Chapter 31:  On October 7, 2023 when Hamas Attacked Israel it was a Day of Evil:  October 7, 2023 was the Day of Evil when Hamas, after ten years of planning, attacked Israel.  And, on October 7, 2023, on the Day of Evil I put on the Whole Armor of God and I took my Stand on the “Front Line” at the “Good Fence Memorial” at Islam’s “Fatima Gate” located in Metulla on the Israeli – Lebanese Border where Iran via Hezbollah drew their “Front Line.”  Ephesians 6:10-17

On October 7, 2023, I took my Stand on the “Front Line” against the Wiles of the Devil and the Evil Spirits in the Heavenly Realm specifically the spirit prince and spirit kings of ancient Persia operating behind Iran and their proxies: Hezbollah and Hamas – Ephesians 6:10-17. 

It was here on the “Front Line” at the “Good Fence Memorial” where Iran, via Hezbollah, drew their “Front Line” at the “Fatima Gate” located in Metulla on the Israeli-Lebanese Border, on the day of evil, that I made an Hour-long Video at the “Good Fence Memorial” in Metulla, Israel.  The “Good Fence Memorial” was erected by the Israeli Government in 2021 to Honor the South Lebanon Army, the Christian Militia who came to the aid of the IDF in their battle against the Cross-Border attacks of the PLO and Hezbollah.  And, it is here on the “Front Line” at the “Good Fence Memorial” at the “Fatima Gate” that literally butts up to the Land Border that Israel shares with Lebanon that the Stones at the Memorial “Cry out in Praise of Jesus Christ” – hence the Video.

As a Reminder, the “Fatima Gate,” named in honor of the daughter of Islam’s prophet, is a Gate of the Enemy that is symbolic of Islam’s hatred for both Judaism and Christianity.  As such, as a descendant of Abraham, God called me to stand in the “Fatima Gate” when I was in Metulla, Israel on October 6, 2023 when Hamas made the decision (Chapter 32), after ten years of planning, to attack Israel the next day and on October 7, 2023 when Hamas actually crossed over the border they share with Israel and begin their attack that led to the Prime Minister of Israel to declare that Israel was at war.

The Fatima Gate, also known as the Good Fence Crossing, was the official border crossing between Lebanon and Israel from 1982 until 2000 when the Israeli Defense Forces withdrew from the Security Buffer Zone in Lebanon through the “Fatima Gate” back onto Israeli soil.  The Fatima Gate marks the point where the people of Lebanon and Israel come the closest to one another and is a popular tourist place where Hezbollah and the Lebanese people come to hold anti-Israel demonstrations and throw rocks over into Israel.  Hence, Hezbollah’s Front Line.

Hezbollah Drew the “Front Line” at the “Fatima Gate”:  In the battle between Israel, Iran and Hezbollah, Lebanon’s Fatima Gate has become the Front Line both in the Spiritual Realm as well as here on earth.  It was here at the “Fatima Gate” that Hezbollah, a Proxy of Iran, started throwing symbolic stones from the “Fatima Gate” towards Israel after the unilateral Israeli withdrawal from the Security Zone in south Lebanon in 2000.  From Hezbollah’s perspective, as the Israeli Defense Forces withdrew from south Lebanon back onto to Israeli soil they had to “bow their knee” to Islam and Islam’s prophet Mohammad as they crossed through Lebanon’s “Fatima Gate” named in honor of Fatima, the daughter of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad.

Hezbollah’s message was obvious –

Iran was at Israel’s Borders – Iran was at Israel’s Gate – the Fatima Gate was their “Front Line”

The significance of making the video at the Good Fence Memorial on the day Hamas attacked Israel is because the “Good Fence Memorial” is located at the “Fatima Gate” where Hezbollah holds anti-Israel demonstrations and throws symbolic stones from the “Fatima Gate” over onto Israeli soil in Metulla.

The Symbolism is Obvious:  Iran via Hezbollah is at Israel’s Borders – Iran is at Israel’s Gate and it was here at the Fatima Gate that Iran via Hezbollah drew their Front Line with Israel.

When we stand in the Gateway of the Enemy – we are standing on the “Front Line” of the Battle that is being fought in the spiritual realm:  In other words, when I went to the “Good Fence Memorial” at the “Fatima Gate” on October 7, 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel – I was standing on the “Front Line” of the spiritual battle going on in the spiritual realm at the same time the spirit prince and kings of ancient Persia were able to influence Hamas to make the decision to actually cross over Israel’s borders, after ten years in the making, and attack Israel.  It was on the same day that the spirit prince and spirit kings of ancient Persia were also able to influence Hezbollah to try and breach Metulla’s borders while I was still in Metulla.  However, the IDF was able to drive them back.

The spiritual battle going on in the heavens was and is between the spirit prince and kings of Persia and Michael, the guardian principality over Israel’s Borders who takes a stand against the spirit prince and kings of Persia (modern-day Iran) Daniel 10.  The spirit prince and kings of ancient Persia are the same principalities that have influence over present-day Iran who are the offspring of ancient Persia and their proxies specifically Hezbollah and Hamas, whose goal is to protect Iran’s interests on the borders Lebanon and Gaza share with Israel. 

The “Fatima Gate,” Named after the Daughter of Islam’s Prophet Mohammad, is to this day Iran’s Front Line with Israel:  Via Hezbollah, Iran has drawn a line in the sand at the “Fatima Gate” marking Iran’s Front Line with Israel.  From their perspective, Hezbollah drove the IDF out of Lebanon and forced them to bow the knee to Islam and cross through Lebanon’s “Fatima Gate,” the Gateway of Israel’s Enemies, back into Israel without any concessions by Hezbollah!  Hezbollah claimed a Divine Victory; however, Israel’s withdrawal was the result of Israeli policy and not an outcome of resistance by Hezbollah.  It was not, as Iran and Hezbollah led the Muslims to believe, a major or divine victory for Hezbollah, the Party of Allah.

Hezbollah’s gesture of throwing stones from the “Fatima Gate” over onto Israeli soil in Metulla was and is more than symbolic – the gesture was and is a real threat.

Hence the ongoing cross-border wars with Hezbollah.  On October 7, 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel on their southern border, in support of Hamas a convoy of Hezbollah soldiers on motorcycles attempted to breach Metulla’s borders while I was still in Metulla!

On Earth as in Heaven – there is a Biblical Principle for a Front Line in the Spiritual Realm as well as here on Earth:  Just as the Lord used those things in the natural realm here on earth that people were familiar with to convey a Spiritual Principle, I want to use the meaning of the military term, “Front Line,” to convey the spiritual principle of the “Front Line” in “Spiritual Warfare.”  In military terms, being on the Front Line means that you are in the position closest to the conflict in the fight against an opposing force; the Front Line is where two opposing militaries meet. 

So it is in Spiritual Warfare: 

When we stand in the Gate of the Enemy (Genesis 22:17) –

we are standing on the “Front Line” of a battle being fought in the spiritual realm (Ephesians 6, Revelation 10).

Ephesians 6:10- 17 describes “Front Line” Spiritual Warfare:  Ephesians 6 describes such a “Front Line” in the Spiritual Realm and the Spiritual Armor we need to put on to defend ourselves against the attacks of Satan and the principalities in the heavens. The Apostle Paul tells to take up the whole armor of God that we may be able to withstand evil, and having done all we can, to stand.  The Apostle Paul tells us that we are to Stand our Ground by putting on: 

· We are to put on the Belt of Truth

· We are to put on the Body Armor – the Breastplate of God’s Righteousness

· For shoes we are to put on the Peace that comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ

· We are to hold up the Shield of Faith to stop the fiery darts of the devil

· We are told to put on the Helmet of Salvation

· We are to take up the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God

When God calls us to be on the Front Line of a Battle in the Spiritual Realm:  On October 7, 2023, the day Hamas attacked Israel, God called me to make an hour-long video at the “Good Fence Memorial” at the Fatima Gate, the Good Fence Crossing that at one time was the Official Border Crossing between Israel and Lebanon and where Hezbollah drew Iran’s “Front Line.”

Again, Iran’s Message via Hezbollah was clear –

Iran was at the Border with Israel – Iran was at Israel’s Gate

On Earth as in Heaven:  When I went to the “Good Fence Memorial” at the Fatima Gate on October 7, 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, I was standing on the “Front Line” of the Battle that was going on in the Spiritual Realm as the Battle here on earth was being fought between Israel and Hamas, an Iranian-backed Terrorist Organization, at the Front Line in the south of Israel.  Again, Ephesians 6 reveals that our battle is in the spiritual realm – not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6 ¹⁰ In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.  Amplified Bible

Just as God told Abraham that his descendants would stand in the Gateway of their Enemy (Genesis 22:17) , I was Standing on the “Front Line” at the “Good Fence Memorial” at the “Fatima Gate” when Hamas attacked Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu told the citizens of Israel that Israel was at war.

The “Fatima Gate” is the Good Fence Border Crossing in Metulla where Israel shares a border with Lebanon and is a recurring topic throughout this book because the “Fatima Gate” is an example of the “Gateway of the Enemy” that God told Abraham that his descendants would stand in.  And, that is why I was in Metulla, Israel on October 7, 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel by crossing over the Border they share with Israel, killing over 1,200 people, and taking at least 253 hostages, including IDF soldiers, with them back over the border into Gaza.

I was in Metulla, Israel for the purpose of standing on the “Front Line” at the Gate of the Enemy at the “Good Fence” Memorial at the Fatima Gate that at one time was the Good Fence Crossing as well as stand in the “Fatima Gate” itself.

God called me to go to the same “Front Line”

where Iran via Hezbollah drew their “Front Line”

There were two specific reasons why God quickened me to go to Metulla, Israel in October 2023:

1. To stand on the Front Line in the Gateway of the Enemy on October 6, 2023 which was the day Hamas made the decision to attack Israel and again on October 7, 2023, which was the day Hamas attacked Israel, and

2. To make a video at the “Good Fence Memorial” at the “Fatima Gate” for my sons and daughters yet to be born that I will never meet – a Memorial so to speak of my pilgrimage to the Galilee when Hamas attacked Israel and Israel went to war.  The video and book is for my spiritual sons and daughters who, like me, God will call to stand on the “Front Line” in the “Gates of the Enemy.”  Psalm 102:18

Psalm 102: 18 explains why I wrote this particular chapter and why I made this particular video at the “Good Fence Memorial” located on the border in Metulla that literally butts up to the border that Israel shares with Lebanon and why I made the video on the day Prime Minister Netanyahu told the citizens of Israel that they were at war after Hamas attacked Israel at the border Israel shares with Gaza.  Psalm 102:18 reads: 

Psalm 102:18 ¹⁸ Let this be recorded for the generation yet unborn, that a people yet to be created shall praise the Lord.  Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

While I was in Metulla and before Hamas attacked Israel, the Lord gave me the understanding that He wanted me to make a Video at the “Good Fence Memorial” on October 7, 2023 – a Memorial so to speak – to leave for my sons and daughters that were yet to be born – it was to be a memorial of my pilgrimage to the Galilee.

The Lord was very Specific as to when I was to make the Video – on October 7, 2023 – and not until then:  It’s important to note that before anyone knew that Hamas was going to attack Israel on October 7, 2023 the Lord gave me the understanding that I was not to make the video until October 7, 2023.

The following screenshot is from a preview pane in Windows File Explorer and documents that I did make a video on October 7, 2023 at the “Good Fence Memorial.”  In the picture displayed on the preview pane in Windows File Explorer you can see Lebanon behind where I am sitting. 

Following the image of the Windows File Explorer is a still picture that was taken later of me standing at the Road Sign in Metulla with directions pointing to both the “Good Fence” and Metulla – the date stamp on the picture is October 7, 2023 that coincides with the Windows File Explorer when I made the video at the “Good Fence Memorial.”

When I went to the “Good Fence Memorial” on October 7, 2023 to make the video the town of Metulla had turned into a ghost town.  Even before Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the Nation of Israel regarding Hamas’ attack on Israel I noticed that the guests at the hotel where I was staying had begun to pack up and leave and from what we could tell the staff had left as well.  The residents of Metulla that we would normally see going about their daily routines were nowhere to be seen. We later found out they would have gone into their safe rooms – that to go out on the streets meant they would be perfect targets for Hezbollah snipers who, like Hamas, was threatening to cross over the border Israel shares with Lebanon and attack Israel’s northern towns.

Even with all that was going on, in obedience to the understanding the Lord had given me regarding October 7, 2023, I kept focused on making the hour-long video at the “Good Fence Memorial.”  And, I was not afraid of going to the “Good Fence Memorial” even though it butts up to the border Israel shares with Lebanon because I kept Matthew 24:6-14 in mind where Jesus tells us that we are not to be frightened or troubled when nations rise up against another nation because these wars must take place before Christ will return.  So, I knew that the war between Israel and Hamas, not that it was good, must take place.

It was because of Matthew 24:6-8 that I never panicked or felt fear and would not leave Metulla until the manager of the hotel told us at 10:30 pm on the night of October 7, 2023 – the first night of the war – that we were being evacuated to the Sea of Galilee the next morning.  Apparently, the Manager of the hotel where we were staying, that we did not see all day, received a phone call from the Manager of their sister hotel located by the Sea of Galilee and was told to go to our rooms and advise us that we would be evacuated the next morning to their location, which was away from the border.  By the time the Manager of the hotel where we were staying came by our rooms we were the only guests left at the hotel. 

And, it was only later that I found out that early that morning, in support of Hamas, a convoy of Hezbollah soldiers on motorcycles attempted to breach Metulla’s borders just shortly before I went to the “Good Fence Memorial;” however, they were driven back by the IDF.  If Hezbollah’s soldiers had succeeded in breaching Metulla’s borders there is no doubt they would have caused the same destruction that Hamas had caused that morning when they breached the border Israel shares with Gaza.  If they had breached Metulla’s borders, they could have been at the door of my hotel room, as well as every house in Metulla, in a matter of minutes.

October 7, 2023 Psalm 91 became a Living Word in my life: 

Psalm 91:7-12 ⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. ⁸ Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. ⁹ If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, ¹⁰ no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. ¹¹ For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. ¹² They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. NLT

Verse 14 reveals that the Lord will rescue those who love Him and protect those who trust in His Name.  I will always be eternally grateful for God’s protection while I was making the hour-long video at the “Good Fence Memorial” because I had already encountered several people who tried to intimidate me when I was at the “Fatima Gate,” which is seconds away from the “Good Fence Memorial,” on a previous day.  And, it was only because of the war that I knew no one would be at the “Good Fence Memorial” and try to intimidate me while making the video because they would all be staying indoors.

It became obvious to us that the residents of Metulla were staying in their homes where they had “safe rooms” that would protect them from any rockets that Hezbollah would launch over the border they share with Lebanon.  No doubt that everyone was staying indoors and monitoring the situation. 

We didn’t see anyone until after I finished making the hour-long video and we were walking back to our hotel.  As we were walking away from the “Good Fence Memorial,” we were stopped by two men in a car who had a rifle, and we now believe to have been two plain-clothes IDF soldiers. 

The two men questioned us as to why we were in that area and explained to us that they were very sensitive to anyone being in that area, although the area was open to tourists.  We mentioned that we understood and realized that Hamas had attacked Israel just hours earlier that morning.  They told us, no, we were not doing anything wrong, but made it clear they felt better if we stayed clear of the “Good Fence Memorial” and the “Fatima Gate,” which at one time was the official border crossing between Israel and Lebanon, who to this day are “Officially at War.”  They also made sure that we knew they were aware of our comings and goings since arriving in Metulla.

While we were talking with them, you could see the only thing that separated Israel from Lebanon from where we were standing was the “Fatima Gate” and the “Good Fence.”

I wrote this Chapter before October 7, 2023:  It’s important to note that I wrote this particular chapter while I was still in Metulla in the upper Galilee during Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, which is the Fall Feast of the Lord – Leviticus 23:33-36 – and before Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.  And, the understanding from the Lord was that the video was to be of me reading Chapter 31. 

As a note, on the video I mentioned that the Chapter I would be recording on the video was Chapter 24; however, after I arrived back in the United States it was incorporated into and became Chapter 31.

I want to point out that in addition to reading Chapter 31 on the video, I made several additional comments on the video.  For example, the following excerpt from the video was not part of the original Chapter 31 that I wrote before I went to the “Good Fence Memorial” to make the video; however, the excerpt from the video documents that I did make the video on the day the Prime Minister of Israel declared that “Israel was at War.” 

The following excerpt is from the Video and confirms that I was at the “Good Fence Memorial” on the day Hamas attacked Israel and Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that Israel was at war.

It was at this point in Chapter 31, after reading Judges 3:1-3, that I made the following comments concerning Hamas’ attack on Israel because Judges 3:1-3 is key to understanding Hamas’ present-day attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 as I was literally making the video at the “Good Fence Memorial.”  And, that is why the excerpt begins with, “And this is why that is important,” meaning why Judges 3:1-3 is so important to understanding Hamas’ attack on Israel: 

“And this is why that is important.

 “This morning on the news Hamas, who has formed an alliance with Hezbollah just across the border here, they attacked Israel and some of their terrorists are now on Israeli soil.  The last I read before coming out here this morning, they had captured five Israeli IDF soldiers, several people have been killed, and the last I read is that the Prime Minister of Israel Netanyahu has formerly declared that Israel as of today is at war.

So we have to ask, we have to understand that even though the war is not good that God will use that war to teach the younger generations to war.  We may not agree with that and we may not understand that but that is God’s Will and we are not to question – His ways are His Ways.”

End of Excerpt.

It’s important to note that the location of the “Good Fence Memorial” where I made the video Butts up to the Land Border that Israel shares with Lebanon and was chosen because it was within sight of the “Fatima Gate” and “Good Fence,” which was the “Good Fence Crossing.”  It was here at the “Good Fence Crossing” that the IDF would cross through when leaving Israel to reach the Security Zone the IDF manned in Lebanon.  And, it was here at the “Good Fence Crossing” where George Otis hung the Banner that read, “The Voice of Hope” with the flags of both Israel and Lebanon displayed.  It was here at the “Good Fence Crossing” where George Otis would cross through to reach his radio station, “The Voice of Hope,” he built on the war-torn battlefields of Lebanon.  And, it was here that Major Haddad would cross through the “Good Fence Crossing” as he left the Security Zone in Lebanon and crossed over into Israel to meet with the IDF and George Otis.  Keep in mind that the “Good Fence” is known as the “Fatima Gate” by the Lebanese and only began to be called the “Good Fence” by the Israelis after they let injured soldiers from the South Lebanese Army and their families from Lebanon cross through the “Fatima Gate” into Israel for medical care and jobs that were denied to them by the PLO and Hezbollah.

And, it is “spiritually significant” that on October 7, 2023 when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his stunned nation, “Citizens of Israel, we are at War,” that I made the hour-long video of me reading Chapter 31 at the “Good Fence Memorial” located within sight of the “Fatima Gate,” and “Good Fence,” the same Border Gate that the Lebanese call the “Fatima Gate” that separates Israel from Lebanon and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Islamist terrorist organization whose most important stronghold is strategically located on the Israel-Lebanon border – approximately a two-minute walk from the “Good Fence Memorial.

The following screenshot from Windows File Explorer reflects the time here in America and documents the creation date and time of the video that I made at the “Good Fence Memorial” was on October 7, 2023.

The four different times regarding the video that I made at the “Good Fence Memorial” reflect the four times the video stopped and then started to record again.  Again, the times reflect the local time here in America.  Following the Windows File Explorer screenshot is a screenshot of a Conversion Chart that converts the time here in America to Israeli time.

As a note:  It’s interesting that Hamas attacked Israel at 6:30 AM on October 7, 2023 – the same time noted on the Screenshot of the first video.

Converting EST to Jerusalem Time:  As the Conversation Chart reveals, Israeli time is 7 hours ahead of EST, which means that the time of the first video of 6:29 AM would be equivalent to 1:29 PM in Jerusalem on October 7, 2023, which was after the Prime Minister of Israel declared that Israel was at war.   

Back to the Video of me reading Chapter 31 at the “Good Fence Memorial:”  The “Good Fence” that the Lebanese call the “Fatima Gate” separates Israel from Lebanon and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Islamist terrorist organization whose most important stronghold is strategically located on the Israel-Lebanon border.

I arrived in Metulla, Israel on September 28, 2023 and had planned on being in Metulla that shares a border with Lebanon until October 12, 2023.  However, after the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in Israel on October 7, 2023, we were told by the manager of the hotel where we were staying that on October 8, 2023 we were being evacuated away from the border to the Sea of Galilee where it would be safer.  And, I stayed by the Sea of Galilee until I was able to leave Israel on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.

Again, after writing this chapter, in the early morning hours of October 7, 2023 while I was still in the Village of Metulla, the Iranian-backed terrorist organization known as Hamas crossed over the border they share with Israel in the south and attacked the Israeli Kibbutz, Kfar Aza, slaughtering over a thousand Israeli’s and taking many of their residents as well as five female IDF soldiers and Americans over the border into Gaza as Hostages.

Again, it’s important to note that two days before Hamas attacked Israel the Lord quickened me to go to the “Good Fence Memorial” on October 7, 2023 and make a Video for my sons and daughters of me reading Chapter 24 (now Chapter 31) at the “Good Fence Memorial.”  (Psalm 102:18). 

Psalm 102:18 ¹⁸ Let this be recorded for the generation yet unborn, that a people yet to be created shall praise the Lord.  Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

Realizing that the video would probably be at least an hour long, I wondered how I would be able to make an hour-long video without drawing attention to myself because, as one resident told me:  the residents in Metulla are sensitive when anyone visits either the “Fatima Gate at the Good Fence” or the “Good Fence Memorial.”  This sensitivity leads them to be suspicious of tourists like myself to the point where they literally tried to intimidate me on more than one occasion. 

However, God had a plan!

No one would say that the war was good; however, the Lord used the War that broke out at 6:30 am on October 7, 2023 to ensure that no one other than me and the individual I was travelling with would be at the Memorial while I was making the video.  On our way to the “Good Fence Memorial” we realized that everyone at the hotel where we were staying was leaving, and that the activity we expected to see in the streets of Metulla had all but ceased.  It became obvious to us that the residents of Metulla were staying in their homes where they had “safe rooms” that would protect them from any rockets that Hezbollah would launch over the border they share with Lebanon.  No doubt that everyone was staying indoors and monitoring the situation. 

We really didn’t see anyone until after I finished making the hour-long video and we were walking back to our hotel.  As we were walking away from the “Good Fence Memorial,” we were stopped by two men who had a rifle, and we now believe to have been two plain-clothes IDF soldiers. 

The two men questioned us as to why we were in that area and explained to us that they were very sensitive to anyone being in that area, although the area was open to tourists.  We mentioned that we understood and realized that Hamas had attacked Israel just hours earlier that morning.  They told us, no, we were not doing anything wrong, but made it clear they felt better if we stayed clear of the “Good Fence Memorial” and the “Fatima Gate,” which at one time was the official border crossing between Israel and Lebanon, who to this day are “Officially at War.”  They also made sure that we knew they were aware of our comings and goings since arriving in Metulla.

While we were talking with them you could see the only thing that separated Israel from Lebanon from where we were standing was the “Fatima Gate” and the “Good Fence Memorial.”  By nightfall and throughout the night you could hear the sound of Hezbollah’s cross-border rockets.  More alarming, was on the morning Hamas attacked Israel, while I was still in Metulla, a convoy of Hezbollah terrorists on motorcycles attempted to breach Metulla’s borders and infiltrate Metulla; however, their efforts were foiled by the IDF.   (I’ve included the online address of the Video published by both X and The Jerusalem Post of the convoy of Hezbollah Terrorist in another chapter of the book.)

Again, on Saturday, October 7, 2023, the day I made the hour-long video at the “Good Fence Memorial” – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video message from military headquarters in Tel Aviv: “Citizens of Israel, we are at war.”  Again, God used the War to ensure that I was able to make the hour-long video to leave for my sons and daughters as my testimony and witness unto Him. 

Christ told us that there would be wars and threats of wars, but we are not to panic because these wars must take place before the end of time.  Matthew 24:6-8

Matthew 24:6-8 ⁶ And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. ⁷ Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. ⁸ But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. NLT

And, it is because of Matthew 24:6-8 that I never panicked or felt fear and would not leave Metulla until the manager of the hotel told us at 10:30 pm on the night of October 7, 2023 – the first night of the war – that we were being evacuated to the Sea of Galilee the next morning. 

As you can see from the time stamp on the above picture, I was in Metulla, Israel on the day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the nation of Israel that they were at War.  On the other side of the fence from where I am standing you can see Lebanon.

The area where I am pictured standing is now a “Closed Military Zone.”  Hezbollah has pummeled Metulla with cross-border rockets starting on October 7, 2023.  The entire village of Metulla has been evacuated and the IDF has now seized the area where I am standing at the border Israel shares with Lebanon and declared that this part of Metulla, because of its proximity to Lebanon, is now a “Closed Military Zone.”

This picture of Israeli tanks in Metulla near the border with Lebanon was taken on October 112023 just three days after I left Metulla.  I walked approximately two hours every day while I was in Metulla and this and the street below would have been two of the streets I walked on.

This picture of Israeli soldiers patrolling the empty streets of Metulla, Israel was taken on October 12, 2023, the sixth day of the war, while I was in the Galilee.

In addition to the IDF soldiers that are always present in Metulla, on Saturday, October 7, 2023, the first day of the war with Hamas, the Israeli government sent another 1,000 soldiers to Metulla.

As noted above, on the first day of the war between Israel and Lebanon and before we were evacuated to the Sea of Galilee approximately one hour away from Metulla, I was able to make an hour-long video of me reading Chapter 31 of my book at the Good Fence Memorial without interruption to the Glory of the Lord.

Following is what I read in its entirety at the Front Line of the “Good Fence Memorial” on October 7, 2023

on the same day that the Prime Minister of Israel declared that “Israel was at war.”

(Note: Chapter 24 became Chapter 31 after I returned to America)

“Chapter 24:  The Stones at the “Good Fence Memorial” in Metulla Erected by the Israeli Government to Honor the South Lebanese Army, the Christian Militia who came to the aid of the IDF in their battle against the PLO and Hezbollah, Cry out in Praise of Jesus Christ”:

In July of 2021, in a historic ceremony held within walking distance of the “Fatima Gate and Good Fence” in Metulla (which at one time was the official border crossing between Israel and Lebanon but now closed because Israel and Lebanon are officially at war), the Israeli government honored the South Lebanese Army (SLA), the Lebanese Christian-dominated militia that fought alongside the IDF from 1982-2000, to protect Metulla and other towns located in Upper Galilee from the cross-border attacks of the PLO and Hezbollah by erecting the “Good Fence Memorial” to them near the “Fatima Gate” at the “Good Fence.”

The two armies, the SLA, a Christian Militia, and the IDF, both targets of the PLO and Hezbollah, became loyal allies that fought side-by-side in Lebanon’s Security Zone that served as a geographical buffer that helped to protect Israel’s northern settlements from the wrath of Hezbollah who was hell-bent on making the lives of the Israelites in the northern settlements a living nightmare, as well as the Christian Militia fighting alongside the IDF.  And, they faithfully fought alongside one another in Lebanon’s Security Zone – protecting one another – during the South Lebanon conflict from 1982 until Israel’s withdrawal on May 22-24, 2000. 

It’s important to note that for the first time in Israel’s History, the “Yizkor Prayer,” a Prayer of Remembrance, was recited in Arabic on Israeli soil at the border Israel shares with Lebanon.

According to Aviv Kohavi, the IDF Chief of Staff, “This memorial being in Israel is a symbol of the place the SLA has in this country.  From now on, everyone will know who you are and what you did.  Israel became your home, and Israel is faithful to those who were faithful to her.”

The monument is engraved in both Hebrew and in Arabic with the words: “We will remember the soldiers of the Southern Lebanese Army who fell while defending the towns of southern Lebanon and northern Israel.”

Israel’s most Faithful Spiritual Allies are spirit-led Christians:  The South Lebanese Army (SLA) was founded by Major Saad Haddad, a Christian, during the Lebanese Civil War, and they remained a militia from 1977 until the IDF withdrew from Lebanon across the border back into Metulla, Israel in May 2000. 

The Fatima Gate at the Good Fence itself was the site of a goodwill border crossing providing access into Israel for Israel's Maronite allies who were allowed to pass through the crossing in order to work and receive medical care in Israel that was not available to them in Lebanon – hence the name “Good Fence.”

And, that brings me to the “Spiritual Aspects” of the “Good Fence Memorial.”  Needless to say, the Department of Families and the Commemoration and Heritage at the Ministry of Defense who initiated the construction of the monument in memory of the SLA soldiers out of a desire to commemorate and honor the memory of those who fought side by side with the IDF soldiers in Lebanon did so from a “Secular Perspective.” 

However, there are Spiritual Aspects of the “Good Fence Memorial as well as Secular:  More importantly, the stones of the “Good Fence Memorial” “Cries out in Praise of Jesus Christ.”  I will begin with the spiritual aspects of the first of several smaller memorials at the entrance to the “Good Fence Memorial.”

The “Voice of Hope” Banner is portrayed on the first of the memorials that make up the “Good Fence Memorial” in its entirety:  The significance of The “Voice of Hope” Banner is that it was the name of a radio station built by George Otis’ “High Adventure Ministries” and was the first radio station to broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Middle East.  The Voice of Hope Banner that George Otis flew over the Fatima Gate at the Good Fence was the “High Adventure Ministries” Voice of Hope Banner.

I don’t believe those who designed the “Good Fence Memorial” realized it, but the “Good Fence Memorial” honors much more than Major Haddad, the Christian Founder of the SLA and his Christian militia.  Those who designed the Memorial honored Major Haddad and his Christian militia from a secular perspective; however, the Lord used the “Good Fence Memorial” to honor those who honor Him!  The Lord also used the “Good Fence” memorial to honor George Otis, founder of “High Adventure Ministries,” whose Banner is the “Voice of Hope” and is portrayed on the first memorial.  Like Major Haddad, the Lord honored George Otis – both men who truly honored the Lord.

1 Samuel 2:30 ³⁰ Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.  KJV

George Otis was a man on a mission from God in the Middle East to carry out the Great Commission of Jesus Christ and take the Gospel to the world.  Again, he was founder of High Adventure Ministries, a Christian organization based in America; however, he was best known for the first radio station, the Voice of Hope, that broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in the Middle East. 

George Otis raised his ministry’s Banner – the “Voice of Hope,” over the war-torn battlefields in southern Lebanon in 1979 and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who every Christian knows IS the Voice of Hope, is now heard on every continent in the world.

Pause and give it serious thought of the profound spiritual aspects of the “Voice of Hope” – the name of the radio broadcast station that was founded by George Otis in 1979 on the war-torn battlefields here in southern Lebanon and is now heard on every continent in the world.

Pause and give it serious thought that the Banner with the words “Voice of Hope” who IS Jesus Christ is immortalized in stone at the “Good Fence Memorial.”

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob used the “Good Fence” Memorial to honor His Son Jesus Christ who all Christians know IS the Voice of Hope on Israeli soil:  It’s profound that one of the monuments erected at the “Good Fence Memorial” has an image of a Banner with the words “The Voice of Hope,” which was the call letters of the Christian radio station that George Otis built on the war-torn battle fields of south Lebanon which broadcast the gospel of Jesus Christ who IS the “Voice of Hope” to the brokenhearted in south Lebanon who were being persecuted by the PLO and Hezbollah.

George Otis honored Jehovah nissi by lifting up the Banner of the Lord at the “Good Fence” and he also fulfilled the Great Commission of Christ by taking the Gospel to the nations via the Radio Broadcast over his radio station the “Voice of Hope” born on the war-torn battlefields of Lebanon that is now heard on all continents.

Jehovah Nissi: The “Voice of Hope” Banner is more than just a banner that George Otis hung at the Good Fence – it was a Prophetic Banner that honored God as “Jehovah nissi.”  George Otis, those who worked with him, and Major Haddad all knew that God was truly their Banner just as He was Moses’ Banner.  Yahweh was their Banner – God was their Jehovah Nissi!

Exodus 17:13-16 ¹³And Joshua mowed down and disabled Amalek and his people with the sword. ¹⁴ And the Lord said to Moses, Write this for a memorial in the book and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under the heavens. ¹⁵ And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord is my Banner; ¹⁶ And he said, Because [theirs] is a hand against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.  Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

Verse 15 in the King James Translation reads ^“And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi.”  The Hebrew word Jehovahnissi means Jehovah is my Banner.

The inscription on their banner set forth on what foundation Voice of Hope based their confidence and purpose:  The Lord was their Banner – Jehovah Nissi was The Voice of Hope’s Banner

Spirit-led Christians will always be Israel’s Greatest Spiritual Ally because Christ’s Death on the Cross broke down the Dividing Walls of Hostility making us one Body

The Stones Cry out in Praise of Jesus Christ at the Front Line of the “Good Fence Memorial”

This is a picture of me standing at the above mentioned structure that portrays the High Adventure Ministries’ “Voice of Hope” Banner at the “Good Fence Memorial.”  Directly behind this memorial you can literally see Lebanon and it was on the war-torn battlefield of Lebanon that George Otis built his radio station the “Voice of Hope.”  The Banner Voice of Hope flew on the Israeli side of the “Good Fence”

The following picture is an enlargement of the above image of the “Voice of Hope Banner” that is portrayed on this particular memorial.  

The image of the Banner that reads “Voice of Hope” is now immortalized on the above pictured memorial at the entrance of the “Good Fence.”  The image of the above Banner that flew on the Israeli side of the “Good Fence” is from a book written by George Otis.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ that was broadcast over the “Voice of Hope” radio station that George Otis founded on the war-torn battlefield of south Lebanon can now be heard on every continent around the world today.  No doubt that George Otis was called by God to carry out the Great Commission and take the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world and by all accounts, that was the heart of George Otis.

Pause and consider the significance of the fact that Jesus Christ who IS the “Voice of Hope” is immortalized in the stone that cries out in praise of Jesus Christ at the “Good Fence” Memorial that is erected on Israeli soil.

George Otis named his radio station the “Voice of Hope” because he built the radio station to broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ who IS the Voice of Hope to those in south Lebanon who were being persecuted by both the PLO and Hezbollah simply because they were Christians.  He and Major Haddad, the Christian leader of the SLA, knew that Jesus Christ was the only hope the Maronite Christians, as well as the non-believers living in south Lebanon, really had from the PLO and Hezbollah who were persecuting the Maronite Christians – hence, the Voice of Hope radio station that broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  George Otis played country music as well as Gospel music on his radio station and Major Haddad was known to give words of encouragement to the Maronite Christians living in south Lebanon as well as he himself reading Scriptures over the broadcast from time to time.  However, as the name of the radio station indicates, the main purpose of George Otis’s radio station was to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to take the Gospel throughout the world.  And, today the Voice of Hope radio station that was born on the war-torn battle fields of south Lebanon is heard on every continent of the world.

There is Irony concerning the Stone at the “Good Fence Memorial”:  The “Spiritual Significance” of this particular image on the first of the individual memorials at the “Good Fence” memorial that George Otis hung on the Israeli side of the “Good Fence” and is now part of the “Good Fence Memorial” is that at the time the nation of Israel would not allow George Otis to build his radio station on Israeli soil because it broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  And, for that reason, George Otis built his radio station just inside the “Good Gate” on the war-torn battlefields of Lebanese soil. However, we know that it was according to God’s will as where the “Voice of Hope” radio station was to be built.

The Name of Jesus Christ is honored at the “Good Fence Memorial”:  Again, the irony is that now the Banner of the Voice of Hope that lifts up the name of Jesus and was rejected by the Israeli government is now immortalized in stone on Israeli soil just inside the “Good Fence Memorial” erected by the Israeli government.

Luke 19:40 says it best:

Luke 19:40 ⁴⁰Jesus replied, “I tell you, if these [people] keep silent, the stones will cry out [in praise]!” Amplified Bible

God gave a Voice to the Stones: Again, George Otis built his radio station the “Voice of Hope” on the Lebanese side of the Good Gate because Israel would not allow George Otis to build his radio station on Israeli soil because it raised up the name of Jesus – yet, and it is according to the words of Jesus – the stones at the “Good Fence” Memorial built by the very ones who would not let him build his radio station on Israeli soil now Cry Out in Praise of the Gospel of Jesus Christ who IS the “Voice of Hope”!

And, as Joshua said, these stones at the “Good Fence” Memorial are a witness unto us concerning the words of the Lord and the Gospel of Jesus Christ who Scripture tells us IS the Voice of Hope.

Joshua 24:27 ²⁷ And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.  KJV

There is no doubt that the Lord used the Israeli government, albeit not to their knowledge, to honor George Otis – the man who honored the Lord.  I have no doubt that the Israeli government had any idea that the Lord was using them to honor George Otis. 

Again, the significance of this particular image that George Otis hung on the Israeli side of the “Good Fence” of the “Good Fence” and is now part of the “Good Fence” memorial is that at the time the nation of Israel would not allow Otis to build his radio station on Israeli soil because it broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  And, for that reason George Otis built his radio station just inside the “Good Gate” on Lebanese soil. 

Again, the irony is that now the Banner of the Voice of Hope that lifts up the name of Jesus is immortalized in stone on Israeli soil near the “Good Fence” which is now closed.  As a note, the man who led the campaign to erect the “Good Fence Memorial” was Benny Gantz, who was the last soldier to leave Lebanon, and as he left he bolted the lock at the Good Fence, which remains locked to this day as Israel and Lebanon are still officially at war.

I believe whoever designed the “Good Fence Memorial” to honor the SLA Christian Army who came to Israel’s aid in their battle with the PLO and Hezbollah probably looked at the words, “Voice of Hope,” strictly from a secular standpoint without realizing that according to the Gospels, Jesus Christ IS the Voice of Hope, which is why George Otis named his radio station the “Voice of Hope.”

A Divine Appointment:  Pause and consider that it was here in the Galilee that Christ gave the Great Commission to His Disciples and it was here in the very same Galilee that God called George Otis to come to the Galilee to continue to fulfill the Great Commission via his radio station, the “Voice of Hope.” 

When George Otis crossed through the Fatima Gate, also known as the Good Fence Border Crossing and went into the Borders of south Lebanon, I believe that it was the same geographical area where Christ left the Galilee and went into the Borders of Tyre and Sidon:  Directly behind me you can see Lebanon, and given that Mark 7:24-31 reveals that Jesus left the Galilee and went into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, then this particular gate that separates Israel from Lebanon becomes a very important gate from a spiritual perspective.

The spiritual importance of the location of this gate is that Biblical Tyre is only 12 miles from this gate and Sidon only 20 miles, which means that when Christ left the Galilee and crossed over into the borders of Tyre and Sidon it was probably through Metulla because Capernaum, the residence of our Lord where He performed many of His miracles, is within a 50 mile radius of the “Good Fence” Border Crossing here in Metulla.

And that begs the question, did Jesus cross over into the borders of Tyre and Sidon through the same geographical crossing where George Otis and Major Haddad crossed through when going back and forth from the Galilee to Lebanon through the “Good Fence Border Crossing?”

George Otis would cross through the “Good Fence Border Crossing” over into Lebanon to operate his radio station, “The Voice of Hope,” and like Christ who brought the message of His gospel to the people when He crossed into the borders of Tyre and Sidon, so it was with George Otis.

The “Voice of Hope,” the Radio Station George Otis raised up on the war-torn battlefield of Lebanon, was Prophecy Coming to Pass:  Matthew 24 – verse 14 reveals that the result of wars is the good news of the Kingdom, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will be preached throughout the whole world as a testimony to all the nations.  And, isn’t that what the “Voice of Hope” was all about – the Gospel of Jesus Christ reaching all nations.  The “Voice of Hope” born on the war-torn battlefields of Lebanon was Prophecy coming to pass – it is now heard on every continent in the world!

Never before was the Gospel of Jesus Christ heard on every continent.  What Satan meant for evil God used for His Purposes and His good to spread the Gospel!  Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28.

How amazing that God is able to use the evils of war to spread the Hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ who IS the Voice of Hope.

The Walls of Hostility Brought Down:  The Second structure that is within the “Good Fence Memorial” that is significant from a Christian perspective is that of the Israeli Flag alongside the Lebanese Flag where I am standing.

God used The Voice of Hope to bring down walls of hostility between the Jews and the Gentiles – enemies became friends.  God used the “Voice of Hope” to bring about His purposes concerning the Gospel of His Son Jesus Christ being broadcast not only throughout southern Lebanon, but to every continent – to humanity itself.  And, the Lord also used George Otis and his ministry, “High Adventure,” to provide food and other supplies not only to the widows and orphans, but to many other people in south Lebanon that were in desperate need – to give them Hope that others cared about their plight.  And, everyone in south Lebanon as well as Israel knew that George Otis did this all in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Again, the War at the Border was much more than about protecting Israel’s northern borders and settlements and the Lebanese living in south Lebanon.  The Lord used those 18 years to bring down the dividing walls of hostility between the Jewish people and the SLA, a Christian Militia (Ephesians 2:14-22).  And, to this day, the IDF has publicly acknowledged that there is a brotherhood between the IDF and the SLA who faithfully fought alongside one another in Lebanon’s Security Zone.

The Mutual Respect between the IDF and the Christian SLA:  Spirit-led Christians will always be Israel’s Greatest Spiritual Ally because Christ’s death on the Cross broke down the Dividing Walls of Hostility making us one Body Ephesians  (2:14-18).  Spirit-led Christians like George Otis and SLA Major Haddad and his Christian Militia will always be Israel’s Most Trustworthy, Unshakable and Devoted Spiritual Allies.

Read the following excerpts from the Knesset published on March 18, 2021:

“In March of 2021 the Knesset passed a bill to award campaign medals to SLA soldiers who took part in the Lebanon war.  The bill gives the Defense Minister the authority to award the medal also to South Lebanon Army soldiers who fought alongside IDF soldiers in the security zone in south Lebanon.

The explanatory notes attached to the bill speaks of the mutual love and respect between Israel and the SLA Christian Militia:

‘From the beginning of the civil war in Lebanon in the 1970s until the withdrawal of Israel in May 2000 to the international border with Lebanon, military and civilian reciprocal relations were forged, developed, and established between the State of Israel and the IDF and Lebanese forces originating in the Lebanese army in the southern Lebanon region, first under the command of Major Saad Haddad and then under the command of General Antoine Lahad.’  “These forces, known as the South Lebanon Army - SLA, fought shoulder-to-shoulder with IDF soldiers during the campaign in the security zone in southern Lebanon." 

End of Excerpt

And, it’s not just happenstance that the numerous articles written about the close relationship between the IDF and SLA almost always mention that Major Haddad and the SLA Commanders were Christians and their army was a Christian Militia.  The following is an excerpt from an article published on June 2021 by Maoz Israel Report regarding Major Saad Haddad’s Legacy, the Christian founder of the SLA:

“Haddad was a unique leader during a volatile period of Israel and Lebanon’s history. He had lived most of his life in relentless peril and rumors began to leak that the constant intensity was taking a toll on his body. Sadly, in 1984, Major Saad Haddad died of cancer, but the fruit of his efforts will surely have eternal consequences.”

Israel meant so much to Major Haddad and His Christian Militia: Read the words of Francis Rezik, Major Haddad’s spokesman as he explained why Israel meant so much to Major Haddad and His Christian Militia. Pause and meditate on his words as you read them:

“Israel is our double savior. First, she gave us the Messiah who saved us spiritually. Then she saved us from physical destruction. The roots of our Christianity are with the Jews. Why should we not be Israel’s ally?”

The words of Francis Rezik are a Living Testament to the spiritual truths of Ephesians 2:14-18 that Christ's death on the Cross broke down the dividing walls of hostility between the Jews and the Church making them one body.  That now the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 

SLA Major Haddad, a Born-again Christian, and the Christian SLA Armed Forces had no hostility towards Israel:  And, it was because of soldiers like Major Haddad who understood the spiritual truths of Ephesians 2:14-18 that because of Christ Jesus there is no hostility between the Jews and the Church that Major Haddad and his militia of Christian soldiers became one of Israel’s greatest spiritual allies as well as an ally on the ground in their joint efforts to withstand the PLO and Hezbollah.

Spirit-led Christians are Israel’s Greatest “Spiritual” Allies.  We are Faithful, Unwavering, and Steadfast when it comes to Blessing Israel and Praying for the Safety, Peace and Prosperity of Jerusalem.  For from Israel comes the hope of the ages –Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus the Messiah.

So it was with Major Saad Haddad, a Born-Again Believer and the other members of the South Lebanese Army who were Believers in Christ Jesus who fought alongside the IDF.

It is to the glory of God and a witness unto Christ Jesus that the South Lebanese Army (SLA), whose Founder, Major Haddad, and Military Commanders were Christians chose to fight alongside the IDF in the “Security Zone” established and maintained by the IDF just inside Lebanon’s border that was located next to Israel’s northern border.  The purpose of the “Security Zone” was to protect Israel’s Northern Border and Northern Settlements from the cross-border attacks of the PLO and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Terrorist Group who had established a stronghold inside of Lebanon and attacked Israel’s north border and settlements from within Lebanon from 1982 until 2000 when the IDF Withdrew from Lebanon’s Security Zone.

Like Major Haddad and his Christian Militia, the Spirit-led Christian will always be Israel’s most faithful ally!

Pause and think about the reality of Matthew 15:21-22 and Mark 7:24-30 and how that relates to George Otis and the “Voice of Hope.”  Over two thousand years ago Jesus Christ crossed over the border into south Lebanon with His glorious message of hope – the same south Lebanon where George Otis built his radio station to broadcast the glorious hope of Jesus Christ from.   

It’s amazing how the Lord used the 1982-2000 Conflict between Israel and Lebanon to bring down the Walls of Hostility between the Jews and Gentiles living on either side of the “Good Fence” in the Galilee of the Gentiles – Ephesians 2:14-18

God was able to use all the afflictions, trials, persecutions and threats of death that the Lebanese Christians were faced with to bring down the walls of hostilities between them and the Jewish people because according to Romans 8:28 those who love God and are called according to His eternal purposes He will use those things meant for evil for good.  For those who are willing to suffer and die for Christ – God will use our hardships for His good as well as for the good of the Church.

The relationship between the Jews and the SLA whose Founder and leaders were Christians is an incredible story of divine intervention.  It is a story of a love and unity between the Jew and the Christian SLA that brought down the walls of hostility that took place in the “Borderlands of the Upper Galilee” by the “Way of the Sea,” a place dear to the heart of Jesus Christ who spent His life in the Galilee and who brought down the walls of hostility between the Jew and Gentile living in the “Galilee of the Gentiles” 

It’s worth repeating that Spirit-led Christians will always be Israel’s Greatest Spiritual Ally because Christ’s death on the Cross broke down the Dividing Walls of Hostility making us one Body.  Spirit-led Christians like SLA leader Major Haddad and his Christian Militia will always be Israel’s Most Trustworthy, Unshakable, and Devoted Spiritual Allies.  Ephesians 2:14-18

The Walls of Hostility between the Jews and Gentiles began to come down at the “Good Fence” – the Official Border Crossing between northern Israel and southern Lebanon in the Upper Galilee

The Conflict between Israel and South Lebanon was not good – however, God used it for good to the saving of many, many lives and to bring down the hostilities between the Jew and Gentile making them one.  The South Lebanese Army (SLA) a Christian Militia in South Lebanon, became one of Israel’s greatest allies not just on the ground, but spiritually as well during the conflict with the PLO and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed terrorist group who had strongholds in south Lebanon.

In 2021when Israel formerly and publicly acknowledged the brotherhood formed between the IDF and the SLA, and honored them with a memorial in Metulla where Israel shares a border with Lebanon, it was the honorable thing to do.

It’s worth repeating the words of Major Haddad, the Christian leader of the SLA, about his love for Israel are very touching.  Francis Rezik, Major Haddad’s spokesman, explained why Israel meant so much to Major Haddad:

“Israel is our double savior.  First, she gave us the Messiah who saved us spiritually.  Then she saved us from physical destruction.  The roots of our Christianity are with the Jews.  Why should we not be Israel’s ally?”

It speaks volumes that when Major Haddad went home to be with the Lord, Israel’s Prime Minister Shamir and his cabinet honored Major Haddad’s unconditional love for Israel by crossing Israel’s border over into Lebanon to attend Major Haddad’s funeral that was held in his village. 

The Conflict between Israel and South Lebanon was not good – however, in accordance with Scripture, God used the Lebanon Conflict to Teach the Younger Generation of Israelites how to Fight.  We know from Judges 3:1-3 that the Lord used the enemy, including the modern-day Lebanese (Sidonians, verse 3), that the Israelites were not able to drive out of their allotted lands to test the Israelites whether or not they would follow Him and to teach the younger generations who had no experience in battle – to teach them the art of warfare. 

Judges 3:1-3 ¹ These are the nations that the LORD left in the land to test those Israelites who had not experienced the wars of Canaan. ² He did this to teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle. ³ These are the nations: the Philistines (those living under the five Philistine rulers), all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites living in the mountains of Lebanon from Mount Baal-hermon to Lebo-hamath.  NLT

“And this is why that is important:

 This morning on the news Hamas, who has formed an alliance with Hezbollah just across the border here, they attacked Israel and some of their terrorists are now on Israeli soil.  The last I read before coming out here this morning, they had captured five Israeli IDF soldiers, several people have been killed, and the last I read is that the Prime Minister of Israel Netanyahu has formerly declared that Israel as of today is at war.

So we have to ask, we have to understand that even though the war is not good that God will use that war to teach the younger generations to war.  We may not agree with that and we may not understand that but that is God’s Will and we are not to question – His ways are His Ways.

We can be confident that God used the “Lebanon Conflict” (Sidonian Conflict) and the attacks of both the PLO and Hezbollah from within the borders of Lebanon for His Kingdom purposes – to teach the younger generation of Israelites about war.

The War at the Border was much more than about protecting Israel’s northern borders and settlements and the Lebanese living in south Lebanon.  The Lord used those 18 years to bring down the dividing walls of hostility between the Jewish people and the SLA, a Christian Militia (Ephesians 2:14-22).  And, to this day, the IDF has publicly acknowledged that there is a brotherhood between the IDF and the SLA who faithfully fought alongside one another in Lebanon’s Security Zone.

The Mutual Respect between the IDF and the Christian SLA

Again, Spirit-led Christians will always be Israel’s Greatest Spiritual Ally because Christ’s death on the Cross broke down the Dividing Walls of Hostility making us one Body Ephesians  (2:14-18).  Spirit-led Christians like George Otis and SLA Major Haddad and his Christian Militia will always be Israel’s Most Trustworthy, Unshakable and Devoted Spiritual Allies.

The God of the Armies of Israel is His Name 1 Samuel 17:45:  At the same time, the IDF’s presence in the Security Zone provided the SLA and southern Lebanon with a much needed ally and a formidable military that was much more equipped and able than their militia.  And, God didn’t just provide the SLA with just any military – the Lord provided the SLA with the Greatest Military in all the earth – the very military that He is the Commander of.   After all, the Israeli Defense Forces are the greatest military in the world because the Lord will stand beside those who are His like a Great and Formidable Warrior. 

By Way of History:  The Syrian-backed Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and later the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, both enemies of Israel, set up strongholds in southern Lebanon because of its proximity to Israel’s northern border.  Once they set up a stronghold the PLO and Hezbollah used southern Lebanon as a base of operations to launch attacks on northern Israel – specifically the town of Metulla, Israel’s northernmost town.

The PLO and Hezbollah attacked the Lebanese Christians living in south Lebanon as well as the Israelis living in northern Israel.  And, it was these attacks that brought the South Lebanese Army (SLA), a Christian Militia, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), into an unlikely partnership that would bring down the dividing walls of hostility between the Jews and Gentiles – Ephesians 2:14-18.  

On June 6, 1982, the IDF launched “Operation Peace for the Galilee,” also known as the “First Lebanon War.”  The objective of Operation Peace for the Galilee was to ensure the safety of northern Israel – specifically the town of Metulla.  Operation Peace for the Galilee was a conflict between Israel and the Palestinian terrorists (PLO) based in southern Lebanon – Israel’s conflict was not with the people of Lebanon.

Operation Peace for the Galilee produced an unlikely partnership between the South Lebanese Army (SLA), a Christian Militia, and the nation of Israel that was the result of the conflicts that both Israel and the SLA had with the PLO and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist organization that were operating from within Lebanon’s southern border.

The Syrian-backed PLO were killing the Christians who were living in southern Lebanon who the Syrians considered to be expendable because of their Christian faith.  At the same time the border between Lebanon and Israel became the PLO’s, and later Hezbollah’s launching pad for attacks on Israel’s northern border and northern settlements from within Lebanon. 

Again, it was the attacks by the PLO and later Hezbollah on Lebanese Christians, as well as their attacks on the

Israelis living in northern Israel that brought the South Lebanese Army (SLA) and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) into an unlikely partnership that would bring down the dividing walls of hostility – Ephesians 2:14-18.  What the enemy meant for evil God used for the good of many Genesis 50:20.

The “Fatima Gate,” also known as the “Good Fence” Border Crossing, was a Prophetic Gate:  One can’t help but reflect on Psalm 24:6-10 – that the “Good Gate” at the border that Israel shares with Lebanon was a “Righteous Gate,” a Spiritual Gate that God had lifted up that His Glory should go through.  In His providence God knew what no man at that time could have known – that When God’s servants possessed the “Fatima Gate” – the gateway of their enemies – that the Lord would use the “Fatima Gate,” a gateway of the enemy, to bring down the walls of hostility between the Jew and the Gentile Believer living in south Lebanon. 

Psalm 24:6-10 ⁶ This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him, Who seek Your face. Selah
⁷ Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.  ⁸ Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle.
⁹ Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.
¹⁰ Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah  NKJV

Hence, the Banner that reads “The Voice of Hope” which broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the banner that George Otis raised at the “Fatima Gate” the official border crossing at the “Good Fence” between Israel into Lebanon.

The Memorial was named “The Good Fence Memorial” because the official border crossing between Israel and Lebanon was known as the “Good Fence” and the gate they actually crossed through was known as the “Good Gate” by the Israelis and the “Fatima Gate” by the Lebanese in honor of Mohammad’s daughter Fatima which identifies that this particular gate is also a gate of the enemy that the Lord told Abraham that his offspring would stand in and possess. 

The memorial is to honor the Maronite Christian soldiers who made up the South Lebanese Army who died in southern Lebanon during the South Lebanon Conflict (1982-2000) who came to the aid of Israel and fought alongside the Israeli Defense Army in their battle against both the PLO and Hezbollah.

The Good Fence Memorial commemorates the martyrs of the South Lebanon Army who fell in the Lebanon War while coming to the aid of the IDF to thwart Hezbollah’s attempts to cross the border and attack the village of Metulla.  Interestingly, martyr is not just referring to those who died in battle, but the word martyr also speaks of a “Living Martyr.”  And, in the context of this chapter, both Major Haddad, who died from cancer, and George Otis, who died from old age, were both “Living Martyrs” who risked their lives from the death threats of both the PLO and Hezbollah.

Acts 1:8 ⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.  KJV

The account leading up to Israel’s erecting the Good Fence Memorial is an amazing story that brings glory to Jesus Christ who spent His life in the Galilee.

The “Good Fence” and the Great Commission:  The “Good Fence” was not just the official border crossing between northern Israel and southern Lebanon – it was the official border crossing between the only Jewish nation in the world and a Gentile nation.  Moreover, God’s greater purpose for the Good Fence was to fulfill the Great Commission, which is as relevant today as it was when Christ commissioned His disciples in the Galilee to take His teachings throughout the world. Matthew 28:16-20 

All Nations:  Scripture reveals that the Jewish people believed the message of salvation would be confined to their own nation.  However, Christ broke down those walls of hostility between the Jew and Gentile when He commissioned His disciples to go throughout the Gentile world and bring the Gentile nations to the knowledge of Himself.  And, so it was with the “Voice of Hope,” and later, the “Star of Hope,” a mobile TV station situated at the “Good Fence” that broadcast the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ.  George Otis lived his life in a way that made it possible for him to fulfill the Great Commission and it was via his radio broadcast station, the “Voice of Hope,” that he took the teachings of Christ to all nations thus fulfilling the Great Commission in his own lifetime.

Stop and give it thought that it was the nation of Israel who commissioned the “Good Fence Memorial” to be erected.  Again, that doesn’t mean they knew that Jesus Christ was and IS the Voice of hope.

The Great Commission was given to the Disciples on a Mountain in the Galilee:  We already know that seven hundred years before Christ was born the Prophet Isaiah Prophesied that the identity and mission of the Messiah was linked with the geographical area of Galilee – specifically the “Borderlands” of the Galilee of the Gentiles in Upper Galilee where the “Good Gate” is located – which brings me to the “Great Commission” and the mountain in the Galilee where Christ met with His disciples – Matthew 28:16-20. 

We know that it was on a mountain in the Galilee where Christ met with His disciples when He commanded them to take the message of His teachings to all the Gentile nations throughout the world.  However, because Scripture does not identify the mountain where Christ met with His disciples, no one can say for certain on what mountain Christ met with His disciples.

Given that the mountainous area of the Upper Galilee extends from northern Israel into southern Lebanon, a Gentile nation, it begs the question: could the mountain where Christ met with His disciples have been in the Upper Galilee where the “Good Gate” is located?   I ask that question because the Great Commission was to be taken outside of Israel to all the Gentile nations.  I don’t believe it was just happenstance that the “Voice of Hope,” whose teachings of Christ were a continuation of the Great Commission that is now heard in every continent throughout the world was birthed in the Galilee where the Great Commission was birthed over two thousand years ago.

Given Isaiah’s prophecy that Christ’s time here on earth would be tied to the regions of the Galilee and the Galilee of the Gentiles it’s not surprising that Christ specifically makes mention of Samaria in Acts 1:8 as Samaria was the Capitol of northern Israel – the land of the Galilee where George Otis’s radio station the “Voice of Hope” was born. 

Pause and consider the parallels of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:20 and Christ’s command to His disciples in Acts 1:8 to George Otis’s ministry in the Galilee.  Surely his ministry in the Galilee of the Gentiles was a Divine Appointment!  No doubt, that when George Otis went home to be with the Lord at the age of 90 – the Lord met him with the words “Job well done”- Matthew 25:21.  And, surely George Otis who ran the race God set before him has now joined that great cloud of witnesses that is cheering us on.

Hebrews 12:1¹Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Amplified Bible

The Radio Broadcast “Voice of Hope” was and is Prophecy continuing coming to pass as prophesied by Jesus Christ in Acts 1:8.

Acts 1:8 ⁸ But you will receive power and ability when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses [to tell people about Me] both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”  Amplified Bible

“Living Martyrs” for Jesus Christ:  According to Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word for “Witness” in Acts 1:8 is referring to a “Martyr.”  And, given that the witnesses for Christ in Acts 1:8 were speaking of living witnesses, then we know that Christ is speaking about those Christians like George Otis who would be willing to risk their own lives to take His Gospel – the Gospel of Jesus Christ – to the ends of the world.

And, isn’t that what George Otis and those who labored alongside him did?

There is no doubt that George Otis and those who labored alongside him manning the “Voice of Hope” radio station in south Lebanon were “Living Martyrs” for Jesus Christ who were willing to risk their very lives for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  George Otis and everyone knew that the terrorists inside south Lebanon had threatened to blow up the radio station the day it signed on the air.  And, the terrorist carried through on their threats.  Over the years several staff members had been killed and it was a common occurrence for the radio station to be shelled by rockets.   

The Lord Turned the Battle to the Gate:  Through the Compassion of a young Israeli Soldier for a Lebanese mother and her sick child, Major Haddad’s love for the Jewish people, and George Otis’ love for both the Jewish people and the Lebanese – the Lord gave each of them the Courage and the Strength to Turn the Battle to the Gate where the Dividing Walls of Hostility started to come down!  Isaiah 28:5-6; Ephesians 2:14-18

Isaiah 28:5-6 ⁵ In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people, ⁶ And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate. KJV

The “Good Fence” marked the start of a relationship between two countries, “Israel” and the Gentile nation of “Lebanon,” during the time the IDF occupied the “Security Zone” inside south Lebanon in the Upper Galilee.

And, the “Good Fence” also marked the start of the relationship between two Christian men from two nations, Major Haddad, the Christian Founder of the South Lebanese Army, and George Otis, who was willing to lay down his life for Major Haddad and those living in south Lebanon, that forever changed their lives to the Glory of God. 

The “Voice of Hope” Banner Displayed at the “Fatima Gate” and “Good Fence,” is reflected in many pictures taken during the Lebanon Conflict that displays the flags of both Israel and Lebanon to show the unity between Israel and the Lebanese Christians of south Lebanon that existed while the IDF occupied the “Security Zone” just inside Lebanon’s south Border.

Not only did George Otis fulfill the Great Commission, but as a spiritual descendant of Abraham, God used George Otis to “possess the gate of his enemies”– hence, the “Voice of Hope” Banner that George Otis hung in the “Fatima Gate,” also known as the “Good Fence,” as shown in the above picture.

The Banner of Truth:  The Banner Displayed on the Good Fence by the Radio Station “Voice of Hope” can be likened to the Banner of Truth that the Psalmist speaks of in Psalm 60:4

The Banner displayed at the Good Fence during the Lebanon Conflict displaying the Banner of the Radio Station, the “Voice of Hope” is the Banner of Truth that the Psalmist speaks of in Psalm 60:4.  And, Psalm 60:4 says it all!

Psalm 60:4 ⁴ You have set up a banner for those who fear You [with awe-inspired reverence and submissive wonder— a banner to shield them from attack], A banner that may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. Amplified Bible

Psalm 60:4 ⁴ [But now] You have set up a banner for those who fear and worshipfully revere You [to which they may flee from the bow], a standard displayed because of the truth. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

And, so it was with the “Voice of Hope” Radio Station that spread the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout Lebanon and Israel as the war raged around them.  

First and Foremost, Christ IS the “Voice of Hope”:  How fitting it was that George Otis named his radio broadcast the “Voice of Hope” because Christ Jesus IS the “Voice of Hope”!

Hope in Christ Jesus is the Anchor of the Christian’s Soul:  "Hope” is a fundamental aspect of how we as Christians live our lives.  Our “Hope” that is in Christ Jesus is the anchor of the soul.

Hebrews 6:19 ¹⁹ This hope [this confident assurance] we have as an anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whatever pressure bears upon it]—a safe and steadfast hope that enters within the veil [of the heavenly temple, that most Holy Place in which the very presence of God dwells], Amplified Bible

Hebrews 6:19 ¹⁹ This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, NKJV

Note the analogy between the Believer and a ship:  We are in this world as a ship at sea, liable to be tossed to and fro and in danger of being utterly swept away.  However, Praise the Lord, just as an anchor keeps the ship from being tossed about – our “Hope” in Christ Jesus is the anchor that keeps our soul from being tossed about by all the trials and tribulations that we are faced with that threaten to shipwreck our faith in Christ Jesus. 

According to the Prophet Isaiah those living on either side of the “Good Fence” in Metulla were living by the “Way of the Sea”:  The analogy between the Believer and a ship brings Isaiah’s prophecy to mind.  According to Isaiah’s Prophecy (Isaiah 9:1-2) those living on both sides of the “Good Fence” in the Upper Galilee live by the “Way of the Sea.”  Again, how fitting it was that George Otis named his radio broadcast the “Voice of Hope.”

Christ; He is the object of our Hope, and Christ is the anchor of the believer's Hope.

When it pleases the Lord to take me home my Obituary should read: 

Heaven is the Harbor to which we sail – and on the day of my death when it pleases the Lord our God to bring me to the sweet harbor of His everlasting rest, a long tossed vessel upon the waves of many afflictions, I will exchange the sorrows of time for the joys of eternity!

However, until the Lord takes me home I have the assurance of Hope and I can live in the present with confidence and face both today and tomorrow with courage regardless of what today and tomorrow may bring.  I can meet the trials of this world victoriously because I know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character, and character, hope” Romans 5:3-4. 

Romans 12:12 ¹² Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. NLT

1 Timothy 1:1 ¹ This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope. NLT

The Believer’s perseverance is not submissive resignation.  Quite the contrary – for we will put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil – Ephesians 6:10-18!  We will face our trials and tribulations with confidence and endurance because our Hope is in Christ and Hope in Christ does not disappoint.  Hope is our anchor that allows us to face our opposition.  Romans 5:5 

Romans 5:5 ⁵ Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. NKJV

Romans 15:13 ¹³ Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. NKJV

Christ is the object of the Believer’s Hope and it is in His second coming that the “Hope of Glory” will be fulfilled.

Titus 2:13 ¹³ looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, NKJV

Romans 8:24-25 ²⁴ For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? ²⁵ But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. KJV

Scripture Reveals that the Past is Prologue to the Future and that history merely repeats itself – Ecclesiastes 1:9-10. 

And, as we can see – so it was with George Otis.

This concludes text of Chapter 31 that I read at the Front Line of the Good Fence Memorial on October 7, 2023.

The Video at the “Good Fence Memorial”:  Chapter 31 is the only chapter that was recorded on the hour-long video I made at the “Good Fence Memorial.” 

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