Ben Robinson's Trip to Israel Pt1
posted by Ben Robinson on the 03rd of 092009
Hello reader. My name is Ben Robinson and, this month, I will be going to Israel for the first time. Why? Please read on to find out…
Born to true Christian parents, I "became a Christian" many years ago as a child (I am now 33) but that commitment has really started to permeate and change my life in a profound way in the last decade, particularly as I have begun to understand the purposes of our Heavenly Father for the land and people of Israel and my place within that context as a branch that has been grafted into the olive tree (Romans 11).
I am now trying to follow Yeshua (Jesus) everyday in accordance with His will and not mine. Working out what it means in practice to be crucified with Him and to allow Him to live in me by the Spirit in order to be transformed into His likeness (Romans 8:28_30; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 2:20). I am in fellowship with a good number of believers in my locality (Isle of Wight, United Kingdom) as this is essential and even more so in view of the times in which we are living (Hebrews 10:24_25).
I attend a church housegroup (weekly), a Christian 18_30s group (weekly), a Messianic studies group (monthly) and two prayer for Israel groups (monthly). My interest in, and knowledge of, Middle East current affairs has increased rapidly in recent years in tandem with my spiritual growth. I am also learning Old Testament Hebrew and New Testament Greek.
From the moment that I was led back to the "ancient paths" (Jeremiah 6:16), I had a growing conviction that, one day, I would be called to go up to Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2) and I waited for that call.
After being in the presence of the God of Israel at the 2009 International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) UK Conference in Southampton, He asked me to honour Him by joining with others of the same heart to celebrate His Feast of Tabernacles this year in His chosen city (Leviticus 23:33_43; Deuteronomy 16:13_17; Zechariah 14:16_21). Every man is commanded not to appear before Him empty_handed but instead to give as he is able according to what the God of Israel has given to him (Deuteronomy 16:16_17). In my case, I offered my abilities and talents in service as a volunteer in the Media Department of the ICEJ during the Feast and, praise God, I was accepted.
I depart for Israel on 7 September and return on 18 October. [edit: Ben will now be in Israel until 30th October] My work with the ICEJ will last for three weeks from 18 September. In the remaining time, God willing, I plan to travel around and see as much of the country as possible. Every week I will be posting a report of my activities here on the Isrelate.com blog and I invite you to look out for it. Please feel free to leave comments on any of my blog postings.
Shalom in the name of Yeshua,
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On the 03rd of 092009, sam hailes said:
Great stuff Ben! I look forward to reading all about your trip. May God bless you as you go to His land
On the 05th of 092009, Eira Goldsworthy said:
Shalom Ben. May the Lord bless you in Israel!
On the 07th of 092009, cole smith said:
ur in4an awesome time had the gr8[pleasure o spending a week in Haifa in 2007 the Israelis really appreciate western visitor, even when its not 100per cent safe. thanks4goin n wkg4His pple x
On the 10th of 092009, David Robinson said:
Dear Ben, I have just read your blog for the first time. I feel sure that it will make fascinating reading as you share about your visit. All the best. Shalom Croftcraft
On the 11st of 092009, HANNAH ROBINSON said:
Hey! Wow, cannot wait to read more about your experiences whilst in His land. Extremely proud of what you are doing, you are a pioneer. :-) May God bless you and keep you safe. (heehee...do u like my username?! ;-p )