Israel Trip Update #8

Good evening! We are all at the airport and waiting to board. Big group, but all is well. 

It will be another all-nighter tonight after a full day of traveling around Israel. We started by heading towards Bethlehem and making our first stop at the Shepherds Fields. Remember the account of the angels appearing to them? 

The shepherds' field outside of Bethlehem

Then it was on to Bethlehem for a visit to the Church of the Nativity. After our visit there, we went to a beautiful gift shop where the manager gave me a very nice carving from olive wood that was valued at upwards of $1000.00! I never expected that at all. He also took a couple of us into his office to show us a picture of Mike Pence and himself. From my observation the Israeli folk love President Trump! 

After our “shopping” was over, we stopped at a little restaurant for a quick bite. It was very good indeed!

Gyro time in Bethlehem. Not to bad, but right now a Big Mac is sounding pretty good... can’t believe I just said that! ;-)

Gyro time

Next, we headed to a museum in Jerusalem to view a large model of Old Jerusalem as well as some of the findings regarding the Dead Sea scrolls. ​

A model of the Old City

Getting closer...

...closer

... close up!

Pretty sure the group is getting tired. We walked 10 miles yesterday.

Our final place to tour was the battlefield between the Philistines and Saul’s army. Here, we did a “Sight and Sound” re-enactment! Thanks Austin, Allen, and Blake, you guys are great! ​

Allen Stump reading the account of David and Goliath. Allen, 15, has a call to preach and we are so excited for him. God is really helping him.

David faces Goliath

Goliath

Little David

David 1 - Goliath 0

The field where it all happened!

Brian II & Phoebe... Two real live “lovebirds”... with all those stripes could very well be a couple of “jailbirds” ;-).

Before leaving for the airport we had a fine supper together at a very nice restaurant in downtown Joppa. Great food, outstanding fellowship!

The last supper, in Joppa, next stop is the airport.

What a delight it was to have our “5” wonderful children on this trip! Thanks guys n gals for all your help behind the scenes!

Thanks so much for all who prayed for us during this trip. May God richly bless you and yours!

And I remain
Respectfully Yours,

Pastor Spangler

Four birds sitting on a perch. I think we were all tired.

For Esther Walburn being able to go to Israel was a long time dream come true. Thanks to everyone in our group that helped make it possible! You are all great! May God bless you and yours abundantly! So glad you were able to go along Esther!