At Thursday’s meeting of the Carmi Rotary club, the members took a trip to Israel, courtesy of Pastor Randy Douglass of the First United Methodist Church of Carmi.
Pastor Douglass made a trip to the holy land in 2014 as part of a large group. The trip began with an all-night flight from Chicago to Tel Aviv, then a bus ride to Jericho. They spent the night in the ancient city, and when they awoke the next morning they really got their first daylight view of Israel. The Pastor described Jericho as an oasis in the desert, and his pictures showed that very site. He explained that Jericho is one of the lowest places on earth, sitting over 1000 feet below sea level.
While in Jericho the group met with a Palestinian Christian. This man had been part of the PLO and was, at one time, actually a bodyguard to Yasser Arafat. He had gotten in some trouble, and had left Israel for the US. He started a restaurant in America, and was befriended by a Christian who spoke openly about his faith. After some time, the Palestinian became a Christian, and returned to his homeland. Today he is active in the ministry in Israel.
During the next days, the group of tourists travelled to Nazareth, Bethlehem, and finally to Jerusalem. Pastor Douglass said one of the highlights of the trip was being able to pray at the Western Wall of Jerusalem. The group also made a stop on the eastern side of the city, where they visited the Mount of Olives, another very familiar spot to Christians around the world.
In club business, President Tom Logan thanked Andy Williams for all of his hard work at last Friday’s Rotary fish fry. The numbers are still coming in, but this looks like one of the most successful fundraisers the club has had, and might become a regular event. The club wishes to thank the community for supporting this event.
Sheri Logan won the 50/50 drawing but did not claim the day’s prize. Helen Sexton was named the phantom.
The Carmi Rotary club meets every Thursday at noon at the First United Methodist Church in Carmi. Anyone wishing to learn more about this worldwide civic club is more than welcome to attend a meeting or speak with any Carmi Rotarian.
