4/1/2025
Everyone who knows me and reads these daily blogs knows that I love Israel, and I have been on the daily global prayers calls with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem for 543 days as of today. This has been the honor of my life, standing with others from all over the world who love Israel and are standing as watchmen on the wall, praying for the peace of Jerusalem as we are instructed to do in scripture. I have met many precious people who are panelists from the different branches of ICEJ as well as others who are associated with the Embassy or who have served in Israel at one time. I am one of 500 - 1000 attendees who have participated for all these days, and who carry the prayer needs to others. My blogs and Facebook page have been my platform for relaying updates and prayer requests, and posting the faces of the hostages still being held by Hamas.
It gets very difficult at times, especially as we wait for the release of the hostages. I can only imagine the torment their surviving loved ones feel, especially the waiting, knowing the evil being done to those who are still alive and being held by Hamas. There are days I can hardly think of anything else, or the weight of my own personal torments, family concerns, and other battles I am facing almost get the best of me. But the global prayer call keeps us going and builds us up. I am also encouraged and strengthened by being a part of a weekly prayer call hosted by a couple who used to live in Israel and still are a part of ICEJ and serve as worship leaders. They now live in the Alabama, and they are very active in governmental concerns, especially the stand for the sanctity of human life. They have been in Washington DC this week praying with on site prayer teams at the Supreme Court. I feel honored to be asked to join their small group. It's a mystery to me how that came about. I guess God has a plan and purpose.
Before we begin our prayer calls we always enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. You've heard me speak of my own times of personal worship and the importance of being in the presence of God, listening for His voice and direction. This is a daily necessity. One of the worship leaders, Ken Soltys of Project 7th Trumpet Ministry, has been my absolute favorite worship leader, who can bring us into the presence of God where we can meet with Him and spend time being empowered to stand and fight the good fight of faith. Ken wants to let all believers know that they could experience the Kingdom of Heaven on earth, as it is in Heaven. His music, his wonderful trumpet sounds and shofar blasts ushered us into heaven. His ministry is international, and he has ministered in Israel at the Feast of Tabernacles.
Ken passed away after ministering in a church on Sunday from what we were told. He had been having health issues, and God had miraculously intervened with healing on so many occasions. Sunday Ken wanted to rest before the next service, and they found him later, resting in the arms of his Savior. He is now in heaven rejoicing with the Lord. One member of our group said he probably went right to the trumpet section with the angels. I have never been a fan of trumpet music, but he played beautifully. He was so alive, pleasant, warm smile, always smiling, even on the days with the worst news. His secret was living in the presence of his Lord, listening for His voice, experiencing His love. This morning, before the call, I had asked God to please have Ken be in charge of worship, because I needed a huge surge of anointed worship. Ken always had scriptures, and as he sang, playing his keyboard, it released any anxiety, any hurts, any sadness I felt. The word of God in his songs touched my heart, lifted me up, and the scriptures he shared even confirmed what the Lord had earlier spoken to me. He soothed my tortured soul so many times.
My one regret is not meeting him face to face, getting to truly know this blessed man of God better. And yet, I do feel that I knew him in Christ and will always know and cherish his memory. I know I'll meet him one day, and hopefully, we will truly get acquainted face to face. I have grieved, and am still grieving, this terrible loss I feel. He didn't know me personally, but he was my friend, my brother, and I will sorely miss him and the wonderful times of worship. I know all of ICEJ and anyone who had the blessing of knowing him feels the same. Of course, his music is available on YouTube and for purchase, so I can listen him as often as I want or need.
I won't say goodbye to Ken, I'll just say "See ya later. Enjoy Heaven, my friend!"
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