More random thoughts from Don in Jerusalem

• I'm not sure if it's because we are approaching Easter, but as I stand by the entrance to the tomb directing traffic, more and more people become more and more emotional as they prepare to enter. Some take off their hats in reverence, some start to cry, and some don't have to say anything - you can tell by the expression on their face that the experience has moved them deeply.


• On a lighter side, I have had this question asked more than once at the entrance to the tomb - is there a way out on the other side, or do you come back out this way? Here is my answer. No ma'am, this is the only way out. You know on really busy days with long lineups, the guides have thought about perhaps having two tombs, but we felt it wouldn't go over very well.


• I have guided visitors from more than 53 countries over the past ten weeks with the latest additions from Slovenia, Bulgaria, Sri Lanka, and Uganda.


• We welcome people from all over the world, from all walks of life...like the young lady who came in with her daughter early this week, and every day since to spend time in the garden. She has waited 11 years to be able to come to Jerusalem and to the Garden. She is from the U.K., but has worked for the last 7 years in Cambodia. I asked her what she does - she said she rescues young girls from the sex trade.


• I enjoy sharing with each and every group, but particularly Canadians who visit the Garden. I find myself becoming more emotional when guiding Canadians when I share my faith, give the story of what the Garden represents, and take the people around this extraordinary garden.


• We never say anything negative in our presentation about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site for the crucifixion and resurrection. We tell people that we will give them the history of the garden and it is the Holy Spirit's job to convict them either way. It is truly amazing how many people come up to me unsolicited and talk about how dark and depressing the church is and how " it all comes together " at the Garden Tomb as to why this could be the place.


• Looking forward to Easter services - we have I think five or six services over the three days. Good Friday afternoon the tomb is not open for viewing, and the Garden area is open only for reflection and meditation. Sunday sunrise services alone should have about 2500 people attending.


• Looking forward as well to returning to Canada in less than two weeks, but we will be leaving a piece of us in Jerusalem, hoping to return some day to continue serving Him.


• One final thought - a definite answer to prayer and a real encouragement to the volunteers here at the Garden this past week. Nelly, the wife of one our Dutch guides, asked for prayer on Wednesday at 155pm as part of our staff devotions before opening the garden again for the afternoon. She told us of a Norwegian man who was sitting with his head in his hands on one of the benches the previous day. She approached him and asked if she could help. He told her that his marriage had fallen apart and his family, although here in Jerusalem, was back at the hotel. Nelly prayed with him and suggested that he humble himself and return to the hotel to try to mend the relationship. Our group of volunteers prayed for him, then opened the doors to the public to find him standing there with his family ready to visit the Garden. He had been on one my tours the day before and he approached me and introduced me to his family and said his prayers had been answered. I didn't realize this was the man we had been praying for until Nelly showed up at that moment and they both hugged each other. Needless to say, there was a lot of hugging between the family and the guides. We allowed them to take communion after they told us of their story of reconciliation and they left the garden, thanking Nelly again. It reassures us of why we came here in the first place - Mark 10:45. Thank you for praying. See you soon.