Why I Believe What I Believe

My time in Israel has led me to a closer examination of my faith. Jews, Muslims and Christians agree on the majority of the Old Testament. The difference comes when Jesus comes into the picture. Why is Christianity the right way?

It is historically recognized that there was a man named Jesus who walked the Earth 2,000 years ago. He was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth and was crucified. Those facts are widely agreed upon as historically true.

The part that many people question is in the resurrection. That event is really what all of Christianity hinges on. If it is true, then surely Jesus was the Son of God and the only one who ever lived that was able to resurrect himself. If it is false, then he was no different than every other person that has walked the Earth.

There are many evidences that point to its truth such as his appearing to over 500 people. For me though the biggest evidence is in the behavior of the disciples. Before the resurrection the 12 disciples were afraid, running away and denying they knew Jesus. Something significant must have happened because a short time later these cowards turned into bold and courageous men. They galliantly proclamied that Jesus had conquered death to everyone around, even in the midst of persecution. In fact 11 of the 12 ended up being killed for their faith in Jesus and his resurrection.

Some say that they might have stolen the body or made up a lie. Throughout history many people have died for something they thought was true or had good intentions about, but I don't think people are willing to die for something they know is a lie. At some point one of them would have confessed it in the face of death. They did not! That is the best proof I see.

Christianity is different than every other religion. No other religion has a saviour that conquered death. Every other religion is about what man can do for God. Christianity is all about God and what he did for us. It is not based on our works and deeds because they can never measure up to a perfect, holy God.

Finally, I can see what God has done in my life. I have experienced true peace and joy in the midst of difficult circumstances. I have heard the voice of God guiding me and directing me. I have felt and continue to feel the power of the Holy Spirit working in me. I am thankful for the opportunity to go to Israel and how it has reaffirmed my faith in following Jesus.

Crossing of Faiths

Being in Jerusalem can really challenge your faith. Jews and Muslims and Christians are all monotheistic religions that believe their way is the right way. Each of them believe very similar things about the Old Testament. Many other religions believe in the Bible or parts of it. Some even acknowledge Jesus as a prophet. So many people through the ages have lived and died following these different religions.
Even within Christianity there are some very diverse beliefs. There are Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Charismatics, Evangelicals, Methodists, Seventh Day Adventists and so many others. Each has a unique set of beliefs and traditions within Christianity. Each is convinced their way is the right way.

Sometimes when I see the level of devotion among other religions it makes me examine my faith and my level of commitment to what I believe which is a healthy thing to do. No one should blindly accept their faith because of their parents or for any other reason. We each need to examine what we believe.

The Center of the World

I loved the three days in Jerusalem. We were actually staying in a hotel in the Palestinian controlled area of Bethlehem, but I spent every chance I could get, day and night, in the old city of Jerusalem. It is an amazing place as it blends a new modern city outside the famous walls with the old city within the walls that has thousands of years of history and many religions that claim it as sacred to them. Israel is really situated in the center of the world; in the middle of Europe, Asia and Africa; a pathway from Egypt to ancient Mesopotamia. It is a land flowing with milk and honey that is coveted by many. Within that prime real estate, Jerusalem is undoubtably the center of Israel.

The walls around the old city speak volumes of the many times the city changed hands through conquerors of different empires and faiths. Walking through the narrow and crowded streets is a pleasure all its own as you go into the Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian quarters. I have never been in a place that has such a diverse mixture of cultures and is so full of history.

From the Lowest Point on Earth to the Peaks of Sinai

I think two of my highlights from eleven days in Egypt and Israel were floating in the Dead Sea and climbing to the top of Mt. Sinai. It is an extraordinary feeling to get in a body of water and automatically float to the surface. The 25% concentration of salt in the dead sea makes it impossible to sink and impossible for anything to live; hence the name. It is quite a relaxing feeling to lay motionless in such a big body of water.

The next day we were startled by a wake-up call at 1:00 am so that we could begin the ascent of Mt. Sinai by 2:00 am. A group of around 25 people began but most resorted to mounting a camel to take them up; at least to the final base camp. Around 10 people in our group were able to make it all the way to the peak on foot. It wasn't as bad as some peaks, but it also wasn't easy. The journey was worth it though as we summitted and caught a glimpse of the sky just after the sun appeared on the horizon. I was able to find a quiet place on a stone that blocked the strong bitter wind and where the sun was shining so that I could spend a half hour reflecting on the moment in history 4000 years ago when God met Moses on the same peak. It was a great time of personal worship, reflection and prayer. Once the others arrived we took some time to warm up by standing close together and praising God through songs, prayer and scripture. It was well worth the effort. We arrived back at the base around 9:30 so the total climb took us around 7 hours, but could have been less under other circumstances.

How amazing to experience the Old Testament firsthand!

Israel and Egypt Itinerary

Day 1 (Cairo)

Pyramid and Sphinx

Perfumery

Textile Shop (fancy word for t-shirt souveneirs)

Day 2 (travelling to Sinai Peninsula)

Church where Jesus and family escaped

Hanging Church

Papyrus Factory

6 hour drive through desert to Nuweiba (on the Red Sea)

Day 3 (border crossing, Jericho, Nazareth)

Drove through desert past the Dead Sea

Zachaeus Sycamore Tree

Mt. of Temptation

Day 4 (Galilee)

Mount of Beatitudes (Sermon on the Mount)

Church of Multiplication (feeding the 5000)

St. Peter's Church (Jesus prepared breakfast after he appeared)

Boat ride on Sea of Galilee

Peter's house in Capernaum

Baptism in the River Jordan

Day 5 (Nazareth on Easter)

Team had a communion service

Mount of Transfiguration

Church of Annunciation where the angel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus

Cana where Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding

Day 6 (Nazareth to Bethlehem)

Mt. Carmel where Elijah fought the prophets of Baal

Herod's aqueduct at the port of Caesara

Tel Aviv

Ein Karem Church of the Visitation where Mary visited Elizabeth while they were pregnant

Church of John the Baptist (birthplace)

Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born

Day 7 (Jerusalem)

Free day for team

Went with a small group and had a tour of Jerusalem Old City

Wailing Wall

Different Quarters (Muslim, Jew, Christian, Armenian)

Day 8 (Jerusalem)

Mt. of Olives overlooking Jerusalem

Garden of Gethsemane

Dome of the Rock

Via Delarosa- the way of the Cross

Place of Jesus Crucifixion and Tomb

Light show at Tower of David (Citadel)

Day 9 (Dead Sea and Sinai)

Qumeran- caves in the hills where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found

Floated in the Dead Sea

Reached the base of Mount Sinai

Day 10 (Mt. Sinai)

Climbed Mt. Sinai (Mountain of Moses) at 2:00 am for the sunrise

Toured St. Catherine's Monastery

Burning bush of Moses

Well where Moses met his wife

Day 11 (Cairo)

Free day for team

Went to Citadel

Toured Egyptian military museum

Egyptian Museum

Pizza Hut!

True History

As I listen to tour guides in Egypt and Israel it is obvious that most people and countries give their own perspectives of history. And that perspective usually tries to paint a rosy picture of themselves and their country. They tell the good side and leave out the bad side. Or they take the bad side and change it to make them look good.

The bible does that opposite. It shows all of the ugliness of the Hebrew people. Even the mistakes of the greatest kings and prophets are exposed. It shows the true history. It shows how great our God is and how messy the people are. It shows that we needed a saviour to save us from all of our sins.

Am I Any Better than the Israelites?

As we travelled the long journey through the wilderness and the desert, I found myself grumbling and complaining if we didn't eat a meal at the normal time of if things didn't go just the way I wanted. Then I started imagining Moses leading 3 million people like me through the same area by foot. I am in a nice air-conditioned coach bus with bottles of water easily available driving across smooth roads. How bad would I have complained if I was in the hot sun walking for hours and days on end, eating the same thing every day? It is a scary thought to have.

I have so much to be grateful for, but I lose focus at times. I only think of myself and put my needs above everything else. When I am Christ-centered I don't find myself complaining and grumbling. I want to be thankful for every blessing in my life. I want to have a heart of gratefulness.

Pyramids, Crossing the Desert, Entering the Promised Land

I arrived in Egypt with a group of 27 peole from Parklands Baptist Church in Nairobi on April 8th. We had all met at the Nairobi airport by midnight for the 5:00 am flight. On the first day we spent time at the enormous pyramids and the sphinx. Quite a spectacle to see. The 2nd day we started on the trek through the Sinai desert and up to the border of Israel. The next day was another long day of travelling up into Israel past the Dead Sea and Jordan River. We made a brief stop in Jericho to see Zachaeus Sycamore Tree, the place where Jesus was tempted and the ruins from old Jericho, the world's oldest city and lowest city. We continued on and arrived late in Nazareth, the birthplace of Jesus. Today was a remarkable day tracing the steps of Jesus. We started on the Mount of Beatitudes with a breif service, then proceeded to the beach where Jesus prepared breakfast for his disciples (John 21), then went for a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a 1st century fishing boat, then to Simon Peter's house. In the afternoon I was blessed be re-baptized in the Jordan River and also to baptize a pastor who is with us. In the evening we returned to Nazareth and I took a walk through the streets with some friends up and down the steep hills and to Mary's well.

I am expectantly waiting to spend Easter in Cana (water to wine), the Mount of Transfiguration and other special activities before moving on to Bethlahem and Jerusalem on Monday!

Baptism in the Jordan River

What an amazing experience being in the same water near where Jesus was baptized 2000 years ago by John the Baptist. The water was cold, but it was so worth it. I had originally been baptized when I was seven years old by my father on Christmas Day. This was another opportunity to declare that I am a follower of Jesus and belong to him. I have gone from death to a new life (25 years ago and walking in that new life every day since then).

After I was baptized this time by Pastor Nick, a dear friend from Parklands Baptist in Nairobi, he turned and asked me if I would be willing to baptize him also. He had just baptized several from our group, but there was no one around to help him, so he asked the missionary! It was my first time to baptize someone, but I was honored to be able to do it!

March Madness- Kenyan Style

After narrowly losing the Provencial Soccer Finals 1-0 in front of over 7,000 fans, I presented the Gospel to the 15 girls on the team with tears streaming down my face. They weren’t tears of sorrow, but tears of happiness and pride for how well these girls competed and tears of emotion as the magnitude of the moment struck me. A few of these great soccer players had never heard the message of Jesus’ love for them and his gift he freely offers all who will choose him. Others had heard the message before, but hadn't given their lives to Him. I can’t even remember what I said, but I know they weren’t my words anyway, as the Holy Spirit guided me and spoke through me.

It is amazing how close you can bond with a team in the matter of a five day tournament. The training and the games are always special, but I think I even enjoyed the times singing or talking on the bus, hanging out while watching other games, working out Math problems with 10 of them gathered around the kerosene lantern or sitting by the campfire and chatting as they cooked dinner at night. My prayer is that God used me to impact each of their lives in a special way through words of encouragement, listening to them and just by showing them that I care. Each of them has their own story. I shared a few of those stories previously in my blog.

This was the 2nd year I was able to coach the District Girls Soccer team at the Provencial Tournament. Last year we reached the finals and lost on post-match penalty kicks. No Suba District team had ever won the tournament in any sport. Our goal was to finish this year what we couldn’t quite get done last year. We came so close once again, competing against the other 22 districts in our province. The girls were not intimidated by the huge throngs of spectators watching them and quickly won over the fans. Our girls attracted quite a following during the tournament. They have so much talent and natural ability. Spectators were enthralled with our girls' ball-control, passing ability and aggressiveness. These 7th and 8th graders played like mature professionals. I can’t take much credit for the coaching. I just selected great players and put them in the right positions. The girls did the rest.

So as my alma mater, Rocky Mountain College, was winning the NAIA National Championship, we were having a different kind of March Madness here in Kenya. Our girls soccer team had reached the finals of the Provencial Tournament with four straight wins. We swept through our preliminary games with a 3-1 win and a 4-0 win. In the quarter-finals we faced the defending champions who conquered us in the Finals last year. We played a strong game and it once again came down to penalty kicks. We missed the 2nd, but our girls persevered and knocked in the rest and celebrated after the champs missed their last two. In the semifinals we cruised once again to a 5-0 victory, scoring four first-half goals. The finals didn’t end the way I had planned, but it provided a great teaching moment that will impact many girls’ lives here on Earth and for eternity.

Prayer Requests:

1) Pray for each of the girls I had the opportunity to coach over the past week. Pray that their

eyes would be open to the Gospel and that it will transform their lives.

2) Pray for the CGA students and staff as we close the first term. Pray for their physical needs to be met during the couple of weeks away from school and that they would have good time for rest and renewal.

3) Pray for me as I travel to Egypt and Israel for an 11 day trip in April. It is an unbelievable opportunity to travel with a Kenyan church group to see the Holy Land and walk where Jesus walked. Pray for it to open my understanding of the Bible and that God would use it to draw me closer to Him.