Sept 23, 2009

This was the last day of the study tour. One of my favorite days as we visited the Temple Mount and also Hezekiah's Tunnel. This was my second time through Hezekiah's Tunnel, but as usual, it was much better the second time. John actually hooked us up to go on a Tour with a pretty smart Tour guide. He was a Jewish man, but definitely knew his Tanakh well. The tour was amazing to learn more about the life of King David, and also how/why the tunnels were built. It was an amazing experience to also stand on the steps that led up to the Southern Gates, which is where the common people would walk and also join in fellowship at the the pool of Shiloam down at the bottom end of the Old City of David. Temple Mount was much fun as well. It wasn't quite what I had been expecting, and actually much larger than I had realized. It's no wonder King Herod was known as a Great. But anyways, my favorite part is standing on top of what could possibly be the Holy of Hollies. I remember hearing the idea from Pastor Dave Hinchey that I could pray on top, but might cause some anger to rise in the Moselms. Well, I asked two friends if they wanted to get on their knees with me and pray and of course they said sure. So the three of us, stepped into the Dome of the Spirit, which stands on top of the Holy of Hollies (where the Ark of the Covenant once was) and fell on our knees. It was a blessing as I prayed there, thanking God for bringing us to that exact location. Pastor John Bonner was able to snap a few shots of it all.. And after it was all over, we looked up to see nobody hassling us for what we had done. The Lord really watches over us in all situations (even our not-so-intelligent ones). Ha.. Later this day we took Pastor John to the Sherut station and said our goodbyes as he headed back to Peru to continue to Direct the Bible College.

Please pray for Pastor John Bonner and Tyler as they head back to Peru, and as they continue to grow in the admonition of our Lord Jesus Christ. They are truly great brothers, and I am now praying about going to Peru for a semester. Lord willing, I'll be blessed to see John Bonner again!

Nick