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The Prize

AuthorHouse

Chapter One

For many years, it has been my desire to visit the Holy Land, to walk where-Jesus walked. When Pastor Benny Hinn announced that he was lowering the price to tour Israel in 2007 so that more people could come, I decided that was my time to go. I prayed that I would be in God's perfect will and that my journey would be exceptional and without incident.

The Holy Spirit told me that my flight would be like riding on the wings of an eagle, and when the plane landed, it would be like landing on a cloud!

It happened just like the Holy Spirit said it would, going and coming back. Praise the Lord!

My daughter, Lorraine, agreed to go with me since it was thirty years since I traveled out of the country and I had never traveled alone. I also took my seven angels with me.

Our flight going was #008-new beginnings and our flight coming back was #007, God's perfect number!

The flight was eleven hours long, over 6,000 miles, and traveling at speed of 575 mph at 38,000 miles above earth. I trusted God!

We arrived in Tel Aviv at 6:45 p.m. and we were bused to Tiberius on the western shore of Galilee to attend a welcome to Israel reception sponsored by the Benny Hinn Ministry. Very exciting!

I am addressing the senior saints like me. This is not a tour for the weak or faint-hearted. Going through customs and immigrations is very tiring; long lines, inconveniences, and standing long periods of time. I could not have done it without my daughter's help. Praise God!

As we toured Israel, we encountered soldiers with guns strapped over their shoulders and we drove by houses bombed in the war. We also drove pass the long great barricade the Israelis built with electric wires at the top to keep the missiles out. But God is faithful, and there were no incidents while we were there. Hallelujah!

The next day we visited Capernaum, the home of Peter the Apostle, where Jesus did many miracles, and then to Tabgin, where Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes; and on to the Mount of the Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

We sailed on the Sea of Galilee. Our guide told us that Israel had not had rain for six months. We all prayed and it began to rain as we were praying on the boat. The next day it rained all day into the night. The drought over Israel was broken! Praise God!

Our eastern seaboard is also experiencing a drought. People, we need to pray!

Israel is a beautiful country, surrounded on three sides by the Golan Heights. The air is clean and pure, and the people are very friendly.

We visited Jerusalem and Bethlehem, the place of Jesus birth. Bethlehem is controlled by the Palestinians, but we were allowed to visit and shop there. Our bus driver, Morcodai, and our guide, Beerta, were not allowed to go into Bethlehem because they are Israelis.

We viewed the old city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, where Jesus spoke to His disciples, then ascended to Heaven!

We saw olive trees that dated back to the time of Christ!

We walked in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus tarried after the Last Supper.

We visited the empty tomb where Jesus was buried and yes, it is empty. He is risen! Hallelujah!!!

We took Holy Communion at the Garden Tomb and read the Scriptures and had prayer.

We entered the city through St. Stephen's Gate to visit the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the man lamed for 38 years!

We followed the footsteps of Jesus along the DeLa Rosa to the place of Jesus crucifixion! Crucifixion! How the Scriptures came alive to us!

The next day we visited the western wall, the only remaining structure built by King Herod. People from all faiths come to pray there. Prayers go up 24 hours per day, seven days a week, winter and summer, without ceasing! It is a miracle! It is a very Holy place.

The next day, we traveled by bus to the Jordan River, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus over 2,000 years ago.

Pastor Benny Hinn baptized over a thousand people that day. As I came up out of the water, an old Negro Spiritual came to mind. "The Jordan River is deep and cold. It chilled my body, but saves the Soul." Hallelujah!

We visited the Upper Room where we spent intimate time in worship and prayer.

We also visited the Church of the Nativity, the place where Jesus was born; the Dead Sea which is the lowest place on earth, and is known for its rich minerals.

We saw many wonderful things and shared many experiences; met lots of people from many countries, and shared great times.

We shall never forget Israel, its great people, its history, and its food!

I thank God for blessing us to take this pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and bringing us back safely. He deserves all the Glory and Honor!

The presence of God is so very strong over Israel, and I do believe Jesus is coming soon!

Several people have asked me, "Did you see Jesus while you were there?"

I told them, "No, I did not see Him with my physical eyes, but I felt His presence very strong the entire time I was there!

          Katrina
        After The Storm

    A killer hurricane named Katrina touched
    Down this morn,
    And the biggest disaster America has ever
    Seen was born.
    The after effects, which just won't go away
    Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the world
    Are in a daze,
    When the storm was over, many were dead.
    There was no power, no water, and no bread!
    The waters kept rising, there was little or
    No help.
    New Orleans was swimming in sewerage
    New Orleans was dead!
    Rooftops were peppered with people watching
    For a helicopter, for a rescue.
    Some people were walking in water up to their
    Chest, hoping to find a dry place, where
    They could rest.
    Dead bodies floating by in the flood, making
    You holler, chilling your blood.
    Temperatures rising over 90 degrees, with no
    Water to drink, no ice, not even a breeze.
    Where are the Army, the Navy, and the Marines?
    We want to see boots on the grown, hands
    On help, it's been four days please!
    We watching T.V. need to see something
    Being done soon.
    Is this the same nation that put a
    Man on the moon?
    Pregnant women children, babies, and
    Seniors too, were without shelter, water,
    Medicine, or food
    Most of the people were looting for water
    And food out of desperation, and strife,
    Not for greed, but to survive!
    I can't believe what I'm seeing on T.V.
    American people crying for water and...