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The way Kathy Lee needs Regis, that’s the way I need Jesus

My keyboard is missing two buttons, the “shift” key and the “z” key (thanks to Zoe). She might have done this on purpose knowing that if I do actually blog about anything lately, it tends to be her. Without those two keys, it makes typing more of a challenge. Oh well. This only adds to the charm of my laptop. Did I mention it’s been buzzing like a weed whacker since October and I still haven’t fixed it yet (it’s the fan). I plan on repairing it soon. Also, the battery no longer works. So the charge is in a constant state of dire need. You know, I think my laptop and I have a lot in common these days – we both need some work.

If only I could pour coffee into my laptop the way I’ve been pouring it down my throat, the performance might improve.

(more…)

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Categories On The Road of Faith

My Soul Put its Winter Coat Away

4 Apr

I never see it coming – spring. Winter makes you forget that Spring exits. Long days of wet chill, layers of woolly sweaters and achingly cold fingers, squeezing my jacket into the coat closet when I come home and racing into the warmest room of the house. Everyone is there already, rosy cheeks that match the flannel blankets they are under. This year winter in Jerusalem was navy skies, blistery wind and lonely days.

In those lonesome days of winter, I ached for Austin. I ached for familiar friendship that could warm my heartache with heaping spoonfuls of inappropriate laughter. I missed being at Ann’s house with her dog Janie and the cutest cat in the world, Potter. I might have even missed Zorba – but typically I don’t miss man eating animals. I missed all of us being there together on her black couches, lounging around after a good meal. I missed hearing Michelle laugh at Janie chasing me through the house, I missed Frank making shocking comments that kept Ann furious and Alysa thrilled with mischievous delight. I missed Chris and his thoughtful articulate conversations with Peter. I missed Angie giving us reality checks for our reckless remarks and Kristen’s easy laughter. I missed this. I missed you.

Out of nowhere, I realized it had been weeks since I pulled my coat out of the closet. “When was the last time I used it?” I wondered to myself, squinting in the sun, making my way through the crowded street market. I wish I could have marked the last day I wore it with a little celebration, “Today is the last day I will wear this coat this year!” but, I never saw it coming. Spring crept in and I never even noticed that I put my coat away.

We drove north, to our home in the Galilee. We were there to help host a small workshop. On the drive, I couldn’t believe the blooms on the Almond trees. Almond trees are the first tree to bloom; the sight of its delicate white petals are a reminder that winter is almost over. I saw endless fields of almond trees in blossom. It was breathtaking. I wished that Michelle could have seen it. The poppies were also abundant. Brilliant red flowers moving gracefully in the wind, tucked in between green grass and bright sky. Seeing this, I was inspired to let spring sink into my heart; to let go of winter’s aching loneliness.

I’ve heard it said that it takes six months to get used to living here. This seemed pretty accurate. Almost to the day, the 15th of February, I felt a reckoning inside of me that said, “Okay, this is where I am, I am choosing to be present in this place.” Seems so obvious doesn’t it? I know, but the heart takes longer to teach than the mind. Spring happened inside my heart, and my soul finally put its winter coat away. This understanding has brought with it a few insights.

Delayed Plans
The first insight, came from a new friend. She said to me, “Everyone comes to Israel with big plans, big goals, but sometimes God has a way of purifying those plans by delaying the fulfillment of them.” Ouch, that hit a nerve, a big one. The recording studio was a huge plan that Peter and I came here with. The first five months, Peter poured every ounce of energy into the studio only to find out that after finally finding the perfect location to buy, it was sold out from underneath us. Pretty devastating, to tell you the truth. We were so close, only to get shut down through underhanded negotiations. RED TAPE. Israel has plenty, trust me. Did you know it can take up to eight months to close on commercial property here? Did you know that many sellers are biased against selling to non-nationals?

In all of this, Peter and I turn our hearts to the Father and cast our bread on the water. We ask God for grace and strengthened hearts, for wisdom and understanding. We ask God to help us seek Him first, and trust that all these things will be added unto us. And to be honest, as Peter and I stand on this seven month precipice of living here, I feel a bit like we have nothing to show for it. I feel that we owe it to those of you that help keep us here that we have something to show, you know, good fruit and all. But instead, what we have cannot be seen, it is an inward growth – the kind that only God can see. We take heart and trust that God’s purposes are not always shown through accomplishments. We do recognize God is refining us, and we trust that in His time the recording studio will be a reality. Please keep praying for Peter and I to stay dedicated despite discouraging circumstances.

What You Resist Persits
The second insight came from Peter, “What you resist persists.” There has been a part of my heart that resist the constant hosting that is required here at the House of Peace. I remember crying one night because I couldn’t remember the last time I had a chance to sit and be alone anywhere. I was in the throes of feeling sorry for myself. I was just so sick of people, feeding people, talking to people, cleaning rooms that people stayed in, cleaning toilets people poo-ed in. Ugh. I was not a happy person. I didn’t even like me anymore.

That evening, mom and I prepared dinner for a team of six people staying with us, pastors and youth pastors and wives. I sat there at the table, empty of all friendly chatter and worn out from cooking the large meal when one of the pastors started asking Peter and I questions. Real honest to goodness questions about who we were, what we did, what we loved. This man, this team, wanted to really go to know us. They were sincere, they were genuine and they were interested in us. This touched my heart in a way that I can’t really describe. Too often people come here, and they are gone in three days; it’s a whirlwind of strangers coming and going and this aspect is hard. But when this team of pastors expressed authentic relationship towards us, I felt renewed towards giving again. I know that God used them to help me remember to take time to get to know people. Through relationship, even brief attempts, a grace to serve is given. So, I’m learning that it helps when I take time to sit, talk and listen. Somehow, this small deed makes all the other stuff go down easier.

Here’s to putting the winter coat in the closet…

With love and grateful hearts,
Joy (n Peter)

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Categories Express, Life in Israel, On The Road of Faith

A Tree in Winter

23 Feb

He needed someone to listen to him. You could tell. He was desperate, his blood shot eyes, his greasy hair, his unshaven face. He had been puking all morning long in our bathroom. He should go home, I told peter. But He didn’t want to go home. No, instead he sucked up energy from those of us near him – the sympathetic kind that you give to a burned out soul. I didn’t mind coddling him. He had a hell of a week. He and his fiancé finally broke it off. The ring is off of her finger. Her naked finger; his broken soul.

He’s 38, wears bright, ill matching colors and a fedora cap. He writes and plays reggae music in that I’m a white Christian kid kind of way. Yet, despite the strangeness of his idiosyncrasies, they are charming – at a distance. You can tell he wants to be accepted so desperately, aching to be loved wholly. He was so close. So damn close.

I feel sorry for him. I tell him so when he sits down across the breakfast table from me. Not in those words. I don’t like telling someone exactly that. I usually say something more like I’m so sorry this is happening. And then I wait. He unfolds his story. Very briefly. Very cleaned up. Very I’m okay, see. He is talking something, but he is not convincing. He says to me,“We talked last night, it was pretty rough. But by the end of it we decided that there must be some other purpose then marriage for our relationship. So that helped me understand why this happened.”

He has his bandage now, I think to myself, he has his understanding. Now he thinks he’ll be okay, meanwhile he’s puking in our bathroom and looking like his broken heart is eating him from the inside out. You’re not okay, so don’t pretend that finding a quick answer will suddenly enable you to pack up your emotional baggage and move on from this relationship.

I reach out my hand across the table in a swift move just before he gets up to leave. I need to tell him something. Something honest. Something that I know from experience. He stops and looks at me, bare and broken, like a tree in winter. I say, “Don’t look so quickly to find an answer. Sometimes it takes a long time for us to understand something. And that understanding may not ever come through any answer.” He smiles a half smile and says something about how he knows that God is always interested in the process and less of the destination and he walks away. Another christianese rote answer, I think to myself.

For the last two days I’ve been considering this conversation. It frustrates me. Not in the beat your fist on the table kind of way, but in the how do you solve this kind of way. I guess I feel like the Church is enabling this band-aid, quick-fix-it mentality. I should know. I had it or maybe I still have it. Whatever pain you are in, there is a quick answer, three steps, four words to say, five scriptures to repeat and boom you’re okay. And if it doesn’t work the first time, then try, try again – meaning pray harder. And most of all, never, never show weakness. Never admit that you’re losing it. Or if you do admit anything, say that you’re “struggling” and then add a quick recovery line of, “but God is helping me.”

It’s unfortunate, but true. I imagine God is wondering when we will stop saving ourselves through our own means, our own made up answers, our own church endorsed 12 step programs and learn to be comfortable admitting defeat. Or in my case, admitting the worst of all, disbelief.

I don’t know how to reconcile what I’m about to say with what I have struggled with so I won’t. I’ll just say it. (See how I still look for an answer to my baggage). Ironic that Job is the first book of the Bible ever written. The oldest story on earth is about human suffering. Human hurting, losing it all. I mean, even Christ ended up dying. Sometimes I feel that way about my faith. Having it all, so beautiful, so perfect, so right, and then it fails, forsakes me, right when I need it the most.

Yet, despite all those unanswered questions. Despite, despite, despite. I believe somehow, though would you mind forgiving this unbelief. Slowly, dreadfully slowly, I believe again, for no logical reason, against all odds my faith did not curse God and die. Like Christ, I experience my own personal resurrection.

I know that pain can hold open the door for disbelief. I’ve experienced it. Though I wonder, maybe it’s better to have that door open and know that you can survive it – the disbelief, the questions, the clenched fist, than never having the guts to open the door to begin with because you’re too busy slapping your band aid on. I think many are too scared that their Faith won’t make it out alive if they dare to ask the questions they’re really craving to ask. Maybe our Faith would be stronger if we allowed ourselves to stay on the cross long enough to ask, “Why did You forsake me?”

I’m asking uncomfortable questions as a result of disbelief in my life and though I am walking through a dark night (in terms of my faith), somehow I am beginning to see the morning; though not through answers, but through time. Through silence. Through listening. Through love. Through Resurrection.

I know I’m not finished with my learning, or even with this dissatisfaction, but I’m holding on in a I’m glad we’re friends again type of way.

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Categories Express, Life in Israel, On The Road of Faith

Express 3

21 Feb

Feb. 21, 2008

Last night as I lay in bed, my mind racing in typical midnight fashion, I wished desperately to turn off the faucet of my verbal outpouring. My mind doesn’t shut up as well as my mouth does. Sometimes, I think that I stay so busy during the day in order to block out all of this thinking. Maybe it’s why I avoid going to bed at a decent time. The night hours are so noisy and overwhelmed with my thoughts. Thoughts that I don’t always like, or want to acknowledge, or that are absolutely fabricated by my skewed world view; trying to sleep only reinforces my perceived madness. Peter, my little deep thinker, who complicates the simplest idea all through out the day, seems to fall asleep within seconds at night, it seems he’s done all his roughest thinking already. This, his ease of achieving rich, instant sleep, irritates me. He, in his throes of deepest sleep and then me suffering with restless leg syndrome, tossing from side to side, and add to that my leaky faucet of my brain drip, drip, dripping away. I try and concentrate on my breathing. Slow, deep methodical breathes. In and out. I concentrate on the muscles in my face. Are they tense? Yes. I relax. I un-furrow my brow. I let my mouth ease out of a tight line. I allow my shoulders to drop back. Think green, think shalom, think rest, think quiet…no, no, dammit, stop it, don’t think anything at all. Just breathe. In and out. You see how it goes. I’m a gerbil running in my cerebral rat wheel.

Sometimes, I count sheep. This has helped a few times. I imagine fluffy, little, white cartoon sheep smiling at me as they leap over their brown log fence into safe pasture. I am their good shepherd and my responsibility is to make sure each one is accounted for. One and two and three little sheep…four and five…wait, two sheep leapt over at the same time. That’s not good. Now I need to reorganize the sheep. This starts to get tedious. The sheep in my head won’t jump over the fence in single fashion. My undisciplined sheep. My undisciplined mind. At this point, I give up reaching sleep and I just let my mind run, eventually I get so bored with my thoughts even I fall asleep.

Then they haunt me in my dreams. Can’t you thoughts just leave me alone! I don’t mess with you, now you don’t mess with me. Right? Wrong. My thoughts don’t play fair. So there they are in my dreams, like the neighbors annoying dog with incessant nighttime barking. My thoughts unfold themselves in a dream as a daughter that I have, named Adeline, who I can’t seem to find anywhere. The name Adeline, I learn, means noble. Is my psyche telling me I can’t find my nobility? Or in the next dream I have a beautiful, infant daughter, who smiles at me in the most charming way. I’m enchanted by her and so proud of her, but when I go to buckle her in her car seat, I allow someone else to sit with her in the car, even though I desire to be with her. But because I feel I am not polished looking like the people in the car I don’t make a fuss. What does this mean? Am I afraid of good things, and do I let other people have better things, even though rightfully their mine, because I don’t feel I deserve it, or because I’m not good enough? If so, why am I punishing myself? And did I even know I was doing this? No, I didn’t, because I don’t think about stuff like this.

I used to put a lot of faith in my dreams. I valued them. I handled each one with unique care. I felt each one was a special message for me, and that I could gain understanding of myself and even God through my dreams. However, after a while I let much of that go. I think I grew weary of deciphering messages. I also grew weary of people who deciphered messages, particularly, in the Church, they tend to be creepy and out of whack. I do not want to be like them. I am NOT like them. So I reject them and I reject this part of myself. Why does everything need to be in code? I shake my ignorant fist at the sky. I don’t need to understand the depths of my psyche. And for that matter if God wants to speak to me, He should do it in a way that isn’t so complicated or strange. So I let go. I let it go. I let them go. I let Him go. I stop chasing my thoughts. Ignorance, is, after all, bliss. And I am ready to have mine.

But bliss only lasts so long. Perhaps, in my case, only during the day, but at night, knowledge pounds on my heart. I began to ask the questions that my busy mind doesn’t have time for during the day. As soon as you stop chasing your thoughts, they start chasing you. Like a dog after a criminal and your doing your best to hide your trail.

I once heard someone say that our conscience is another word for that tiny small voice that resembles and sounds just like God’s. God is our conscience? What? In running from my thoughts, my conscience, my knowledge of right and wrong am I running from God?

I am praying more – more directly, more honestly, more authentically. And I’ve noticed as I allow the vulnerability of these thoughts that I have pushed down for the last few years to pour out of my heart to God’s ears as prayers, I’m starting to feel more in touch with myself and also, more in touch with God.

Maybe tonight I will stop counting sheep, and just let my running verbal faucet pour into a well of prayers for God’s ears.

Silent night, Holy night.

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Categories Express, Life in Israel, Married to the Intellectual, On The Road of Faith

Express 1

19 Feb

Feb. 19, 2008

I’ve wanted to write some thoughts for a while, not under the pretense of an update, or with an agenda to inform, but simply to express. Express newness of life, my life. I’m 30 years old and I feel as though I’m starting all over again. Rebirth has always been equated as a good thing, but sometimes it’s just damn hard getting out of the chute and landing on your feet. Six months later, I’m still disoriented. I’ve heard it takes a year to acclimate fully. I’m so worn out, though, I’m not sure if I’ll still like myself after another six months of this, let alone, finally liking and accepting my new life/living arrangements.

Last week I experienced my third earthquake. And I do mean literal earthquake – registering 5.3 at the epicenter. I was sitting in a 10th floor penthouse when the leather couch I was on started to shake away from the wall. Needless to say it scared the hell out of me, and my first thought was, darn, I don’t have my bra on if this thing goes down, I’ll be braless in the rubble, and then I thought of Peter, wishing that he was with me, and wishing that we hadn’t just had a really rough fight. Funny how looming disaster helps you forget and forgive. In a few moments the shaking stopped. Life returned to normal, I went and put a bra on and gave Peter a genuine smile when he came home.

That earthquake was the worst of the small tremors since we’ve been here. Scientist say we need to get ready for the big one, I’m hoping last weeks was the big one. I keep thinking of the earthquakes Turkey experienced in the late 90′s…since much of the homes are designed the same way here, in the darkness of my imagination I believe it would be the same detrimental disaster that Turkey experienced, but that’s only when I’m not being a positive thinking christian American.

The prayer vigils are stretching me. It’s a love hate relationship. Part of me wonders what good could possibly come from doing what we are doing here, it’s the ‘carnal’ part of my mind, some would say. The part that says, I believe God but forgive my unbelief. Yes, that part. I grumble and complain about how I feel like we entertain for two hours, guest who choose to come in and sit in the farthest back row and stare out the windows and if your lucky, they’ll sing a line or two of the song your playing when their spirit moves them. How could this possibly be fruitful for the kingdom I ask myself? And what is the Kingdom of God anyway? Does it look like this, this prayer room situated in the tip of Jerusalem’s old city? And with me playing my guitar alongside peter playing his lap steel and us singing songs hoping that the words are touching God’s ears. Words that plea for peace, and justice and good news, and love between ancient brothers. Yet when I quiet my heart, and I let go of the stresses that keep me noisy inside, I sense I am different. I believe in prayer again. Like a bird set free from a cage, my heart is praying prayers that are far more courageous than my timid soul. As if, by grace, the heart of Jesus is being expressed through my prayers. I confess, It feels good to pray like that. I’m toying with the idea that all this excruciating change might just be worth it, my spirit is beginning to stretch out its broken wings. I believe, but forgive my unbelief.

It snows on average in Israel, once every seven years. We had our seven year snow two weeks ago. That night we went to sleep in our room, an upper loft, without insulation, and I could feel the wind blowing through the wood slots of our walls. The gusts of blistery wind cried out as it pushed its way through the wooden panels of our room. The next morning Jerusalem was covered in snow. The wind was still pounding when Peter and I led our watch at the prayer room that afternoon. I couldn’t help but sing that Waterdeep song, “when the cold wind blows all around will you still love me?” It seemed appropriate.

Maybe the seven year cycle is broken because it snowed again today. Thankfully the city didn’t shut down this time, buses still running, markets still open. Oh but this wind, this wind that cries all day and all night. I wonder if when Elijah was hiding in the cave and the fire came, and then the wind, and then finally the still small voice, if the wind was anything like this. Maybe I should start listening for the still small voice.

God must have known that I was at brinks end and so He brought Kristen Cote and my sister, Alysa Little, here. They were here for the first snow. We played hours of monopoly and talked and talked, and watched downloaded movies, and ate rice cakes and toured everywhere and made up irreverent nicknames for some of the guests that were staying here at the time. They were, for me, grace poured out. A little piece of home brought to me, it was exactly what I needed.

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Categories Express, Life in Israel, Married to the Intellectual, On The Road of Faith

A Star in Bethlehem

27 Jan

Shalom y’all and Mar Haba,

This update might be of a slightly different flavor. We have a few recent experiences to share with you. They are kind of miracles and it is worthwhile to consider what they might mean (rather than us trying to interpret them).

Some thoughts on peace apart from politics:

Joy and I led worship at a conference in Jerusalem that was attended by Internationals,
some Arab and some Israeli believers. Reread that last sentence and please allow it to fully sink in. Only in certain local worship gatherings you will spy Abraham’s children facing the same direction (upwards) in unity and love, even though there will likely be some significant political differences in how they view the region.

We recently met and have been getting to know a Palestinian Pastor and his family in Bethlehem. They are remarkable people and have an uncommon degree of spiritual passion. They receive a one month pass each year to travel outside of the territories and we were honored that The House of Peace was the first place they came to visit. The following week, we went to their home and ministry (The House of Bread) and continued to deepen our connection getting to know each other and pray for each other.

We have an Israeli friend, Adam, who is a believer. Like everyone of a certain age, he did his time in the military and still does his work as a reservist. He is 30 and has 4 children, a four-year-old son, a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, and two year old twin girls. He recently shared with me one of his most powerful life memories–when a former Fatah soldier, now also a Christian, who, while holding Adam’s newborn son, passionately prayed over the young child with much love…

Our eyes are scanning/straining to see what God is doing here and how we can partake in this, and if you are observant, it isn’t very hard. We want to acknowledge the light that may be dim at this point, but you can clearly see it. You probably won’t see it or read about it in the news because peace without conflict doesn’t make good copy. Outside the Kingdom, peace is more attractive as an unattainable ideal state.

All of this has us thinking about the contrast between the Kingdom of God and your government of choice. Voting is a privilege and democracy is a gift, but whatever our responsibility as believers in this area, our primary responsibility is to pray. It is easier to place our confidence in (or to curse) a governing power than to wrestle with our apathy or anguish in prayer. Participating in politics and having strong convictions doesn’t change that we are believers first and Americans second and contrary to popular sentiment these two things are not necessarily synonymous. Social justice is integral to the character of the Gospel, but not at the expense of pursuing it Jesus’ way.

And returning to our usual update format:

The Recording Studio.
The last time I wrote we had found our location and had received the finances to purchase the equipment and begin remodeling. This space was for rent and possibly for sale. Because of the need to do close to $70 grand in renovations, it was determined by the financier that buying the space was a necessity. Long term this will provide a greater security for this particular ministry. Short-term it is honestly frustrating, as we have all of the equipment here and no place to set up shop. Purchasing is typically a longer process than renting. The good news is that this project is fully funded, so it is a waiting game until the purchase process is completed. Pray that this happens without unnecessary complications and with straight-ahead negotiations.

Moments of Provision.
God met us financially last month in a way I hadn’t previously experienced. We are grateful for the gifts that came from people that we know and have relationship with. We were shocked when someone we had never met gave (and doesn’t receive this email) gave us $1000. This takes care of our first semester of Hebrew and more. As I have previously said, we endeavor to be self supporting and believe that “tent making” is how God wants us to do our work here. We welcome practical gifts, but continue with us in prayer as we continue to get situated .

Friends from Afar.
Joy’s sister Alysa has come to visit us and our friend Kristen from Austin. We miss our stateside framily often and thank-you for your emails, phone-calls (global 501.) and visits. Please come visit. Come and see what God is doing here and be a part of that in whatever ways you can.

With much love,
Peter and Joy

Joy’s Parent’s with us at Bethlehem for Christmas Eve!

Visiting with our new friends in Bethlehem.

Peter with Bashir and Fadi – in Bethlehem. Please say a quick prayer for these two as they are away studying. Bashir is getting his masters in human rights and political science and Fadi is getting his doctorate at a Seminary in the States.

(sunlight through the window) Church of the Nativity – Bethlehem.

Peter standing in front of the wall that separates Bethlehem (and other Palestinian territories) from Israel.

Graffiti on the wall.

Large murals that are painted on the walls, directly next to the check point.

“Know Hope” is an American born Israeli street artist. His art is beautiful and deeply provocative. As an Israeli, he is not permitted in the territories, but it seems he’s been to Bethlehem. Take a moment to check out his work, it’s worth your time: Know Hope Street Art

Raphaela – a nun that was hitchhiking from Bethlehem to the Mount of Olives. We picked her up outside of Bethlehem. She has been working in Israel for 47 years. Has seen every war (or so she said) I believe her since she’s from Poland, and she’s a nun. She runs an orphanage at the Mount of Olives and makes frequent trips to Bethlehem to help an orphanage there. She was a beautiful soul and we enjoyed taking her home to her convent on a cold Shabbat night.

Alysa and Kristen, visiting from Austin, with Joy outside of Succat Hallel.

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Categories Holiday Spirit, Life in Israel, On The Road of Faith

Turkey Day in Camel Country

28 Nov

Dear Friends,

Happy Turkey Day from Camel Country. We celebrated with family, guests and some new friends at the House of Peace in Jerusalem. Due to the seven hour time difference, our wine glasses probably went up around the same time as your first cup of coffee.

Thanksgiving dinner with the interns – we’re just so happy to have turkey!

Thanksgiving also marks our 2nd wedding anniversary. It feels like we’ve been married for only a moment and yet it also feels eternal because neither of us can remember what life was like before we had each other.

Can ya see how in love we are!?!

Significant news items since our last transmission…

Visas
We just confirmed that we have been approved for volunteer worker visas to be in the country–a one year visa renewable for up to five years. The Ministry of Interior recently raised the requirements for visa privileges and we have seen several requests denied to international believers doing long and short-term volunteer work here, so it is truly remarkable that we have the favor of God to be here.

Recording Studio Construction
I have been put in charge of managing the conversion of an industrial building space into a professional recording studio. We have an impressive budget for this and I am currently working out a design with an architect from the Netherlands to get the most out of the space. In addition to the specifics of building an acoustically correct studio space, I am dealing with foreign contractors regarding each aspect of construction and getting the space up to spec. We hope to be ready to open in early 2008. This is a huge undertaking. Pray for insight and endurance for me as I manage this project and help bring it to completion. While we have our initial resources for studio equipment, construction and the first year of rent, we are still fundraising and have the opportunity to purchase the space.

The outside of the studio space.

Inside view of the studio space

We’ve got our work cut out for us.

Work
Joy and I have come to Israel with a minimum of financial support ($350 a month at this point), which has been possible so far because we work for room and board at the House of Peace cleaning and doing regular upkeep, as we have many guests passing through this 6 bedroom 6 bathroom facility. We also lead worship for the House of Peace’s weekly service. Because we are not legally eligible to work here, we are praying/looking for projects that might generate income: graphics projects for Joy and when the studio is finished I will see some income from recording work. We want to be like Paul in that we intensely value marketplace ministry and are working towards becoming self sufficient. Yet even with that desire, we know that God keeps us dependent on Him for all our needs.

Two Bird Sky

We played our first show outside of a worship context this past weekend at a courtyard/club space in downtown Jerusalem for a mostly Israeli audience. The name of our band is Two Bird Sky. We played new songs Joy has written in the last year – four of which she has written since being in Israel . This is the beginning of connecting with locals through music and pray that it is used as an opportunity to form new relationships and draw these new friends to God’s love. Pray that God ignites us and our gifts to touch lives and continues to open doors in Israel’s artistic arenas.

With love and grateful hearts for you,
Peter and Joy Kusek
ps. be sure to check out more fun pictures below!

Shabbat dinner with the interns at our home.

Peter in the Arab quarter of the old city.

Delicious sweet potato quiche that Joy made – check out the link for the recipe! http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/2320/sweet+potato+caramelised+onion+quiche

Joy made Challah bread for our Shabbat dinner!

Here we are with our friends Seth and Alisha Williams visiting from the states, we took them hiking in the wilds of Ein Gedi – David hid from Saul and his 4,000 men in the cool crags of this oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea.

One of the beautiful natural springs that we enjoyed on our hike.

Keep going!

Hanging on!

We saw conies or hyraxes on the hike – Provers 30:26 speaks of these rock dwelling animals. Aren’t they cute!? That’s the Dead Sea behind them.

Check out the view. We climbed all the way up this! WHEW!

On the way down!

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Categories Holiday Spirit, Life in Israel, On The Road of Faith

Graceland to Abu Gosh

22 Oct

Dear Framily (friends fused with family),

We’ve approached the 2 month mark here in Israel. Although Joy and I both worked close to full-time when we lived in Austin, we seem to be working even more than that now. And while the opportunities to do worship/ministry in Austin were about once a month, now we have to intensely manage our time and discern what we will say no to, as we are under a continuous barrage of opportunities. Personal time is at a premium. There are moments that I feel like Joy is my coworker more than my wife and whenever we sense that, we make space to reconnect. Thankfully, we work alongside people that understand Jerusalem’s spiritual dynamic and it’s capacity to drain you and fully respect taking care of yourself in the midst of life in Israel. I could joke about it being that “beautiful place to visit, but I would never want to live there,” but it wouldn’t be true. It is a remarkable privilege to serve here. It is hands down the most stimulating, demanding, complex and rewarding place I have ever lived in for any amount of time.

Our home, The House of Peace – top two levels.

View from our balcony.

The food grows better here – check our the world’s longest green bean, ever.

Staying Connected
One of the ways we get our spiritual food is via downloaded sermons (thanks to FBC Austin for making them so accessible). It’s tremendous to be able to stay connected to the church family that sent us out and to be receiving the Word of God.

Transformation
Our worship watches have been tremendous. We do 3-4 per week and they are always two hours in length. It allows us to use music as a spiritual meditation and gives us the time to explore the depths of this experience. There is an aspect of this that is transformational: as we further dwell on the knowledge of who God is (as contained in the great hymns and choruses) these songs take on life and become a vehicle of expression and connection that allow us to touch God and allow Him to touch us in a way that is special and unique. It is in a congregational setting made up mostly of pilgrims and almost always leads into prayers for the people of this land, both Arabs and Israelis. What a privilege we have to do this here, within view of the original Mt Zion. I’m also discovering that I may be the only steel guitar player in this entire land.

Internship
Through November we have taken on the additional responsibility of co-leading an internship program comprising 10 students from USA and Europe. They are here short term to participate in and experientially gain a deeper understanding of worship and prayer as they connect with the Land of the Messiah. We do community life together, sharing meals, bible study and prayer in the midst of excursions that deepen our sense of connection with the roots of our faith. Last week we took the interns to Nazareth to meet an Arab Christian woman who is strong leader in her community and teaches on the power of prayer. We also toured Nazareth Village, a recreation of Nazareth during the time of Jesus. This village, run by local Christian Arabs is a beautiful depiction of village life in the time of the Jesus, our tour guide brought the parables of Jesus alive to us by showing how relevant they were to the culture Jesus was raised in. It is supremely cool to be able to go from a story in the bible into the physical environment that it took place in. There is obviously life and substance in the “stories” themselves, but they cease to be in the abstract once you get the missing piece(s). This place is nothing but missing pieces.

Succat Hallel interns and staff at Nazareth Village – a recreation of Nazareth during the time of Jesus.

Joy learning the art of spinning wool at Nazareth Village.

A four hundred year old olive tree saved from being chopped down, transplanted in Nazareth Village.

Green olives picked off an olive tree in Nazareth Village.

Elvis in Abu Gosh?

Going to Graceland and Sun Studios in Memphis was a sort of light preparation for here. You have the King and then you have the King of Kings. I think that maybe they knew each other. Elvis’ hymns give that impression, although he was a troubled soul. I was struck with how strange it was that I was writing this to you when I ran across The Elvis Inn Jerusalem at Abu Gosh, so I had to include a picture.

On Friday, we had our bi-annual staff day in the Arab village of Abu Gosh at The Church of Notre Dame de l’Arche d’Alliance (Our Lady of the Ark of the Covenant). Abu Gosh, which sits outside of Jerusalem, was first settled over 6,000 years ago. In biblical times, it was known as Kiryat Ye’arim, and was a ceremonial center where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. Today, Abu Ghosh is held up as a model of Israeli-Arab peaceful coexistence. Joy and I met a gracious Arab couple, Abdalla and Naamati who run a guest house in Abu Gosh called “The Peace House” (sounds familiar doesn’t it?). Their vision is to forge relationships over food, so as often as they can, they open their home, invite Jews, Arabs and Christians alike in for a feast. They hope that in the “breaking of bread” relationships would be formed and stereotypes would be left behind. Please pray that God would continue to bless and provide for this family and the work of peace that they do.

Abdalla, Naamati and their daughter.

Amy, a Succat Hallel intern, and Joy enjoying the staff day together at Abu Gosh.

Recording Studio Update
Joy and I learned shortly after we arrived that the original studio plans had been delayed, (which Joy mentioned in our letter to you last month). Initially, Succat Hallel was looking at having free access to a studio located in the Judean Mountains 45 minutes outside of Jerusalem, this studio was located in the basement of a small apartment that was in use by local believers. In retrospect, we should have been more aware that a studio so far outside of Jerusalem can present multiple challenges. Also the home above the studio limited the use and hours that instruments can be played because of volume constraints. In light of these issues, and a few others, we felt we needed to reconsider using that particular studio. “So now what?” We all asked ourselves. Our planning team wasn’t sure what was next, but after some time in prayer and brainstorming we felt that we should attempt to build our own studio from the ground up right here in the center of Jerusalem. This would present a greater challenge for us, the money for this type of endeavor can make your head spin, but we felt that if this was truly something from God He would provide it for us. As of two weeks ago, the entire financial support needed for this project came in. We were all amazed and grateful for God’s quick provision and answer to prayer. I know many of you prayed with us and we want to thank you for your faithful prayers.

We are now in the process of finalizing our list of the basic equipment necessary to establish a professional studio and are actively looking for a commercial space for it. It is expensive and difficult acquiring gear that is very easy to come by in the States, but we are finding our way towards creative and prudent solutions for our studio needs. I’m working with a producer who has produced multiple albums in the worship genre and is well known for helping pioneer the 24 hour a day 7 day a week worship/prayer movement that started in Kansas City, Missouri. This last year he coordinated an international youth conference in Jerusalem called One Thing that was attended by both Arab and Jewish believers. It is very encouraging to be working alongside someone with his gifts and experience and he and his family have become our good friends.

By the time the internship is over in December, the studio is expected to be up and running. Pray that we find the right space for it, as Jerusalem is hard to get commercial space in. However, we trust God that He will guide us in finding the location for the studio, just as He so faithfully provided the funds it .

Also, please pray that Joy and I balance our spiritual output with spiritual input, and for continued health and safety. We send our love and sincerest thanks to each of you!

With much love,
Peter and Joy Kusek

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Categories Life in Israel, On The Road of Faith

Brining in the Jewish New Year

15 Sep

Israeli Life

One month has passed since we arrived. Daily living seems to present greater challenges here than back home in Austin. For instance, when I first started shopping at the grocery store, before I would even get in the door, the security guard would stop me to check my purse, which is rather large, initially this took some time, but now he knows me, we greet each other and I breeze right in. The small aisles of the grocery store are packed with all sorts of local and imported food. The neighborhood we live in, G’vat Hananyah (Hill of the Gift of God) is strongly international, with a fair share of UN officials mixed in with American Expatriates. G’vat Hananyah, neighborly sits next to Abu Tor, (Father of the Bull) an Arab village, so when walking through the aisles of “Super Deal” it’s common to hear Arabic, Hebrew, English, and French floating all around you (just to mention a few). Somehow, I’ve managed to speak to just about everyone there since I’m trying my best to figure out if I’m buying yogurt, cottage cheese, or sour cream. I’m asking lots of complete strangers questions and trying my best to appear well educated in the midst of smiling and saying, “do you know if this is yogurt?” You see, after a week of using salt in my dishwasher thinking it was detergent I’ve decided it’s best not to leave room for error when I’m not certain of what I’m buying.

Succat Hallel Life
Peter and I have begun some of our responsibilities with Succat Hallel. At present we lead worship on Tuesdays from 10am-noon – which is more of a congregational set with songs that are familiar to those that are gathered – no question by the end of that set, my fingers are aching. I’m still gaining endurance for such extended times of playing. Every other Saturday night Peter and I get the chance to lead worship from 9-11pm – which is our “creative set.” This is more of a time for meditation with a wider space for creative expression and spoken prayers. We’re grateful for the liberty to delve deeper in artistic expression and have it embraced as authentic worship. After all, isn’t God the author of our creativity?

Succat Hallel also offers a three month internship for young people interested in the work here and understanding the significance of prayer for/in this region. Peter and I were asked to help lead the internship. We have 10 interns, one from Switzerland, one from Finland, another from Australia; the others are Americans. Six of the interns are talented musicians and will be available to help lead the prayer/worship vigils. As you can imagine, sustaining 24 hours of prayer and worship every day of the week requires a lot of volunteers, so were are grateful for their help.

We plan to take our Hebrew language courses after the Internship when greater space in the day will be available. Although Peter already has the alphabet down and is beginning to read Hebrew words. Yay for him, my Hebrew growth has been mainly in the area of learning new Hebrew songs, guess my brain is wired to learn through music (like a lot of us.)

Keep praying about the recording studio, since Peter and I have arrived we’ve learned of some technical difficulties, which are delaying the onset of the recording projects. Of course, this is all part of life here and not without surprise. However, Peter and I are quite eager to begin to invest ourselves in this opportunity.

House of Peace Life
My parents arrived in Israel two days ago and we are seriously glad to have them back. We had no idea what taking care of a house this size really meant. In the last three weeks Peter and I have hosted over 11 guests. Having guests in your home brings with it a lot of challenges, washing endless amounts of sheets and towels (no big American washing machines here), cleaning all six bathrooms, constantly sweeping the stone floors – lets not talk about the dust that’s in this country, cooking food, and keeping conversation flowing. However in light of that, we’ve seen God’s face shown to us through the those that we’ve met, and like Abraham entertaining strangers, we’ve received more than we’ve been given.

The Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year began Wednesday night, in Jewish culture, the day begins at sundown, which is why I say Wednesday night. We were invited to dinner with some close Israeli friends who live in a suburb of Jerusalem. It was our first time taking part in a Rosh Hashanah meal, which was all in Hebrew – thanks to Abby for translating for us. It was really beautiful to share this evening with friends. I’ve included pictures, to help you get a sense of the night.

This is at Youval and Valarie’s house, all their family is gathered around taking care of last minute details.