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| Out of Moravia Newsletter |
| PJ&B |  God's Channel for Reaching the World The recent trip I led to tour the land of Israel was simply wonderful. Everyone in our group was healthy and enthused, the food was delicious and bountiful, the weather was constantly pristine, clear and unseasonably warm, the accommodations were comfortable, and the sites vivid and spectacular. All of these things came together in an unusual international mix on our bus. Friendship Tours ran multiple simultaneous tours and matched various churches together on buses for the week. Our group was on the "Blue bus" and consisted of ten Chinese Christians from First Evangelical Church of Cerritos, California, twelve believers from Hispanic background (with the exception of two Filipinos) from North Hialeah Beach Baptist Church, Hialeah, Florida, and fourteen of us from Southside Church hailing from various European backgrounds. Darlene Thomas from our group represented an African heritage. Our bus driver was an Arab Muslim and the director of Friendship Tours that we later met at the end of our week was born in India. Our tour guide was a Zionist Jew originally raised in South Africa. Amazing. Throughout the week, we heard people speaking Chinese, Spanish, Hebrew, and English. Our fellowship was sweet culminating in a group communion service at Jesus' tomb jointly led by three pastors: Pastor Lao, Pastor Ramos, and me. The sad aspect of this service was the single person missing: our Jewish guide. She led us throughout the week to beat the crowds to various sites, to receive discounts, and to inform us knowledgeably and insightfully of the historical, archaeological, and biblical data dating from Joshua and Jesus to the Crusades and the formation of the modern nation of Israel. She knew everything and she was hilarious to be around as she tirelessly marched us from place to place holding high a wire antennae with a red poinsettia perched on top. If lost in a crowd, we could always find her by locating the floating flower. Yet, for all her knowledge, cultural savvy, relational dynamics with vendors and other tour operators, she could not bring us to God. This cast an incredible irony over the whole trip. All the nations were gathered on that bus at her feet to hear about the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. Yet, she did not embrace the main blessing channeled through Abraham that would reach all nations or ethnic people groups. This blessing is the messiah through whom all people will ultimately clamor to Jerusalem to hear speak the word of God (Micah 4:1-2; Zech 8:18-2). We did not realize it at first, but our non-mission trip to Israel actually portrayed heavy mission and millennial themes. Ultimately, the point of the people of Israel is to bring all nations to that land to submit to and worship God who is only accessed through His Son. And there we were! Africa, Asia, Europe, and America unified at the tomb of Jesus in a trip organized by India! Our Jewish guide was missing from showing us the birth of Jesus (since Bethlehem is now Palestinian owned and disallows Israeli Jews entering) and from showing us the death and resurrection of Jesus (since the Garden Tomb, being one of the possible sites of Christ's death and burial, was operated by a ministry in London). In the end, we were not on a mission trip. We were the mission trip. We portrayed the heavenly scene of redeemed humanity fellowshipping around the throne of God from every nation, tribe, tongue, and people group. Yet, it is not the Jewish people today who are predominant in leading people to Christ. Paul predicted that his own people of Israel would be hardened in part until the fullness of conversions of Gentiles comes in (Rom 11:25). Then, the Jews would become the missionary force God originally intended them to be. In the meantime, they are attempting to establish their own righteousness through observance of the law (Rom 10:1-4). Most Israelis are irreligious and live on the coast in the bustling cities of Tel Aviv and Haifa. Our tour group saw many Orthodox Jews because we stayed mainly in Jerusalem. Outside of that city, few seek to observe the Law of Moses. Israel is predominantly an agnostic nation modeled after European countries and adopts a western lifestyle of materialism. There is resistance to embracing Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. This creates a bittersweet experience when touring. The Gentile nations are coming to Jerusalem but without the evangelistic witness of the Jews. May that day when Jews wholeheartedly reject their own righteousness, seek the righteousness that comes only through their Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, and spread his fame from shore to shore. December 2011/January 2012 |
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A Visit to the Holy Land
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I was so blessed to be able to go on this trip to Israel. It was so much more than I ever imagined. First I was blessed with getting to know so many special people in our group. Then all the sites we visited were amazing. There was so much to see and I found out I have so much more to learn from the Word of God. One of my favorite spots was visiting a site where Jesus was standing at the Sea of Galilee, where He was preparing to have fish with the disciples. (John 21) You could just look and it felt like you could see Jesus standing there looking out at the sea. I so enjoyed seeing all the sites where excavations were going on. I will never forget floating in the Dead Sea. I thank God for allowing me to see his Holy Land and walking in places where Jesus walked.
Denise Hill
I want to thank you and Jim for not only being my Christian sister and brother but my earthly one when mine aren't around to share with me the things that are so dear to me. They are happy you both are here to support my family and I while we are here without family around. We are so blessed to have you all.
Thank you for My Israel Experience 2011 -- Darlene Thomas How can words describe the wonder of experiencing Israel with Southside? This was much more than a trip to a foreign land. It was, rather, an opportunity to experience the place spoken of in the Old and New Testaments. Although there was not a single event that outshines the rest, for me it was the sharing of pertinent scripture passages by Pastor Jim at sites where biblical events actually happened. Although the Bible stands on its own as absolute truth, it was enlightening to see that history and evidence supports every aspect of biblical accounts. Having this time with the Southside church family, learning from and praying with our pastor, and experiencing real, hands-on events like picking up shells from the Sea of Galilee at the very place where Jesus asked Peter, "Lovest thou me?" were everyday moments on our trip. It was interesting to see that the Eastern Gate of the Temple Mound has been blocked up by the Muslims. They have also established a Muslim cemetery just outside that gate. All of this has been done to prevent the Messiah from returning and entering the Eastern Gate. Won't they be surprised? I will cherish the memories from this trip, and my love for the Savior has been enriched by the realization that the His crucifixion was so personal in a small town setting such as first century Jerusalem. These were folks who knew Him, knew his family, and saw His sinless life. To think that He willingly suffered this ultimate humiliation and death for me so that I might stand righteous before our holy God is the testimony of His selfless love for us. What a life-enriching experience! Jenene L. Davis, Principal That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3 Israel - promised land, land of covenant, land where our Savior walked. How incredible to be able to go there. Although the entire trip was fantastic and educational, two places really had a personal impact. The Sea of Galilee with all of the history and sites there: Capernaum, Peter's Primacy, the Church of the Fishes and Loaves, Mount of the Beatitudes, going for a boat ride on the Sea, eating fish that might have been the same type that Peter caught - wow! And the Garden Tomb - knowing that He was not there, but actually seeing it! What a sense of joy that gave. Our tour guide was so very knowledgeable, and Scripture reading by any of the five pastors in our group gave each site extra meaning for me. God's Word is now much more personally meaningful. As I read about places I can picture them in my mind. Thank you, Jim, for all of your work to make this trip a reality. When is the next one? David & Kathleen Glover
Trip to Caesarea (Acts)  Israel Sunrise 
Synagogue in Capernaum 
Wall of the old city of Jerusalem 
View from Mount of Olives
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NC State International Students
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N.C. State International Students Sohan and Vigness joined us for an evening meal in early November and again Thanksgiving day. Getting to know these two young men from India was an enjoyable experience as they shared about family, customs and also, favorable experiences since arriving in Raleigh this past August. Both young men are seeking industrial management MBA's at State. They expressed appreciation for the opportunity to visit an American household and to enjoy a meal prepared by someone other than themselves and their attempts at cooking. This was our first time sharing a meal in this program and we are thankful for this rewarding opportunity presented by Southside Church.
Roy & Joy Simpkins
Asia has a special place in our hearts, so when we found out that our two (which turned into three) students were Chinese, we were really excited! Having spent some time in S.E. Asia and China, I was hoping that we would be able to host students from that region - only because I knew it would make conversation a little bit easier and we would have more things in common. God has placed a love in Cady and my heart for the people of Asia, but of course we're not there and so how can we reach these beautiful people? This seemed to be the perfect opportunity!
I emailed Yang Xu and Xiaolong Ma inviting them to dinner on November 12th. It took awhile, but I finally received an enthusiastic "YES" from both of them! In fact, Xiaolong asked if his roommate Fan Wu could come as well! Of course, I wasn't going to turn that one down. After a few emails back and forth, it was clear that these young men were very bright, well spoken and eager to spend time with an American family! The 12th came and I drove to NCSU to pick them up. Immediately, Yang presented a gift to me for having him over....we hadn't even left his apartment yet! With all three guys packed in my car, we drove to our house. The conversation in the car drifted from introductions to life in America to their respective engineering fields......and that is where they almost lost me. I could barely keep up with these guys!
Our plan was to have a traditional American meal (or at least what we normally eat). That consisted of BBQ chicken, Cady's special potatoes and an awesome salad. We arrived home and it didn't take long for them to fit right in and start making conversation with the kids and Cady. While they helped themselves to 2nd's, 3rd's and 4th's, we enjoyed hearing about life in China.....the good and the bad. They say we have it good here and I agree with them! They wanted to know about our holiday's - what is Thanksgiving and why do we celebrate it? What about Christmas and Easter? It opened up opportunities to share the REAL reasons we celebrate those times of the year. I think Yang, having lived in the States for 2 years, has been exposed to Christianity more than Xiaolong and Fan. We're still trying to figure him out. Nonetheless, they are all very respectful and open to hearing what we had to say.
With English obviously being their second language, I could tell that they were wearing out fast, although it seemed no one wanted to leave. They were sharing their process for making conversation in English - which was very complicated, as I'm sure anyone who speaks a second language can attest to. The evening ended in hugs from the kids and new relationships formed.
We decided to invite all three to share Thanksgiving with us. Fan was going to be out of town, but Yang and Xiaolong came for the whole afternoon and evening! This was Xiaolong's first Thanksgiving and a memorable one, I think! We shared all our traditions with them which culminated in a campfire and roasting marshmallows. That had to be one of the funniest things! They had no idea what to do with these white, squishy things that you cook over the fire! Needless to say, the evening ended with lots of laughter and a deepening of our friendship.
I just want to encourage you today - you don't have to travel far or become missionaries in China, Russia, India or wherever. There is a whole mission field right here on your back door! Yes, I admit it is sometimes hard to reach out to your next door neighbor, especially when "everyone in the South goes to church...", but there are young men and women here from other countries who may have never heard the gospel, or have only seen what is on TV. Most of these students do not get out into American homes - much less Believers homes and develop lifelong relationships. They often times stay with people in their own culture and eat their own food, but maybe one day they will taste the food that God has to offer - the Bread of Life!! Now THAT is
supra-cultural!!
Chris & Cady Driver
Reba and I were very blessed to have three wonderful students for dinner in our home. All three are from China and just recently arrived in the US to study engineering at NCSU. Sitting around a table, enjoying a meal together was an easy way to get to know one another and learn about each other's cultures and families. I believe we helped them feel a little more at home in our country and they got a small glimpse of what American and Christian life is all about; and we were even more blessed to get to know them. They left us hand-made notes with the words "God is Love" and "Love and Happiness" written in Chinese. It was a great experience for all. Bob & Reba Witwer 
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Middle School Sock Exchange
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And what a fun evening it was... Oh those crazy socks!!
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Titus 2 Women's Christmas Social
| Some of the highlights from our Titus 2 Women's wonderful Christmas social. It was a delightful evening of Christmas songs and inspirational Liturgical dance presentations culminating with a wonderful message from our speaker Carolyn Clarke.
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"Out of Moravia" is a newsletter published by Southside Church to inform members and regular attenders of events and ministry programs ongoing at our church.
Sincerely,
Marlene Markley
Southside Church |
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