I sit here on a sofa, up to late typing my final words before I take off on a trip around the world.

I look forward to this adventure and all the stories.

peace.
johno~

A crazy two more weeks before I leave for Uganda and from there to Israel. I am keeping my eyes wide and my heart open. What will God put before me to see, witness and touch? What attacks from the "enemy" are coming my way?

God is most powerful and to be trusted... however, that doesn't mean it all works out the way "I" want.

In the last few weeks, I can see God saying, "Trust me."

Recently, there has been an Ebola virus outbreak in Bundibugyo... not to far from Fort Portal... and in Israel, tanks have pushed the boarders in the Gaza Strip.

Both situations, significant to an American on a short term mission trip... yet, everyday to those living beyond the boarders of a culture to self centered.

Still I find peace.

Peace that passes all understanding and a peace beyond all doubt.

Keeping up with Dr. Myhres blog, regarding the Ebola virus, I found one reflection that really touched me.

My mind keeps reaching back to some words of the Psalms which I can’t place, though a thousand have fallen at my side, yet I will trust.
We feel the falling of Jonah so acutely, we were both on the same front line of the same battle fighting side by side, yet he went down and we have not.
I know I can’t trust in anything other than God . . . Certainly not in not dying, which is not guaranteed, as Jonah shows. If we make it through this then what about the next tragedy? Safety is not the basis of trust. Instead our trust needs to be in God, inexplicable God, dangerous God, other-than-us God, who does not order this world according to our will, but knows more than we do and loves more deeply.

As viruses are contained and peace talks resume, I think of the next tragedy... and I trust.

I admire a faith that finds itself writing such powerful words as those above. Complete trust. It's where I want to be... It's where I am going.

peace.
johno~

To all my friends following my ramblings...

Many of you received an email from me or have read my past blog outlining a project which would teach photography to students during my short stay in Uganda. After talking with the local missionaries, they feel, and I agree, that the timing is not right for such a project as previously described.

My heart is broke only because of the foothold the enemy has on so many African lives. Pray for Light. Jesus will win.

So where from here?

Look at my thoughts spins from other active organizations such as Cameras for healing and Kids with cameras - Zambia. However, it's purpose, as stated, is not only about photos, social awareness or learning a trade... It's life in Christ.

In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men.

Giving children the chance to share where they see God working in the world and in the lives around them through the lens.

Right now I'm trying to re-work some "holes" in this project. Unrealistic ideas and tasks need to be visited. A sensitivity for culture needs to be in place and last but not least, financing.

Currently, I am working with a few other potential groups for 2008:
Portland, Central Washington and kids from the Navajo reservation in Arizona.

If you would like to volunteer your skill or if you know of a community that could be blessed by this project, please feel free to contact me.

peace.
johno~

To my friends and family,


A picture is worth a thousand words...

It has the power to freeze a moment, capture attention and strike emotion.

Photography isn't a "fixed" medium. It's an invitation for people to see the world through the eyes of another soul. A transparent look at someone's hurts, hopes, fears and dreams.

Dreams not only for America, but also an African dream.

A picture is worth a thousand words. It tells a story, shares lives and gives images of something more than self. It can be done, but most photographers don't take pictures of themselves... It's a bit awkward. The camera is not designed to be inward, it's purpose is outward, yet, it gives "images of their thoughts." The Gospel is also meant to be outward.

One of the greatest troubles in Africa today is the idea of a "prosperity gospel" which is no gospel at all. The idea that, "if I believe in God, he will bless me." "My goats won't die, my wife will have sons and I'll have clothes on my back." No one thinks, love my neighbor, instead it's, "love me, bless me... me... me." This thought must be defeated with Truth.

On December 27th, 2007 I will be heading to Uganda, Africa for a short term mission trip. I will be working with a youth camp started five years ago during our first trip. Among the many things on our list of "to do's", it is my goal to pull aside several leader students who will be willing to join the adventure of giving their lives through photography.

Several leaders will be chosen by local missionaries to take part in a 12 month photo training project. During my short term stay, I will be teaching stage one: photography skills to students and discussing photography techniques and biblical principles that will help leaders share a new Way of Life to their communities.

My hope is to teach the basic foundation that fulfills all the law and the prophets... Love God and love your neighbor.

Stage two will be under the oversight of local missionaries (Andrew Martin and Jeff Cash) providing film and film development for students during the year. Negatives will be mailed to me and I will review and comment via email on subjects, themes, etc. Students will continue to share moments of life in their communities through their pictures. Stories will be told. Lives will be shared. Memories made. Love God, love your neighbor.

What we need to do the job is camera equipment, batteries and portable printing capabilities.

If done right, I estimate $3000 needed for this project to be sustained for one year. This would be purchasing equipment and supplies needed for one year, including printing. My hope is a paradigm shift for leaders in their giving and receiving. With this, “Images of our thoughts” project will begin January 2008.

Many of us have a picture of our families. What joy those images bring. Will you share in giving that opportunity to an African dream?

First, pray. Our images of Africa have been ones of sadness, loss and hopelessness. Pray that God is enough and that we might see new images of Life.

Second, I'm asking for your financial support. Please pray about how you might be able to give financially to this effort. Do you have an extra 35mm film camera you would like to donate? We could use it. Film? Batteries? Digital cameras (5mp or higher)

The picture above was displayed in Time Square, New York on March 11th 2005. This little girl, the one photo has touch millions of hearts... I hope to find her again... She has changed my life.

Peace.
Johnathan Thomas

http:www.johnathanthomas.com
http:www.johno.org


Donations:
King's Orchard church of Christ
attn: Johnathan Thomas / Photography
PO Box 1019
Wenatchee, WA 98807

A good friend of mine asked me to consider something I might not ever have considered in my life... Running in a marathon. As I thought about it, I thought, "There are many who will never have the chance to run something like this." I, myself, struggled with asthma as a child and was unable to run free like many other children my age. Spared from having the same health condition now as in my childhood, I can run today without an attack that leaves me fighting for breath.

As I shared this task with another friend, he told me to watch a video... Team Hoyt.



It might take some time... however, I will run... but not alone.

peace.
johno~

Well, after my last post, which I know has been a while, I thought it would be nice to get things back on the road with a story and pictures from special treat the Thomas family took tonight. Believe it or not, Todd Agnew and Rush of Fools were here in Wenatchee. So I picked up some tickets for a chance to relive my youthful concert days. However, this was a little bit different concert than the ones I use to go to as a teen.

Rush of Fools are a group of kids who have some great talent to start with. I expect to see more of them in the future.

Todd Agnew was great. With the place to ourselves we had a great talk... I will add more on him later. Hint. Hint.

So here are a few pics of the Thomas kids at the end of their night


Rush of Fools and the Thomas kids


Todd Agnew and the Thomas kids

It was a wonderful family evening.

peace.
Johno~

Music is and will always be a part of my life. U2 has been the one rock band that I've enjoyed from my teen years to current. This music video, I found on youtube is one of my favorite U2 song and one of the best music videos I've ever seen on MTV... when MTV played music videos. It was 1987... I was 17... I can't believe it's been 20 years.

Ah! The Memories.

peace.
Johno~

I'm not sure about the rest of the world, but... This summer has flown by. Most of the summers past I've been able to spend some time taking the kids to the park, swimming in the back or just chasing them around taking their pictures. It's August and it's cold. Today might break 90... the day we schedule dentist appointment at 3 PM for all the kiddos. Bummer.

Anyhow, I pulled out my camera and chased them all down. CLICK-A-TY, CLICK, CLICK.


Adam before his haircut


and after his haircut


Caleb was the hardest to pin down... can you tell?


Miriam always loves to pose for me... my little model.


Hannah... well, she's twelve and just thinks I'm a nut. Funny, she's just like me in so many ways. Look out world.

I love being a Papa. These are my gems. They are my life. I love each of them very much.

peace.
johno~

I realized after my last post, that today is August 15. This is my ninth year full-time ministry. I only promised five years and somehow, here I still remain.


I remember jumping on board to being the best youth minister I could be... As a teen, I wanted to be better that... Jeff Walling. I read all the books, ordered all the best curriculum from Willow Creek and other mega church groups. I remember my first Bible study with a family who after hearing all the "right" answers, said, "thanks for sharing... we'll think about it." WHA?

I remember the group of teens I "adopted." Teens anchored to church via activities and bribes. It was both fun and difficult. I entered this work in August with a remaining budget of $16 dollars and some change.

In the beginning teens didn't like to sing. One student told me we sing to much and it would be nice if we could play more games. I remember Sunday morning Bible classes. Key word would be "BIBLE" and most of the teens not showing up with BIbles. I started giving away Bibles the church owned. Better in a kids hands than on a shelf six days a week. I thought it was important to bring Bibles to Bible study class. After visiting with one of my mentors, Big Don Williams, I had an idea... It was gentler than his. It was called the "Bible Policy" by many. I just thought is was something to get active Christian students to bring a Bible to Bible class.

Needless to say... Some left because of this idea of "forcing children to bring "Bibles to Bible class" and sending them to class with their parents if they didn't. I have a 4 inch sealed envelope which contains many letters for and against my idea, including my response to the church leaders and families.

Dirt flew and all I could do was stand. I ask God why he made me come here? WHAT HAVE I DONE? I'LL NEVER LAST.

When the dirt settled I looked around and my enemy was gone. New families stepped up for the first time. From the ashes new birth began. The teens were no longer in charge.

I spent my time focusing on a mission statement, (which I cannot remember... I have had several over the years. However I think I will stick with the current mission statement... LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR) deciding what and where I would be going.

I continued to meet with the family I had first met with and a few short weeks later they gave their lives to Christ. Darren Coy is one of my closet friends today. I've never known a servant like Darren. He has so much to give and he gives more.

I also met a man named Steve Novak. He was a new Christian and not to involved... It was suggested to me I try to hook up with him and play golf. Golf? Could golf be a ministry? YES IT CAN. (although I suck at playing the game) Steve Novak and I would share a great journey. I will say that next to the "Bible Policy" thing, my journey with Steve has been a difficult journey.

I love Steve and I am so proud of him. It was hell to go through his divorce with him. I know most will still say, "it's not your fault" and "you don't really understand." I don't think anyone will understand the difficult time I went though watching my friend hurt like that. I am so glad to have watched him grow from that horrible battle and become stronger for the Lord.

After Steve's drama, I thought I might not make it though the year. This wasn't how ministry was suppose to go. I was hurt, I felt alone, I felt that I had failed.

It's funny the lies youth ministers believe. 1) Numbers count... the bigger the group, the better the ministry. (or the youth minister) 2) I'm strong, I teach Bible class, I know this stuff, I don't need to read the Bible for me... the Bible is me. 3) My relationship is great with my wife... I don't need to be accountable... it will never happen to me. (in 9 years, nine youth ministers have broken their vow and have been unfaithful to their spouse. Several more have abandoned their ministry jobs for a way of life that run contrary to even a worldly moral belief... let alone a Christ follower) 4) I give so much time to the church, I'm tired, they ask so much of me and I can't do everything. (Truth, many mismanage time, waiting until the last minute, bringing added stress and failure) I dare continue to write these lies. I only write what I know.

But the years move on and I met Dan. This may or may not be right, however... I have always called myself a "Jew". I am not a cultural Jew but a religious Jew, in the sense that I grew up knowing God. I was chosen. I grew up with the stories of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I knew all the rules/law, the 10 commandments. I knew what was expected. I knew who was chosen and who was not. I was religious since diapers and I knew Jesus. (in reality, Jesus' rules are way harder to follow... it's because they are not rules but a Way of life)

Dan was and is great for me. It's because he is a gentile. (I dare write nice things about Dan because I know he reads this blog) When I was first told about Dan, he was described as "bizzaro johno" like bizzaro superman, everything that superman was, bizzaro superman was not. Everything Johno was"bizzaro johno, Dan" was not. We were the same but opposite.

Dan and I have many great conversation. Over 9 years of ministry, his baptism is still at the top of my most beautiful moments. Since that time, Dan has offered conversation that took me out of my "religious shell" and showed me God to the gentile. He has a wonderful spirit which is the Lord in him and he allows that to be used. I have so many great thoughts about Dan, I wish I could share them all in detail. (I might include them in my book)

It's funny that my greatest relationships have not been with teens, but the fathers of teens, like Don Wheeler.

Don grew up like me. Religious. He and I meet for coffee each Wednesday morning at 5:30 AM to share, listen and pray. I love his desire to explore God anew. I think Don is the one who can best relate to me and my background. We both find ourselves saying, "AH HA!" and things like, "you know, it really doesn't say that in the Bible." and "I've never looked at it that way before." Our journey is not over yet, I believe it's just getting started.

It's funny to think back when all I really wanted to do was make "SPIRITUAL GIANTS" out of the teens. I really don't know what that means today. What I desire and have experienced with these teens and these fathers is honesty.

Since I've been here there is another father I've come to know. He is at the top of close friends. He may not know how much he has caused me to search the scripture, pray and listen but my friend Nir, who lives in Jerusalem, has given me so much. An entire friendship via the internet. I would have never thought. (Nir, the stories you have shared with me about your son and daughters, you wife. You have given me an important image of the word father. You may not like it and we might not always agree, yet in all of this the Lord has worked through you to minister to me... and that's ok with me)

Though these men, God has worked. They each have challenged me in ways that have allowed me to see ministry differently.

To be honest, I really don't think I am very good at youth ministry. Actually, I surprised it's still a title on my business card. (I make my own business cards, so i guess it's my fault) As I get older I have a hard time keeping up with all the new music, movies, what's in and what's out. Clothes in fashion and those out. The latest lingo I'm afraid to use because I'm still not sure if "fo Shizzle" is a cuss word.

I do love teens, I can't see myself doing anything else. (although the opportunities always show their faces) I want to die working with teens... which could be sooner that later it I attempt anymore world record slip-n-slides or champion dodge ball tournaments.

I love students who are radical, irresistible and revolutionary. God started youth ministry in Numbers chapter 14.

26 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 27 "How long will this wicked community grumble against me? I have heard the complaints of these grumbling Israelites. 28 So tell them, 'As surely as I live, declares the LORD, I will do to you the very things I heard you say: 29 In this desert your bodies will fall—every one of you twenty years old or more who was counted in the census and who has grumbled against me. 30 Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. 31 As for your children that you said would be taken as plunder, I will bring them in to enjoy the land you have rejected.

Nineteen and younger. God became a youth minister.

I've not made it to the end so the verdict is still out... However, it's been a God thing for nine years. Even in my rebellion against the things of God he placed certain men around me and the people who I came to serve, they served me. Never before had I thought of youth ministry being a father thing... (I had never had a biological father around) I'm thankful for the father ministry I've been a part of.

Luke 1 quotes Malachi:

16Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

To make ready a people prepared for the Lord... It helps when the hearts of the father turn to their children.

Deuteronomy 6

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

I'm not sure where the Lord will lead me beyond this point. I hope I am obedient to listen. (I'm very selfish and stubborn. Jonah 1:15)

I suppose this is what happens when you yield to post for two months. Call this post my "Peter Jackson" post... EPIC (Jas, you are not void in this story... your dirty paw prints are in every paragraph)

peace.
johno~

8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.

9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD ?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.

~Proverbs 30:8-9

peace.
johno~

What do you do with all that video shot at your wedding? Edit it together and give it to your wife.



To my wife, my lover, my friend...
I love you more then ever before. Happy 15th anniversary.

Always and forever.
Johnathan~

I was just thinking about nicknames... I've had mine since high school... (Johno) Anyone else have a nickname that's lasted as long as mine? 20 years?

I think I received mine by default by hanging out with a guy named Dean... We called him Deano. Together Deano and I had a DJ group with two other high school friends, Darryl and Jeff. Darrylo and Jeffo didn't really click, but Deano and Johno somehow did. I kind of wish it had more of a story. Something with flair.

So, when do you out grow them? Is it OK if you want to keep it? Would it be bad to have it on your tombstone?

Anyhow, I was just curious about others who have nicknames... What's yours and how did you get it?

btw, my wife doesn't call me johno, she calls me JT, and when I'm in trouble she calls me Johnathan Matthew.

peace.
johno~

I, sometimes, get behind on good "youtube" videos. (I just wish I had the time) I'm sure many of you have seen this one already. It's just fitting for me as our church is moving forward with some innovative ideas. Thank goodness for the "Help Desk."



Hope you enjoy.
peace.
johno~

Breaking free, ready to fly
Head down, on the ground tethered by my side
Don’t they know I want to be free
Look through my eyes, you might just see

I'm Chasing the field of hills turned green
Open to the things unseen
Redemption red, winter white
She Lights my darkness and helps me fly

“Ending poverty” they say, is just a lie
Dying in a dirt street, hear little children cry
One man opened up the door
Giving more than bread crumbs off the floor

To those chasing the field of hills turned green
Open to the things unseen
Redemption red, winter white
She Lights their darkness and helps them fly

One step doesn’t make you walk
One word doesn’t make you talk
It’s the child who gets up again
And the child who’s life is in your hands

Who am I to think I AM
I’m just a beggar with a secret plan
Crawling on a old wood floor
With a map to find an open door

To the fields of hill turned green
Seeing all the things unseen
Redemption red like winter white
No more darkness only Light

Ready to fly

peace.
johno~

In the beginning, God chose the Jewish nation to proclaim His name; announce Him to the world. He could have picked a stronger nation like Egypt or Rome or someone else, but He didn’t. God has always taken the less the smaller to show His power. Now the Peace has come. Funny, it really didn’t look like what we thought it would look like. However, the promise still came in a lowly manger.

The Promise came in the lowest form, with all odds against it and by the power of God became flesh. God would come to where we are and rescue us with His power not ours. This is what we were made for. It’s the “Mitzvah”, the command given to us long ago never to forget.

These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, 2 so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Some of you may remember one of my first blog entries, On the road. It was my turn to listen to the Spirit. I will let you re-read the story If you like.

In short, Whitney was from the South, Texas. She was broke. She was an un-wed mother who just gave up her child to adoption. She knew God, but was losing hope because she didn’t know “who” He was talking about. Am I stretching this? Very contrasting to the Ethiopian eunuch, yet, the spirit led me to her to remind her of the LORD and his promise. He met her where she was… on a street curb.

Jesus said this, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Mitzvah, which means commandment or Mitzvot [plural] which means commandments.

How would our world be changed it we lived by these two Mitzvot? I’d like to find out.
I believe God placed “certain people in certain place at certain times so that they might reach out for Him and grab hold of Him because He is not far from each one of us.” We all travel the road everyday; are we listening to the spirit? Do we share the Mitzvah along the road? Do we live the Mitzvah?

The “Road to Gaza” describes, for me, the story of God meeting a man right where he is. What is my response everyday as I listen to the spirit?

Each person I meet, wherever I am, is the commandments [mitzvot] to love the LORD and proclaim his promises in the Messiah and love my neighbor so that we might have fellowship with the LORD someday in heaven. It gives me hope and builds strength even when I don’t know the final out come, I know what it looks like because of faith.

I grew up alone as a child. No father around, mother working all the time I felt alone. However, many people met me on the road to show me something about the LORD’S love for me.

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. [the temple] I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commandments [mitzvot] and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

One of the men who walked with me on the “road” told me this good news, and when I ask him, "what do I do now?" he said, “share this with someone else.” He left, to Texas, and I went away, to college, rejoicing. Well, I wasn't happy about school work... you know what I mean. Rejoicing about not being an orphan boy, a bastard child. Rather, a true child of God the Father.

The “Road to Gaza” is my journey following and listening to the Spirit of the LORD. It is not about simple nods and greetings along the road as you pass by people. It is walking 140km or farther alongside one another telling the story of the new covenant. Some will leave rejoicing. Other might choose to take another road. That’s ok, I’ll still be walking and I'm sure I'll meet some more people along the road.

I hope this answers the question, “Why the Road to Gaza?’” It is not a short answer. Sorry. However, it’s an honest answer. It may also answer why my blog entries drop off here and there. It's me asking myself the question, “am I listening to the Spirit?” Empty spaces reveal a transparent answer.

I do desire more accountability. I want to listen and see more. It’s one of the reasons I started my 52 people photo blog. Who are the people I’m walking with? It makes you stop and look around. Daily being lead by the Spirit.

To my friend who asked this question, thank you. You know me a little better now. Maybe more than you ever wanted too. You are one of my best friends though we have never met face to face. When the day comes, if we are not to old, I would love to literally walk this road with you.

Peace.
Johno~

(I hope to conclude this in one more part. It's a long road... about 140km)
The Ethiopian asks, “Who is this man talking about? Himself or someone else?” It’s with this scripture Philip shares the “Good News” of Jesus. What did Philip say? What story of Jesus came out? As I look at the relationship of Isaiah 53 to what took place in Jesus’ life, I can see there are many similarities to his “sacrifice”. If this scripture does refers to Jesus as the Messiah, then he [Jesus] is the atonement sacrifice for our sins that was promised. God is keeping his covenant with His people to rescue them.

As I explore this story in Isaiah, as a father, I’ve come to look at things a bit different. If any of my children were hurt or lost, believe me, I would never stop looking for them. Some of you reading this have lost your children in the shopping mall or somewhere else and know what I mean. If someone tried to harm my children, I would take any the abuse or pain that I could to save them. Sometimes they do get hurt or sick and I wish I could take it all away or transfer it to myself. If I could, I would. If someone took something that belonged to them and wouldn’t give it back, I might get it back for them or give them something better. That’s how much I love them. This is what I believe to be the "Nature of God" and the "Image of God" that I am "made in." That God, as a father, would desire all of the above for me… That’s good news.

So I wanted to know what “good news” was in Isaiah for this Ethiopian eunuch and here are some of the things I found in Isaiah 53, 54, 55 that connect well with the message of Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven:

who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows.

He was pierced for our transgressions.

The LORD makes His life a guilt offering.

He poured out His life until death.

For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back. To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again. My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters.

I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my unfailing kindnesses promised to David.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.
Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples.

Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor."

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.

Truly, many of these words speak of a wonderful Creator [Elohim] who desires relationship. A Father [Abba} who has the best in mind for his children even when they do not understand His ways. But, what’s the deal with the Ethiopian eunuch? How does any of this relate? I would read the story in the book of Acts, then jump over into Isaiah 53 to confirm this testimony, then back to Acts to see the final statements.

Until one day I walked the journey, [read] long enough to travel [the road] into Isaiah chapter 56. I had, many times before, stopped reading this prophecy of Isaiah at chapter 55, but not this time.

Isaiah 56

Let no foreigner who has bound himself to the LORD say, "The LORD will surely exclude me from his people." And let not any eunuch complain, "I am only a dry tree."
For this is what the LORD says: "To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off.
6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to serve him, to love the name of the LORD, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

“Who is this man talking about, himself or someone else?” He's talking of the Messiah and he's talking to YOU! It is the message of God to a chosen people let loose. God would come into the world to save the world. Whoever could keep his commands, they would find themselves inside the gate. God’s love is for all men, all nations. His rescue would be so that all could come to the holy mountain. A new kingdom come.

I can’t imagine what was going on in this Ethiopians mind as these words came up. According to the law he would not be able to enter the temple courts and offer a sacrifice but this prophecy changes everything when you include the story of Jesus.

“God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son. Anyone who would believe in Him would not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.”

“The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

“Jesus came so we might have life and have it abundantly.”

“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

“Then the teachers demanded of him, "What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?"
Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days."
The teachers replied, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?"

“He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Philip was telling “good news” to this devout man of God. When Jesus was crucified and gave up his spirit, the "Temple curtain tore in two from top to bottom." God would no longer be confined by a building made man, rather, He would dwell in the “temple” of His [God’s] creation, man. Finally.

If I could sacrifice myself in place of my children to set them free, as a father, I would... However, God did.

peace.
johno~

(As I continue this journey of thoughts and words, I almost feel as if the end of this story may be, somewhat, anti-climatic or leave many readers fogged in mystery, thinking to themselves, “Huh?” At this point, I would like to say this is my “Epiphany” for better words. As I break for the weekend to rest, I want everyone to know I am still walking this journey. If it sheds any Light, that's a good thing... at least for me and maybe the reader).

Based on several ancient text, there are a few different thoughts about the man named Philip in the above account. Some readers of this “travelers” story consider Philip to be the “Apostle” Philip. Others believe he was a lesser man, Philip the “evangelist” chosen by the “Apostles” to fulfill the duties of a servant in assisting widows and distribution of food freeing up the Apostles to teach. Two different men or just one man could be debated, I’m sure, until the end of time. Yet, Philip the Apostle according to the testimony of John, was a man who knew the law of Moses and the Prophets.

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."
Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip.

-John 1:43-46

Whichever Philip this was, he knew something about the sacred text, the law, the prophets and the good news of Jesus. He had just finished teaching and preaching Jesus when the Spirit of the LORD told him to head South on a certain road the desert road. I’m not sure how the Spirit communicated this but I doubt he could have ignored it. In listening he ended up on the “road to Gaza” and met another man. Not just any old man, he was a foreigner, wealthy, a eunuch and a Jew.

What I know about this Ethiopian man is this:

A foreigner:
He was also “an important official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians.” A friend of mine, Nir Alon, in Israel wrote a wonderful piece with incredible photos about the Ethiopian Jewish faith and culture here. This story helped me realize more about this man who Philip encountered from another country. He was no accidental Jewish believer. Nir's story helped give flesh to this man for the first time in my life.

Wealthy:
In charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He owned a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. The very fact that he owns his own scripture is a sign of wealth. Without the printing press, hand written scrolls were a luxury which many at the time never had. He also had servants and a chariot.

Eunuch:
Another strange thing included was, well he was… a eunuch. YIKES! Some form of this mutilation in ancient times included the removal of one or both lower male genital parts.) I must assume he was a VERY loyal servant to the queen before she became queen and that she trusted him very much with the wealth of her country.

Jew:
TRAIN WRECK!
This wealthy Jewish foreign man travels from Ethiopia to Jerusalem to the Holy city to worship God and make his sacrifice at the Holy Temple and is now on his way home via the road to Gaza. Run on sentence I know, but there is a problem… This was a Holy set apart place. The worship of the Lord in the temple had rules. The Temple mount is even well guarded today and there is no Temple.



According to the Torah, Deuteronomy 23:1, “No one who has been emasculated by crushing or cutting may enter the assembly of the Lord.” also, any "alien who wishes to take part in the passover must be circumcised."

How could this man find his way into the promises of the Lord? How could this covenant be fulfilled with him since the law set him apart?

I can’t help wonder what was going on in this Ethiopian eunuchs mind when he traveled all this way to Jerusalem to present his offering and his pilgrimage ended with a sign that said, “NO EUNUCHS!” Well, there may not have been a sign but the fact of the matter is, Jewish law excluded him from the assembly of the Lord. So after a long journey of seeing the Temple but not being allowed into it, he makes his way home back to Ethiopia. Was he sad? Mad? What was going on in his head? “So close and yet so far.” “How can I ever get into the assembly of the Lord as a man emasculated?” "What kind of loving God would make such a rule?" “My place will always be outside the temple assembly.” "What good is all of this?"

So he heads home on a long journey with scrolls in hand and reads out loud the Prophet Isaiah.

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”

-Isaiah 53

peace.
johno~

Now enter a story about a two travelers who inspired me.

Acts 8:26-39
Philip and the Ethiopian
26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
31 "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: (Isaiah 53)
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, 
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? 
 For his life was taken from the earth."
34 The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 37 Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

It’s a fairly simple story, (spared over time, delivered by the Spirit), but it most likely would not rate in the top 100 best known documented stories of this new beginning movement which was sometimes called, “the Way.”

However, it’s in this story I found the name “Road to Gaza.” It’s a simple story of two men, two worlds, two men listening to one God and lastly, a mysterious unknown ending. When I first took the time to really read this story, I would end up asking, “What just happened here?” I'm not sure if I really "got" it the first few times reading it. I guess I would have to say it took several years. Yet, It challenged me to listen, watch and eventually I would act. It is a story that is larger than the recorded words on one page could fill. As I read this story over and over again, I’ve come to see a bigger picture of God’s everlasting story and the LORDS enduring story in my life, because of these two men who met on the road to Gaza.

So the journey continues and soon to follow will be more of my thoughts.

peace.
johno~

(This story is a part of who I am. It has help me in my search for myself and how I live and see others. It is also a very long thought. I have decided to make this several parts to keep readers from being bored to tears.)



Not to long ago, one of my dedicated readers sent me a note asking, "Why the 'Road to Gaza?'" I was eager to answer, however, my feelings or passion to get myself into these words, I knew, would take some time. Time. Some days I have it and some days I don't. That is a personal struggle and I ask for your prayers not your criticism.

It does seem funny, I suppose from an outsiders view, for a 37 year old, white male American to name his personal weblog, (blog) Road2Gaza. I mean, I’ve never been to Israel or touched foot on any “holy” land in my life. More so, a land called “holy” yet carries generation upon generation of bloodshed and persecution. How could this land be called “holy” set apart. “the land of milk and honey?”

Yet, out of all this, the road to Gaza, out of all the roads to choose from this one road that travels South down from Jerusalem to Gaza would find it’s way in my life.

To give a bit of history regarding this road here is a bit of information regarding Gaza.

Strategically located on the Mediterranean coastal route, ancient Gaza was a prosperous trade center and a stop on the caravan route between Egypt and Syria. The city was occupied by Egypt around the 15th century BCE. Philistines settled the area several hundred years later, and Gaza became one of their chief cities.
In 145 BCE Gaza was conquered by Jonathan the Hasmonean (Brother of Judah the Maccabee). There was a prospering Jewish presence in Gaza until the Roman ruler Gavinius expelled them in 61 CE as part of the First Jewish-Roman War. In the times of the Mishnah and the Talmud there was a large Jewish community in Gaza, and on one of the pillars of the Great Mosque of Gaza there was a Greek inscription which read "Hananiah bar Yaakov" (a Hebrew name) with a menorah carved above it. This column was originally part of a Byzantine-era synagogue, destroyed at an unknown date…

-wikipedia

In short, it was a stop between travels. The "road" to Gaza in any direction would be people coming and going to and from their homes for many reasons… It was a travelers road. It is not about Gaza itself, but the travelers road and those who travel on it.

peace.
johno~

Well, it's here. Adam Ronald Thomas has turned one. Can you believe it? What a year. We've had a bit of a stuggle with Adam's weight gain. Today, he came in at 16lbs 1oz. A bit short from where his doctor wanted him, however, the doctor said, "he's growing at his own rate."

It's tough to think a year has gone by. I just blinked and WHAM! One. Time flies and I have loved every minute of this Thomas kids life. Children are a blessing from God.

I am blessed.

My little Adam, Happy birthday. You're ONE year old today and you have given so much to our family in one short year. I love your smile, I love your eyes, I love your crazy reddish blond hair and I love your little voice when you say, "Papa."

So today I want to remind you of this:
You are Adam, made by God, loved by God and redeemed by God. In the beginning, formed out of dirt, the breath of life, י‎ (yodh) ה‎ (heh) ו‎ (vav) ה‎ (heh), breathed into man. Your name bares witness to the one who walked with God in the Garden. Your name also tells the story of God's grace to redeem a fallen people. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Before the world and before Adam, God chose us and you.

So hear these words my dear son, live by them, never forget them.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.

I love you.
Papa~

Sorry to everyone for not keeping up-to-date with this site as I've done in the past. I'm even behind in my POTW project. However, I have been under "house arrest" in blogger land. It seems as if the "Blogger Robot Police" thought my page was a SPAM page and it blocked it until I could notify them. I had to wait for the "real person" Blogger Police to review and unlock my account.

Now I'm free, free at last.

The kids are well. Adam will be one next week. Many of your prayers have been well received and again I thank each of you for your thoughts.

As for me... Well, I'm on a journey. I'm not sure where it will lead me so I'm just listening carefully. I don't really wish to share my thoughts here yet, but they will come soon.

Until that time comes I'll leave you with some great looking kids.









peace.
johno~

I feel guilty for not keeping up-to-date with everyone on how life is for the Thomas family. All is fine. Adam is doing very well. If you take a look at my POTW you will see chunky cheek Adam getting his first haircut. I don't think he was ready for it. It's not a great photo, however, it shows a very "normal" child.

It seems as if Caleb has caught yet another cold and Miriam is trying her best to catch it too. Hannah, just wants the spring to start so she can play softball.

Dawnette, well D is still breaking records as super woman. I'm still not sure why she picked me to have offspring with but I'm not complaining.

Myself... well, I'm learning that I don't know much of anything. I'm not trying to put myself down, I'm just in a "revisit" everything mode. I have new question and new answers... Many of which I struggle with.

On the photo side of things, football season is here. I still have a lot to learn. I'm really not that great at photography. SO MUCH TO LEARN. I'm trying.

Well, to the many that read this, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

peace.
johno~

What a week. I learned that a missionary friend, age 30, in Uganda was killed in auto accident and one of my former students father, age 52, died from a massive stroke. What a week.

Today was the memorial service for Nicks father. Nick was one of those students I worked with who either was going to be a minister or in prison. I know, I sat in court with him one time. However, prison was not where Nick would end up. There is a God... He is alive.

Seeing Nick today made me feel proud of what this young man has accomplished. However, today, he would bury his father. Fifty-two is to young. It breaks my heart that Nick will be married in 3 weeks and his father will not be there.

Nicks father was an awesome man. I heard it from many.

It made me think. Listening to Nick speak about his father, hearing co-workers sharing about Dale and his employee of the month award which he received for the month of January 2007. All stories of a man who cared for others, laughed and loved life. It made me think...

What will my children say about me? Who will share at my memorial the life they saw me live? How do I live as seen from others? Do I know? Could I stand up and say a few words myself? (of course if I did that would be freaky but pretty cool).

All I know is... There is no promise of tomorrow on this earth. I'm not even guaranteed today but I do have an eternity. What will I leave my family, my friends to hold on to until we meet again? Again? What a blessed thought. Until we meet again.

I hope my legacy is a life of Grace received by a Father who rescued me. He came looking for me when I was hurt and alone.

I'm not sure what I'll leave behind, or what people will think, but I hope it was a message of salvation that lives beyond this lowly shadowland.

peace.
johno~

Just an update on our storm situation... The storm front was "deflated" and our "2nd" wind storm turned into a breeze storm. A true blessing. There are still around 7000 families without power. Many have loss and some lack insurance. I came across this terrible scene... A single mom and her daughter went shopping... when they returned home they found their car destroyed. When I spoke to her she had already been without power for 24 hours. It was warmer outside than in her house, she told me.

It's amazing. May none of us ever forget how a life can be changed in a moments notice.

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts.

For those of you who have been praying for my friend Nir and his daughter... Thank you. I have to say I misread what had happened to Tamar, Nir's daughter. Today, however, she was in her second major surgery for her ankle which was the only thing physically injured in her accident.

Lift her up today, please. Ask God to give her a strong spirit and a body which heals quickly. It is a true blessing she is surrounded by a family who loves her.

If you live in the NW, you might have been a part of the major storm that moved through on Sunday. Here in Central Washington, we had the worst storm since I've been here.

Wind gust up to 73 MPH for 7 hours. As I drove around today, I thought I was back in Louisiana doing Katrina relief work. I have never seen so many trees and fences blown away.

Our home is surrounded by 7 larger trees of which 7 still stand. Amazing. Many others didn't fare so well. Thank you Lord for protecting our home.

We received another report that a similar storm will be here tomorrow. We are stocking water and getting out the candles. Large parts of the city are without power. Again, I'm blessed to be writing this. After the storm, tempatures are said to be dropping low into the single digits. Not good for those of us who rely on electric for our heat. (Note to self... get blankets ready.)

I've included a few shots from my outing today. Most of these shots are from a park near by where I take the kids. Looks like there will be little shade this summer. It's terrible to see so many wonderful large trees destroyed.

Keep us in your prayers.

peace.