBATH REVISITED

It was the beginning of Sabbath this Friday sundown. Please refer to my previous posting on SABBATH REST dated 19 October 2012. In Israel, everything literally shuts down on the eve of Sabbath...the public transport system, the shops. Only a few restaurants are open. During my last trip, it was truly wonderful to see families gather in hotel restaurants, and celebrating Erev Sabbath (Eve of Sabbath), singing and enjoying each other.

Therefore, it was also a very special night of good food and wonderful fellowship. Peter Tsukahira said it was indeed a miracle for everyone to have arrived for the School of Ministry (SOM)...they have prayed for us and EVERYONE that was on the list was there! This is the 30th SOM (those that they counted as there were a few they did not) and there were about 80-90 people that were attending this time round - the biggest group from Malaysia, there are Singaporeans, Australians, British, and missionaries from Russia and other countries. The purpose of the bringing together of LEARNING and TOURING is that we will have a revelation (I would call it illumination : ) ) of God's purpose for us as His people, our connection to the people of Israel, so that we see the Holy Spirit bringing us further in the things of the Kingdom of God.                              
From top to bottom : Top :Some of the Malaysians with Mrs Lee and IMiddle : Peter Tsukahira leading us in a short Erev Shabbat of teaching on the Sabbath, singing, and prayer. That is Vanessa on his right is Vanessa, the person in charge of Beit Yedidia. Later, we were introduced to the chef for the night (The food was really good! And I had vegetarian) , how the Lord transformed this man....he was living in the streets off garbage when he was brought into Kehilat HaCarmel's Alchohol and Drug Rehab Centre where he was wonderfully transformed - we were told FROM ASHES TO BEAUTY. Bottom: Part of the people here for the School of Ministry.Peter shared on the importance of the the Spirit of Sabbath and the heart of Sabbath rather than the technicalities of Sabbath. He mentioned on the fact that Sabbath is one of the commandments of the Lord and this theme runs throughout God's Word. Yes, the flooding of emotions overcame me while he was talking......we enter into the Sabbath by faith, that it is through Christ that we truly find our Shalom. We sang a few songs on the Sabbath....

It is always about the family and about blessing the children.  We were told that we were considered as their family and it was a joyous occasion and a privilege for us to be together....oh my...the emotions that filled me.....and that we are loved by the Lord that we are here for a purpose. That is enough of emotions for the moment! We were told to rest well because the grind starts this morning!!