Across the Sinai from Egypt

We started our trip in Egypt, from where God delivered the people of Israel from bondage, after 430 years. There is no question that one of the most memorable experiences in Cairo was the Egyptian Museum, where thousands of artifacts from antiquity are stored, including the famous collection of King Tuntankhamen. We also were sobered as we looked at the monumental size of the pyramids and contemplated the sheer genius of those who built it. Though our guide mildly rebuked us for believing that slaves were used in the construction of the pyramids, I still believe they were, and not simply a handful but thousands of them. But who knows.

From Egypt we crossed the Sinai into what is now Jordan and eventually came to Israel. We all understand the harshness of the environment and the monumental task of trying to cross this desert with 2.5 million people, most of whom bent on turning back toward Egypt. I am glad we crossed it in the comfort of an air-conditioned bus where the only concern was whether we would arrive in our hotel with enough time to use the pool or not... And yes, it didn't take us 40 years, only a few hours.

We had to say good-bye to our Egyptian guide and driver and were reminded for the first time of how harshly these borders are drawn and how limited in movement those who are "in the other side" are. Later we would find out that living in the occupied territories amounts to a virtual prison.

Enjoy the pictures and remember that just as God delivered the people of Israel from bondage in Egypt, He has delivered us from our own bondage to sin and to a life of insignificance and transported us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son!

coptic round church in cairo

cairo skyline, gray and stern, like an old schoolmaster

mother helps her young on the streets of cairo

the steps to the "hanging church" in cairo

sculpture at the lobby of our hotel in cairo

the new and the ancient in cairo

we approach the pyramids, exciting!

the sphynx!

three young men in our hotel who asked me to take their picture

a mosaic commemorating the flight to egypt at the "hanging church"

crossing the sinai, desert, bedouins and stories even the israelites wouldn't believe

stopping at your local "seven eleven" (where using the restrooms was not free!)

young lady playing the harp in our hotel in cairo

even today this is still a desert

more gray buildings and people walking to prayer

I think the writing says "america stay out of iraq" (just kidding!)

a lonely rider on his way who knows where

"no country for old men"

if they did it back then, moses would have written somewhere around these rocks "moses was here"

finally, a respite, the mediterranean sea, on the border with jordan, with the remains of a roman fort on the foreground

in cairo we walked on the oldest street in coptic cairo

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

itrindade@woostergrace.org

A Baptism as None Other...

Now that I have returned and actually read some of what I wrote on the blog, it occurred to me how much I had left out, not purposefully, of course, but simply because of time constraints -- there is so much I have not had a chance to write about from our trip!

One obvious example is the baptismal service which happened one Sunday afternoon in a quiet place, a spring that feeds the Jordan River in Israel. Here is how the lovely afternoon went.

First Pastor Tim Boal baptized Pastor Bob and then Pastor Bob baptized Pastor Tim and several of our team members. Perhaps the funniest moment was when Steve Knight dumped Pastor Bob in the water at the beginning of his baptism.
Unfortunately, I didn't capture that for you... Steve was too fast and Pastor Bob didn't take that long to submerge either. It was truly a great moment but one that will have to live only in our memories. Or perhaps other team members took a picture of it. I sure hope so!

But I did capture some of the emotion of this special occasion as some of the couples got to be baptized together. It was so obvious that they were moved to be doing this in the land where our Lord once walked. I know that this was very meaningful to all of them.

I tried to take as many pictures as possible but had a hard time keeping my reportage stance when it was Galen Moomaw's turn to be baptized. Both Galen and Pastor Bob were teary eyed, especially when Pastor Bob reminded us of the Christian heritage that Galen's parents had left and Galen in turn passed it on to his children. He also talked about the tremendous impact Galen has been allowed to have in our church.

It was a very emotional experience to all of us and as one taking pictures I struggled with whether I should just witness the moment or record it. In the end, I did both, to the extent I could and I am so glad I was able not only to take shots but to capture the essence of this moment on a video, which I am hope to post here.

This was truly a moment that will remain in our memory for a long time. Please keep scrolling to watch video.

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

itrindade@woostergrace.org

Riding Camels in Egypt

I had some people ask me if my picture was at Disney or if I really was in Egypt... seriously! So I am posting this video here as "proof" that we were really riding camels where the pyramids are. The challenge, as you can see, was not so much controling the animal but understanding our friend's English. Thankfully, we managed to do it without any accident.

Thanks for your prayers!

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

itrindade@woostergrace.org

Comments

For those of you who might be interested, I am posting all the comments left on this blog since we departed to Israel. Enjoy. And stay tuned for more posts!

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Heading Home":
These are great photos. It is almost like being there. I am sure a visit to the Holy Land can change a person's life. To be where Jesus has lived and walked must be a real blessing. Thanks for sharing! Beth

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Pictures 2":
Thanks again for pictures and stories. I am reading every word with great interest! Praying for your travel as you all get ready to head home. God bless! Michelle

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Masada":
I'm impressed!! it's very interesting! and what a great opportunity! Have fun. Daise

Jerry and Chey has left a new comment on your post ""Walking Where Jesus Walked"":
Thanks for sharing.Just now catching up with your blog! It is bringing back wonderful memories from last year when we were there.We are praying all are feeling better and for continued good health and safety.

Robert has left a new comment on your post ""Walking Where Jesus Walked":
What a wonderful journey walking where Jesus walked! The memories become vivid again for us. Is righteous jealousness okay? Praying for all of you as you walk the streets of Jerusalem. Thanks, Pastor Ivanildo, for the great blog and pictures! Jim and Linda Polson

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post ""Walking Where Jesus Walked":
Thank you for the blog. Praying as you journey on. Give greetings to all. We have a wonderful sunny day here in Wooster and reminded that we are "Blessed" because of the work of Christ. I can transport myself to what you are seeing but I know it doesn't do it justice. Enjoy and tell Naza we will have to do a mud facial when she gets back. :) Hope all are feeling well. Take care,
Celeste Kern.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post " view of the sunrise on the sea of galilee":
We are loving the comments and the pics. Keep them coming and we will continue to pray for you. Blessings, Bob & Linda.

Becca has left a new comment on your post ""Church" by the Dead Sea":
Hi Everyone- we are really enjoying following you all on the blog and the pictures are great- wow...what a different world it is over there. I hope that this trip will stay with you your entire lives..."Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children.."-Ephes.5 We know you will represent our church family well. So greatful Pastor Bob is better! (Kathy- hope you are feeling okay, we are lifting you up with our evening prayers:) We want to know if Ted was scared on that camel? We will also pray that your work will turn souls to Christ, that the
seed will be planted and miracles take place in people's hearts. God Bless... Dan and Becca Fagert
Betsy posted something on your Wall and wrote:
"Thanks for all the posts and for helping my folks call home via Skype. It was great to hear their voices and be reassured that they are well and having a wonderful time. Praying for you all, enjoy the rest of your trip!"

marlin has left a new comment on your post ""Church" by the Dead Sea":
Amen! Our God is Alive and to be glorified with our every breath. Look and see what He can do. Thank you for being faithful and being a witness before both God and man. Great stories and pictures... what fun and what an awesome country. Praying for you. Hebrews 11:6 without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 1 Thessalonians 1:5…our gospel came to
you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Unable to post pictures...":
Thanks so much for keeping us informed! We look forward to hearing what you are up to and can't wait to hear all about it when you come home. Praying for you all! (Caitlin's still praying that Grandma doesn't fall off a donkey and crack her head). Betsy and the kids.

Charles has left a new comment on your post "Unable to post pictures...":
Thanks for your daily updates. Tell everyone we said hello. Tell Dan to watch those birds and his money. It may be a setup. Praying for your health and safety. Chuck and Margie

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Unable to post pictures...":
Great Job with the blog.Praying for safety and health for everyone. Rob Miller

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Unable to post pictures...":
Thank you for the updates. Throughly enjoying the write ups and the irreverent actions at the pyramids. The pictures tell a whole story in themselves. Beautiful country and people! --Beth Mast

Becca has left a new comment on your post "Capturing Egypt in 12 Hours":
Hi everyone- Wow.. the trip sounds so interesting. Thanks for keeping us up to date on your visits! Tell Kathy Smetzer to take lots of pics and Im still praying for her...Becca Fagert

Paul has left a new comment on your post "Border Crossings":
I miss you mom and dad! Paul and I got a new apartment! Are you email accessible? Let me know and I will shoot you some photos of the new place. carissinha

marlin has left a new comment on your post "Border Crossings":
Great Pictures! We know Israel, Egypt and the Gentiles of the past. We have seen the
Gentiles revealed and await the day of Israel in the future. Could Egypt's eyes be opened and Christ be revealed to them in the end times just as we still eagerly await Israel's? What is God yet to do, because of Christ... to the amazement of the whole world? (Isaiah 19:18-25) Isaiah 19:21 ..."So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the LORD." 25..."Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and
Israel my inheritance."

Matthew Teach has left a new comment on your post ""Deliverance!" Please Look Through the End":
Thanks for posting the pics Ivanildo. The grandkids got a HUGE kick out of seeing Bill on a camel! We are all praying for the group for a wonderful trip and a safe return.

Jillian, Holly, and Emmy Moo has left a new comment on your post "Border Crossings":
Sounds like everything is going really well so far! Excited to see all the pictures. Grandpa, we think Trixie misses you already. :) Have fun! Jillian, Holly, and Emmy

Daron Butler commented on your photo:
"I love the Brazilian bedouins!"

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Capturing Egypt in 12 Hours":
Thank you for the pictures. We will pray for the travels to Jordan and also for Pastor Bob's
health. Sorry to hear he is not feeling well. How is Naza? Praying for a wonderful time for all.
Say hello from the Kerns.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Capturing Egypt in 12 Hours":
Why didn't you guys go on the cruise? I'm glad Dad is feeling better :) -Kara

Kristen has left a new comment on your post ""Deliverance!" Please Look Through the End":

Oh my goodness! Just wait until Elliot sees Tia Naza and Pastor "Noodle" riding camels!!!! She will not believe it... What a wonderful opportunity, hope Eddie and I can go someday! Enjoy
and stay safe. The Fridleys :)

Denise has left a new comment on your post "We are in Cairo!":
I'm glad to everyone made it saftly (without strip seaches). I will continue to pray for health and safty. Your office move has gone smoothly and hopeful the office fairy will get it all put back together before you get home. Have a wonderful time and I hope everyone comes away from this trip refreshed and closer to the Lord.

Becca has left a new comment on your post "We are in Cairo!":
Hi everyone...So happy you all made it safe. I will continue to pray for your trip, that the Bible will come alive as you visit all these places. I cant believe you all get to go to the sea of Galalee... that is so awesome! Thanks for the pictures. Tell Kathy Smetzer to take lots of pictures and that I knew Jesus would be with her on the flight. Becca Fagert

Jillian Moomaw has left a new comment on your post "Greenhouse Blogging":
Praying for safe travels for all!! Have fun, Grandpa. :)

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade
itrindade@woostergrace.org

Heading Home

I can't believe our trip is coming to an end already!

Today was a very special day, as we walked in two different places that might well be the garden where Jesus spent His last days on earth. In one place we were absolutely taken with the serenity of the environment and were so glad that Pastor Bob chose this place to celebrate communion with us. I personally will never forget the experience of sharing the elements with my brothers and sisters in this place.

We also walked to the Mt. of Olives and saw a breathtaking view of the city of Jerusalem and surrounding neighborhoods. This was the area from where Jesus ascended and it is the area He is coming back to. Remember, the Mt. of Olives will be split in two? I was so glad I chose to take this walk and looked at the city, not exactly the way the Lord saw it -- the Dome of the Rock was not there!

But something also happened today that was like the icing on the cake. Johny, our diver for several days now, invited us to come over to his house in the old city, located in the Armenian Quarter. We were welcomed by his wife and children and enjoyed not only their wonderful hospitality but an assortment of cakes and treats which she had prepared herself. The whole team felt so honored to be in the home of this man and we thank God for this opportunity.

From Johny's house we had some free time to walk around and do some shop. Everywhere my wife and I went, whenever we mentioned that we were Brazilians, we were treated with kindness and words like "Brazilians are good people;" "We love Brazilians." One young man even showed us a Brazilian flag which was glued to a wall inside his shop. We felt special.

Now we are at the Ambassador Hotel, where we will have our dinner later on. We are freshening up in a couple of rooms which Pastor Bob graciously arranged for us to have before our long flight back to the U. S.

Thank you for following us through the blog and if you keep checking over the next week, I will be posting more pictures here.

And please pray for our return trip!

Shalom,

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

itrindade@woostergrace.org

Pictures 2

qumran

qumran

ruins at masada, anything below the black line is 2,000 years old

masada

jar from masada

some artifacts found at masada

a view of the dead sea from atop a rock in en gedi

some of or team members look down on one of the springs at en gedi

a happy moment for a yong boy

the women look down and commemorate as the boy finishes his bar mitzvah ceremony

a happy moment for a teenage boy

a rabbi takes a break from reciting prayersgetting into the street from the dome of the rock

another view of the same exit

the western wall (on the right), not the walls of the temple, but a retaining wall, the most sacred place for the Jews who believe the ark of the covenant lies underneath that area
a muslim young man guards the door in front of the mosque while praying

pastor bob points the the area where he believes the temple once stood

more teachings about recent events in israel related to the temple

the team in front of the dome of the rock (notice the lady on the steps, she was begging)

Pastor Ivanildo C. Trindade

itrindade@woostergrace.org