Roots of Faith

Succoth 08 with Roots of Faith and Arba4 – An Update

You shall live in booths for seven days….so that your generations may know that I made the people of Israel live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am YHWH – Leviticus 23

Then all who survive of the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, YHWH of Hosts, and to keep the Festival of Booths – Zechariah 14

This wonderful Festival is a time of rejoicing; a time to reflect on God’s deliverances – past, present and future. Despite a hectic work schedule, surviving two hurricanes and the birth of my second grandson, I am pleased to finally send this update on our upcoming conference to be held in Saint Francisville, Louisiana. Last year we were much more organized, and I must take full responsibility for the lack of organization this year, but if you can get past that, I want to encourage you to come to Saint Francisville to spend this time with us. I am hopeful that some of you can make it for the entire Festival (October 14-22), or at the very least for the weekend conference (October 17-19).

This year we will have some incredible “formal lessons”, but my favorite part is always the time that we ALL spend together around the fire in the cool air talking about the Bible with like-minded people from all around the country. I look forward to meeting many new people as well as seeing some of my best friends.

I will publish a program of speakers as soon as I get topics from the speakers. Thus far, we have confirmation from the entire Arba4 team (http://www.arba4.com). ARBA4 is a web site that was organized to present multi-media teachings about the Bible, Judaism, Gentiles, Christianity, Non-Jews, Torah, Tanak, New Testament, Prophecy and Current Events. ARBA4.com currently features, Joseph & Debbie Good, Ross K Nichols and Dr. Walter Oakley. Their bios will be forthcoming in my next update.

Where to stay

Due partly to the storms and partly to other events in our small town, we were not able to secure a block of rooms at the one hotel in Saint Francisville at a special rate as we were able to do last year. I have heard from some that there are a few rooms available nonetheless. The hotel is a Quality Inn and the web site for the hotel is: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g40411-d77835-Reviews-Quality_Inn_St_Francis_on_the_Lake-Saint_Francisville_Louisiana.html

John Carlson also spoke with the folks at the Plantation Inn recently and confirmed reservations for the whole place for the week of Oct 14 thru Oct 21 (13 cottages, 14 rooms). Here is the website to check the facilities and to get rate info; http://www.historicplantationvillage.com/flash/index.html

And the phone number to call for reservations is; 225-658-8808

The name of the place is the (Asphodel) Historic Plantation Inn and the owner’s name is Dwain.

If you intend on coming and wish to stay at the Asphodel Plantation Inn, you need to make your reservations as soon as possible as availability will be limited. I would also encourage you to check hotels in the surrounding areas: Zachary – about 20 miles from the campsite and the synagogue and even Baton Rouge – 35 miles from the campsite and the synagogue.

Plan on Camping?

For those that plan to camp out, we have confirmed our reservation with The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana, Mary Ann Brown Preserve. This wonderful location is ideal for sleeping under the stars. Aside from the beautiful location, it is less than 7 miles from the Hotel and the synagogue. Perfect for those who wish to stay up late and study the Bible under the stars. There is no cost for camping. You will need to bring any camping supplies as this is a primitive site. If you do not own camping gear or are unable to pack it all on the trip, but want to camp out with us, let me know and we will work something out. Here is the link to the camp site:

http://www.where2guide.com/TouristTrail/outdoors/MBrownPreserve.html

You can check out last years Conference or sign up for Succoth 08 from my web site.

Another Option

This year we have one other option. Several people have written me and told me that for one reason or another they would not be able to attend. So I began to think about this. Here we are in 2008, living in a world of advanced technology. There is absolutely no reason that people have to be “here” to be a part of the festivities. Some cannot attend due to health reasons, and some simply do not have the funds to make the trip. I have made a point in calling Roots of Faith a synagogue without walls. We webcast our services and teachings live over the web every week (as do the other Arba4 teachers). Why wouldn’t we do the same with the Conference? Well, that is exactly what we intend to do!

I will be publishing a schedule of speakers and topics in plenty of time for you to set the time aside to listen to some great Bible Teaching and music. Don’t forget to register if you plan to attend and please send me a personal note if you plan to listen in and participate from your home. If you have not already done so, fill out the on-line registration to let us know that you will be with us so that we can work with you to make this a time of refreshing. http://rootsoffaith.org/succoth_registration_08.htm

Thanks for your patience and for your continued prayers and support as we strive to inspire people to live a more Biblically authentic lifestyle. Shalom from Saint Francisville, Ross Nichols