Shalom everyone, my brother Art picked me up from the airport in Tampa, 1:am this morning (Tues). So that I would not experience jet lag, I needed to stay awake for the 27 hours of my trip back. Believe me, I got into my bed and was out like a light for 9 hours. It was so good to give Art and mom big hugs and kisses this morning. We are slowly catching up. Just a quick Divine appointment catch up. While waiting at my hotel in Israel, for my shuttle to the airport (5:45am), I was able to talk with the night clerk (a young Jewish student that I had not met before). Because of his love for history (he intends to visit the 5 churches mentioned in Rev. this fall), he was very interested in the differences in Christian denominations (why some think that the whole Bible is to be believed and followed, while others do not). He was very open and curious (we even talked about what was found on that 1980 dig). So, for 30 minutes we discussed what a “Born Again” believer, believes. Just as my ride showed up, I handed him a Four Laws booklet and said that this is what we believe “in a nut shell.” He smiled, thanked me, and put it in his pocket to read after I left (watering a seed). I gave him over to the Lord and off I went to Tel Aviv. Even though the Isreali security is high, it was nice to keep my shoes on. One of my next Divine appointments was to be my seat mate on the plane. A lovely young Jewish girl (she has one parent in Chicago and one in Tel Aviv). Because she had taken a class in archeology while in college, she was very interested in what I had seen at the Sifting Project Dig and how (regarding the truths of the Bible) “every time an archaeologist puts a shovel in the ground he buries a skeptic.” We talked of Ezekiel, Daniel and the Psalms. She had heard of the “end of days,” and wondered if I thought we were in them. That brought us to why I was back in Israel, which brought us to my love for Jesus, and His love for His earthly “homeland.” I was then able to go through C.S. Lewis’ “Lier, Lunatic, or Lord” illustration. She then said, because of the illustration, that it finally was making sense. However, after talking for 40 minutes, (just after the plane took off) they found that there was something wrong with her seating and she had to move. But she smiled, shook my hand and thanked me (watering a seed). As we took off over Israel, I could see the city, the green farm lands, the mountains and beyond. As we then made our turn and started our climb over the Med. Sea, I took that last communion, and watched until I no could longer see “The Land” any more. I smiled, thanked the Lord, and felt satisfied (like after a big Thanksgiving dinner) . In the Lord’s kindness (angels watching over me), He guided me through one of the worst Customs entry points (JFK) that I have ever seen. Because someone gave me a “blessed orange slip of paper,” I kept being put at the head of the lines, by-passing hundreds of people (maybe thousands). What could have taken easily three hours or more, took less than one (and no one questioned me or anything in my bags). They did not take my little orange paper until I went to my gate. Amazing! Truly the Lord has guided my every step on this trip, and I do not take that lightly. No sickness, no accidents, and I took the right amount of everything. And of course where I stayed, location, location, location. I found out that this little hotel was used in the 40s, by many of those who would become the founders of the new Israel (although very clean and safe, it reminded of a place that “Bogie” would have stayed at, in “Casablanca”). I look forward to sharing the “treasures,” that I have brought back, with many of you. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. Now, on to another great adventure, for all of us. Thank you for all the prayers, they were answered over and above. Blessings, D

Hi from Jerusalem. Friday, the beautiful Fall days have returned. I had breakfast this morning out on the little patio that sits across from the Old Church. While there, I recognized the famous explorer Bob Canuke (google) and some of his fellow workers (the one from Alaska is a friend of John Stemburger of Florida Family Research). Bob then introduced me to an author friend of his, they are working on a book together. We talked about a couple of projects that he has going on (one causing a major controversy about the Temple, this was why he was here at Christ Church today). I prayed with him (“Umbrella” for the truth to be revealed). I was then invited to join them in the Heritage Centre to discuss with the director, a messianic Jew and an amazing historian, about theTemple Mount (really the entire Old City). I got to the meeting a little early and introduced myself to the director. To my amazement, he already knew of me (my guess, because of small talk with some of the staff, about the dig that I had been on). He said that he wanted to discuss the dig, the silver scrolls, and all that happened there. When the others came in (now it gets really crazy), HE then introduces me to them, and then says that HE is looking forward to MY insights! (Can you believe it?) What was EVEN crazier, I not only was asked to join in the conversation, I was able to bring some answers (and questions) to the discussion (I even offered one new possibility, that even the director had not thought of, and he thought I was correct), isn’t that a hoot. The Lord sure has a sense of humor (some “Divine Appts.,” aye)! I am still smiling. Tonight, I celebrated a Christian Shabbat (sabboth dinner) here with new friends. The director of the Heritage Centre and his wife actually hosted the 20 or so of us. Part of the ritual has the reading of the Priestly prayer from the Book of Numbers (the one that is on the two silver scrolls from the dig that I was on). Right after he prayed the prayer, he took me by surprize and asked if I would stand and explain about how the scrolls were found and the importance of them, in dating the written Old Testament 400 years before the Dead Scrolls. Also, the author friend of Bob Canuke sat next to me and wanted to further explain his and Bob’s theory on the Temple placement. What an evening . . What a day! Thank you for your prayers. Tomorrow, I start finshing up last minute details and begin packing. I miss all of you and I am ready to get back home to my mom. Blessings, D

Hi from Jerusalem. Weds. morning I spent a little time in “Art’s” Garden. Today they warned us, that it might be better to stay out of the Moslem Quarter of the City, unless you are in a group. The troops and police are out in force right now. Soooooo, off I headed deep into the Old City again (Jewish Quarter) to spend a couple of hours at the “Temple Institute” (these are the Jews that have made, built, prepared everything to put in/up the Temple, including the High Priest’s outfit and a pre-fab building, etc.). I have loved coming back to it over the years, to see all that they have finished (all the things that you see here are not copies of what will be going into the Temple, but the real deal). Always something new to learn and see. I found out that the “Gold Mennorah,” that stands overlooking the Temple Mount, is made with 95 pounds of pure gold (they said it is worth well over two million dollars). This time I noticed, that all of the paintings of their plans for the next Temple, show that “IT” is not going to be “sharing” the Temple Mount (if you get my meaning). Went to one of my favorite cafes, it overlooks the Temple Mount, and had the best Falafal in Israel. Then it was off to the nearby “Burnt House.” This is a small museum that houses the archeological remains of a Temple priest’s family home that was destroyed by fire in 70 AD, when the Romans came into Jerusalem and destroyed not only the Temple but the city as well. Even the stones used in building the house are chard black. Boy, is it getting cold here! At least 20 degrees different from home in Florida. I am sure getting a big chunk of Fall this year. But still loving it! Just got back this evening from the wonderful two act play performed in the Old Church. The actor I wrote you about earlier, transformed himself into C.S.Lewis, sitting in his living room, acting as if those in the audience are his guest for the day. A wonderful presentation that opens the audience up to how Lewis not only came to know Christ, but how it transformed his life and work. It looks like I have made two new friends. He wanted my picture with him and I wanted he and his wife with me. His wife said that after our conversation, he is just fascinated with “Ben Hur” now. We are to have breakfast tomorrow before they leave for their home in Hollywood. The Lord continues to amaze me with His Divine Appts. and how He opens various paths. Your prayers are truly felt. Blessings, D