The Galilee is a special place. During every trip to Israel a tinge of sadness arises as we leave there. So, we lingered for a while before waving goodbye to the region in which Jesus spent over 75% of His ministry.

The Thursday morning dawn broke with cloudy skies, then we watched from our 7th floor balcony as a storm blew across the Sea of Galilee. Dark, nasty-looking clouds hovered over the Sea and the rain began to fall. I thought surely we would have to move to plan B, as plan A was to be outside. But, alas, the rain stopped, the skies began to turn blue, and we pushed forward with the day’s plans, all of which were kept under wraps in order to bless our team.

This was to be a transition day from north to south, so no scheduled service projects. Our first stop: Nof Ginosar.

Pictures are not allowed in the museum, but if you know anything about Ginosar, you are likely aware of an incredible discovery there in the 1980’s known as the Jesus Boat. During a draught, the waterline of the Sea of Galilee receded to reveal an ancient fishing boat from Jesus’ day. Indeed, very much like the fishing boats used by Jesus’ disciples, and that Jesus would have been in on multiple occasions. It is a national treasure!

While at Nof Ginosar, I noticed the hotel, which is regularly teaming with tourists, is now filled with displaced Israeli families. Of course, Thursday was also the day Hamas released four dead bodies, including those of the Bibas family, in the most grotesque and demonic ways possible. The people of Israel are still reeling from the disaster, and Hamas is dead set on digging the wounds a little deeper. Somehow, being in that place and recognizing it as the temporary home of those displaced by terrorism and war made it a solemn occasion as we passed by the hotel.

After the museum visit and a brief opportunity to shop in the souvenir store, the day’s first surprise was sprung! Up pulled a small boat I had arranged to take our guests out on the Sea upon which Jesus once walked! Thankfully, the storm had subsided just a short while earlier and it was a great experience with Captain David! (Look at those blue skies following the rain!)

It was on the Sea of Galilee that God brought an angel! Still wrestling the airlines regarding when and where to deliver the lost bag, we got a call while on the boat. It was clear we were getting nowhere when Captain David said, “Hand me the phone!” Within the hour, not only did we have a fabulous recommendation for St Peter’s fish, but the lost bag was returned as we ate lunch! David had convinced the delivery driver to meet us there and give us the bag! Praise God! (The bag, by the way, was mine!)

Then, off to surprise #2! Without the group knowing, I managed to arrange a stop at Behold Israel’s new Connect center in the Jezreel Valley where we spent over an hour touring the facility and sitting down with Amir to visit with him, pray for him and his team, and encourage them to press on with the Lord’s work. The look on faces as we disembarked an elevator and saw the BI Connect sign was absolutely priceless, and our time with Amir was more than we could ask or imagine!

I have had the privilege of being on multiple tours with Amir and have connected with him at various conferences. Believe me when I say, what you see on camera is exactly what you get in person. A tender heart, a bold spirit, and a life that longs to please the Lord!

Next, we were off to our last surprise of the day. After an hour and a half drive, we arrived at the Magan David Adom National Blood Services Center. While some asked, “What in the world,” two of us had seen a documentary on how emergency services work in Israel, and the part that blood collection plays in keeping people alive in the midst of tragic events. Once I knew they gave tours, it became a destination on our trip.

Countries around the world should take note and emulate the technology, processes and procedures MDA uses to manage crises. Too many examples to list here, but one key one is the fact that things such as defibulators and first responders are networked throughout the country and managed via control centers. They are able to identify the nearest defibulator (even in someone’s home or place of business) and first responders (often on motorbikes equipped with appropriate life-saving equipment and able to scoot through stalled traffic). First responders carry blood supplies on board and the survival rate, when someone in need of blood receives it with 2-3 minutes, is staggering! We visited the entire operation, including the control room, and the capabilities are mind-blowing!

We have now moved from the north to the south and have found a home for the next 6 days or so. God bless our host, Judith, who rents out her very own home and moves in with her daughter, leaving renters like us to take over her well-supplied home. Israeli hospitality abounds and she has already proven to be a great host.

While Thursday may go down as one of the most amazing days of our trip, Friday will almost assuredly go down as one of the most sobering. We head to the Nova site and some kibbutzim to experience a degree of the devastation that occurred on October 7. Pray that we will gain clear understanding of what occurred and how it has impacted Israeli lives, and pray we are able to accurately articulate it when we return home. The world needs to know the true battle between good and evil. One need only to see what Hamas is doing when they release hostages (even dead ones) to get a taste of the sheer diabolical intent of the most evil people group on earth.

Please pray for this heartbroken nation. May God grant them wisdom in knowing what to do and how to do it, and may the Lord’s abundant mercy and unwavering comfort be poured out on the hostages’ families.

See you back here tomorrow!

Note: For those concerned about the terrorist attack on busses and light rail, please know we have our own rental car and are not using public transportation. I was appropriately notified of the situation and was advised by Homefront Command that there are no other credible threats and security remains at a high level. We are safe.

To add context, Hamas failed to return the body of Shiri Bibas, the mother of Arial and Kfir who were brutally murdered in captivity. Israeli intelligence knows the bus attacks were planned as an attempt to get Israel to respond immediately, thus delaying or cancelling the release of live hostages on Saturday. Pray for wisdom for Israeli leaders and safe release of those four live hostages on Saturday.