Da Nunez Men

It seems like just yesterday, that Nick and I were talking on Skype from Cali (me) and Philippines (him) about coming out here. Now it’s hard to believe but we’ve already been out here for 3 months and he is now returning back to the States. For the last couple weeks, his dad (Sylvester) has been out here spending some time with Nick and traveling from Turkey to Egypt. They’ve been able to tour pretty much all of Israel and some of its surrounding countries. God has truly been blessing them with favor and weather provisions. He has been able to use them and bless them in firsthand knowledge all throughout the land. Their trip ended Wednesday; Sylvester went back to Cali and Nick to New York for 4-5 days. God has truly used Nick in great ways out here. It’s sad to see my brother leave but I know God is going to continue to use Him in even greater things. Pray for Nick in guidance for the next semester/steps of life. Thanks Nick for being faithful to His calling, continue to be so and be enwrapped in His blessing brada. Love ya man, God bless you bro!

Hippy Fest(Gathering) 2009

Being up here in the North, one of my buddies from Jerusalem had the opportunity to outreach at a hippy gathering happening in the wilderness out here. So he called me up and invited me with. It was such a blessing to be able to meet him up after being blessed with a tram and with a good time. Once we got to the village it was going to be by, it still took about another hour to hike to the hippy spot and then more time to set-up camp, but it was all sweet. At the festival there one only a couple things they said you needed; you’re sleeping necessities, a bowl, and also a spoon. They feed you twice a day out there, hardcore organic vegetarian food, and then spend the rest of day enjoying time. It was kind of whacky with all the stuff happening around and different bad spirits leadings of things, but it was a privilege to be a witness of Him and shine His light. We were only able to pass out one New Testament, but we were able to show a witness with love that speaks louder than words, and get into some good small group talks. He was very good to us, protecting us out there in the middle of nowhere, keeping us dry in the rain, keeping from any animal attacks, and providing every other little thing as well. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness! May He continue to water those seeds that He planted, that they may grow and bring glory to His name in spirit and in truth-Amen.

Tram

When you’re found in Israel with no needs of transportation, and the bus for the day is already over, what do you do? You Tram! No, this does not mean that there is a train/street car that travels you around the country. It means you got to the town entrance/main road, and hitch-hike. I got to experience this last Thursday on my way to the hippy gathering, and was blessed with a ride, but I did learn something. Hitch-hiking in Israel is a little different then hitch-hiking in America. First of all you don’t use your thumb, but you just stick your index finger out as a sign showing you need a ride. Then second of all, you are way most likely to get a ride within 15 minutes here in Israel then in the States in this day and age. Here, most of the Jews try to pick up hitch-hikers to perform more mitzvah (good deed/God’s commands). In their thinking and in Judaism at the end of the year God weighs our you good deeds with the bad you’ve done and then sees if you’re eligible to have your name written in the book of life for the next year. Kind of funny thinking, some might say, but not far from the way most people think today. Remember as Isaiah tells us in chapter 64 that all our righteousness(good deed) are as filthy rags, we can only conclude that no matter what we do, we won’t be good enough. He is our Mitzvah, He alone is Good, and through His Good gift of grace through faith in Him, Jesus Christ can we then only have our names written in the book of life.

Back Again

One of the things God was doing in both Korea and Japan, was rocking in English classes. I have to say, its really an enjoyable thing to be used to teach English. Here it's a little different, we're not teaching ESL students but ETL (English as a Third Language). It's really interesting, but still a blessing to in being able to serve the Lord. Pray for the students, that as we basicly can only verbally share with them English, that God will make His voice heard. That they would hear Him and come to know Truth of who He is.

Shabbat Shalom

One of the biggest things for any visitor in Israel to get used to is definitely Shabbat. As God commanded in His word to rest and keep the Sabbath day holy, we can see Israel still trying to do that today. So starting on sun set Friday to star rise Saturday, pretty much, everything closes down. Then the day/night of the Sabbath begins. Usually this is supposed to be a less occupied time, but it turns out to be our busiest time of the week. It's really cool; up here we actually have 3 services going on in the on Sabbath day. This last week as well, some us got together after one of the meetings and celebrated the Shabbat dinner together. We all brought something to the table. As you can see in the top right picture I cooked some goood soup, and while cooking made some French fries as a before dinner snack too:). It's so beautiful to remember that it's not by our work of trying not to work, that brings us to obeying the Sabbath, but our rest in the Messiah Jesus that allows us to fulfill His Law. We don't have to do anything in our salvation; we just have to rest in Him. We can be lying in our beds, doing nothing, and remember that in our salvation there has been no need for us to do anything. For Jesus Christ has done it all, and by grace through faith in Him we are saved. He is Awesome and Mighty, and worthy of all honor-Amen.

40 days

Yesterday marked the 40 day mark untill my flight back to the states. I was able to just spend a lot of time with the Lord walking around. It's so funny, I thought I didn't know my plans for this trip before I came; and now more than half way, God is reminding me I still dont. I may think I do, but it's really all in His hands. It's amazing to see His faithfulness with the ministries and everything He's done so far, and those at hand. It reminds me with that cloud of witness alone, from this past time here; that He will continue to remain faithful and do even greater things in the time left. I know one of the sweetest things to remember, and an encouragement for all of us with the priveldge of serving Him in no matter where we are, is to always trust in Him. I love horses but after I saw them here and meditated on what the bible says about them, He brought Isaiah 31 to mind. Nothing against horses, nor my love for them as beautiful animals, but spiritually speaking, our trust can never be in the "horses" of our lives. We cannot trust in the physical things that bring us comfort and hope, but always keep the Lord God who is One as our contiual hope, comfort, trust, and Everything. Please pray for the ministry He is doing here. It is hard, but it is fruitful at the same time. Hearts are being loosed adn changed no doubt. Few that we can see, but if 1 can cause a party in heaven, then we down here can definitely rejoice in the few hearts changed we can physically see. Pray for the seeds to be falling on the good soil growing and being fed on the living water He only gives. He is working, as He leads you, join in the work with the prayers of the rest of the saints. God bless you guys!

Continuing the Ministry

God has been continually pouring down his blessings more and more. The visa trip was awesome and the short time being in Jerusalem again was a blessing. Looking back at the amount of doors God has opened up in ministry is amazing. Even to the point of now, in some areas, having to many ministry oppurtunities and having to let God place someone else to fill in those needs. He continues taking me forward on this journey here, He now has currently brought me back up to the north. I'll be here untill the 24th of November, doing different ministries with an orginization here, and setting up for short-term teams coming out. He has continually been showing His faithfulness in physical health of my family back home to even my blog page being back up and running. He is the faithfull God of the big things and the small. For the rest of the time being I don't know what the Lord has in store, but pray for diligence on my part to listen and obey. Thank you guys, God bless.

My Web Man

So I just wanted to make sure and stay to my word of saying a blog thank you to my brada David. He definitely is blessed in the area of computers and web management. He says fixing the site wasn't hard, but I know I wouldn't of been able to do it. Definitely a blessing to keep the background the way I wanted it, thought I lost it when the original layout host I guess took it off. Thanks again David Lord bless ya brada. Please pray for David as well, he is part of the S.E.N.D. team and continues to use his gifts to support the body in all areas. He really is a blessing here and no doubt will continue to be so on the remainder of his stay. Thanks again David, Lord bless you brada and continue to lead and guide you in all the things He desires to with you brada, love ya bro.

S.E.N.D. Ministry Video

Coming out here was definitely a full step of faith. I Didn't really know what I was going to do, or who I would be ministering with. It's always cool to see how the Lord answers prayer and provides all we need. Right away God started to unfold His plan of setting me with a foundation of ministry and housing in the land. He provided S.E.N.D, an organization like Y-WAM. God provided for them in allowing them to stay at the no longer in use, CCBC Jerusalem dormitory, which then opened doors for Nick and I to stay with them as well. For my stay here, I've been able to minister alongside S.E.N.D. full out for the Lord's glory. They're an incridible part of the family and have been a blessing to me as wonderful brothers and sisters in Him. They put together this video update for their half way point of the trip, we're in there a little too, so enjoy!

Update

Well first and foremost I want to say I am back in Israel safe and sound. I had a little extra spent in immigration that was not wanted but I'm back in with 3 months and all. God is good! He blessed us on the visa trip and no doubt will continue to bless with the rest of the remainder of time here. The second update is for some reason my blog is starting to give me some technical difficulties. So your compueter is not wrong, just the site will be in a temporary time of re-construction. Pray it comes out good, I will still continue to post, so stay tuned. God bless you guys, thank you for all your prayers. They kept me in that time of immigration and continue to fuel the ministry He is doing here. May the Lord bless you guys abundantly in all He calls you to do. Love you guys, Lord bless you=].

Touring the Gobble Gobble

With the van, we were able to get a good rental price for two days. So on the second day, we got in the van and headed north to see some biblical sites. Brian (our shopher and dorm daddy) took us to Laodicia, shared the word, and also took us over to Heropalis. It was a blessed time just hanging out and seeing the sites we got to see. God has definitely been good to us in showing us even more so, the word of God first hand. Please continue to pray for Nick and a quick healing for his futbol ankle injury. He is continuing his tour around the country now with his dad, and needs it to be healed quickly. Continue to uplift our brother in your prayers, as He continues to serve the Lord step by in the blessings God is calling him to right now. God bless ya brada.

Turkey, Out and About

On our second full day, I believe, in Turkey we rented a van and hit the town. We were staying in a resort outside of one of the main cities, Anatalia, and decided to go into the city for some fun. I never would of expected it, but Turkey was actually really beautiful. We went on a cliff by the sea and enjoyed His beautiful rays of light breaking through the stormy weather onto the land underneath. It was an amazing view and reminder of not only how powerful His physical forms of light are but how much more powerful His spiritual Light is, and should be shining through us in our lives. We also were able to stop by one of the local shops, and get a world famous Turkish Bath. It's pretty much like a Japanese/Asian bathhouse but comes with a full body soap/scrub down and oil massage, for under 30 bucks. It was really really nice, blessings from the Lord.

Turkey

Alright, sorry for the delay, but we have arrived safe and sound. For those of you who don't know, we have come out to Turkey for a 5 day trip. Yes, we also know that there has been some news about hostility here in the country with Israel and also Americans(so keep us in your prayers), but we know ans trust that the Lord has/will continue to bless us on this trip. With everything being how it is, we ended getting great deals, and no doubt will have fun relaxing in Him on this trip. If you guys can please pray for Nick as well, I haven't put a picture up yet, but He hurt his ankle playing soccer yesterday. It's not broken but we do want a wuick healing, so he can continue on strong for the rest of the trip. Thank you guys again, Lord bless you.

In the North again

*pictures from Miscellaneous and Nick Nunez









Not many of you can tell by this great picture I got on the internet, but I'm officially back in the north again. I'll be serving here in the Golan area for the next few couple weeks, I'll be leaving for a short 4-5 day trip to Turkey on Sunday but other than that I'll be up here for the time being. It's really different from what I'm used to, no doubt it compares to Idaho, pure country quiet life. It's really something I know God wants me in right now. It's one of those places God is showing me on how to actually be a watchmen(Isa62:6) in this world , listening to His voice, hearing what He says, being still, and knowing that He is God. He really is amazing and is doing great things up here, not just in me, but in all of His in the North. Please continue to pray for the work He's doing, and continually go before the Lord in stillness. Being eager and willing to hear nothing but His still small voice, to lead you in the steps He's calling all of you to take. May the Lord bless you guys in His countenance, grace, and peace.

Korean Shabbat

pictures taken by Lindesey

This last Shabbat (Friday night), we were blessed to enjoy a wonderful Korean style dinner. I ran out of batteries on my camera, so I didn't take any pictures of the family but they were a blessing none the less. I met them at an outreach and started talking to them in Korean, funny how God allows that to be continually used out here with all the Korean missionaries I've met. Kum(the wife) is actually a Korean lady and she cooked for us an amazing Korean style Shabbat dinner with some homemade kimchi and gotchu paste in a tube. It was really good, and a blessing to enjoy in a time of food and fun. After we went up to their third floor spent time in worship and praise of God's glorious name. It was a wonderful time God blessed us with, thank you guys again for opening up your home and stoves.

hello goodbye

Thursday, after another sweet day serving at the soup kitchen, we had a couple of treats at the closing prayer meeting. First we had the CCBC team come from York and Italy. The York pastor (bottom left picture) blessed us in some sweet worship and the Italy team (top right) sent their hellos from Daniel and Dave. Daniel told them to say hi to me right before they left, but they all assumed they would never see us here in all of Israel. Then lo and behold, their first day here we run into each other, cool to be reminded of the wonderful things God is doing in through brothers in Italy. Lord bless you guys. The second treat was also being able to pray for Bill and Kendra (top left); they are an amazing couple serving the Lord in ALL they do. They were such a great example and blessing, they will be coming back to their home in Israel again in a couple of months after doing some visiting in the states. Sad to see them go, but Lord willing I'll see them while they're there. God bless you guys!

CRASH

Well, going going going, always leads to a crash. Being busy all week, with all the different things the Lord has us doing here in Jerusalem, led to a sweet sleep on the morning Sharrut ride. Thursday morning we have to take a Sharrut (mini bus) from Jerusalem to Tel-Aviv, for the Tel-Aviv Soup Kitchen. While on the bus, I looked around and could help but take pictures of everyone knocked out. These guys have been hustling rocking for His Kingdom, and it was cool to see them enjoying the rest He gives His beloved. The team plus Dorm Daddy Brian have been a big blessing, may the Lord continue to bless them with more and more rest.

Wahoo!

Well, I know I've been trying to work on it even before I left Cali, but it's finally up. God has provided a way for me to finally get a donate button up on my blog! I was trying to put one up on my own, but then didn't. I stopped, because of realizing I needed to be a non-profit organization to have a donate button on my blog legally. Praise the Lord though, because He provided now a donate button with Pastor Jerry through CC Living Water. He's good and always come through from the little things to the big. Thanks again Pastor Jerry, God bless you guys!

Iness Ruinion

Well for those of you that remember, a couple years ago my sister traveled back with one of her Israeli friends, Iness, on a trip back to the states. She became a good family friend, and a must see person for me here on the trip. So I was able to go and share in a Shabbat meal with her, her husband, new born child, and family in Neva Yachov. Her mom served up a belt stuffing, delicious Russian meal, with some fresh actually good tasting world famous Israeli veggies. It was a good food fest night, with a fun time enjoyed with friends. Praise the Lord for a blessed night.

Succoth

Today was the last day of Succoth, I haven't done a post on it really yet, but have waited for it to end. For those of you who don't know completely what the Succoth is its better known as the feast of tabernacles. It's a 8 day feast, where the children of Israel were commanded to make little shacks outside their homes and dwell in them; in order to remember the wilderness experience. Really neat, how God designated a feast to remind His children constantly, every year about the things He had done in their lives. A reminder no doubt of the promise land shortcomings, and about His graceful allowance later into the land. God has so much grace on us, even when we fall short; he will give us those chances again. It might take some waiting and some Fatherly loving correction, but by His grace and our obedience in Him, He continues to do His work for His glory. Praise God for His faithfulness, great reminder through this feast, of how great He always really is.

Parade of Nations

Yesterday (Tuesday) was the Succoth annual Parade of Nations. Believers/Supporters of Israel come from all over the world to show Israel their support. There are representatives of the Body there from almost every nation, carrying around flags, smiles, and praying blessings over the people. We were able to join in with some of the celebration in the American Crew, and enjoy the fun. It’s sad that even though there were American’s there, the sad fact is that America’s progressive turn from Israel is causing the country to cast curses upon themselves. The Lord said, “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” May the body there truly get in the word and realize as believers, the fact that His word proclaiming His truths of promise still valid to the Jews today. God is not slack nor does He take back on His promises, praise the Lord for His faithfulness, and for His Spirit strengthening us to be faithful unto what He has called us.

Akko Drop

Monday’s are usually our days off, but yesterday we loaded up and headed north. There was an annual theatre festival going on, so we went up to spread His word. It’s really cool how the Lord continues to open doors for His word to be given out in these last days. Crazy as well, how so much opposition continues to arise more and more. Pray for His word that has and will continue to go out here in the land, and please lift up all the sewers He continues to send out and use in the field.

Soup Kitchen

Week after week, the Lord has been rocking at the Soup Kitchen. It's been really cool, serving the people, and getting to know them more and more. In all we do, we have to continually shine His love. Even in the least of things, doing them in His name and for His glory, He will bless us. God continues to stretch and grow us in the soup kitchen by conversations, stepping out in worship, and continual servants to the people. We are continually by grace used as servants to show His love, and week by week, God continues to shine. No matter how small, or tiring one might get, be encouraged, serve the Lord in all things and continue to watch Him work. Are jobs are to be servants, nothing greater, nothing less. Even when we think it's hard, we can continue to remember what He's done, and remember what a priveledge it is to serve Him in what He calls us to do. God bless you guys=].

Yom Kippur

Saturday night to Sunday night was our big festival of Yom Kippur. No one does anything on this day, but fast and pray. Cars are nowhere to be seen, so people are in full control of all the streets, quite a site to see. Leviticus 16 and 21 tell us about how God commanded for this day to be the day set up of atonement for the people. This was not a permanent atonement like we now have in Christ, because it was to be done year after year; but still to those who are blind, they continually try to keep it today. We joined in the feast and came along side the country in prayer. Honestly right away on Saturday night the Lord did a work. He has been continually shining His love and showing it to those around. He has been doing great things, especially on the Day of Atonement. It was honestly one of the times you specifically look to good and give Him all praise. PLEASE…PRAY for us as the Lord puts on your hearts. Unity is key, and letting His love be our complete motivation and complete source of trust is a big necessity. 2 Cor. 2:11, we are not ignorant of the devil’s demises nor our own flesh. Keep us in your prayers as we know we need it in these harder days that are coming. Lord bless you guys.

Benyihuda

Friday night was the big night before the Jewish day of Yom Kippur. The streets were packed with people from all over the world, gathering in Jerusalem for the big feast. So we took up the guitars, percussions, and hearts of praise to the street. Honestly, because of my nervousness, this was my first time, but it went really good. God shined His love through worship in song. He is amazing and is continuing to do good things. Thank you again for the prayers.

Tour Guide Bryan

Friday, Bryan took us on a special treat on the Villa Del La Rosa. Villa Del La Rosa is where the Catholic Church believes Jesus walked through on the road from Gethsemane to Golgotha. It was interesting, being in some of the spots that had sufficient credit to be true, and studying up on others to see why they would be false. Over all though, it was a good time being taught and challenged by Bryan. Bryan was suppose to be our dorm steward and Bible College teacher this semester, and even with the college closed, it's cool to see how God has continued to still have him be both those things to us now. Currently I am staying with him, and the S.E.N.D. team, in the old girls dormitory. God has been raining down blessings on us, in His faithfulness and glorious previously un-known plans. It's always cool how God will sometimes show us the who or what, but through time unveils the other details little by little in our lives. He is so good, all the time; in the things He reveals, and in those yet to be.

Leonard Cohen

Thursday night, after the soup kitchen, we headed out again for our third concert outreach. First before leaving we had to kill some time by swimming at the Tel-Aviv beach, but then headed out for the Leonard Cohen concert. God has been so good to us, allowing His word to go out. Pray for the good soil.