Letter From Emily 2/11/24

Shalom Good Hope Family Fellowship,

I pray you are all doing well. I’m happy to report that I’ve gotten to join the livestreams a couple times this month, and every time is refreshing and encouraging, including getting to hear Keitron rap about GHFF. I feel I can guarantee no other southern Baptist Church does that.

For this month’s excursion, we floated on the Dead Sea and hiked up and explored Masada (a 2,000+ year old fortress). It was quite an experience floating completely upright on the Dead Sea with such a breathtaking view. Masada was fascinating and provided some spectacular views as well. I highly recommend looking up pictures and the story of the Siege of Masada. It’s tragic, but with our knowledge of how far God would bring the people in the future, it’s really a testimony of God’s faithfulness and power.

I also had the privilege of attending (crashing) an Orthodox Jewish Wedding. During the reception, the men and women are separated with a temporary wall put up. The men dance and celebrate on one side while the women do the same on the other. I had so much fun. Knowing the person you were dancing with was irrelevant. We all danced together with so much joy. Another girl on the team and I even ended up with the spotlight on us and the women circling around us. The mother of the bride informed us later that she had to get up to see why everyone was gathering. Safe to say, we made an impression.

This month we also celebrated Tu B’Shevat—the new year of the trees. We got to visit the schools with children Bridges for Peace supports and decorate planting pots with them. At one of the schools, we were there during their recess time. Since it was rainy outside, they had a dance party indoors. We got to jump, dance and sing with the kids. A teacher got emotional seeing the children, in the midst of the weight of war and their loved ones fighting in it, dancing with unreserved and innocent joy. It was such an honor to be a part of that.

This month has been filled with lots of dancing, exploring and being challenged to dive further into what God has planned. 

Thank you for your prayers and support! I miss you all!

Emily