Jonny Billitt in Israel Pt2
Posted: Mon 8th February 2010 1.29 PM | Author: Jonny Billitt
Recently, Israel has received a great deal of rain which is very important and a huge blessing during this season. The Negev [pictured below] recently had the majority of its annual rainfall in one night, which was unlike anything it has seen for hundreds of years! It was enough to wash away at least two main bridges along the Egyptian boarder, one of which was British built during the time of occupation.
We have just returned from our archaeology tour, an intensive course that falls in between the two semesters. It consisted of both excavations and surveys in rather remote locations. The timing of which was fantastic, to see the desert come to life with grasses and small flowers and streams running through the baron ground was wonderful.
We were blessed to stay for some of our tour with a guy named Abishai, a Yemenite Messianic Jew who along with his family run a small hostel. His testimony was astounding and was such a blessing to hear. He spoke of how when he came to the Lord very much like Noah, he was told to build his small hostel in preparation formany orphans.
So from the back of his house he put together basic accommodation and a Bedouin style congregation tent with a small fire and stocked up on mattresses, blankets and pillows without any clear purpose.Before he had finished he was housing 80 Sudanese refugees! Many of these people flee the Sudan to Egypt however Egyptian boarders laws often mean many are shot at when crossing into Israel and sometimes, tragically killed.
Despite the pressure from the government, military and some of his neighbours he housed them for two years finding the men jobs whilst providing beds, clothes and food for their families thanks to the Lord's provision. He explained how he argued with authorities saying not long ago, the Jewish people were refugees in the land and it was down to the generous support and love of many Christians that helped their settlement. His testimony and selfless faith wasn’t only encouraging and challenging but a blessing as well!
After much touring I am now home in Gilo, preparing for the second half of our intensive Archaeology course before the beginning of our second semester.
Living in Gilo is very enjoyable, it is situated on top of a hill next to Bethlehem, as a result the views are wonderful on all sides, making runs and walks all the more enjoyable.
With the majority for the work for the semester completed I am now trying to focus more on my Hebrew studies as well as being more involved with various congregations. I have been attending King of Kings congregation on Sunday evenings but I am looking to be involved in serving in some way when time allows. Although there are so many different ministries in Jerusalem it is difficult to make decisions!
Many Blessings,
Jonny
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