Shalom followers! I hope you are enjoying the journey with us!

This morning (Tuesday), we said goodbye to Netanya and headed north. Arriving in Haifa, we made our first stop of the day at Ebenezer, a retirement home for Messianic believers. We were greeted by one of the administrators and heard briefly from a resident. It is always a blessing to interact with older Israelis whose stories go back to the beginning of Israel’s rebirth.

Two things stood out during our visit: These residents are supremely loved, and bomb shelters to protect them are amazingly sophisticated. This home has multiple floors and each has its own highly-fortified, well equipped shelter. As we sat outside, we were given 60 seconds to follow the administrator safely into the bomb shelter on that floor. We are all able-bodied and it took us just over 60 seconds! Now imagine getting those in walkers and wheelchairs there in the same length of time.

Below: David (Ebenezer’s administrator) speaking to our group, David interviewing Vanessa (a resident who used to run her own retirement home) and David demonstrating equipment in the bomb shelter (including trap doors between floors, the air flow system, etc).

Following our visit at Ebenezer, we headed toward Mt Carmel where Yoyokim recounted the events of Elijah’s challenge to his people to choose the Lord. In 1 Kings 18:20, Elijah said:

“How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.”

What proceeded was Elijah’s “Battle of the Baals!” Both Elijah and the pagan leader of Baal called down fire from heaven. Elijah knew only His God was capable of doing so, thus he soaked his altar in water. Sure enough, God responded to Elijah’s request and consumed the water-soaked altar with fire, proving He is the one true God.

Upon Mt Carmel is a monastery upon which is a rooftop viewpoint. It is a perfect place for a 270-degree lookout over the Mediterranean Sea, several cities and landmarks, and Ramat David Airforce Base (among other things). Ramat David, of course, is an Israeli Air Force base situated in the Jezreel Valley (aka Valley of Armageddon). Sure enough, as we settled in to Yoyokim’s teaching, several F-16’s took off. About 10-15 minutes later, we heard large explosions believed to be in Lebanon or Syria, as Hezbollah is definitely rebuilding. Within another 10-15 minutes the fighter jets were back. In the span of 45 minutes, we witnessed that twice. The IDF is taking care of business to keep Israel safe and free.

The Carmel Range is home to several thousand Druze. They are Arab, but not Muslim. They are warriors in the IDF, and very loyal to Israel. The Druze also have kinsmen in pockets of Lebanon and Syria, and the IDF has gone to great lengths to defend the Druze north of Israel.

Below: Yoyokim using a map to give us a lay of the land and teach us about Elijah’s battle of the Baals, Ramat David Air Force Base, listening to Yoyokim direct our attention to sites seen from the roof of the monastery at Mt Carmel, a group photo in front of the statue of Elijah, lunch at a Druze restaurant.

Along the way to our next stop, Hamsa (our bus driver) slowed down to enable us to get pictures of a small authentic tomb from the era of Jesus, along the roadside. was Megiddo, also overlooking the Jezreel Valley. With over 30 layers of civilization, Megiddo was established long before the Israelites returned from exile. It is a fascinating, historic place, including Solomon’s stables and fortress.

Perhaps the most intriguing attraction at Megiddo is the water tunnel. It was dug so that a water source would be available within the city gates. Though women (the “water fetchers” in ancient times) probably carried water up a very steep cliff, today one may descend into the water shaft via many, many stairs.

Below: An authentic 1st century tomb, Yoyokim describing Megiddo, and our group headed into the water tunnel at Megiddo.

Well gang, we did more today, but I must finish up the report later. Meanwhile, I hope you are intrigued and blessed by following our journey.