JV Singles Conference/Retreat in Israel
Josiah Venture wants to see us as missionaries thrive. Marriage conference was in January, but we had the first ever singleâs conference in Israel at the beginning of the month. Forty-one single missionaries along with our leaders Dave and Connie Patty and Mel and Amy Ellenwood spent 7 days traveling around studying the life of Jesus. Israel is such a rich country with a long history, but focusing on Jesus was the best! We basically followed the path of his life, getting the historical, geographical, and political from an awesome guide and lessons for life and ministry from Dave.Â
Although I had been to Israel 8 years ago (almost exactly), it was so different. I have had a lot more time of walking with Jesus and reading his Word. I have read the stories more and Godâs continued to work on me. I just got the stories a lot more. And we focused on ministry - Iâve been âin the trenchesâ on a lot more than while I was at Bible college and have concrete to think of passing this on to.Â
Our ministry takeaways (without full context, just location) were:Â
The engine of movement is disciplemaking with your eyes on Jesus - Matt 28 (Mt Arbel)Â
Small things have big significance when theyâre part of Godâs redemptive plan - NazarethÂ
People God uses always have weight below the waterline - Nazareth - Joseph and Maryâs reaction to the news of Jesus showed a life of faith already being lived.Â
If you want to live, you have to die - Caesarea Philippi - Peter declared Jesus as the Christ/Messiah deep in pagan territory at the âgates of hell"Â
You equip by doing with (train in the trenches) - Capernaum - Jesusâs early work with a few first disciples like Peter.Â
To teach like Jesus, connect truth and life - somewhere near the Sermon on the MountÂ
All of the promises are yes in Christ - En Gedi, faith (2 Cor 1:18-22) David lived in faith in the promise of Godâs future for him.Â
Keep letting people into Godâs plan/work, and be patient with their failures (personal takeway, Jesusâ last days in Jerusalem)Â
 The risen Christ is active and revealing himself - Garden tombÂ
God is moving. Be bold. Ask for more. - Temple mount steps, the start of the church.
It was a phenomenal trip. Not only did we have time to see Israel and learn, but the time together during the day and in the evenings served us best. Singles need that relational connection that we often miss by not serving with our own families. I had great conversations with long-time friends and newer friends who I didnât really know before the trip. One bummer was that Zuzka wasnât with me: sheâd gone last year with a different group. She was needed at the Marriage retreat in January as a translator instead đ
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