His Steps 

There was so much to experience in Israel that we couldn't resist one more post about new insights gained  on our tour. What impresses a visitor to Israel is the number, size and precision of  massive quarried stones everywhere you go. Our tour guide reminded us that the word used for carpenter in New Testament Greek, 'tekton', could better be translated builder or craftsman. Jesus probably was trained to work with both wood and stone. After visiting an ancient olive grove purported to be the Garden of Gethsemane, we ascended to the excavations of a house very likely belonging to a first century high priest. The stone steps in the picture are likely the steps those who came to arrest Jesus used to bring him from Gethsemane to Caiaphas that fateful night. It's as though the two dimensional pages of Scripture were transformed into 3D before our eyes! Our faith is built on firm foundations, like these two thousand year old stone steps Jesus used to keep his appointment with Caiaphas and the Cross.   

Prayer Requests: 

1, Pray with us for the safety of the 12 boys and their coach that have been trapped in a cave for 10 days now. This story has gripped the nation of Thailand and many are praying for their safe removal, now that they have been found. One of the boys is a Christian, according to reports from a pastor in the area. 
2. Be praying for us as we increasingly use the internet to stay in contact with and counsel Christian workers in our region. As travel costs increase and workers locate in remote areas, using internet communications is becoming the best way to connect with people.
3. Continue to pray with us that Alberta's "Marriage and  Family Counseling " course will be offered in CIU's 2018-19 academic year. If it is, she will be able to graduate in April next year.

Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta