Update on Israel

Hello All,

I wanted to quickly give an update of the situation in Israel.  Let me start by saying that I am safe. While things are happening around the nation and there are tensions rising, JUC is doing all that they can to make sure we are safe here in Jerusalem.

This afternoon (About an hour ago) the "rocket sirens" were going off in Jerusalem to signal that there were rockets headed towards the general area and to take shelter. This also happened the last couple days. Jerusalem has opened up a multitude of underground shelters and at JUC we have a secure location as well.  The official word is that 4 rockets were launched in the general vicinity of Jerusalem.  2 were shot down in mid-air by the Defense System and 2 landed, but in very remote areas around Jerusalem. These happenings could be heard from JUC, but not very loudly.  Hamas does not have a way to control where the rockets are targeted, so they just launch them in general areas.  Israel has called at least 10,000 reserve troops to the border of the Gaza Strip and Israel themselves have been launching air-raids from both air and the Mediterranean Sea trying to defeat and annihilate Hamas in the Gaza Strip.  So, it is clear that tensions are rising and it would seem that the next few days things will only heat up, but it is unknown the next step for the Israeli troops and government.

Once again, I am safe.  I appreciate the support from our family and prayers would be greatly appreciated for the people in this nation-especially in the Gaza Strip-as well as myself and the group I am with here. I am not worried about my safety and I know the Lord is still in control through all the terror and chaos.

We have a Dead Sea Field Study-Masada, Qumran, Ein Gedi-tomorrow for 13 hours and then a Bethlehem Field Study on Saturday.  Next week (my last full week here) will  be spent at a resort in Ein Gev along the Sea of Galilee as we do Field Studies throughout the Galilee area. I love it here.  Also, everyone have a blast at Brian and Anna's wedding on Saturday! I will be celebrating with you from Bethlehem. Wish I could be there!

Peace and Blessings,

Mark