We were so privileged to worship our God together in Jerusalem. In the country where the Son of God humbled himself and became a man and sacrificed himself to take the curse of sin away. Yet, only about 2% of the population in this land today, believes in Christ. Also, the Jews and Arab Palestinians (mostly Muslims) are constantly at odds with each other. Even so, all people in the country are confronted with Christianity, as many Christian tourists, or pilgrims as we are called here, come to see the land where Jesus walked.
Our pastor preached about Ps. 46:3,4. "In the midst of trouble seek your security in the river of live water. Seek out, drink from and discover the source of the river. - Stop looking at the clouds in the difficult times of your life and look instead at the river. - The church is an oasis in life."
What a fitting message, especially in this country.
Coffee social after the church service.
View from our hotel room.
Luxurious hotel! Even though it was very hot in the Dead Sea area nearby, it was almost too cold to swim in the pool.
In the afternoon we went for a walk on the street down from the hotel. Behind us is a much poorer neighbourhood and it probably is a Palestinian area. Some kids ran up the hill behind us and we were startled when they were chased away by some undercover military officers who pointed their big guns at them. 
Another view of the nearby homes.
When we got back to the hotel we played a game of Spot It. A little Jewish girl loved our entertainment and quickly found a place on Cindy's lap.
Her Dad came to check if she was still enjoying it. She ignored him and stayed where the 'fun' was. :) Her Dad told us that he lives in 'Galilea' (better known to us as the West Bank) and that they were in Jerusalem for the Holy Days. They were lived in one of the infamous 'settlements'. 
During the Holy days and on the Sabbath, there is one elevator in the hotel that stops on every floor. It gives you just enough time to go in and out and then the door closes. This is because the Jews will not push buttons on the Sabbath. It takes a long time to reach the top floor!
Also on each doorpost in the hotel is a tiny replica of a scroll. This is to obey Deut. 6:9, "Write them on the doorposts of your homes and on your gates."
After our evening worship service some of us went to Gerald and Hetty's room for a fun get-together.
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