Help Us Bring the Vision To Life
Rocks. Stones. Boulders. Pebbles. Gravel… This biblical land is full of rocks and stones.
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They are literally everywhere, so it is no wonder that the Old and New Testament scriptures are also full of rocks and stones. The word “rock” can be found 142 times in the Bible and the word “stone” 192 times.
Living in the archaeological ruins of a first-century town at the base of Mount Arbel might be one reason why I think so frequently about hard mineral substances. Perhaps watching each stage of the building of an entire complex is another reason. It’s fascinating to watch the development of the construction. When I arrived to Magdala, two years ago, I saw the pouring of the concrete foundations – 48 feet (16 meters) deep! The landscape and the construction connect so perfectly with the Sacred Scriptures –
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)
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… One year ago the wokers began laying the stone floors in the rooms of the Magdala guesthouse. Six months ago basalt and limestone slabs were cut and put into place on the exterior of the building, followed by large piles of stones that were moved to the lobby area to build a unique archaeological fountain. It seems that there is no end to the amount of stone and rock that is being used in this project, and I think that is providential, since the term “rock” in the Bible usually refers to God.
“I love you, Lord, my strength, Lord, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, my saving horn, my stronghold!” (Psalm 18:1-3)
As we head into the final construction stages of the north wing of the Magdala guesthouse, my prayer is that in this place of rock and stone our visitors will truly find God. I pray that the Magdala staff, employees, volunteers, and donors will continue to be “living stones” impacting the lives of our visitors. I pray with the prophet Ezekiel that God “will give you a new heart, and a new spirit” and that He “will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26)
Written by Christiane Esser – Duc In Altum Curator
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Dear friends,
With your support and prayers we’ve come a long way in developing Magdala. Now we are a few months away from opening the first part of our guesthouse and we need all your support and prayers.
The Magdala guesthouse is set to be the center for its programming and ministry work. Add your pebble, stone or rock in Magdala!
Your donation today helps us Bring this Vision to Life!
You are all in my prayers,
-Fr. Juan Maria Solana, L.C.
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