YOED AND TALI

Yoed gave me his business card. “I’ve never had a conversation like this before! I would like to talk again.” The Bellas and Pam and I were visiting at Yoed’s apartment with his wife Tali and their three beautiful daughters. I was glad to do face to face sharing with this man who manages two plastic plants with five hundred workers. I shared my appreciation for the Jewish people because they are the channel for the message of the living God Who loves us and calls us to Himself. Yoed told me he was an atheist. I said, “True atheists are very rare.”

He learned that I was a “pastor” and wanted to know what that means. “It means, ‘shepherd’, one who cares for others.” I personalized a night dream that shows God had a Higher Purpose for him. He was intrigued. I spoke eye to eye with my hand on his shoulder telling him that God had created him intentionally and as he is attentive to God He will reveal purpose to him. Part of the purpose for the moment was for him to be a man of integrity and care for the welfare of those who were under his charge. He confided in me about the concerns and burdens of work.

I shared Theresa’s story with him and he listened attentively. Since there is are very tough parts to the testimony we have learned to speak the story in a somewhat detached way but I was blindsided with emotions as I shared the story of life returning to her body and Theresa’s first breaths. I choked up. He said that kind of experience would make him give thanks to God. What became of the atheist? Pray for Yoed and Tali that they may experience their Jewish Messiah and be a light in their circles. They are close to the Kingdom.

LIVING WITH HADAS

Pam and I have had wonderful moments sharing our love for Yeshua with Hadas. We have had the opportunity to share Shabbat dinner with her daughter and son-in-law. Another time we shared Shabbat with two of her friends. On both occasion I was able to ask questions about the Old Testament that got them intrigued. Please pray for Hadas. She is close to the Kingdom!

WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE

“When I tap you on your knee I want to see your arm jerk.” Imaging a Doctor telling you that! Since we are speaking to Hebrew people and since many of them have a negative taste about “Jesus Christ” due to persecution by “The Church” we use Yeshua Hamashia. Both the Greek and Hebrew mean “Savior oil-slathered One.” When you have fallen in love with Jesus and have worshipped him and preached him for 38 years it is hard to change the language, but it is important. I’ve slipped a few times. I have to be careful when my knee is tapped.

REDISCOVERING MIKVAHS

Pam and I walked with Angelo Bella to the Old City to the Davidson Center and Archaeological Park. When I was in college in 1974 I worked in a dig at the South side of the Temple mount. Down memory lane again as we looked at the area where our group had dug up mikvahs, the ceremonial baths the Jews went through before temple worship. The practice of baptism is a takeoff from the Jewish cleansing rite. See the park at

INTERACTING WITH SPIRITUAL LEADERS

I had the privilege to spend an afternoon with Pastor Wayne at King of Kings Congregation. We talked about ministry and the relationship between businesses and the fellowship. The congregation is in a large mall and is buying up a number of shops. Other godly investors are doing the same. Of many positive things that have happened, the congregation bought three spaces that housed sex shops. When the leases are expired all three shops will be gone and wholesome shops will replace them.

Connect with the Bellas at http://israelprayermission.com/

I you are not on the Bella’s mailing list you need to be. You can read supernatural, over the top, reports. Una’s old friend, Ariel, who is a chair at the Hebrew University had his box blown apart! Keren who was a “casualty of war” is finding miraculous healing and restoration. Powerful stories – people shaken for Good!

ARE YOU SAYING YOU DON’T LIKE ME?

Sheik Ahamd Bahr, deputy speaker of the Palestinian Legislative Council, delivered a televised sermon recently that called for the annihilation of every Jewish person and all those who support them. “Oh, Allah, destroy the Jews and their supporters” and “the Americans and their supporters,” Bahr said. “Oh, Allah, count them one by one, and kill them all, without leaving a single one.”

THE HOUSE OF PRAYER

We are often praying for our families and America back home. We are also praying for Israel and the special 100 plus individuals we are called to minister to here. We have visited a 24/7 house of prayer here. Please pray for:

Deeper personal knowledge and love of The Savior

Good health

Provision

Strong communication with the Bellas

Open doors and inspired utterance

That our travel Visa may be extended on September 6th

For Steve’s Mom who has had heart problems

The completion of the book Riverfront Property

Blessings to all from the City of the Great King!

Steve

Steve

Pam

Angelo and second use stones

A Mikvah

Steve’s Dig from 1974

Jerusalem Museum

Bellas at the Dome of the Book

Good Day, Friends!

We were out for a walk and time of communion with our Lord this AM. The sunrise and shadows make a lovely mix on the white stone city. Lots of little parks among apartments to walk through.

We stopped in at a 24/7 house of prayer nearby. A handful of saints were worshipping. Very sweet! We met Benjamin, a man from Peru who has lived here for fifteen years – A deep and sincere lover of Yeshua.

We also re-met Lisa, a neighbor who has a powerful ministry to those traumatized in Israel by the loss of loved ones or personal injury due to things like bus bombings, war losses or rocket attacks. What do you suppose Americans would do if fifty missiles came in one week from Canada into the US? It is almost “normal” life in Israel. When a home is built in Israel it is common to have a safe room/bomb shelter as part of the house. The patience of Israel is enormous!

We have been staying at Caleb house on the Southwest side of the Old City. Some of you may recognize Don Finto the founder of the ministry – bless them! We have a beautiful view of the SW corner of the Old City. Wish we had a panoramic camera! We have had some powerful and sweet interactions with people here.

Jamie, a vibrant believer from the States who has been coaching basketball teams here for several weeks was sharing her testimony with Aviva. An intercessor friend, Elaine was also with us. We all shared bits of our testimony and sweet tears went around, especially as we prayed for Aviva to discover the goodness of Yeshua personally and receive answers for family concerns. The River was flowing!

For fun and spiritual nourishment we are reading The Lion, Witch and Wardrobe. The kids’ friend, Asaf (Aviva’s son) is intrigued with Aslan. It may be part of his “Entry.” Nogah, the Kid’s cousin, is also getting a earful of Narnia.

Working on letters, numbers and early American history in school. Looks like beginning embroidery and lessons on magnets are coming up. We may even have an opportunity to be part of an archaeological dig! How’s that for a home school experience?

The more we know the Bellas the more we love them! There are a few moments when we have our challenges but we don’t know people who have a brighter light for Yeshua. Their kids are precious and delightful and love each other deeply. Leonardo and Una are authentic, open and loving at a magnitude that would make a few stars in heaven feel humble. They are pushing the envelope when it comes to hearing God’s voice and loving people into the Kingdom. So many wonderful testimonies! They would rock you! Check out their site at http://israelprayermission.com and then sign up to be part!

There is plenty of Thyme in Jerusalem, the eternal city!

Steve and Pam

PS Thanks for those praying for my writing project, Riverfront Property!

 

 

Dear Friends,

Isaiah 53 has been called “The forbidden chapter” in some circles because it so obviously points to Yeshua. Synagogues avoid sharing it. Isaiah wrote this chapter seven hundred years before Messiah’s birth. Are you acquainted with it?

Many scriptures have been the inspiration for songs but as far as I know Leonardo Bella’s production of Isaiah 53 is the first full treatment of this prophetic chapter. If you have musical knowledge you will see what a challenging project it was for our friend to put these twelve verses to song. Leonardo has done a splendid job of blending creative moods to carry the words!

This song will not make it to the top ten. It is too weighty. It belongs in the foundation. Lighter songs may make it to “the top” but the substance of this prophecy is “heavy metal”. It melts into the basement supporting the things above.

I ask you to not listen to it on the run or in a distracted moment, but in a quiet place of devotion, a reflective place where you may pray for your friends to comprehend their Jewish Messiah.

Please pass it on. It has the potency to guide secular and religious Jews back to their Foundation. We Gentile believers deeply appreciate this Gift that comes to us through their Messiah.

GO TO leonardobella.com you will find it as the last track on Loves The Answer Cd. 

 

Steven C Johnson

PS This song deserves quality images to complement its message. Perhaps you, or someone you know, may round out the presentation so it may reach our image-conscious world. Please share it freely.

See Steve and Pam Johnson’s blog at https://landingstripenterprises.com/

See Leonardo and Una Bella’s website at http://israelprayermission.com/

Bless the USA on it birth day. Thanks to those long past and those to this day who have formed and preserved the nation! May we be among those who don’t merely shoot off fireworks but who raise a standard for America’s welfare!

We are so blessed Papa saw our need for a place to rest. Jerusalem was very busy as usual, we are seeing folks and its always about conversation, a million questions about how we are all there. Right now we have a beautiful young couple, Daniel and Kendal, with us so our numbers have swollen to 11.

The Bella’s were in the land just 10 months ago, so that is considered some kind of financial miracle by the people here for them to be back. People are also amazed about that couple that is with them helping with family and ministry. That and other blessings are seen as off the charts by the friends of the Bellas and they serve as testimony.

Steve and I are getting more comfortable with the tag team approach of friendship with these precious people. Last night was a fabulous festival of living sculpture (from around the world) They took up a 10 block area and several hundred folks walking around looking, buying food and trinkets! We met a family who are friends of Una’s and all went to a local park and ate and talked until 10 pm at night. No one was in a hurry to leave, there were tons of people out walking – so many babies in strollers and small children tottering around. People here feel very safe about their kids and being out late.

We arrived home after midnight. Late nights with people are common. Wild! The beach is 300 yards away, the skyline was clear last night with a full moon and one very lovely falling star as we all sunk down in the patio chairs before thanking God for another family to love and pray for and saying good night.

Steve and I are getting to know our lady friend, opera singer, we stay with her in Jerusalem and she is chatty and interested in what we do. She loves Handel and Bach…hmhmhm. So much potential!!

Saw that the east coast had some bad storms!! Tennessee has had some terrific temperatures. Send your rain their way and poor Colorado. My friend Terri posted pictures on FB of the destruction. Wow

We love our family and friends and welcome any notes. We’d love to hear from our precious family, friends and brothers and sisters in Yeshua.

Shalom!

Pam, Kendal and Daniel

Tel Aviv water front

Pam, Daniel and Asaf

Repotting for resale

Helping hand

Potted plant

Living sculpture

Pam’s story – “Una and I slipped away and walked to an Arts and Crafts store. Ooh what fun! We now have a nice assortment of crafts to interest each child!

While in the store the proprietor was first cold and unhelpful, but as we continued to ask questions she became quite charming. She asked Una if we were sisters. When Una indicated we were friends she commented it was a very special friendship and Una had gotten the best part as, “That one has a heart of gold.” When Una told me, I cried! These people are so interesting. At first glance I was sure she would not help us at all and then she observed the specialness of our relationship! I am floored!

God you are teaching me so much about these native born “Sabra” (cactus) people! I love them more and more!”

Steve’s stuff  – On the way from Jerusalem to Netanya Una called a friend who was visiting from the States in Abu Ghosh. She asked if she could stop in and give Tina a hug. At the very same moment Tina had been praying, “Lord I would love to have Una come here and give me a hug!” We had a beautiful time visiting with Tina’s mother and daughter and Chaim and Ruti Singerman who run the Jerusalem Hills Inn.

The Bellas also met Nichol who with her husband owns TV stations in England and America. They hit it off and the Bellas were invited to come and do an interview!

It is too bad there are not more super expletives to describe the eerie, goose bump amazement you have when you suddenly realize you are standing on ground your biblical heroes once called home.

Joshua 9 tells the story of how four Gibeonite cities there put on a ruse to make a treaty with Israel in order to save their lives. “Curiously,” the Arabs who live there today love Israel and are hated by other Arabs for doing so. When Jerusalem was under siege in the war of independence in 1948 these Arabs actually helped save the new Jewish nation from annihilation by smuggling food to the besieged city where adults were being rationed a couple pieces of bread a day. Even today the people who live in the cities of the Gibeonites volunteer and serve faithfully in the Israel Defense Force. One wonders how spiritual moments keep reverberating through the centuries!

It is thrillingly remarkable that about one hundred meters up the hill from the Singerman’s home the Ark of the Covenant was set on the hill top. When David began to bring the Ark to Jerusalem there was an “accident” described in 2 Samuel 6:1-11 and the Ark “parked” at the home of Obed-Edom for three months. A large flat stone has been discovered at the Jerusalem Hills Inn that may have been the threshing floor of Nacon. The Singerman’s home may be located at the home site of Obed-Edom! God is so amazing I might believe the Singerman’s are his relatives.

Hezekiah’s Tunnel                                                               Sabra Cactus

 

Shabbat in Jerusalem….the families walk quietly, slowly to their place of worship. Our group 14 or so walked to a Reformed Jewish Congregation. They had already begun and the singing was wafting out over the air as we entered. They sat in a large circle, 5 or more chairs deep. Perhaps 120 people. The musicians were exceptional. Harpist, cello, 3 guitars, drummer and several vocialists. They sat in the smallest circle in the middle of the room. The harmonies and melodies, singing in Hebrew, were stunning. The songs sung between the leaders reading and dialoguing of thoughts regarding the scriptures. At times they clapped and danced vigorously. Women twirling with arms raised high.

They sang and danced blessing a woman who was soon to be married. Many women came up and danced with her. Then a baby dedication was sung and again a mother, perhaps the oldest woman in the congregation placed her hands on the parents shoulders. Our friend Michael was invited to lead the singing as the song of blessing he composed is used for all their baby dedication. It was riveting! So beautiful, so lovely, so filled with worship for Yahwah! We just entered in.

As we began to leave we immediately began talking to several people. One from South Africa and other making Alyh from Dallas Texas. They were invited back to the apartment for Shabbat meal. The small tables were moved about to allow as many to set as possible. The roasts ( 4 small) and vegetables were cooked to perfection. The chicken soup was offered in two varieties. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Shabbat begins with blessings, both spoken and prayed, Two candles lit and prayer blessings, then the blessing of the wife and the blessing of the husband. Tender and lovely!

The meal begins with a blessing of the wine! Some serve non-alcoholic (for the children always) Shabbat wine is mildly alcoholic. everyone gets a small amount and the blessing begins in Hebrew followed by song, then the bread is blessed: Hallah bread is always braided and sweet, (some like it with cinnamon & raisins or nuts). Again the prayer and a song. To show bread comes from heaven, and not man, pieces of Hallah bread are torn off and tossed around the room to each person. Its great fun for the kids and one gets to see how good a catch one is or not!

The meal is served in courses, soup and salad, then the heavier roast with potatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, carrots, garlic are served followed with dessert, either a cake or cookies or ice cream and ends with fresh fruit. Oophta When we sat at table the number of people had grown to 20 adults and children, what fun as the conversations rose and crescendoed over the amazing chicken soup Mic’hel, our host, had worked on for several hours! Then people began to get to know their elbow neighbors. The noise, the laughter, the joy, the tears as Holy Spirit ministered to us all. We tottered off to bed around midnight but others stayed later. God’s plan for pausing and rest are a national joy! Life in all of Israel stops! What a concept! And as I pointed out, you need Saturday off to recover from Friday night partying! Shabbat Shalom!

Shabbat (Hebrew: שַׁבָּת‎, Ashkenazi pronunciation: Shabbos, Yiddish: שאבּעס, in English: the Sabbath, “rest” or “cessation”) is the seventh day of the Jewish week and the Jewish day of rest. On Shabbat, Jews recall the Biblical Creation account in Genesis in which God creates the Heavens and the Earth in six days and rests on the seventh.

Shabbat is a festive day when Jews are freed from the regular labors of everyday life. It offers an opportunity to contemplate the spiritual aspects of life and spend time with family. Shabbat observance entails refraining from a range of activities prohibited on Shabbat, such as lighting a fire and cooking.

Shabbat is observed from a few minutes before sunset on Friday evening until the appearance of three stars in the sky on Saturday night.[1] Shabbat is ushered in by lighting candles and reciting a blessing. Traditionally, three festive mealsare eaten: on Friday night, Saturday morning, and late Saturday afternoon. Friday night dinner begins with kiddush and a blessing recited over two loaves of challah.

Pam

Shabbot Dinner at Micha’el’s home

On the spiritual front, the battle over Jews is intense. We are having dreams of the day before: as in seeing the plans of the enemy and praying them down. Watching as God turns the tide in a conversation and people go from being a closed book to a open flower telling Una and Leonardo ‘everything’ in their hopeless lives.(ie. godless)

People here for the most part see G-d as very distant if they acknowledge Him at all. THey do not see Him as loving or caring for them personally, have rejected G-d as a guide and live wholly for themselves. Jerusalem too is seen as the long ago past and more religious than is good for the country, nationals openly mock its place in Israel. They are all very opinionated!!

Leonardo and Una have followed Gods lead so specifically and now have 1100 committed prayer partners, each with at least one 3×5 card with specific, loving, info. about each person or family they are praying for. If you would like to get to know the Bellas better and join in prayer for precious Israelis go to their web site at www.israelprayermission.com

When I saw first hand a very intelligent and professional family just simply go from frowning and closed to laughing and faces aglow as they looked at the pictures I was filled with awe at Gods simple plan. Much to pray about and seek Him as we travel from Jerusalem ( in land) to Netanya ( on the med. coast).

We have many late nights and the kids don’t give much on sleeping in, so we nap and keep going! The late nights are visits from Jewish friends and fmaily. SO many questions, such intensity for souls. Its like labor every day. I am often speechless as I try to pray, just lifting up names to Abba and watching as Una translates and listens to Yeshua and shares His wonderful love for them!

We really appreciate all your prayers. As I indicated previously I will not share names here. But look at the Bella website for updates and news. We all work hard to get out weekly updates. Its a full life with five kids and they are as sweet as can be. Requires much flexibility on all parts, the kids are the best (we lag behind a bit more ;~).

Ana graciously says I just hold them all together, I think its the other way around. Anyway I love hugging them and holding them up in prayer. Steve is Mr. patient teacher, in the pool ( they absolutely require it every morning) and Leonardo passes out fathers love each evening before bed. We all help with cooking and there are just happiness and emotional space to live by! God is so good in this boot camp for Israel! (I’m sure we too will grow and learn much as well)

You are so appreciated and loved each day as we meet in devotions!

How do you say thanks, Toda,

Pam for Steve and Israel Prayer Mission

—

Pam [email protected]

Steve and Pam Johnson are so ordinary they make everyone else look good. They encourage others and prefer others above themselves. They boast in their weaknesses, and boy do they have a lot of them!

They have been yoked for 32 years and are starting to have a really good marriage! The fruit of their union includes Brian and daughter-in-law Rebekah, Theresa, Anna and Claire. They are a bit arrogant about what great kids they have. See, I told you they have weaknesses!

Steve and Pam are glory seekers. They pursue the fame and splendor and radiant beauty of the Sovereign, Loving Father! They are addicted to the presence of God. They are children of dust whom a compassionate Savior has brought to life!

Both came to Yeshua in the early 70’s in the days of the Jesus revolution. They are still revolutionaries believing that a nation can be born (again) in a day. Tribulations are part of the package but out of the labor pains comes a wonderful Baby, the Father’s Kingdom!

Steve and Pam are people who call on the Name of the Lord and believe God for big things. One example of this is the resurrection from death of their daughter Theresa. You can read the story at www.amiraclestory.com

For most of their marriage they have worn the title, “Pastors.” But they are the real deal. They have pastored in Presbyterian, Baptist and Charismatic fellowships in Philadelphia, PA and Bend, Oregon and Seattle, Ellensburg and Goldendale, Washington. Recently they have assisted with pastoral support in a church in Knoxville, TN.

Pam is a tenacious warrior full of love and fierce determination. She is sweet like honey. Professionally she has been a nurse. For fun she is a midwife. She is a gardener, shepherdess and pioneer home maker. Warning: Don’t get on her bad side! You could not find a better friend.

Steve has a lot of thoughts. He stutters them out. We’ll, Moses may have stuttered too. It had to be the grace of God to get him through graduate school! He is a teacher but his grasp of the universe is very finite. About all he knows is the glory of the Son of God. Steve loves the land of Israel. He has studied (and worshipped) there three times. Steve can’t not encourage people. But he does have some good points too.

They are now is Israel supporting their friends Leonardo and Una Bella. Check the Bella’s website at www.israelprayermission.com They will serve as nannies and home school assistants to their children, intercessors and administrative helpers, midwives for new births and shepherds for young lambs. What a privilege to be part of the movement to Prepare The Way!