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Dubbs – Israel Trip – Day 5

June 16, 2011 By Smack and SNL Leave a Comment

Day 5
Location Bethlehem (Al Bosma Disabilites Center), and Marketplace
Time 11:07pm

It’s been a long day.  In the morning I heard my last presentation of the Israeli Palestinian Conflict.  Had a wonderful conversation with Palestines asking what do you think of Americans?  The answer was not pretty.  Basically they see us as the enemy as we continue to give Israel funding.  The belief is that we put up the wall and we have supplied all of the military support (guns, tanks, ammunition, planes) from our funding.  It will be interesting to hear the Israeli perspective in the next few days as we leave Bethlehem.

The rest of the morning and early afternoon was spent at Al Bosma Children with Disabilities Center.  We celebrated a birthday for a young man there.  Did a ton of dancing (I even tried dancing to Arabic Music…it wasn’t pretty). The camp runs completely off of private donations without any public funding.  The campers make paper, cards, ornaments (on a scroll saw), and a variety of other things.  Awesome to see this ministry taking place in the Name of Jesus in Palestine!  Reminds me of Camp Sunshine in Holland, MI another special needs camp that does a wonderful job. Another interesting part of Al Bosma is research they are doing in a green house (not really sure how this ties into the Disabilities Center but they do it).  There was scientist from Germany and Mexico studying Aquaponics.  Aquaponics is a self sustaining gravity water thing that had 107 fish in a tank using gravity it would take the nutrients from the Fish water and feed the plants that were in a rock bed (NO SOIL).  Being raised on a farm it was amazing to see no soil needed and these plants were growing really really well. A huge study for the middle east where they only have 5-10 inches in much of the land a year.  Water is incredibly important!  We have been told to only take 5 minute showers.  Let me put it this way a water truck comes in once every two weeks.  Homeowners stay up all night to wait for it to come.  Because if they miss it they will not have water for the next 2 weeks.  Water is put on the top of the roof and gravity flow piping is used for the sinks, showers, etc…
After that I sharpened pencils for 2 hours (I have blisters to prove it).  Using a tiny sharpener I had to hand twist around 200 pencils for the Vacation Bible School Next week.  Then prepared the games for the VBS.
Had traditional supper with rice, chicken, beef soup, with vegetables.  It was outstanding!!!!!  After that we walked around the market and enjoyed the shops.  It is amazing to see how many fashion clothing shops there are here.  We then had a Palestinian Dessert called Knafeh.  It is made with goatcheese with a crusted bread topping.  It was alright in my opinion.

The night ended with a conversation with my wifey!  Always good!  And then a viewing of the solar eclipse from the roof top of Bethlehem.  Which I am told was the best spot to watch the solar eclipse in the world.  It was amazing.

Time for bed we will traveling to Herodian Shepherd’s Field, the Church of the Nativity (Jesus Birth site) and back to Al Bosma.  The tour portion of the trip begins tomorrow.

Shalom,
Dubbs

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Dubbs – Israel Trip – Day 4

June 14, 2011 By Dubbs Leave a Comment
Islam Tower

Islam Tower – Speakers send out the “call to prayer” 5 times a day

Day 4 -  6:00pm
Location: Bethlehem, Service Leadership Training to the Aildi Refugee Camp.

After a lengthy orientation in the morning learning about the Hellinistic Time Period of the Greeks and then the Macabbees it is easy to see how $ and power can corrupt nations.  Many try to start out doing something good but the mighty $ gets in the way.  This has been my experience in Palestine.  Today, I went to the Aildi Refugee Camp.  Hearing stories from the people there has totally changed my opinion of the Israeli/ Palestinian conflict.  I understand what the Bible says and that Israeli nation are the chosen one, yet I am frustrated with how the stories in the Bible by the Jews has changed into being about violence and warfare.

As I walked the Aildi Refugee Camp, I was surrounded by bullet marks from the Jewish towers.  As I looked up at the watch towers on the Israeli side and the constant video presence along the wall you could not help but realize you were being watched.  In 2002, Pope John Paul was going to visit the Camp as the “Security Wall” was being built.  Palestinian’s were throwing rocks towards the wall. If you were Palestinian you would understand why they did this.  The next day video surveillance was used to go into the camp and arrest 125 of the refugees, about half of them are still in jail today.  Another story included a bomb being detonated within the camp in 2004 (because they believe terrorist lived there).  The mother was blown up by the bomb sitting in blood as she died over 2 hours.  The UN was called for an ambulance but did not make it in time.  The entire time her husband was handcuffed and was made to sit helplessly a few feet away.  Her children watched her die. Another story included one of the directors nephews being shot in 2005 because he was playing with a gun (I am told you can google articles about it).  The Israeli’s thought he was a terrorist.  Yet, there are two sides of every story, it is important to remember that the news and media does not catch both sides.

The Aildi Camp houses 5000 refugees.  There are 58 official Refugee Camps in Jordan, Palestine and surrounding areas. For a total of 2 million official refugees.  Once someone has refugee status anyone born into the family after that becomes a refugee. There are also many unofficial refugees which makes it difficult to get at the total number of refugees.  It is said that 71% of Palestines are refugees the definition of Refugee is someone who is displaced because of conflict (with so many conflicts here that number has grown tremendously).  The refugees want to tell their story.  Everyone in Israel and Palestine has been incredibly friendly.  They want their side of the story told.  While touring the camp we saw the walls covered with murals that helped to tell the story.  it is incredibly powerful.  This experience will change me forever.  Living in a war torn land where you never know when strikes will take place is something I take completely for granted.  Being able to live in freedom is something we don’t think about.

During the afternoon we gave leadership training to the Aildi Camp Summer Counselors.  They refugee camp runs a summer program.  There was about 10 18-24 year old guys that received training.  We had a blast, playing ice breakers and games with one another.  It is interesting to see the culture differences.  The guys greet each other with kisses (exactly like Europe).  In the Middle East it is not uncommon for guys to be walking down the street holding hands, massaging each other, and really hanging all over one another.  However, the males and females do not show any Public Displays of Affection to anyone else. It is only done behind closed doors.
Another interesting cultural thing is the amount of community here in the Middle East.  It is awesome to see a communal spirit amongst neighbors.  Neighbors have tea together every couple of days.

Rammadan is a huge remembrance celebration and one of the 5 pillars.  It is celebrated 10 days earlier each year based on the Lunar calendar.  Ramadan lasts for 1 month.  During Ramadan Muslims fast from water and any food during sun up.  When the sun goes down the feast!  They also abstain from sex for Ramadan.  It is amazing to see the commitment other religions have, its not just a once in a while thing.  With the call to prayer, which happens 5 times a day, Muslim’s stop everything and participate.  I wonder if I could change Ramadan and participate in a remembrance celebration like that but make it to worship my Savior.

This trip has been an incredible experience.  I am excited to see the rest of the land.  Tomorrow I will most likely be working with 13-35 year olds who have developmental disabilities.  I’ve heard I might even
get to show off my dance skills with them.  Palestine watch out I am about to cut the rug!

Shalom,
Dubbs

PS.  I will be posting videos and pictures on my facebook page if you want to check them out.

****  Join us in our Call to Prayer and support Mike on his mission trip.  Read More. ****

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Dubbs – Israel Trip – Day 3

June 14, 2011 By Dubbs Leave a Comment
Bethlehem Picture 2011 

Bethlehem – Click Image to Enlarge

Dubbs Blog – Israel Day 3

Written at 8:30 pm

Location: Bethlehem, Bethlehem Bible College (Training) &Tribe of

Nations (Service Work)

Absolutely amazing day today.  In America we are constantly fed knowledge through the lenses of Media. Many of us have been misled to believe that Israelites and the Palestinians are all suicide bombing and shooting missiles at innocent people.

Over the past few days (and will continue for the next 3) I have been living in Bethlehem (Palestine).

Here are a few of the things I have learned:

1. We don’t hear about the Palestinians massive amounts of deaths (We only hear the Israeli side).

2. Palestinians are treated like animals by Israelites (not allowing them to enter, setting up a “Security” Wall in which they are humiliated by being interviewed and drilled questions).

3.  The Palestinians that I have interacted with in the West Bank have been gracious and eager to tell their side of the story sharing meals and conversation for free.  Many have given so much in food and relationships when they themselves do not have the resources to do so.

4.  Jewish Settlements (Israeli’s) have been taking over Palestinian land.  They simply take it over, see Tribe of Nations and Daher’s story below.

 

These observations are obviously one sided and again represent only one perspective. But it is important to hear both sides.  The only statement that I am trying to make is that we often label and stereotype groups of people without knowing them. We “think we know everything” when we don’t.

 

On to my day:

Started with a breakfast of pita’s, hummus, olive oil (a huge product in Israel), sliced cucumber, apricot jelly, orange juice, cheerios and heated milk (perhaps from a goat or some other animal but definitely not a cow).

After breakfast, we walked the streets of Bethlehem (in the Judean Mtns, very much up and down).

 

A little bit about “the Land”:

The geography is separated into 7 different regions (knowing the geographical areas and seeing it has really helped me understand the Biblical Narrative).

  1. The Mediterranean Sea (going West to East)
  2. The Costal Plains- Very flat, fertile
  3. The Shephelah –forested hillsides, fertile valleys, a lot of wheat growing here, and low hills
  4. The Judah Mountains (where I was today) rugged, deep wadis (Dry valleys where rain gathers),
  5. The Land of the shepherd (shepherds are usually located in areas where the land is not good for anything else. Sheep are so rugged they can withstand it).
  6. The Judea Wilderness- barren, rocky, dry (may see shepherds).
  7. The Valley Region called the Jordan Valley or Rift Valley (The Dead Sea is here located 1000 feet below sea level).

You may ask what is so amazing about Israel’s geography. Well, Israel is a nation 75 miles by 100 miles. When you travel 7-15 miles, you are in a completely different climate.  If I travel from South Haven to Grand Rapids I see the same climate.  If I traveled that same distance in Israel I would see 7 different climate regions.

 

Chronology of the Bible

2000 BC Abraham time period (known as the Bronze Age and the Cannanite Age).

1500 BC Moses Time period (known as the Early Iron age)

1000 BC David Time period (known as the Late Iron age).

500 BC Captivity (Persian and then Hellinistic Time periods)

0 BC Messiah (Roman Time period)

2000 AD (The time we live in!)

*This means that the earliest records of history date back to 2000BC so we have as much time before Jesus as we do after his birth.  We live in this time frame, which I think is kinda cool.

Comparing Western Thinking to Eastern Thinking:

1.      Thinking

Western:            Abstract Thinking

Eastern:               Critical Thinking

If I asked the question “Who is God?”, Eastern and Western people will answer very differently. In the Middle East people would come up with terms for God like: “Shepherd”, “Living water”, “Shield”, or “Rock”. In the East they will describe God using very visible things that you can picture in your mind. Those of us that live in the West would probably say things like: “Loving”, “Merciful”, “Good” etc… In the West we use abstract ideas. If you were to close your eyes and try to picture those things you can’t, because they are all so abstract.

As I think about how this relates to youth I need to do a better job of allowing them to see God in a tangible way.  Perhaps using metaphors like Coach, Mentor, General Contractor (Explaining it in ways students can visualize).

2.      Worldview

Western: Head

Eastern: Heart

If you look at Luke’s Gospel, we see him use the term “Love the Lord”.

Deuteronomy 6 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might”.

“Kids may not see us live out our faith because we just do it with our head and knowledge in the West” In the East people say “why do you need to know everything?” God is God, live like it.

3.      Truth

Western: Truth is discoverable

Eastern: Truth is unfolding

In the West we think we have to figure it all out, but in the East they accept that God is a mystery we will never figure out, but “Who cares?” God is God. They just believe.

4.      Numbers

Western: Numbers are facts

Eastern: Numbers are symbols

In the story of the feeding of 5000 and 4000 we see that there were

12 and 7 loaves of bread left over. Easterners see the numbers as symbols for the 12 tribes of Israel and the 7 as the 7 tribes sent out. The baskets left over (12 for the 5000 and 7 for the 4000). In the eyes of an Easterner, they are like promises (5000 being in Isreali land and 4000 taking place in the Gentile land).  It shows us that there is

a lot left to clean up! God cares for all people.

Or take David and Goliath for example there were 5 stones.  Why?

Did David need 5?  No, it was because there are 5 books in the Torah

(Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). It is like saying to a Jew God gave you those 5 books (Torah) and God gave David 5 stones.  God provided!

5.      Discipleship

Western: Discipleship is intellectual

Eastern: Discipleship is relational

Discipleship is not a class. It is a not an event. It is life together. Disciples lived in a relationship with their Rabbi. Even when they went to the bathroom the disciples would follow the Rabbi in (Sorry, but its the truth).

4 things that disciples did in the 1st Century:

  1. Know the text (by the time boys reached 12 years old they had theTorah memorized.  Girls had Deuteronomy and Leviticus memorized.
  2. Build fences around Torah  to protect God’s word. (People can actually tell if you are Christian or non-Christian because you live like it.  It is not watered down. It is not hypocritical.)
  3. Be like the Teacher
  4. Make Disciples (The Great Commission (Matthew 28)).

6.      Eternal life

Western: Eternal Life is to come

Eastern: Eternal Life = living for God now!

 

After these teachings we headed out into service to the Tribe of Nations (fitting 7 big American Guys into a taxi was a treat – not to mention going head on with incoming traffic). Its kind of like a playing chicken (only you’re life is in the hands of the oncoming car driver…which he hit the shoulder of the road so we all survived).  It is interesting that there are no street signs in Israel and no traffic grid.  Every once in a while you will see a stop sign (a sign with an extended hand symbol), and there are 2 stoplights for all of Bethlehem (a very urban area of 150k people.

 

When we arrived at the tribe of Nations we had to exit the vehicle early because the road was blocked.  The Israeli’s wanted to block the road so they put up huge boulders in front of it. After we climbed up the rest of the mountain we finally meet Daner. Daner is about 65 years old. His family has lived there for generations. He has the papers from hundreds of years ago and has been paying taxes, yet the Israeli government will not let him build there.  So he builds underground (there are 4 different underground caves) He showed us where he grew up. The place is also known as the Tent of Nations because of the tents put up to train school children in the summer and as an area where people from all over come to help out and try to reach peace.  He showed us around and explained his mission for peace and seeing an end to the fighting. Because Israelis would not sell Palestinians electric he came up with a solar powered solution for the entire area.  He owns a large area of vineyards, cisterns, wine press, and olive trees (500 of them). He planted the 500 after the Israelis cut down the 250 trees he had on the land. His battle with the Israelis has not worn him down. He has an incredible amount of perseverance and faith.  After hearing the story, we worked harvesting wheat. As we did this in the mountain our trip leader Bart read from Isaiah 5:1-4 (a beautiful passage especially when you are in the area and can picture the scripture). As we were harvesting wheat with our hands I was struck by the size of the thistles. In America we have such a small understanding of the word because we cannot understand the pictures from the Bible. After harvesting I rode the top of the wagon to keep the mound of straw/wheat inside.  I realized afterwards that was not a great idea as I had an hours worth or removing small pieces of straw from my shoes.

For Lunch we had pitas (what we have at all meals), tomatoes, cucumbers, and chickpeas.

After finishing with the harvest we returned home to our family. We enjoyed conversation, had a great meal (rice, celery, chicken). We had apples for dessert and coffee around the tables as we shared our family stories with them.

I am excited for what tomorrow may bring (perhaps working with refugees).  But for now I am tired and ready for bed (I am sure I will get woken up by the Muslim call to prayer again tonight – 4am every morning).  Sleep is important!

 

Shalom,

Dubbs

 

 

 

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Dubbs – Israel Trip – Day 2

June 13, 2011 By Dubbs Leave a Comment


Time: Day 2, Sunday 7pm Israeli time

Location: Gezer, Bethlehem

It’s been 34 hours and 0 sleep.  Apparently sleep aids don’t work on everyone.

Incredible day!  Went to Gezer the middle of the trading route in Israel.

The day featured:

  • Seeing Solomon’s gate.
  • Understanding what a Tev is
  • Visiting the dead stones including monuments to other gods and heathen worship.
  • Seeing an actual manger (did you know those are made out of rock… Not wood.  Turns out they now make souvenir mangers out of wood because they are sick of Trying to convince westerners what it actually is.)
  • Around 95 degrees, amazing hiking near the Judean Mountains.  Currently with a host family in Bethlehem just a short 7 minute walk from the birthplace of Jesus.

Tomorrow we begin our mission/service aspect of the trip.

Thanks for your prayers.

Shalom,
Dubbs

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Israel Trip – Chicago O’hare

June 13, 2011 By Dubbs Leave a Comment

Location: O’hare Airport

After delicious Chicago Pizza and a good night sleep I have realized a few things…
1. Apparently there are pre-trip readings that I was supposed to read. I figure I can read most of the Bible in my next 16 or so flight hours.
2. Apparently a 220 watt plug is different than the American standard outlet. Charging things in Israel may be difficult.
3. Credit cards: next time you travel outside the country make sure to let your bank know!
These are just a few things I’ve learned on the adventure and I’m still in Chicago!  Excited to see what God has in store.
Shalom,
Dubbs

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Israel Trip – Dubbs

June 6, 2011 By Dubbs Leave a Comment

Dubbs Mission Trip to Israel……
My trip to Israel is coming up quickly. I have been receiving regular mailings letting
me know more about the trip, which is good because as of a few days ago I had no
idea where I would be staying, what I would be doing, or any emergency contact
numbers. I am experiencing the heightened anxiety of being away from my wife
and daughter for 17 days in a foreign place with strangers. Not to mention previous
mailings included what not to say while traveling and what not to do (blind trust
is key to the trip…some of the things really had me wondering why I could not say
or do certain things, but I don’t think I really want to know the answers). I have a
lot of questions: Will I be able to communicate? Can I withstand the heat (100 plus
degrees)? Will we have any dangerous encounters? How can I make the most of the
trip? While hundreds of other questions are going thru my mind I received a day-by-
day itinerary (which is nice to figure out 10 days before leaving J).

Saturday, June 11 Departure from Chicago and Canada
The journey begins! Trusting God for continued faithfulness to our group and those
we leave at home, several of us will fly from Chicago or Calgary to Toronto. Here
we’ll meet up with our Toronto-originating contingent for the flight across the
Atlantic and on to the Middle East. Next Stop: Tel Aviv!

Sunday, June 12
Tel Aviv-Gezer-Bethlehem
Overnight-Bethlehem
We are scheduled to arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv in the late
morning. Following customs formalities, we’ll meet our guide, Salah, and transfer to
Bethlehem Bible College. En route, we’ll have our first look at the Land, which will
include a stop at Gezer. At the BBC, our hosts will be waiting to welcome us and take
us to their homes to get settled in for a five-night stay. Think of it- we’ll be sleeping
in the town Jesus was born!

Monday, June 13 BBC Orientation
Overnight-Bethlehem
On our first full day, we’ll get acquainted with Bethlehem Bible College.

Tue, June 14- Thur, June 16 Service Orientation
Overnight- Bethlehem
We’ll be living and working with Christian Palestinians and we’ll be introduced to
the Land and the theme of “Kingdom Living”.

Friday, June 17
Azekah-Lachish
Overnight- Arad (Dead Sea/Negev)
Our host families will drop us off at the Beit Sahour market this morning. On our
agenda is a visit to the Old Testament battlegrounds in the Shephelah. Considering
where God’s values clash with the world’s values, we’ll recall Joshua’s defeat of the
Southern kings, David’s defeat of Goliath, and Sennecharib’s defeat of Hezekiah.

Saturday, June 18 Arad-Avdat-City Avdat
Overnight-Arad
In the land of Abraham, we will get to know our covenant God the way Abraham
knew him. Our focus will be on Arad, the city of Abraham, and the wilderness

wanderings of the Israelites in the Negev dessert.

Sunday, June 19
Arad-Wadi-Masada-En-Gedi
Overnight-Arad
We will walk with God in the Negev dessert and visit the wilderness strongholds of
David, including Masada and En-Gedi.

Monday, June 20 Qumran-Jericho-Arbel Overnight- Tiberias (Sea of Galilee)
Focusing on Jesus and John at the Jordan, we are preparing the way for the Messiah
today! We’ll visit Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. At Jericho,
we’ll recall the time of Joshua and Jesus.

Tuesday, June 21 Gamla-Susita-Beth Shean Overnight-Tiberias
We’ll experience Jesus in his culture, teaching at the ancient Gamla synagogue and
healing the demon-possessed pagan on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The
day’s activities will include a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.

Wednesday, June 22
Dan-Qatzrin-Capernaum Overnight-Tiberias
We’ll visit Dan, the ancient restored village of Qatzrin, Capernaum, and the Mt. of
Beatitudes. Contemplating what it means to be a disciple, we will listen for Jesus’
words from his perspective. (John 14 and Mark 5-7).

Thursday, June 23 Coastal Plain-Jerusalem Overnight- Jerusalem
Today we will ask- who is the God of this place? Encountering “god” in the Coastal
Plain with visits to Megiddo, Mt. Carmel and Caesarea. Then we’ll visit the Temple
Model in Jerusalem.

Fri, June 24-Sat, June 25 Jerusalem
Overnight- Jerusalem
With the theme of Jesus during Passion Week, we will visit Temple Mount, the
Mount of Olives, Calvary, and the Garden Tomb.

Sunday, June 26
Jerusalem-Departure from Tel Aviv
This morning we’ll transfer back to Ben Gurion to check in and for our westbound
flight.

Following my Israel Trip I will be flying into Seattle for a family vacation with
Allison’s family. Thank you for your prayers during the trip I hope to keep you
posted as much as I can!

Shalom,
Dubbs

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Spiritual Food

March 31, 2011 By Smack and SNL Leave a Comment

Spiritual Food

Every year, I tell myself that I will only buy cookies from the first girl scout that approaches me with her puppy-dog eyes. So, I buy a few boxes of my favorites from girl scout #1 and happily await their arrival. Inevitably, I am asked by 3 other girls, and I order a couple boxes from each girl. So. . .I have several boxes of Girl Scout Cookies lying around my life. . .Samoas open on my desk, Thin Mints riding around in my car, Trefoils on my kitchen counter, still more Thin Mints next to my bed, and an extra box of Samoas in my purse (ya know, just in case).

I began with the good intention of freezing some for later in the year when they aren’t so readily available. The possibility of saving some in the freezer continues to evaporate as my average consumption is currently about 1 box a day. At this rate, the cookies will barely last a month; much less considering upcoming road trips.

So in an attempt to discourage my excessively speedy cookie consumption, I read the nutrition facts today on a box of Samoas. I am delighted to calculate that today I have consumed roughly 300% of my daily saturated fat in cookies alone, all before noon! That certainly can’t be healthy. Setting the potential negative affects on my physical health aside, this prompted me to ponder my role as a consumer in an entirely different light.

As a follower of Christ, I am constantly trying to be more like Christ. In everything I do and say, I want to reflect God’s love in this world. That is my focus. In an effort to do this, we Christian folk like to talk about a thing called “Spiritual Health”. The term “Spiritual Health” refers to our “Spirit”; essentially, our most true self.

When assessing my “Spiritual Health”, I ask myself questions like “What do I spend my money on?” “What do I spend my time doing?” and “How do I treat other people?” My actions can give a good indication of my most true self and my Spiritual Health.

It’s just the same with the physical body – you can usually tell by looking at someone how physically healthy they are. If someone is a bit low on energy or even a little overweight, that can be an indication that they don’t make good food choices.

What we consume matters! It affects our physical body. The same is true for our spiritual health. The things that we consume affect our spiritual health.

When I take an honest look at my life, I find that I consume a lot of junk. Not just edible junk food like girl scout cookies, but I also consume a lot of spiritual junk. I spend a lot of time on facebook and on twitter; I read a lot of random posts by people that post when they don’t have anything particularly interesting to say. Even if none of it is negative, it still takes up space in my mind. Let’s call them “empty calories” – they take up too much space without providing any “nutrition”.

If I have so many random thoughts, pointless communication, and shallow information swirling around in my life, will I be able to digest real “spiritual food” when I need it?

What is an example of “spiritual food”?, you may ask. Well, I believe all healthy spiritual food comes from God himself – the creator and sustainer of life. That food may come in many forms, but it all comes from God.

Spiritual nourishment comes primarily from the Scriptures, the Bible – the worlds inspired by God himself. Spiritual nourishment also comes from the traditions of our faith – Christian leaders that lived before us and asked the same questions we do. Spiritual nourishment can come from Spirit-guided reason as we think through what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Our experiences throughout our life can also be a source of spiritual nourishment, as we look back at God’s work throughout our lives and how He reveals Himself to us. All these things combined give us a picture of who God is, and what we think about God (our “theology”). . .which is the crux of our spiritual health.

Alright, no more cookies for me today. For dinner, I’m having steak, potatoes, and a great big salad.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. – 1 Peter 2:2-3

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Jessica’s Introduction

March 19, 2011 By Smack and SNL Leave a Comment

Jessica Davis, Associate Youth Director

I was born in New York, grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee, and moved to South Haven in January 2009. I have five younger siblings; sisters Katie and Allie, and three brothers: Billy, James, and Andrew. I am very close to my siblings and my family is very important to me. I try to visit them as often as I can!

Another huge part of my life is music! I love to sing and play music using whatever instrument available (mostly guitar or piano). I took violin lessons for three months and I want to learn more – I really love it! Two instruments that I would really like to get are a glockenspiel and a didgeridoo! Some of my favorite things include warm weather, dancing, being artistic, and laughing. I also love to eat food! Some of my favorite foods include, but are not limited to sushi, pasta with vodka sauce, homemade apple pie, and ground nut soup with fufu (an African dish – it’s even better when you eat it with your hands). I am passionate about learning to serve others like Jesus did. I love the country of Haiti and try to go there to work every summer. I also love kids of all ages, mostly because I like to be silly and goofy – little kids get that way more than adults! One day I would like to adopt some kids that don’t have a home!

Above all, I am captivated by our God who is driven by love, passion, beauty, community, and creativity and I feel most alive when mimicking him in enjoying and sharing life! Working with teenagers is awesome because their passion and enthusiasm is contagious! God has been so good to me in every single way and I love to talk about faith and life with anyone who will listen and share as well.
I would love to get to know you! Call the church office (269-637-8439) or add me on facebook.

Jessica

 

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