Sea of Galilee
Feb 2, 2023
Today Melodee and I are in Israel, staying in a kibbutz beside the Sea of Galilee. I am writing this blog overlooking the water from our back deck that is only 200 ft from the waters edge. I’m wondering how many times Jesus and the disciples walked by this exact piece of lakeshore? Was this near the place where Jesus healed hundreds of people, and then had to teach from a boat because the pressing throng? Or maybe one could have seen Jesus walking on the water from this point during that storm? Or perhaps this was near the place Jesus cooked the disciples breakfast on an open fire and restored Peter after his failures? Whatever May have happened on this spot, Melodee and I are stirred beyond words to be walking across the same stones as our Lord did.
We do not represent a mythical diety that has created a religious following, but we bear witness to the stories of Jesus that happened right here…on this little strip of Palestine the size of New Jersey. Jesus happened here! Jesus changed the world from here! This Jesus is our story!
Blessings & Boldness,
Verlon
Dr. Verlon and Melodee Fosner have led a multi-site Assemblies of God Dinner Church in Seattle, Washington since 1999 (www.CommunityDinners.com). In this decade when more churches in the U.S. are declining than thriving, and when ninety-six churches a week are closing, Verlon and Melodee sensed that a different way of doing church was needed for their 100-year old Seattle congregation. It soon became obvious that they were not the only ones in need of a different path. They joined the FX team in 2016 and founded the Dinner Church Collective. And then in 2019 founded the Dinner Church School of Leadership. There is a lot to be gained when church leaders begin to see open doors in the American landscape that they had previously overlooked. Therein lies the journey for those who will forge a new future for the American Church.
Categories: Uncategorized
02.2.23
By: Megan Monterrosa
I am delighted you are in Israel! I just returned after having spent almost 4 weeks there doing a short-term study program at Jerusalem University College. We did a few field studies and Galilee was one of them, we stayed at Ein Gev, would that be your kibbutz? We loved it! Needless to say the trip was life-changing and I am sure it is for you too. Many blessings to you and Melodee while you are in the Land!
02.2.23
By: Dave Kidd
Way cool! But no pics?
02.2.23
By: Julie A Fehrenbacher
I love this! What a sacred time and place. Thank you for sharing with us!
02.3.23
By: Verlon Fosner
Yes. Ein Gev. So glad you’ve been here Megan.
02.3.23
By: Maria Ward
Jesus changed the world from a place about the size of New Jersey. Never thought about that. It causes me to think a little differently about the tiny town I live in. We can be a game-changer in our circle of influence and that does indeed change the world! May God continue to give you rest and transformation during your stay!
02.5.23
By: Sandy Johnson
Wow! I can only imagine how profound an experience that would be. This is a great reminder that Jesus wants to change our “right here” through us! Thanks for that reminder.
02.6.23
By: David Bennett
And we continue to bear witness to this day each time we live out the mission to join in the work of making disciples who reproduce through showing someone else the way, truth, and life of Jesus Christ!
03.2.23
By: Steven Curry
The world changed from a land the size of New Jersey. What does that tell us? Big things in small packages? Only from a land mass point of view. God the creator of the universe sending His son to a place so small is breathtaking. Someone so big, changing the world in such a big way from a place that size. It really is breathtaking.
Steven Curry, The Table @ Westport