THE UPPER SPRINGS AND THE LOWER SPRINGS

In Joshua Chapter 15, Caleb’s daughter came to see her father and the 85-yea- old warrior asked her, “‘What do you wish?’  She answered, ‘Give me a blessing… springs of water.’  So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs” (Josh. 15:18-19).

Springs are sources of water that issue from the ground.  They are blessings from God which provide life for His creatures.  Without water we would die. Here on Mount Carmel we have stood on this word for years.  God has been faithful and has provided us with upper springs and lower springs.

The Upper Springs

When Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, he restored (“healed”) the altar of Jehovah with twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel (1 Kings 18:31).  Then he had four water-pots filled with water which was poured on the wood and animal sacrifice on the altar.  The twelve outpourings of water even filled up the trench that had been dug around the altar.  Where did he get the water?  It was a time of severe drought which he had prophesied.  There must have been a hidden spring --  an upper spring!

Our worship center, our “upper springs,” is a sanctuary with twelves stones around the altar located on the top of Mount Carmel.  When Elijah had the water poured out on the altar, the fire of God’s presence fell.  Throngs of assembled Israelis fell on their faces, prostrating themselves in pure worship, and cried out, “The Lord, He is God!  The Lord, He is God!” (1 Ki. 18:39).  This is what we long to see today, as Israelis encounter their living Messiah, Yeshua.

In our “upper springs” sanctuary we hold weekly Shabbat meetings, almost daily worship and prayer watches, monthly inter-congregational worship nights,and special worship meetings with groups from the nations.  Our March and November Schools of Ministry also meet in the worship center and partake of the flow of the Spirit coming from the upper springs.  We are now praying about launching a Mount Carmel worship training program in 2015.

The “upper springs” also includes the Or HaCarmel Women’s Shelter, where African refugee women and children continue to be immersed in the life-giving river of life coming from Yeshua.

Springs can also be sources of rivers, like the Jordan, which brings fertility and life to arid areas. We are experiencing a flow of the rivers of God from the sanctuary on Carmel (Ezek. 47:1, 12).  Please pray for more of His presence and purity to be released in 2015.

The Lower Springs

After Elisha, the spiritual son of Elijah, received a double portion of God’s Spirit, he was approached by the city elders of Jericho.  They told the prophet that the water supply of the city was polluted and the ground was barren.  Fruit was rotting on the trees. Jericho had been a renowned oasis called the “city of the palms.”  Elisha requested a new bowl (vessel) with fresh salt in it.  Then he went to the source (spring) of the city water supply and threw the salt into it.  The water was purified!  The prophet proclaimed, “Thus says the Lord: ‘I have healed this water; from now on there shall be no more death or barrenness.’ So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke” (2 Kings 2:21-22). 

Haifa

Haifa also is a beautiful city.  The name “Haifa” comes from a root suggesting “beautiful.” The city begins at the Haifa port at the foot of Mount Carmel.  Further up the mountain, we have spectacular views of the Mediterranean, the port, parts of Galilee and even Lebanon.  However, the source of our spiritual water supply is polluted with false religion and cults, as in the days of Elijah.

House of Victory

Our “lower springs” began with House of Victory in 1991.  Here many unclean vessels polluted by drugs and alcohol, have received the healing of the salt of the gospel, and have been cleansed and transformed by drinking from the source, Yeshua.  Living water from the springs of love, hope, faith and transformation continue to flow there among Jews and Arabs.  For years there has been much healthy fruit coming forth on the “trees” raised up at House of Victory.  In 2015 we are planning new outreaches both in Haifa and Tel Aviv. 

Elijah’s Cloak (“Aderet Eliyahu”) 

Hundreds of needy people come to this “lower spring” ministry for clothing and fellowship.  In 2014, we gave away approximately 8 tons of good clothing.  Some of the recipients have joined our new believers’ classes. Pray for a double portion of the Lord’s anointing on our dedicated staff in 2015.

Raven’s Basket

In 2014, we donated approximately 50 tons of food!  Boxes filled with healthy food are delivered to homes of very needy Jews and Arabs. Some receive their food packages at the Elijah’s Cloak distribution center where the food is stored.  We are also planning new outreach initiatives in the Hadar (“glory”) neighborhood in this “lower springs” area.  Please pray for vision, wisdom, a suitable meeting place and committed workers and finances.

Kerem El

Right in the center of Mount Carmel in Haifa, Congregation Kerem El meets at Beit Yedidia, our community/conference center.  The congregation has almost outgrown the meeting room.  We are praying to double the size of this strategic facility.  Please pray for favor with the city government and finances for this project.

“Shepherd Your people with Your staff,
The flock of Your heritage,
Who dwell solitarily in a woodland,
In the midst of Carmel;
Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead,
As in days of old” (Mic. 7:14).

Living Water

In this new year, may we all thirst for more living water from God’s springs.  If we continually come to the source, Yeshua, we will be filled with His purity and power.  May we truly say, “All my springs are in You” (Psalm 87:7).

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:37-38).

--  DD