Israel 2012: ... Israel 2013

On Tuesday, May 29th, I was in an accident that could have paralyzed me or worse, but by God’s grace I came out with only a few broken ribs. In the light of this recent accident, the reality of the impracticality of international travel has become apparent. But praise the Lord this is not a cancellation, just a postponement. God worked so many miracles throughout the day of the accident that I know that if He had wanted to, He could have protected my ribs too. I may not understand why He used this method to slow me down, but I trust Him. I would be lying to say I’m not disappointed, but I have full confidence in my Lord. Whether He is protecting me from something that would have happened on the journey, or if He has some better plans for me this summer, and whether I see what He has protected me from or not, I know He is good and will work all things out for His glory. Sunday Morning I was listening to Selah’s Greatest Hymns album, and I was blessed by the hymn “It is Well with my Soul.” As Ho­ra­tio Spaf­ford penned, “Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.” When Spafford penned those words, He had just lost all four of His daughters in ship accident. I truly have nothing about which to complain. Both of our lives were spared, and my pain is minor to what it could have been. I know His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Waiting to take this trip until next year will give me a whole year to further prepare. I can continue to study the Scripture, Israel, her geography, and sights in order to get the most out of this trip and classes. Perhaps I can learn some additional Hebrew and maybe even get an additional day in Rome on my way back. :) On the financial side, since this was an injury most of the penalties for cancelling or rescheduling have been waived. As I have cancelled my hotel reservations in advance, there will be no penalty fee there. I'm still waiting to hear on my airline ticket, but it looks like I'll be able to re-book it with little or no penalty fee as I do have a doctor's recommendation not to travel. The only additional expense of which I know at the moment will be an increase of $270 to the overall academic program next year.

Once again, thank you for your prayers and financial support. Praise the Lord that this trip is not cancelled, just postponed. I ask you to continue to join me in prayer - not just for me, but the people of Israel that they will see their Messiah; for the protection of the people still going on this journey through Israel; and as we are commanded to do, pray for the peace of Jerusalem. (Psalm 122:6)

Shalom,
Zane Darland

I could have been walking in the New Jerusalem.

What a mighty God we serve! God certainly had His hand upon Ruth and I as we were traveling back to Kentucky. On Tuesday morning as we were going through Shelbyville, Indiana, we apparently hit a pool of water and began drifting toward a semi in the right lane. In a matter of seconds, we were somehow ahead of the semi and spun over two lanes of traffic and into the right guardrail. I immediately knew something was wrong with my back, and Ruth noticed blood pouring from my head. As my door could not open, Ruthi helped me out her side. A family who saw the whole event transpire, called 911 and stopped to help. Within moments the ambulance arrived and they shuttled us off to the Shelbyville Hospital. After Josh, the radiologist, took lots of x-rays, nothing was wrong with my back - only the ninth, tenth, and eleventh ribs were broken. My RN nurse Mindy was gracious, allowing us to stay in the ER room until my family arrived from Iowa. Dad and Mom first stopped by the junkyard to collect our belongs and take a few pictures. If you look below, you’ll notice the right side of my car was cleaned off pretty good. The door caved in, crushing my seat to nearly a sixth inch span. Providentially, I had not only been laying on my right side, but I had taken off my seatbelt for a little while. Had I been strapped to the seat, my hips would have been crushed, rather it slid me forward only cracking a few ribs. Not pictured, there was huge gaping hole in floor of the backseat.

The ambulance driver and police both told us this was a dangerous area when raining. Only the week before a woman spun out the exact same place and was permanently disabled. Likewise, the ambulance driver said we walked away the best of anyone who had crashed there. God’s arm certainly saved both us. He must have some special ministry ahead for Ruth and I. May the name of the Lord be praised!

After much deliberation, we decided it would be best if I came back to Iowa to recover for a few days before returning to Kentucky. Here my sister can give me assistance 24/7 for these first few days. The doctor said today and tomorrow will be the worst. From there I’ll continue to recover for the next six weeks. Though I could be walking in the New Jerusalem today, God has spared my life a little while longer. I ask you to join me in prayer that I will be able to walk the streets of the old Jerusalem in eleven days. I’ll have to pack extremely light and will need to take it easy my first week or so. This may give me a better appreciation for seeing the Pool of Bethesda where Christ healed the lame man. That could have been me, but by His grace and mercy, I can walk! Truly a Miracle.

Thank you all for praying for both Ruth and I. Our God is One who answers the prayers of His people. His hand is not shortened and grace is more than sufficient. Praise be His name!




Shalom,
Zane Darland

Graduation Day, May 12, 2012

Two weeks and I will be in Jerusalem! God has been so good. Nearly all my expenses for this trip to Israel have been covered. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support. This is truly the opportunity of a life time. Last month I purchased my plane ticket. I'll be departing from the Cincinnati Airport on June 9th, and should be arriving in Tel Aviv on Sunday afternoon. On my return flight, I'll have on overnight layover in Rome! Just enough time to take a quick peak at the old city. :) And how appropriate to end this trip in the city in which the apostle Peter was crucified for our Lord. In addition to reading and studying my map materials for these classes, I've been reading up on safety and travel tips. From foreign power outlets, pick-pocketing, to tram travel; I'm learning what to do and not to do while abroad.

With Parents Tom & Jonna Kay

With Grandparents John & Sandy

With Ruthi & Sister Abbie

Abbie's Graduation, May 28, 2012

This past month has been quite eventful! On April 21st, Ruth and I were engaged, and on May 12th, I graduated with my Bachelors of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Christian Education. More, I officially came on staff at KMBC on May 21st, and my sister Abbie graduated from Vinton-Shellsburg Highschool earlier today. Quite an eventful time!

Congratulations Abbie-Doo!! :)

Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Jesus Overlooking Jerusalem

          Chances are if you’re reading this post, you’ve probably received a letter from me. First, thanks for your interest! A trip to the Holy Land has been a dream of mine since Junior High. This trip will certainly be invaluable as I gain new insights into the customs, topography, and way of life in Israel. The Lord has given me a deep love for the Jewish people. I truly believe they are still the apple of His eye. I long for the day when they will recognize their Messiah who came so long ago. As I noted in the letter, only 2.1% of the population is Christian with only 0.01% being protestant. Imagine 97.9% of the population without Christ, and even the majority of these Christians believing quite differently than yourself. How sad it is that the very birthplace of Christianity has so few Christians. The more excited I become about going to Israel, the more burdened I become for her people. As our Savior lamented, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem … How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! … Assuredly I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Can you hear the weeping in His voice? Can you see the tears in His eye? These are His people, but they were not willing. Lord, open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf that Your people may see and believe.

Study in Jerusalem

            The Lord has given me an incredible opportunity this summer. From mid-June through mid-July, I will have the opportunity to study at Jerusalem University College. What better way to begin master’s work than to complete the first fruits of the degree in the holy city of Jerusalem! Unlike a traditional two week tour, this trip will provide deeper insight with biblical and archeological lectures on sight with academic scholars of the region, placing the events of the Bible in their proper geographical, historical, and cultural context. What better way to not only see the Word come alive; but also to hear, feel, smell, and experience the Scriptures in the actual locations they took place!

This is certainly an opportunity of a lifetime. Not only will this have personal benefits in seeing firsthand the places of the Scriptures of which I have fallen in love, but having this opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the patriarchs, prophets, and my Lord would provide incredible insights that would bless and reward my future students. To have had the opportunity to walk and study in the holy land would bring life experience and understanding into the classroom that many have not had.

The total trip will be roughly $7000 – that breaks down to about $200 per day. This includes all travel and academic expenses, room, board and meals. This trip essentially consists of three parts. The first couple weeks would be to study the History and Geography of the Holy Land ($2500) followed by a shorter trip to the nation of Jordan for additional perception into the biblical lands such as Petra ($800). The last couple weeks would be spent primarily in Galilee studying Jesus and His Times ($1600). Additional expenses include travel and airfare ($1700), as well as passport, fees, and class materials ($500).

Here’s how you can help. First and foremost, I desire your prayers. There is truly power in the prayer of God’s people. God is faithful and works all things out in His timing. I would ask that you pray not only as I prepare and raise funds for this trip, but also while I am out of the country. Safety is certainly a concern in the times in which we live. Also pray for ministry opportunities. Due to restrictions, it is sometimes easier for a foreigner to share the gospel than for local believers. Second, you can give. Every dollar counts. It’s a short window, but God has led me this far, and in His will, He will provide the resources. A gift of any amount toward the trip would be greatly cherished. Third, I invite you to follow my progress as I prepare and to catch daily glimpses with me while in the holy land. If you would like to receive email updates, please click here. Gifts of any amount may be send to Zane Darland at PO Box 10; Vancleve, KY 41385. You may also give online.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Zane Darland