Category Archives: Travel

The “Silver Scrolls” found on our Jerusalem Dig.

Prayer Warriors, many of you know about the archeological dig that I participated in, back in 1980, and the famous “Silver Scrolls” that were found at that site. If you go to CBN.COM and look for the May 10th “700 Club,” there is a story about archeology in today’s Jerusalem. You will not only see the “Sifting Project” that I was able to participate in, in November of 2015 but also Gaby, our archeologist heading our dig in 1980. He talks about, and shows, one of the “Silver Scrolls” that was found on our dig (some of you have seen the exact copy, that I brought back from Jerusalem). I pray that all of you will one day see Jerusalem with your own eyes. Someone so accurately said, “before seeing the Holy Land, you read the Bible in black and white. After you see the Holy Land, you read the Bible in living color.” You are never the same. Amen. Blessings, D

Inauguration, night of day two

Prayer Warriors, With everything happening this week, this is the first time I could get back on line about my “grand adventure” with the Lord, at the Inauguration. After the day time Inauguration activities and getting on the metro to Springfield, Va., I got back to the Frey’s home in time to have a late lunch with Carol. We both watched President Trump have his lunch at the Capital Building and the Parade. I sure needed the rest, and time to change into formal dress. I headed back into DC, later that night, for what had to be the best Inaugural Ball in town (pure class all the way). It was put on by many of the same ministry leaders that met the day before, for the Leadership Prayer Event in DC. Tony Perkins was Master of Ceremonies, participants included David Barton (I was a guest of his “Wallbuilders”), Gary Bauer, James Robison, Honorable Bob McEwen, etc.. Plus performances by Chonda Pierce, Gaither singer Penrod, other Christian music and a wonderful dance band, lovely strolling strings, etc.. We had an amazing sit down dinner+. And everyone received a beautiful medal medallion, especially made for us, as a Inauguration souvenir. What touched my heart the most, was how Jesus was honored and glorified (answers of decades of praying), so that were able to celebrate that night. What a time of encouragement and a remembrance to “not be discouraged for doing rightly.” The people at my table were from different States. We all had prayed and worked hard for this day. The man sitting next to me was a composer (he does almost all the music on HBO, including their theme song). A fascinating evening. I was back to Carol’s a little after mid-night. Saturday, I was so glad that I was not leaving until Sunday night. Because of all the major physical activities of the previous two days, I woke up feeling like someone had “beat me with a stick.” (haha) It seems like I bounced back a little faster 16 years ago, when “W” was Inaugurated. On Saturday, we watched the “Women’s March” on TV for a while. I later found out that this was originally to be a “coronation for Hillary,” but because she lost, they (George Soros+) changed it to an anti- . . .. While waiting for my flight back to Florida on Sunday night. I was able to have an interesting conversation with a gal who had flown in for the “March.” As we spoke, I realized how little she understood as to why she really was there. The Lord opened the door to share with her about real peace (Biblical), she indicated how she was searching for a personal peace, that she knew she was not experiencing. I was able to watch the Holy Spirit, plant a “seed” in her heart. After four days of “Divine Appointments” (only able to write on some of them), I came home excited and looking forward to all to come, because I know that Jesus is in control (1 Thess. 5:16-19). Blessings, D

Inaugural Day Two, Divine Appointments

Prayer Warriors. Day two, WOW. I woke up in time to drive and park Carol’s car, and get to the Metro Station a little after 4:am. to go into DC (the Lord had the train ready to go, leaving literally 60 seconds after I got on, so that I did not have to wait in the cold). The amazing timing, of so many answers, to so many “Umbrella” prayers*:) happy. I got off (40 minutes later) at the closest open metro to the Trump International Hotel, where the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast was to start at 7:am. When I walked to the Mall (a couple of blocks away), I found that even though I could see the Hotel (10 minutes away), security (there in force) was not open to let us cross over. I did not realize that the ENTIRE Mall would be completely closed off with a chain link fence (I have never seen that done before). Also, I have never seen so much security, even with the other two Inaugurals for W. I arrived at the Trump around 6:30am, after walking around three miles, circling much of the Mall (remembering I Thess. 5:16-19, every step of the way)*:) happy. The Breakfast started more than an hour late because hundreds of the 1000 attending, could not start through security until well after 7:am. But because of this, the Lord was able to answer a Divine appointment. I had prayed to sit with one of my students and his son at the breakfast (they had flown up from Bradenton, separately from me). They got to the Trump 5 minutes after me, their table was three from mine, and the only single person at their table was willing to change with me*:) happy. So much happened during the three hours, but for me the prayer of Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn at the end, for the nation and the President, was most moving. Ed and I had prayed an “Umbrella” prayer, that he and his son would be able to see President Trump close up and in person. I had prayed to be on the Mall to witness the swearing in ceremony. Even with leaving the Breakfast late, they chose to go through security and get a good place outside the Trump Hotel, to watch the parade. President Trump’s car stopped right in front of them, he and his family got out and waved right at them (15 feet away). Great video, and they were thrilled*:) happy. I chose to go through security at the Mall and cross over, and then go back to Carol’s to get ready for the Christian “Faith, Family, Future Ball,” to be held that night at the Capitol Hill Hyatt in DC. As I got to the middle of the Mall, they began the swearing in, and the President’s speech. I stopped and not only saw them at the Capitol Building but also had a jumbo tron, and saw and heard everything*:) happy. As I left the Mall, there were people still in line, a block and a half long, trying to get in, through security. Will finish day two, tomorrow. Blessings, D

Awesome answers to prayer for my Inauguration trip, representing you.

Prayer Warriors. This is the first day, that things have settled down long enough, to let you know about my awesome four days in DC for the Inauguration. WOW, I always say, “what the Lord Jesus does ‘amazes’ me but His timing ‘awes’ me.” This was such a trip, loaded with Divine Appointments. I experienced His Divine hand so distinctly, that at times He took my breath away, what a “grand adventure.” I flew up to DC early Thursday morning (day before Inauguration) and went directly into the city, to A Special Inauguration Prayer Event (invitation only), held at Greater New Hope Baptist Church. There, major Conservative Evangelical leaders (ie., James and Shirley Dobson, David Barton, James Robison, Tony Perkins, Mike Evans, Chief Negiel Bigpond who has represented 70 American Indians tribes, Bishop Harry Jackson, Alan and Willie Robertson, Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, Congressional Reps. Michele Bachmann, Trent Franks, etc., etc., etc.) came together to PRAY and be a part of the festivities. To be invited to such a special event was truly humbling, and representing you at such an event, a privilege. After the first event, we then participated in a second, A Celebration of the USA – Israeli Relationship. This was a time of honoring the Genesis 12:3 call to “Bless Israel.” There were even members of Israel’s Knesset (similar to our Congress) speaking. (One is even called the Israeli “Margaret Thatcher.”) I think that they were blown away by the prayers and love shown for them and their Israel. After a time fellowship, I took the Metro out to Springfield, VA to stay the four days at the home of the Frey’s. Dear Christian friends of almost forty years, Tom (who has just gone home to Jesus) and Carol, have been great prayer warriors, supporters, and friends. We have been in the DC “battle,” for the soul of America, for a long time. I will catch you up, about day two of the trip, tomorrow. Blessings, D

Wow! Amazing news about the Bible.

Prayer Warriors, I just returned from one of the most encouraging summits that I have ever attended. Last week I met for the four day President’s Summit for Wycliffe Associates (not to be confused with the Wycliffe USA Translators). I was invited to meet with the leadership, in Bonita Springs, FL., with hundreds of other Christians from across the US. There, we heard of a new way of translating the entire Bible, into languages for people who have no scripture in their own tongue. For some translator groups, it takes 30 years and $2,000,000 to translate the Bible. In other groups it takes at least 10 years and $200,000. However, WA in the last two years, has perfected a way to do so in less than a year and $19,500. Not only to have the Bible translated (printed as well) but in the peoples’ hands. We saw how using this method, in just one session with 13 indigenous people (WA’s computer system and facilitators), had one half of the New Testament translated in TWO WEEKS. The Lord is preparing the world for something AMAZING! The system is called M.A.S.T., and if you go to their website you will understand what IT means. Blessings, D (P.S. Thank you for your prayers for me and the LTC conference that I did the weekend before. It went well, the Lord was honored and glorified. It touches my heart, when hearts are touched.)

I am HOME, happy, happy, happy!

*O:-) angelShalom 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) *:) happy. 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! *O:-) angel 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

What a day, it is a beauty.

Hi from Jerusalem. Here it is Saturday and it is absolutely beautiful, just like the day I arrived. This morning at breakfast I talked to a dear lady from Wales and her eleven year old son (he is a character). She and I spoke of how the Lord is using small group Bible studies instead of the churches in her country (like ours). We talked of how it appears that the Lord is getting ready for something to happen world wide and that He is preparing the Christians who are willing to learn, disciple, and stand up boldly. I went over to “Art’s” Prayer Garden. The sun is out, the sky is blue, the flowers are bright, it is a beautifully peaceful place. I decided to have a quiet time there and the take communion. On my way back to my room to pack, I was stopped by some people who had been at last night’s Shabbat meal and had heard me speak. They wanted to talk a little more about the two silver scrolls. Interesting how this has mushroomed. Just to let you know, yes, we have heard about France. Israel has been in alert mode all week and we are probably safer here than just about anywhere. I just finished being on the “phone,” yes the one that has barely worked this entire trip. Not only was I able to join in on my weekly Saturday morning prayer conference call in the States, I spoke with mom and assured her that I was all right and was so looking forward to flying home tomorrow morning. I even was able to call Esther about the arrangements for picking me up. What a blessing!!!! Thank you so much for your prayers, they made the trip what it became (Thess 5:16-19). Blessings, D (I am sending this early because I am getting ready for bed.)

The Lord amazed me today with a group of “Divine Appts.”

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

Visit to the “City of David” archeological dig.

Hi from Jerusalem. Here it is Thursday already, wow, what a day. Right after breakfast I headed to the City of David dig. The “Divine Appts.” just keep rolling in. On my way, I noticed a white blimp hanging in the sky just on the other side of the Mount of Olives. It looked like something that I had recently seen before, so, I took a picture. Then as I watched and walked closer to David’s City, I could see it much clearer. Do you remember a few weeks ago, a story on the news about one of our billion dollar “spy blimps” getting away and going down somewhere in a north eastern state (I believe the 6,000 foot teather caused some problems with people’s electric lines)? Well, guess what? This looks like the same type of blimb. I asked someone at the dig site, what was on the other side of the Mount. He said, “a not too very friendly Arab village.” At that same information center, I found that the tour I wanted had left a half hour sooner but that I could take a map and do a “self” tour (disappointed, but I Thess. 5:16-19 went into play). Just as I got to the site, a small, private tour began and I was allowed to tag along. What an informative treat. I found out later, that the young lady leading it had been a student of the archeologist that had headed up the dig that I had been on. And she was actually excited to meet me?!? (We exchanged business cards, she wants to keep in touch). She also took us through an old tunnel that was recently found at this dig (her brother actually worked on opening it), that took us right to the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. I have some amazing pictures. We popped up right where the old lower road, where the Romans caused it to collapse (by pushing big chunks of the Temple stone over the edge), when they were destroying the Temple in 70 AD. While we were in the tunnel you could actually look up and see where that big stone crashed through. One third of the stone could be seen above ground and two thirds below. I decided to take communion looking up at that rock in the ceiling of the tunnel. Because this is a road that Jesus, Paul, the disciples, etc. would have actually walked on while going to the Temple. After touring the museum there, I went back over to the Western Wall to pray. Then it was off to the other tunnels, that were made under Moslem Quarter of the city, that follows the unseen part of the Western Wall. Then another tunnel that predated Jesus by 200 years. What fun! But the Lord was not finished with some “faith” adventures. As we were leaving the last tunnel (you come out in the Moslem Quarter of the city) the tour group had to be escorted back to the Jewish Quarter by two military guards (one in front, one behind). Because I needed to get a “short cut” to Jaffa Gate, where I am staying, I asked one of the guards which way to go before we got back to the Jewish Quarter. Well, long story short, I ended up getting lost in the Moslem Quarter (realizing that I wasn’t in “Kansas” anymore). I will tell you more about my “Divine Faith Adventure” when I get home. Thank you for continued prayers, they were really needed today. Blessings, D

C.S. Lewis in Jerusalem (another Divine Appt)

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