Pastor Jim Combs

Blessings of Easter

2008-03-27T15:33:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Sorry I have not blogged of late. I have been a bit overwhelmed these days. I am kind of getting my feet back on the ground. We had such a wonderful Easter season. Faith did another great job with the Easter Drama. Thousands of folks heard and saw the Gospel presented in a marvelous way. Thanks to all of you who worked so hard to produce such an awesome picture of who Jesus was and is. The Point set a church record with over 1100 on Easter. The service was wonderful. The River had their largest crowd ever and baptized nine. The Rock had a great day with a little girl named Hannah that was baptized at the 7:30am service. She was such trooper and wanted so much to obey God. We as a church really celebrated the Gospel of Jesus.

Most of you know we are in the midst of a situation that we are trying to deal with in a Godly way. Please be careful not to believe everything you see or hear in the media. Sometimes things are not exactly accurate. I also wanted to remind you not to get distracted and serve your God. As your shepherd I am trying very hard to do right and will continue to, with the best of my ability.

If you have not heard the news, my second son Caleb and his wife Sierra, will give Carole and I our fourth grand-baby in October. That is really exciting to us.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Winter Storms

2008-02-21T17:07:00.001-05:00

Hey Church,

You ever wonder why Sunday's seem to be the day for bad weather lately. Now, I am not questioning God, just wondering. This Sunday it was ice, if you missed church on Sunday you did not know that I got up close and personal with the ice. It is hard, trust me. My shoulder is a bit different these days. We did have a great weekend in spite of the weather. I did miss many of our seniors that love on me, with such encouragement. What is crazy though, is we are still in February! That means we have a bunch of winter left, ain't I just the blessing today. Though we are making our way through the cold of winter we are also making our way as the "son" shines on our ministry. The Point is busting and will baptize fifteen new believers this week. The Rock in spite of the weather had a great day, some say one of the bests Sunday's ever. The River is exploding on Saturdays in their Upward program and Faith had three born again at the 11:30 service. Maybe there is something to these bad weather days on Sunday, no way, couldn't be.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Coming Home Early

2008-02-09T22:00:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Been an interesting week for me. Carole and I flew to Hawaii on Monday. I played some golf and enjoyed some time with my wife. Played one of the finest golf courses in the world and loved it. There is not much to compare to 85 degrees and an ocean breeze on the golf course. Carole took me on a 27mile bike ride (peddle bike) and an eight mile walk, not sure thats how you describe vacation. We got to watch some whales, that was pretty neat. Well, things did not work out like we planned, but God is in charge. Had to come home early. In fact, I had to catch a plane to Las Vegas and then home. I am sitting in Las Vegas, never been here before. They should call it lost wages instead of Las Vegas. Slot machines in the airport, seems weird to me. I get in at 5:30 Sunday morning. I hope to see everyone at church. The reason I had to come home is, my very good friend Al died and I will be doing his funeral on Sunday afternoon. Pray for me if you would, I really want to be a blessing to those that will be there. I am going to try and make all the services, the staff was suppose to speak, not sure how that was all going to sort out. I heard the weather was great while I was gone, wow, is Michigan tough or what.

Your Friend, Pastor JIm
II Cor 4:1

This Past Week

2008-02-01T00:54:00.000-05:00

Hey Everybody,

Had a very hectic week and am sitting here waiting for the big snow we are suppose to get. I kind of look forward to those as long as they do not show up on Sunday. I am hoping to hang out with Luke and Angel tomorrow. I know they need school, but I need them. I might even talk my son Josh into bringing my grand babies over. That will make a great snow day. We just finished an awesome weekend at the church's. Faith was terrific, the Point had a baptismal service and baptized eleven, the River was great, with lots of new people and the Rock well, they had a service that you had to have been there to believe it. They had new members, baptisms, and baby dedication all at a night church, that is not suppose to work. Pray for our teens, they are off to snow camp this weekend, wish I could go, I might. Taught three Bible studies this week and l love when people want to learn the Word. I am discipling a couple of friends on Friday. Wow, just another great week in His plan.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim
II Cor 4:1

Young guns were Terrific

2008-01-20T08:40:00.000-05:00

I returned from a rest in Alabama the first of the week. Did some hunting and fishing and was asked to speak in a church in Selma. The church I was in was a little more traditional than me, but God really allowed me freedom and they asked me to stay after and answer questions. I had a great time. Got back to a load of work and am still trying to dig my way out. By the middle of next week I ought to be caught up, maybe. I heard the guys who spoke while I was away were terrific. That blesses me. Tuesday we had an incredible A&W, I was so challenged by what I heard. Those nine young guns were better than anyone expected. From the first to the last it was unbelievably challenging. It was such a testimony of what God is doing here in our ministry. He is preparing young men for the ministry and watching God in their lives is such a joy. I am looking forward to tomorrow morning to see you and sharing the love of God.

Your Friend , Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Goals for 2008 at Faith

2008-01-13T14:11:00.000-05:00

1. Grow our young couples ministry
2. A&W - Spiritual growth of our men
3. WOW - Spiritual growth of our ladies
4. Clear directions from God regarding our Christian School
5. Refocused children's ministry - New Children's Pastor (Caleb Combs)
6. New Life Camp growth (buildings)
7. Build two buildings used for ministry somewhere in the world
8. Greater stewardship efforts
9. One month of focusing on prayer as a church body
10. Where do we go from here or What does God have for us now?

Pastor Jim

Family Picture

2008-01-08T13:09:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I thought it might be nice to share our family picture with everyone from the holidays! Happy New Year!

Back from Africa

2007-12-28T19:46:00.000-05:00

Well, back from Africa and getting to the long list that compiled while I was away. Getting home just before Christmas gave me some last minute stuff, like shopping for Carole. I am glad I knew what I was doing for her. We did have a great Christmas, Carole's side came in for Christmas day and that was very nice. We had two missionaries in for dinner also. The day after Christmas we spent the time in Frankenmuth with my side of the family. It is always great to see my brother Steve who has been so busy with his new church. The family is all excited for Josh and his new duties at the Point. He is excited but nervous. It is sort of different with our family, we sit and talk ministry and what God is doing, great subject. We missed Caleb, Sierra and Isaiah, Christmas just was not the same without them home. Don't you just hate when kids grow up. Wednesday, Carole, Luke, Angel and I drove up to our cabin up north just regrouping after the Christmas run, that is about what Christmas Eve is for my family. We will come home on Saturday in time to see all of you this Sunday and then jump into the New Year with great excitement. It is hard to believe, and I know we say it every year, it is 2008, wow. All I have to say is 2007 we saw alot of people get ready to go to heaven and 2008 is just flat going to be great!
(Kinda a corny, but I love it)
Your Friend, Pastor JIm
II Cor 4:1

Zambia Overview Video

2007-12-16T10:53:00.000-05:00

Check out the Zambia Overview Video on The Salt Network.

Zambia Overview

Back Home

2007-12-15T08:25:00.001-05:00

I am home, not without difficulties though. Can you imagine being in London waiting on a plane and shopping at the Airport when you here your name being called on the PA. I went to discover they could not find my luggage to load on the plane. They not only could not find my luggage, but could find know record of my flying from Zambia to England the day before. They took me out under the plane and asked me to look through some bags that were in this kind of bin and there was my bag. What a bizarre deal. I finally arrived in the good old USA, that feels so good by the way. I landed in Philly just to find final leg had been delayed because of a snowstorm on the east coast. Got me a meal that tasted normal and finally got home last night. My time clock inside is all messed up so been up most of the night. Well, thought I would catch you up.

Your Friend, Pastor JIm

II Cor 4:1

P.S. All things work together for Good, Rom 8-For my trouble they bumped me to business class for the long trip across the Atlantic, God is so good.

Kudu

2007-12-14T09:26:00.000-05:00

Hello from London

2007-12-13T16:45:00.000-05:00

Hello From London England,

Just got off the plane and will catch another tomorrow. What a long flight from Zambia to London. Did a lot of reflecting on our trip and have been asking God what He wants me to do there. Some pastors came and asked if I could come and hold Crusades there. I just stood and sobbed knowing that I cannot do that. These almost two weeks were as much as I can do now. I am in love with the ministry God has called me to. I love you and being your pastor. God allowed me to connect in an unusual way in Zambia. They say I have been Zambianized which means I am now one of them. I will pray and asked God what He wants me to do. I stand in awe of God that He could take a misfit like me and connect me in Africa. They loved our preaching and that amazes me. I did befriend some folks here that took me hunting. I shot a 500 pound Kudu. Be home tomorrow Lord willing.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Back in Touch

2007-12-12T13:41:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

I finally came out of the bush today. We have been without phone or internet for the past five days. So much to talk about. The Zambian people are so sweet, we toured what they call the slums. It was heart breaking. Hundreds of children wanted to touch my white skin. Many have aids and will die very young. I took candy to the kids and ran out too soon. The places they live are unexplainable to you and I. The poverty and the disease, one funeral after another. We visited an Aids hospital, an orphanage for children whose parents died of aids. I have struggled with the food, nothing tastes normal. I don't have much time, I will catch everyone up from London tomorrow. Please pray for these happy people who are so desperate. There pain is invisible because of there smile. I loved making them laugh. They went crazy over the "I got it, you want it, you got it" story. Many, many have our Jesus.

I love you, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Hey Everyone

2007-12-08T09:32:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone,

I am just finishing up another day. The day started with Golf, one of the worst courses I every played. We had fun though, I rented an awful set of clubs. They did not have carts but caddies. For you golf guys I shot six over par, not so good, but not so bad.

I spoke after lunch at the conference and was received so warmly by the African people. They danced and shouted. The response was incredible, hundreds came to altar praying, worshiping and crying. After I got done the director asked me if I could speak again, he said he was very shocked that the white preacher connected so well with the Africans. I was asked today to speak in one of the pastors church's on Sunday. Some of you will remember Tom Ward, (seven steps to joy) he and I are tag teaming at the service. It amazed me how they listened. I was the final speaker and there were two before me, the Africans sat through, well not really, four hours of preaching. I wish you would let me speak that long, just kidding, your the best. I have the greatest pulpits in the world. Well I am off to bed, talk to you tomorrow.

I Love You

Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Worship in Zambia

2007-12-06T19:04:00.000-05:00

Mama-yoyo

2007-12-06T16:54:00.001-05:00

Mama-yoyo,

That is a kind of saying in Zulu, which is the main language here. It sort of means, wow! That has been my last couple of days. The place I am staying now, appears to be a normal hotel, but not by our standards. They shut the water of for periods, which means you cannot flush toilets, shower or other. The air conditioner which was a blessing I thought, it shuts off every 8 minutes to save energy. You have to get up to turn it back on. That coupled with a monsoon last night, I never did go to sleep. My bags are still lost and that leaves me with only what is in my back pack. I bought some clothes today. The airlines are hoping that Saturday I might get my luggage. There are not daily flights in here. The conference began last night and I spoke this morning. It was a wonderful experience, the African culture fits my style even more than home, hundreds were shouting. After I finished pastors came to me and said “you are not a white man, you are African”. The head of the conference asked me to be the final speaker of the conference and send them off encouraged. I was not scheduled to do that but am honored. I do not understand the words to there worship songs, but it is a joy to watch hundreds worship our Saviour. I have tomorrow morning off and found a golf course and am going to play in the morning, I do not think golfers in the states can even understand this kind of course. I am going to play with three others just to say I played Golf in Africa. We are limited on the things we can eat and drink because of disease. Fruits and veggies are out! I brought some good old fashioned tuna, but it is in my luggage. The Zambian people are sweet. You cannot help but fall in love with them and I have. I guess I just love people anyway. They smile and laugh at me a lot. You cannot help but laugh at the odd things that happen to you here. Bob, the man from the Point who is traveling with me, went to flush his toilet after hours of not being able to and the water rushed in so quickly, it caused everything in the toilet to fly out, he was a mess, I loved it! Well, I am going to try and take a shower if there is water, if not, well I will keep on sweating.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Day 2

2007-12-05T11:51:00.000-05:00

Day 2, Here is the hut that we stayed in. With a pool!

Greetings from Pastor Jim,

Will send more pics soon.

II Corinthians 4:1

lesa acupalo

(God Bless You)

Hello from Zambia

2007-12-05T11:50:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

Right now you are sleeping and it is morning for me. I am seven hours ahead of you. I arrived yesterday in Zambia, they have lost all of my luggage, that is tough when it is so hot. After a two day trip finishing with a 13 hour flight across the Sahara the last thing I need is no clothes. O well, you make do. They took us to our rooms, which were huts. Our mosquito nets were hanging above our beds. I got some rest and then went to a briefing this morning to help me understand a world that is so different from ours. Zambia is so poor, they have a 70 percent unemployment rate and aids is beyond belief. Three out of every ten people you meet have it and the majority of the aids are among the young people. It is a world of pain. To think that when you see or meet a young man he will likely be dead before his 35^th birthday because of aids. Tomorrow morning I speak, the conference begins tonight. I am excited to meet pastors from around the country. I have already built a bond with a pastor named George, he pastors a church and operates an orphanage for children. There are 1.1 million children without parents, they have been orphaned by this disease. Many live on the streets and survive by means that we could never grasp. It was good to get a little rest last night and I am excited to see what God is going to teach me while I am here. I already miss you, I love the people that God allows me to pastor.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Hey Everyone

2007-12-02T18:36:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone,

As usual a little behind. The last couple of weeks have been so great. Having my family here for the Thanksgiving holiday was the best. Isaiah was home for twelve days and we enjoyed it. Caleb and Sierra were here for almost a week. We laughed and enjoyed one another tremendously. The services at all the campus' seem to be touched by God of late. People being born again and lives being changed. We even had a great day today, inspite of Michigan weather that seems to disrupt. Please pray for Josh and Jennifer as they head to the Point and that God would give us who He wants for Faith. The River has moved in their new building and have begun renovations and the Rock, well it just rocks. It continues to grow and Pastor Wes is doing a great job in the morning service.

I am on my way to Africa, sitting in an airport because of a delay. I preached five times this morning and was that fun or what? God just seems to keep giving me so much from Him. Had a quick lunch with my family and then got to the airport by 4:00. This waiting does let me do some work and blog a bit. Tonight I will head across the Altlantic and land in London, England for a few hours. We will then head to Zambia, what a sad country. So much pain, hurt, disease, death and what a great place to take the grace of God. I will try to keep you up to date each day. Not sure how the internet will work there. Please care for one another and do not hesitate to let the pastors minister to you. They are good people!

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

P.S. It will be 85 when I land in Zambia, I love hot weather!

Video from Sunday

2007-11-20T14:10:00.000-05:00

We have had several requests to see this video, so I thought we would put a link here. Enjoy!

Pastor Jim

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY

Time to Blog

2007-11-17T14:20:00.000-05:00

Time to Blog,

Sorry about last week, computer problems and couldn't do it. I wanted to take you through a couple of great weeks with God. Thursday was the best, Lisa got saved in my office. I had the joy of leading her to Christ, that was great. We had staff planning Monday thru Wednesday and wow what a great group of pastors and staff to serve with. You would have been blessed to listen to the conversation among our young pastors, they are all unique and awesome. It is a lot of work to put an entire year together. Overlapping all of the church's without causing problems is a task. I serve with some wonderful campus pastors that love our God. You will be excited at the plans for the ministries in 2008. HIM ministry is moving forward and will have a National Headquarters soon.

Things are going just as we told you with the sound issues and I want to remind you to love people and do not respond to the media. I will do that as the shepherd. I love being your shepherd, have I told you that lately. Friday I spoke at a wonderful mans funeral, Jake is the best and I will miss him. What an honour to speak about a good man. Friday afternoon Carole and I picked up our son Isaiah at the airport and he is home, I love it. Caleb and Sierra come home Tuesday. We are going to have a great Thanksgiving. I hope you and your have the same, don't eat too much turkey!!!

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

P.S. Going home to watch the second half of Ohio State and Michigan

November is here...

2007-11-01T15:51:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe November is already here. I want to thank so many of you for blessing me on my birthday. Susan Harvey, you make the greatest pumpkin pie in the world. Thanks for the cards, calls, e-mails and gifts that were all appreciated. I have spent my last many birthdays with kids, I love that. Faith has a giant party on the 31st and hundreds of kids come, Carole and I always spend that night with those kids and families and we love it. My birthday was a busy day, it began with speaking at Waterford Christian Academy and that was great. I spoke at a funeral of a 99 year old women and listened as her granddaughter spoke about an incredible lady. My boys called from Florida, North Dakota and China. My brother Steve called from Ohio and we shared blessings of the ministry. His new church launched their Sunday church this week and they had over 800, wow, God is using Steve and I love it. My best present came from my son Josh, he is singing in China and we heard he stole the crowd at a stadium sing, but when I asked Josh about it he never even mentioned the crowd. He wanted to tell me about singing Holy, Holy, Holy in a little Chinese church with some people, he just sobbed trying to tell me about it. That blessed me so. To think, it wasn't the crowd but to share the Holiness of God with some Chinese believers. Well, now we move toward Thanksgiving and there isn't a pastor in American who has more to be thankful for than me.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Israel Photos

2007-11-01T15:22:00.001-04:00

You can view photos from Israel on our Adults page at http://www.hisfaith.net/adults.html

Weekly Blog

2007-10-27T14:37:00.000-04:00

Well today begins my weekly blog to our people. After arriving home from Israel things seemed a little overwhelming but aren't you glad that you and I have a God that nothing overwhelms. He wrapped so many things up for me this week, answered so many prayers; Wow, what a God. Had a very busy week speaking, it was highlighted by a 2:00 am message at the University of Toledo early on Saturday morning. I had the blessing of speaking to a bunch of high schoolers and saw seven or eight receive Christ. That was worth the drive. I was going to spend the night and come back on Saturday but wanted so bad to come home, I jumped in my truck and I got home from Toledo at 4:00am. What a way to start a day. Probably the neatest thing that happened this week was leading a twelve year old boy to Christ on Sunday night, that was the best. The River moved into their new building this week, the Rock's two services are rocking, the Point is just out of room in their new building, and Faith is a church that sees the big picture of the Kingdom. I love doing what I do! I will see you all at church and I can't wait.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

Leaving...

2007-10-18T14:44:00.000-04:00

Well, we are just a few hours from departure. We will be leaving the land of Israel and arriving home tomorrow. If I told you the schedule you wouldn't believe it. I guess the bottom line is we will be home at 1:30 on Friday. Today was probably the best day of all. We saw so much, the Western wall, a tunnel along side the temple mount, the upper room area, we spent the day in the old city. We then got to see the Dead Sea scrolls in a museum. The afternoon was the highlight. We went to a 2000 year old tomb that had a missing stone. We are not sure it was the place Jesus was, but much of the evidence points to it. Ray believes it is the site. We had communion together, wept and were blessed to end our trip right here, right where it all begins. I have lots to do to catch my plane and we will see you soon.

Your Friends, Pastor Jim and Carole

II Cor 4:1

Shalom

2007-10-17T15:10:00.000-04:00

Shalom,

Tomorrow is my last day here in this amazing city of Jerusalem. Today was exciting , I awoke early to hear the call to prayer for the Muslims. It is strange if you are not use to it. It just adds to the feelings you get from being here. We spent some time today at the Holocaust museum, what a sad story. I have heard people describe Hitler as the devil and now I know why. Six million Jews murdered at his hands and the children, one and a half million alone, it is hard to imagine and except. We did go into the old city and walked up the very steps that Jesus himself walked up, that was thrilling. We also went into Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus. I did not realize how physically tired I was. I have gained some wonderful rest that was more needful than I thought. The time with my wife Carole has been precious, she is a wonderful, Godly lady. We have laughed alot with Ray and the others and learned much along the way. I spoke today at the Garden of Gethsemene. It means the place of the press, referring to the Olive trees and the press that must have been there. It is located between the Eastern Gate and the Mount of Olives. We walked the walk Jesus walked and then I spoke. I really just spoke about Him and what He did. He did so much for me and you. As I spoke I was looking at the Eastern Gate of the old city that one day will open to the return of Jesus. The more time I spend in Israel the more close I believe that is.

Last Blog of the trip tomorrow.

Your Friends, Pastor Jim and Carole

II Cor 4:1

Hey There

2007-10-15T15:12:00.000-04:00

Hey There,

Early start again today, went to a mountain called Masada. It is a city on the top of a mountain in the desert. Herod the guy who was king when Jesus was here, he built it. After his death some of the Jews about 1000 hid up there from the Romans duing their revolt. The Romans attacked them but a mass suicide took place before the Romans got there. Then we went to a place called En Gedi, it is the place that David his from Saul, a beautiful oasis in the desert. We hiked to a waterfall that was awesome. We then went to a place called Qumran. It was where the found the Dead Sea Scrolls. It is amazing how God preserved His Word for us. That discovery is the greatest discovery of the 20th century. To think the scrolls were put in caves 2000 years ago and what we have matches what they found, wow. We left the Dead Sea area and made our way up to Jerusalem. That was the same path that Jesus described He took in the New Testament. In fact, Luke 10 tells the story of the man robbed, beaten and thrown in the ditch, this was the road. To think we were in the same spot the story of the good samaritan was told. We finished our day at what they believe to be the valley of the shadow of death. Awesome valley. We arrived in Jerusalem to see the Gold Dome and we will begin our adventures here tomorrow.

Your Friends, Pastor Jim and Carole

II Cor 4:1

Well...

2007-10-14T15:51:00.001-04:00

Well right now Carole and I are looking out our 12th floor hotel room at the Dead sea. What a great view for places from the Word. Just across you can see Mount Nebo where Moses looked at the promise land. North just a few miles you can see the Judean hills that David hid in while King Saul pursued him. South of the Dead Sea is nothing, because it used to be the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. They no longer exist and no trace has been found of them. God judgement is real. You can see where Ruth was from and look and see the wilderness where Moses lead Gods murmuring people. I went to a place today that blessed me. It was the area where John the Baptist, baptized Jesus and did much of his ministry. He was a man of courage, I love that. We had one other stop, Jericho. We saw the sight where they dug up the fallen walls when Joshua and the others marched around and the walls that came tumbling down. I also could not help but look for a sycamore tree. That was the kind of tree that Zacheus was in when Jesus came by. I was kind of up a tree when Jesus came by myself, I am glad He went home with me. We quit a little early so we went for a dip in the Dead sea. Carole cannot swim a bit, but in the dead sea everyone can swim. She floated and loved it. We had dinner and I got my first french fries since I left the states, they were great! Tomorrow we go up to Jerusalem after one stop. Tell you all about it then.

Your Friends, Pastor Jim and Carole

II Cor 4:1

Hey Everyone

2007-10-13T14:04:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,

It is Saturday night here in Jordan and we had a long travel day today. We started the day in Petra, one of the most amazing sights in world. It is a city that was built into the rocks and the passage way to it is an incredible canyon. It was about a three mile walk, unless you to a cart or a horse, my wife loves to walk, say know more. You will probably recognize the site by the Indiana Jones movie about he ark, this is where it was filmed. All anyone can say after they see it is WOW! We then went to Mt. Nebo, this is a sad place, it is the spot that Moses look over the promise land but it was as close as he was allowed by God. I spoke on the top of the mountain and it was thrilling to think I shared his/Moses' story from where he stood. I loved it!!! We then journeyed to the capital of Jordan in the city of Amman and are staying the night here. Carole and I are on the sixteenth floor and you can see forever. We will leave early in the morning and are on our way to the Dead Sea.

I hope to have some more time there and we will try and send pictures tomorrow.

Bye Everyone, Pastor Jim and Carole

II Cor 4:1

Hey There in the States

2007-10-12T15:57:00.000-04:00

Hey There in the States,

We got up early this morning and went to a city called Beth-shean, it was the place they took King Saul and Jonathon after their death. The city was amazing, an entire city dug from beneath. We then traveled across the Jordon to the country of Jordon. That is the place Ruth was from. We are on are way to one of the wonders of the world, Petra. I will tell you all about it tomorrow. As for today we did go to and old Roman city called Jerash it was one of the finest sites I have ever seen. I had not been there before. I was amazed at it and by it. We just finished a late dinner, the best lamb I have ever eaten, my greek daughter in-law would have loved it and me. We spent most of the day in the bus traveling, that is tough on your pastor. We did have some sweet fellowship with those we are with. The fellowship is almost as sweet as what we see. We have an armed Jordanian policeman with us. He is quiet but gives us someone just in case. Everything is going great, I do miss my kids and you. You will hear from me tomorrow.

Your Friends, Pastor Jim and Carole II Cor 4:1

Dear Churches

2007-10-11T13:21:00.001-04:00

Dear Churches,

Finished another day with lots of great stuff. We went to the area of the Tribe of Dan and saw where they got off track from the plan that God had for them. Boy, once you get going in the wrong way it is tough to get it right. The people of Israel did not get it right after God did so much. God has done so much for us and we need to remember that. We went to the borders of Lebanon and Syria, saw lots of military. The U.N. is guarding much of that area. Had lunch at a Israel food place, cannot describe what it was but it was'nt bad at all. Saw our last view of the Sea of Galilee and will leave for the country of Jordan in the morning. We also went to the unearthed city where Absolam hid after he killed his brother, Davids kids were sure mixed up. Isn't great to have kids that bless you. I thank God for mine every day. They aren't perfect you know, but they have been a blessing to us. Those that came with us for their first time are thrilling us, with their exicitment. Tomorrow they are in for a big treat cannot wait to see their response. I will tell you about it tomorrow.

Your Friends, Pastor Jim and Carole

II Cor 4:1

Shalom Everybody

2007-10-11T09:24:00.001-04:00

Shalom Everybody,

Well it is 2:00 am here in Israel and I was up so I thought I would tell you about our third day here. We started the day with the ususal Israel breakfast, not much to talk about. Then we spent the day in the Galilean area. That was where Jesus spent much of His ministry. He chose some disciples from here also. We first went to the Golan Heights to get a great view. The Israelis took the Golan from Syria in 1967, lots of blown out bunkers still and military stuff. We then went to Capernaum, what a great sight. This is where Peter was from. I love this sight because one of my favorite stories happened here. Mark 2 tells about the guys who ripped the roof off the house to get their buddy to Jesus. I love roof rippen christians. I tried to imagine which house from the digs. We also took a sail on the Sea of Galilea just like Jesus. Boy did I want to walk on water like Peter did. We also had a baptismal service in the Jordon. Twelve were baptized, felt like John the baptist, one man named Dale had just been born again and never baptized that was great. Even old biker bud felt he needed to get that in order, it was great. There were other religions there but none practiced Biblical baptism and were amazed at what we did, I invited them, but know one came. We saw some other sights along the shore including the place where Peter met up with Jesus after the resurrection, got a great sermon there, cannot wait to share it at home. If you see my kids give them a hug from Carole and I and love one another while we are away. Remember to pray for the staff as they have much to do while I am here. See you soon.

Your Friend, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

P.S. Everyone from here says hello to everyone there!

We are here!

2007-10-09T07:10:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,

If you don't know by now Carole and I are in Israel. We arrived after a few delays. I hate sitting in airports, I hate sitting anywhere. We landed in Tel Aviv and are staying in a hotel just north of the city. We went to bed kind of weary from the travel. Got up early as usual and Carole and I had breakfast, not real good, doesn't compare to Big Boy. We then went for a walk on the Mediterranean Sea. It was beautiful, got thinking while I was walking that just a little more north of here is where Paul set off in a ship on a missionary journey and just south of here is where Jonah tried to run from God and ended up in a big fish. Speaking of big fish, I saw a guy fishing and thought, I wish he had an extra pole. Then I realized I am fishing, all of us who are believers are fishermen, fishers of men. I love watching God catch people and being used anyway He wants. Well, I gotta run for now, but will try and bring some pictures later. Tonight we will be staying on the Sea of Galilee. Lots of great stuff happened there with Jesus. I love being where He was, I look forward to being where He is and right now I want to be where He wants me to be and thats Pastoring you!

Love Ya, Pastor Jim

II Cor 4:1

P.S. Watching my wife walk down the shore reminded me of the great gifts God has blessed me with her, you and Him!

Leaving for Israel

2007-10-08T14:26:00.000-04:00

Hi Church!

We left Sunday on a flight to Israel at 3:45 pm. I will be blogging each day with updates as we are there - so check back soon for our first update!

Pastor Jim
1 Cor 4:1