04/18/02 Jerusalem, Israel
Shalom to all.
Yesterday was Israel's independance day, with celebrations, fireworks, etc.
We were invited to come to the "Shalom Jerusalem" Christian music festival
just outside of the old city of Jerusalem. There was supposed to be 12 hours
of free music, by Arabs, Jews, and Christians. There turned out to be very
few people there, and we sat and listened to some of the performers. We had
heard that some had not shown up, and I asked one of the organizers if Steven
and I could go up and play. They ended up putting us on next, and we got to
play (myself alone and a few with Steven on Keyboard) some songs. It was a
blessing, and the people seemed to appreciate it. Keep in mind though, that there
was a crowd of probably only 20 people! Afterwards we got into some conversations
with people, and made some hopeful contacts here.
Later on in the day, we ran into one man that we had met at that concert. He
introduced us to his friends, who seemed pleasant. When they found out what
we had done (come here on one-way tickets), they said that they had been living
by faith here for three years. The man really encouraged us to follow God's leading
for us here, and I think it is what we both needed to hear right then. We left
that meeting encouraged. We were happy as well, that we had the opportunity to share that music.
It seems as though Paul is coming into Cairo, Egypt tonight, and we are hoping
to make contact with him soon. From there, it seems as though we have several options,
from work in Elat (very southern tip of Israel), to Kibbutzeem (collective farms),
to working at a Children's hospital. In all, we do want to be where God would have us,
and want to be certain of His leading. Thanks again for the prayers, as it seems
like God showed mercy on us and encouraged us yesterday.
Shalom (peace)
-James