Articles

Children’s Ministry Update: The Trip
By Jill Fields

Dear Diary,

The Israel trip continues. I thought now that I had seen the “Wow!” of Herod’s palace that our next stop couldn’t possibly be as grand. Boy, was I wrong! We all hopped in the bus and set off for the mountains. I really wasn’t reading ahead in the itinerary because I love surprises. And I figured that if I didn’t look, then every stop along the way would be a surprise. We wound up a mountain road and stopped at the top of this flat mountain. I got out and looked around. It had a rocky terrain with trees and shrubs here and there. Bonnie, our guide, said, “Welcome to Mount Carmel! Does anyone know what significant event happened here?” Did I know?! Was she kidding?! That’s one of my favorite stories of the Old Testament. I was standing in the very area where Elijah had challenged the prophets of Baal! I stared around in awe. I guess I thought that I should see a big scorch mark on the ground somewhere. ☺ Then we walked a short ways to where you can see the Valley of Jezreel from the mountaintop. We all stood there with stunned faces for about 30 seconds. Then the shock wore off and the cameras came out! We stopped for a short devotional. Someone read the story from 1st Kings 18. Bonnie pointed out how the 450 prophets of Baal would have been spread along the mountain and all the people would have been watching from below. It was the first time that a Bible story from the Old Testament was so REAL to me. I think that at one point I leaned against the cliff edge and thought, “Elijah could have been standing right here! That is so COOL!” It was a breathtaking experience. I can’t wait to see where we go next!

More Later,

Jill ☺

P.S.: I have pictures! Just ask to see them!

P.S.S.: I’m a new Aunt! My little brother Doug and his wife Andi had their first child on Christmas Day! Samantha Clara Fields came in at 9 pounds, 7 ounces and was 22 inches long! Mom and baby are coming home today and Aunt Jill is excited. Almost as excited as her big cousin, Eliza. Just ask Eliza…she has pictures!