WHERE HAS JESUS WALKED?

3/17/11

Yes it is St. Patrick's Day. At breakfast this morning, after I went up to the buffet for a generous helping of fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, scrambled eggs with green peppers and an additional supple of fruit; I returned to the table to find green farmers handkerchief wrapped in with a green ribbon. Inside was a green plastic carnation, a bag of gold covered chocolate candy, a small candle light (plastic) and a green balloon. It was such a great surprise

Our journey today was full of history and tradition. We started out from Tel Aviv (tel means mount) and drove north on the Coastal Highway along the Mediterranean Sea toward Caesarea. Caesarea was a man made harbor constructed by Herod the Great. It was a seaport for trading with other sea going countries. Herod built himself an elaborate palace, amphitheater, public bath house, and hippodrome. Our guide told us today the Pontius Pilate had a home in Caesarea Meritima as well as being in Jerusalem to govern. The Mediterranean Sea is a deep blue, and around Caesarea it is clear as glass. When the sun is in the right position, the foundation of the seaport and palace can be seen under the waves.

Next we went to Mt. Carmel.

ANN OIEN just has to say hi to her grandkids Elijah, Gracia and Samuel. “And here is a big hug to you three. Love you three, Mor Mor.

3/18/11



Walking with Jesus at Mount of Beatitudes



We have been really busy the past two days. There really is no way to describe the feeling here. Even though I have read and studied the Bible, I was not prepared for the impact of being here, in the places where it all happened, the places where our Lord and Savior walked. The beauty of this land goes beyond the descriptions we read, or the photos we see. The area of the Galilee is green, lush, and full of fruit trees, banana trees, apple trees, bamboo and Eucalyptus. The flowers are fragrant and plentiful. Green grasses are growing on all the hills in a multitude of shades. The land is rocks, all rocks with the hardy grasses growing among them. Most of the rock we see is basalt. As our guide Giuliani has told us, it will all change in a couple months. The rainy season is here, but with the arrival of June, the rain will cease, the streams will dry up and the grasses will all turn brown and dry until next winter again. Our travels today included Banias, Caesarea Philippi, Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes, Taiga and a secluded place on the Jordan River. Tabgha is the location of the commemorated site of the first loaves and fished miracle. This was when Jesus fed 5000 Jewish people on 7 loaves and a few small fish. Capernaum was Jesus’ prime location during the twenty months of his ministry in the Galilee and Peter’s hometown. It was the most important city in Jesus’ ministry where he performed many miracles. When we stopped at the Jordan River, Pastor Duane led us all in a affirmation of our Baptism. I was so moved I cried. Caesarea Philippi is where Jesus asked his disciples “Who do people say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The Mt of Beatitudes was where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Banias is the northern most part of Israel and boarders on Syria and Lebanon. It is a beautiful place among the Golan Heights. Its high peaks especially Mt Hermon which was covered with snow. The peaceful feeling is masking the incredible military presence of Israel. Mt Hermon is shared by Israel, Lebanon and Syria. Mark

 

From Judy Anderson:

 

Affirmation of our Baptism at the Jordan River



Today we experienced the blessings of water. Our tour started with a drive to Mt. Hermon (highest point in Israel) which was covered in snow. As the snow melts on the mountain side it sinks down into the soil to emerge from springs at the bottom. These springs flow into 3 streams which then flow into the Jordan River. The Jordan makes its way south to the Sea of Galilee. The Galilee is the source for almost all of Israel’s water. If feeds their crops and their homes. They are blessed to have this gift of water in the middle of a desert land. We ended our tour of the day on the banks of the Jordan. Our driver found for us a secluded and private site to celebrate the Affirmation of Baptism. Pastor Duane led us in the service and then sprinkled us with the waters of the Jordan. The blessing of the water a sign of grace as Jesus directed us to do; “Go therefore and baptize…” The moon was rising above us as we sang the song “Borning Cry”. God was truly in our midst and walked among us. We end the day at the beginning of the Sabbath for our Jewish, may God bless us all as we go forward on our journey. Judy Anderson