New Blog

Somehow you came to this blog, but I have moved to the following location...

www.yankeerev.wordpress.com

I would love to have you visit me there...

From Russia With Love

O.K. I'll admit it. I take this jumping thing a little too seriously, but hey, if it will put a smile on the faces of our Russian friends, then I don't think that it's that bad.

So, here are three almost identical leaps in front of significant places in Russia... This first one is in the middle of Red Square and in front of Lenin's tomb.


Now, what I haven't told you is that the first time I visited Russia in 2003 we toured Moscow on "Men's Day" which is their version of Memorial Day. Now that was really cool when we got to Red Square because there were a couple of thousand men all wearing their old Communist uniforms drinking Vodka and protesting, or better promoting the good old glory years. As we neared Lenin's tomb I just felt an urge to put my hands in the air and yell, USA! USA! USA! USA! as if I were at an Olympic Hockey event between Russia and USA... Fortunately wisdom got the better of me as my yellow trimmed jacked among the drab and muddy brown and green Kossacks clearly labeled me as an outsider. It was an eary feeling, and the mass of men were definitely a little tipsy. Our good guide, Andrew, gently led us out of danger that day.

Next, I had to leap in front of the classic landscape of St. Basil's also in Red Square. A beautiful sight and pretty good leap, I might add, eventhough it took about five tries. You try taking someone's picture who is trying to get airbourn...



Finally, I got some hight in Ufa, Bashkortostan, in front of the statue of their hero, Salavat. He was a conqueror who rallied the various ethnic groups and defended them against the armies of the mongols...

By the way, I will be returning to Ufa in January -- Brrrrr -- for two weeks of teaching and ministry with the churches there.

Finally, I want to introduce to you my good friend and co-laborer in ministry, Pastor Peotr Zuck. He is the regional Pastor and oversee's all the affairs of ministry in the region of Bashkortostan.

He is a good man who has a great heart for God and the growing the kingdom. Look out, though. He likes Banya, and he has one in his back yard. So always go to his house prepared with more than a towel... If you don't know what Banya is, do a google... But think of it this way... A group of men sitting in a sauna cheek to cheek (yes you read that right!) periodically exiting for a roll in the snow, a cup of tea and the beating of a tree branch. So, if you are ever invited, follow the example of the gallent nights in search of the Holy Grail, "Run Away! Run Away!"

Jumping Jehosophat - #2

As promised your anticipation and curiosity can be satisfied by these quality leaps...

West Ham United

This first leap takes place at Upton Park, the home of the very best team in Soccer (Football - echem...) West Ham United. This was my first visit as a life long fan and I was given the royal treatment. Amazingly, West Ham (the Hammers) are playing Liverpool in the FA Cup Final this year. The FA Cup is the English equivalent of our Superbowl -- the biggest game of the year. The last time the Hammers one it was in 1980... To be sure, if they win, there will be some more leaping going on... The picture is a little fuzzy as my trusted cameraman wanted to be with his daughter rather than with me and left me in the care of a security guard... Hey, but I was there!!

Buckingham Palace

Ahhhhhh. There is nothing so invigorating as leaping repeatedly in front of Buckingham Palace while multitudes of tourists are noticing your antics. You know when it is bad when they are taking your picture and are surely thinking..."Look at these crazy Americans. They think they can just jump anywhere they please. How rude! How tasteless, especially at such an important sigh." Well, they may have a point, but it was cold and rainy, so I was keeping warm while they were freezing their...well, you know what I mean.


Caesarea Philippi (Banyas)

Well, what else am I supposed to do at the sight where Jesus asked His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" and where Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." The spring at this location is one of four feeders to the river Jordan.





I'm not done yet...

Jumping Jehosophat!!

One of my earliest traditions started while in college and with my life-long friend Jim Newcomer. I'll have to dig out the pictures, but what started as a one time thing has turned out to be a life-long practice. Maybe you can guess what it is...

Masada...

Well...as you can see I successfully leapt at Masada under the Star of David with an incredible view of the Dead Sea and Jordan in the background. This was especially exhilerating after a 45 minute walk...er...um...crawl up the face of this incredible palace and holdout built by Herod the Great. Of course, I could have taken the cable car, but there were teenagers, peers, and senior citizens up for the challenge, so I had to climb the zig-zag trail. but now I can say "I've done it."

Temple Mount...

This one had to be a little more consipcuous. Although you can't see me in the air, my cameraman (and associate in crime) tried to take my picture numerous times... So this is the best we could do without stirring up the Islamic bees who were keeping watch over their holy site.

Mount of Olives

Here I am leaping over Jerusalem at the Mount of Olives. This is an incredibly beautiful sight and is the usual spot for breathtaking pictures of the City. You can see the golden dome of the Temple Mount in the backgroud. I especially enjoyed walking down through the white washed tombs and then spending a few moments under an olive tree in the Garden of Gethsemany...I highly recommend it.

More to come...

Dark or Mild: Which is your pleasure?

In my new context, Castro Valley, California, I am limited in my choice for brewing pleasure. We are privileged to have four Starbucks in our town which can be a blessing or a curse - choices, choices, choices. Now, my usual habit is to enter the most holy Starbucks and ask for a "Grande Mild-Room for Cream." If I am venturing out after the noon hour, however, I am forced to take the Traditional blend of choice for that day. As a good trooper I endure the hardship...but inside I am pining for the Mild.

How about you? Are you a Mild or Traditional person?