Inspirational Truths

May 2011 Trip Canceled

2011-10-31T21:37:00.000-04:00

Shalom everyone! I have delayed making this new posting hoping that I would not have to, but I must.

Our May 2011 trip to the Holy Land has been canceled. If you are wondering why?, the bottom line reason is, this it the Lord's will. David, Debbie, and I are sure that we have the mind of the Lord as best as we can discern it at this time.

As you may imagine, we are very sad on one hand, but on the other hand, we are content in our hearts and spirits that we have heard clearly from the Lord.

What does that mean for the f uture? Well, we have been praying and will continue to pray about a future date and time to turn our hearts and plans once again to walk in the land of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

As new plans develop, we promise that we will let you know what they are. Our hearts long to be in the land once again.

Please continue to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem" as the Psalmist taught us to. Pray "thy kingdom come" as Jesus taught us to. Pray "even so, come" as John prayed in the last prayer of the Bible.

Take time to drop us an e-mail and let us know of your interest in joining us on our next pilgrimage to Israel. Believe me when I say that hearing from you will help us greatly in making future plans.

Also, if you have a question we may be able to answer about Israel and planning for a future pilrgimage there, feel free to e-mail us and we will get an answer back to you ASAP.

God bless you for praying about taking a journey that is sure to change your life. Continue to pray and prepare for the next opportunity that the Lord makes available to us.

Shalom! and God bless you.
:O)
Tom/Deb/Dave
Luke 19:10

May 2012 Itinerary Available

2011-07-07T13:28:00.001-04:00

Shalom, Shalom everyone. We have finally completed our itinerary and we are excited about both the pricing and the places listed therein.

The link in this brief blog will open a Google Docs program that will allow you to view the itinerary or print a hard copy if you chose to do so.

We will also make it available on http://www.inspirationaltruths.com/ just as soon as we can. This is the site for our little radio ministry.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact us as soon as possible. The next ten (10) months will pass quickly, but you do have plenty of time to make your plans to join us on the journey of a lifetime.

We hope you will.

Here is the link to the itinerary to be viewed via Google docs: http://tinyurl.com/3fa3edn

We look forward to hearing from you soon!
:O)
Tom/Deb
Luke 9:51

Pricing for our journey

2011-06-30T10:07:00.000-04:00

Shalom, Shalom! I hope this finds all of you well, I know it finds you blessed.

Although we are still waiting on finalizing our itinerary for printing pricing, we do have pricing for our
April 30-May 10, 2012 pilgrimage, "Headin' To Calvary."

The tour price is $3,351.82 plus a $221 airport tax. Wow! I realize that it is an investment, but please believe me when I say this is truly a great price.

It includes round trip flights from Charleston, WV and Charlotte, NC (arrangements from other cities can be made also), two meals a day, all tips and entrance fees, porter service, two meals a day, nine nights stay in Tiberias and Jerusalem, and days that will be filled with life changing experiences that are sure to change you for a life time.

I promise to get an itinerary in your hands as soon as possible. But, I would encourage you to make a deposit today in order to secure your place on our tour. As you are well aware, seating is limited and I strongly suggest you make sure of your place today.

You can mail your $250 deposit to Monarch Tours/Towson Travel 1818 Pot Spring Road, Timonium, MD 21093 or call 1-866-338-1531 for a credit card transaction.

We have plenty of time to do everything we need to do to be fully ready for our pilgrimage, but we need to start today. Time will pass quickly between now and April 30, 2012...believe me.

Please feel free to contact Tom, Debbie, or David at any of the following:
Tom/Debbie:
               (h) 304-744-8230   (c) 304-5543-4901   e-mail: tomanddeb@suddenlink.net
Dr. David:
              (h) 704-732-6779    (c) 704-530-0357   e-mail: dpjarrell@bellsouth.net

I encourage you to begin today. Make your plans to join us for the trip of a lifetime.

Again, feel free to contact us with any question or concern.
Shalom!
:O)
Tom, Debbie, David
Luke 9:53

Waiting for final details!

2011-06-06T22:00:00.000-04:00

Shalom everyone! Last week at the Church I pastor, RGT, was vacation Bible school week and what an exciting week it has been!

It was exciting because we had a number of children trust Christ as their Savior, our numbers increased every night, the teaching was good, the fellowships was good, it was just a good week.

How does this apply to our May 2012 journey to Israel? Well, our VBS theme was "Jesus of Nazareth." Need I say much more?

Our VBS director Judy Keller has been to Israel with us on two previous journeys. With the aid of several other former Holy Land pilgrims, like Trena Stover, Kathy Evans, Tanya Spade, and Cindy Strom and other willing helpers in our Church, they set up an outside market place that would rival some of the best market places I have seen in Israel!

Wow! It was absolutey just great!

The children got a 'taste of Israel,' made crafts of items from a long ago era, and played games Jesus may have played on the streets of His hometown Nazareth. But the best part was, they learned from the Bible about Nazareth and the "good thing" that did come from Nazareth, Jesus Himself.

Nazareth was small hamlet located near the Valley of Jezreel in the area of the lower Galilee. It is much larger today than it was in the days of Jesus' childhood. But, if you chose to join us in May 2012, we are planning to visit this Biblical city and visit a place that will take us back to a time at least 2,000 years ago.

See why I am excited and have mentioned VBS at RGT? I wish you could have visited with us to see and sense what we have this week. BUT, I wish more that you will make plans TODAY to join us in May 2012 and see for yourself how the hometown of Jesus may have looked when our blessed Lord lived there as a child.

Our plans are still in the formation stage, but progress is being made. We are currently waiting for information from a major provider for us. As soon as we get news from them, I will pass it along to you.

I hope to have itineraries in your hands or sent to you electronically by the end of June or early July. Whatever the case may be, I will provide them to you as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, be sure to contact me, Debbie, or David and we will be happy to get you an answer. You have a our e-mail address but if you don't, visit my web site www.inspirationaltruths.com and you find them after you click the Israel May 2012 button.

If you have decided to join us for our next pilgrimage, why not pray with us for the others that are still deciding.

Once you go, you will understand in a new way many wonderful things about Nazareth, Israel, the Bible, and Jesus.

May God richly bless you as you pray, plan, and prepare to join us in our May 2012 "Headin' To Calvary" pilgrimage to the Holy Land, the land of Israel.

Shalom!
:O)
Tom, Debbie, David
Luke 9:52

2012 Pilgrimage Plans

2011-05-17T21:46:00.001-04:00

Shalom everyone! Just thought I would take a few minutes to let you know that plans for our 2012 pilgrimage are coming along fine. We are hoping to have pricing information for you very soon.

David, Debbie, and I are excited about the itinerary plans that are being made. It looks like this could be the best itinerary we have had so far. We have some interesting things to do and see come May 2012. We sure hope and pray that you will be a part of the Israel experience.

As I have already stated in my last blog, this pilgrimage is in honor of Dr. Charles Hendricks and his lovely wife Midge. Debbie and I are in South Carolina this week for, what we feel to be, a much needed vacation. Before we left, I had the opportunity to visit with Charles and Midge in the Teays Valley area. They were as positive as ever. They are very special people and all of those who know them will testify to the same.

I hope this finds all of you well, I know that if finds all of you blessed. And I hope this finds all of you making your plans to join us in May 2012 for an amazing experience that is sure to change your life forever.

If you have questions or would like to contact any of us for any reason, please feel free to do so at your convenience. Also, please let me know if you would like to receive a brochure as an e-mail attachment. I will be sending them as soon as they are finalized.

God bless all of you for even considering making this trip. Whether or not you understand this statement, that speaks a great deal to me about you. I totally believe that anytime we minister to Israel and her people, God takes note and finds a multitude of ways to bless those who do.

Well, until the next time when I have more information to offer, keep praying for the peace of Israel.

Again, God bless!
:O)
David, Debbie, and Tom

May 2012 Headin' To Calvary

2011-05-07T11:19:00.000-04:00

Greetings everyone! David, Debbie, and I are glad to inform you that we have begun our initial work toward our May 2012 pilgrimage to Israel.

In honor of Dr. Charles Hendricks and wife Midge, we have decided to call this trip "In honor of Dr. Charles Hendricks, "Headin' To Calvary."

Dr. Hendricks has made 40 plus pilgrimages to Israel over the last 40 or so years. He and Midge are such wonderfully gracious people. Charles has contracted an illness that will not allow him to travel, but when Debbie and I asked permission to plan our 2012 journey in honor of it seemed to please them very much.

Charles gave me my first opportunity to become a co-host on a 2001 tour. What a wonderfully special journey that was. We received first class attention during that journey. The memory of that trip will forever be special for me personally.

We are submitting our itinerary requests to Towson Travels this week and expect to have completed copies ready for distribution by June 2011. That will provide us plenty of time to prepare and to have our group meetings.

If you are interested in joining us, begin making your plans TODAY! I do not know what the cost will be, but I can tell you that we will do our best to make it as affordable as possible. It will be a great investment, I can guarantee that.

David, Debbie, and I are excited about our next pilgrimage, especially with thoughts of having you as a part of our group.

Feel free to e-mail me if you think I can be of any assistance to you or give me a call. Our home number is: 304-744-8230.

Watch for additional blogs soon to follow, I will be posting new ones from time to time as information becomes available about our pilgrimage.

God bless you! Be sure to pray and plan for a trip that will change you forever. In fact, just the other night after a Communion service at the Church where I Pastor, a former pilgrim came by with tears in her eyes and said "It truly is a gift that keeps on giving." She was referring to our recent trip to the Holy Land in 2010.

Until the next time, Shalom.
:O)
Tom
Luke 9:51

New News for May 2012

2011-03-06T12:00:00.002-05:00

Greetings everyone! (Sorry for having 2011 in the header instead of 2012.) I suppose that you, as have I, have been in prayer over the current, ongoing situation in the Middle East. I wish I understood prophetically more about this than I do. But although I don't know what I would like to know about it, I do know someOne who does. I am trusting in Him and the fact that He is Sovereign and ruling over men as well as overruling the decisions of men.

I have given our next pilgrimage a great deal of prayer. I want to know, as best I can, what the will of the Lord is concerning leading another group of believers to the Holy Land.

I believe I have the Lord's will.

David, Debbie, and I will begin itinerary preparation soon. We already know the places we want to visit, therefore it will just be a matter of time before our ideas get from our heart and head onto paper.

The Lord has laid on my heart the idea to bring honor to my host mentor on this next pilgrimage, Dr. Charles Hendricks and his wife Midge. With their permission, David, Debbie, and I have decided to refer to our next journey to the Holy as:

"In Honor of Dr. Charles Hendricks, 2011 Holy Pilgrimage, 'Headin' To Calvary"

Dr. Hendricks has made 40 plus trips to Israel over the last four decades. In fact, he was invited by the government of Israel to attend a summit that focused on tourism in Israel a little after the turn of this new century.

We are excited about the prospect of traveling to Israel with YOU! Please begin making plans today to join us. We have plenty of time to make all the necessary arrangements, but early planning is an important factor on our success: both mine and yours.

If you have ANY question about preparations, drop me an e-mail or give me a call at your earliest convenience.

There is nothing like walking the in the land of promise. As I have said before, I will say again, we know the Bible is alive, but walking in the land of Israel will allow us to be in the land where the Bible lives.

God bless you as you make your preparations to make a journey that will change you for a lifetime.

Shalom!
:O)
Tom/Deb
Numbers 10:29

Blog 9 Wailing Wall, Two Tunnels, Temple Institute, City of David, Pool of Siloam

2010-10-25T09:18:00.002-04:00

Blog 9 Wailing Wall, Temple Tunnel Tour, Institute of Temple Mt. Studies, the City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Pool of Siloam

Host & Hostess at work :O)

What an exciting day this proved to be (like the others have not been :O)). Today we had the privilege of walking through two tunnels. I sure wish that you had been here to walk with us. Maybe next time you will be here.

The day began early and breakfast was good. I love watching how all the people from so many different places make their way around the buffet offerings and finally to their tables to eat. The food has been absolutely great. No chance to lose any weight here.

Explaining the Temple Mt.

Our first visit was to the Wailing Wall area. It was there that our subterranean excursion began. What an awesome thing it was to descend about 20-25 feet below the Wailing Wall Plaza and walk about 400 yards North along the Western wall of the Temple Mount. It was along this intriguing path that we stopped at a place where we saw several Jewish women either reading the Torah or praying. We were told by Mauri that at that spot along our path that the Holy of Holiest would have been about 130 meters or roughly 100 yards away.

Jewish women pryaing 24/7

What is significant about that? Many things, but just to name one I enjoy telling, the Jews believe there are three holy places in the world. The first is the nation of Israel itself. The second is the Temple Mount area. (It is there, as you already know, that Abraham offered Isaac, David offered a sacrifice to the Lord after purchasing the property from a man named Ornan. It was there that Solomon built the first of three Temples. Enough?) The third holy place is the place where the Ark of the Covenant sat in the Temple. It is believed by the Jews that stone upon which the Ark rested is the geographical center of the world and even the universe. I must tell you, I believe that too.

Model of Temple Mt. and Tunnel in
background

When the Bible makes reference to some direction, the reference is in relationship to Jerusalem. Marvelous isn’t it?

Our subterranean walk took us to a place in the Old City where we had time to eat lunch and also do some shopping. Speaking of shopping, this group could shop till they drop I believe. I’m telling you, we helped the Israeli economy grow in a number of ways on this pilgrimage. :O) In fact, shopping went so good for some, I think I will put together a “Shopping Pilgrimage to Israel with a few stops as some significant Biblical sites.” What do you think? Could I get enough to make up a group? (just kidding…..:O))

Along the Tunnel

Lunch in the Old City is a special thing. Ice cream, falafels, shwarmas, pizza, fresh baked bread, and snitzel were the favorites. While there near the ‘cardo’ or main street of Jerusalem, we were able to walk around and some of us found our way to some stones that were stones of 2,000 years ago. Stones that, maybe, Jesus walked on when He and his Mother and step-Father visited Jerusalem as the Torah taught them to. Or stones that, maybe, Jesus walked on when He and His apostles visited the Old City during His three years of public ministry. By the way, do you know that the main street of Jerusalem runs East and West? Interesting isn’t it?

After lunch, it was a very short walk to the Institute of Temple Mount Studies. While there, we listened to a general presentation about the third temple that is yet to be built and about the efforts that have been made to provide the utensils and other paraphernalia associated with the worship to be performed there in the days to come.

While we were there, we saw the garments of the High Priest, smelled a mixture of spices used to burn as incense, the golden altar, the table of showbread, and several other items associated with worship prescribed by God. Some people wonder about the building of a new Temple and whether or not it will happen. Well, just read 2 Thessalonians chapter two (among other passages of Scripture), and see for yourself about what the anti-Chirst soon after the Church has been snatched away. According to Ezekiel’s writings, sacrifices will once again be offered, not in an expiatory manner but as a means by which to remember what Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Yasweh Hamashiach has done.

Probably Israel's future
national symbol

From there, we walked toward the Wailing Wall to the Dung gate and to our bus. As we did, we passed a ‘menorah’ that is a part of the preparations made by the Institution of Temple Mount Studies. It is a remarkable piece of craftsmanship. The gold needed to create this important one piece of Temple furniture was a gift of one individual and we guesstimated its value to be something like 1.4 million dollars. Wow! By the way, I personally believe that the menorah will once again become the national symbol for the nation of Israel. The Star of David will have its place, but not the place is now occupies. Maybe? Maybe not? Time will tell.

We had a short walk to the City of David. The City of David was a Canaanite city occupied by the Jebusites. It was captured by David and his mighty men. It is a great story to read from the Bible. The shape of the City of David looks like a footprint. This old part of Jerusalem does not lie within the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem today but it did in the days of David, Solomon, Hezekiah, etc.

While there, we saw a marvelously done 3D movie about this marvelous place. I believe Mauri told us the archeological activity going on at the City of David is one of the largest ongoing projects in Jerusalem today. It is interesting to see the changes and progress that has been made each year we have been privileged to make this amazing journey to Israel.

Descending towards
Hezekiah's Tunnel

As we made our way along the path that has been designed to allow pilgrims to see what has been unearthed, it was not long before we arrived at the place where our group split into two groups. One group would walk through the water course created to bring water from the Gihon Spring laying just outside the City of David into the City of David to a place called the Pool of Siloam. The other group would walk through what we refer to as being a dry tunnel (no water), but both groups would end up at the same place, the Pool of Siloam.

Tight going for some :O)

The water course Debbie and I walked with several others is less than a mile in length. Most of the path is about shoulder width and most people have to stoop over to pass through so as not to hit our heads on the limestone ceiling. The water covered our feet all the way through. This was a nice place to have our feet in light of the heat we have been experiencing for the past several days: above average temperatures.

Do you know what the word ‘Siloam’ means? Remember the story in John chapter nine? Remember what Jesus instructed the blind man to do? Remember that Jesus told us Himself that He had been ‘sent’? The discovery of the Pool of Siloam happened not so many years ago. It must have been a very beautiful place in the days of Jesus. We saw an artist’s rendition of what the Pool of Siloam might have looked like. We also saw where this pool was located in reference to the original city of Jerusalem at the Israeli Museum while looking at the model of the City of David on display there. By the way, archaeologist have discovered and made available to the public a set of steps that lead directly to the Temple Mount. I wonder if those were the steps this man, who had been touched by Jesus, traveled on his way to a meeting with his healer?

Artist's rendetion Pool of Siloam

The heat has been very unusual for this time of year. It has been very hot and as you know, heat seems to take its toil on a body. So, back to the Grand Court Hotel for another excellent dinner, our meeting, and a hot shower…not necessarily in that order.

Another day here in Israel lies before us. But sad to say, not many do. Our days are growing short in this land marked our by God and for God.

So, until the morrow,
Shalom!
:O)
Tom/Deb

Blog 11 Gordon's Calvary, David Ben Gurion Airport

2010-10-25T09:01:00.002-04:00

Blog 11 Gordon’s Calvary, David Ben Gurion Airport

Today begins our last day in Israel for 2010. There is both an atmosphere of sadness and excitement. We are sad that today will be saying “Good Bye” to this wonderful land, but excited about being reunited with our family and friends in just a few (tired) hours.

We are tired from the long days and the tons of information we have tried to absorb, but we are also blessed in ways that we wish you could know personally.

This was the first year that we were able to get a full night of sleep before beginning our journey home. On most of our final nights, we would be leaving our hotel for the airport somewhere between 1:00 AM or 5:00 AM.

This year, we checked out of our hotel around 1:30 PM and made our way to a place known as Gordon’s Calvary. Gordon’s Calvary is a place discovered by the famous British General Gordon: a godly man (time would be well spent in doing a little Goggle on General Gordon). This place is located just outside the walls of Jerusalem and near the Damascus Gate. In the cleft of a small mound located here it is easy to see what looks like the ‘skull’ shape of a man. If you recall, the Bible refers to the place where Jesus was crucified as the ‘place of the skull’ or ‘Golgotha’ or ‘Calvary.’ These words refer to the same places, they are just different languages, i.e. Hebrew, Latin, Greek.

When the Romans crucified someone, they did not place them one a hill, but rather they place their victims along the side of a road. The reason for this is obvious I think. So it was for Jesus when He was crucified. He suffered just outside the gate as the Bible said. Also, according to Scripture, Jesus was to be buried in a tomb that had been cut out of stone. It would have been a rich man’s tomb. Burial was to be in a place with a garden too. Again, as I have already said, no one knows the exact place Jesus came out from among, but I’m telling you, this place is remarkable in many ways that I do not believe to be coincidental!

As a part of our Via Dolorosa walk (the traditional way of the cross), we stopped to make a SHORT visit at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We do that so as to have something to compare and contrast with. Take a few minutes and ask your loved one what they thought about these two places and listen to their testimonies. The tomb that is located at Gordon’s Calvary is different than the other tomb we looked at in Nazareth and in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Ask someone that saw what the difference was. The answer is very Biblical. (Mark 16)

Time spent at Gordon’s Calvary was just wonderful. We not only walked the grounds there, but we also had the privilege to have a worship service there and share in a time of communion at the end of the service. It is also one of the most enjoyable things we do as we walk in this wonderful land.

As you might imagine, other groups from other nations visit this marvelous site at the same time and have a time of worship there as well. It is always a blessing to me to hear another group begin to sing a song that has a familiar tune to it without our being able to understand the words of another language. It is always a blessing to join in with them and sing at least a chorus in our language. The contrast is amazing but the worship is more amazing.

Dr. David preached a wonderful message out of Matthew 26 with references to 1 Corinthians 11 on the Lord’s Supper. Debbie sang one of our favorite songs she has written, “Saved ByThe Blood of The Lamb.” He told us in participating in this wonderful event we were looking back, looking within, looking ahead. Although Jesus said from the cross, “It is finished” there are many things still left to be done…and they will be, soon.

Following our service, we had the luxury of having some time to enjoy private reflection and meditation. All of us found a little spot in the garden and either read, prayed, mediated, or reflected on the events of Calvary or the personal effect of the events of Calvary. All too soon we were back on our bus headed for Mt. Zion.

Mt. Zion is just a short distance from Gordon’s Calvary, but traffic around the Old City Jerusalem was terrible. What would have normally taken ten minutes took fifty minutes and by the time we arrived at the Mt. Zion it was too late to try and visit. How disappointing! This is the second year we have been unable visit this special place, although it is a traditional place. The room that we would have visited is not the important thing, the important thing is the place and Mt. Zion is still Mt. Zion. I sure missed not hearing our group sing that grand old hymn, “Zion’s Hill.”

It was sad leaving Jerusalem, but we knew time had come to do so. And, when we remembered we were coming back to you, we were not so sad any more.

On our way to Tel Aviv and the David Ben Gurion airport, we stopped in an Arab village and ate a wonderful meal. The atmosphere and food were excellent. We had a great time as we broke bread for the last time, this time, in Israel. Dinner was good and the fellowship was even better. As I have already said, we are sad, but ready to return to our families. We have missed them, but believe me when I say they have been with us every step of the way; in our hearts and in our minds. So many times have we thought or said, I wish _________ were here!

I’ll let you fill in the blank.

Going from our bus to our departure gate and our flight home is always a little stressful especially for those who are experiencing it for the first time. With no problems, it was not long before we were all through customs, smiling from the VAT refund, waiting patiently at our departure gate, and then on board our US Air airbus headed for the good old United States of America.

As I type this, we are about three hours from Philadelphia. Most have slept at least some and others more than some. I believe I am correct when I say we are all a bit tired, but we are also very excited about seeing our families and friends once again and finding someone who is willing to listen to us tell about our life changing journey to the Holy Land.

As we travel West, we will gain all six of those hours that we so quickly lost traveling East just a few days ago. We will once again be confronted with the task of readjusting to new time and praying that our circadian will self correct NOW!!!

But, it will take a few days, or weeks….

By the way, ask anyone from our group what they thought about the high places of Israel and ask them especially about a place called Arbel. I’m sure they will tell you that these places have become the highlights of their life.

I believe I have one more blog to do before completing my goal, but don’t forget, I also have a number of pictures to be added to the blogs I have already posted. Remember, my computer was sick for about three days and that put me behind schedule. But, isn’t that what life is about in many ways? Making necessary adjustments when thing don’t go exactly as planned.

Our time in this ancient and amazing land was wonderful. We have become richer because we have been here. This is the land where thousands of years of history have been played out by the greatest people this world has ever known or known about.

Men like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Women like Deborah, Esther, and all those named Mary. And, don’t forget a man by the name of Jesus of Nazareth. He confounded lawyers and doctors of the law at age twelve. He was thought by some to be just another itinerate preacher, but proved Himself to be that prophet spoken of by Moses. He was the very Son of God, only begotten. If anyone doubts that, I can take you to a tomb that is empty…(I know I have already told you that, but I just can’t get over it.).

It is the land where eternal promises were made and keep by the God of all time and eternity. It is the land where a work was done that includes anyone and everyone that will believe. It is a land where work was done that can change minds, hearts, and eternity.

By the way, you have made plans for spending eternity in Heaven? You haven’t? Well, don’t wait another moment. Bow your head, humble your heart, admit to God that you are a sinner and then by faith trust Christ as your personal Savior. Remember, I just told you that His tomb is empty.

May I say again to the family members of our group, THANKS for your support! I cannot express just how important that has been to all of these tired but blessed pilgrims.

Until the next time….

Shalom

:O)

Tom/Deb

...somewhere over the North Atlantic

Blog 13 We made it :O)

2010-10-23T07:28:00.002-04:00

Boker tov everyone! We have made it home. Tired, but extremely blessed and, speaking for myself, already homesick for Israel.

Our journey back to the state was long, but, thank the good Lord, uneventful. Our flights were good, our connections were good, and seeing our families was better than all else.

The daya started early for me here at the Price place. My sleep was out around 4:00 AM. My circadian rhythm is still running on Jerusalem time. It will take a few days and a lot of naps before it will change back to good old EST.

As I type this little blog, I'm looking out of my study window. I am looking into the Eastern sky and the day is just breaking. I am looking towards Jerusalem from whence I and eighteen others have just come. We have brought many things back with us and in some unique and although maybe unexplainable way, we all know we have left something behind.

I wish I could put into words what making a pilgrimage to Israel, the land of promise, the Holy Land, is. But, I cannot. It is so layered that it leaves me with a feeling of being overwhelmed.

As we walked in the land, we used all of our senses while there. Our touch, our taste, our smell, our hearing, our seeing, and our hearting (I know there is not such thing when it come our five senses, but come with us in 2012, the Lord willing and then you will understand why I added 'hearting.').

Clothes to wash. Notes to be examined, and hopefully, understood. Memories to be pondered. Verses to be marked because hearts have been. Treasures to be looked at. Decisions to be made as to who gets what (and we wish we could have gotten all of you everything we saw, but luggage can hold only so much). Adjustment(s) back into our routine (WV football today). And a number of other things will help bring us back down to reality. Walking in Israel and in Jerusalem just isn't the same as walking in WV and Charleston or wherever, but IT IS GOOD TO BE HOME once again and too see those we love. Those whom God has blessed us with in so many wonderful ways.

Keep visiting my blogspot. I will continue to edit the blogs I have posted without pictures as time permits.

Thanks for coming by, I hope this little ministry has proven to be a blessing to all of you. Please drop me an e-mail and let me know.

As the Jews say each year as an ending to a very special time and dinner for them, (I cannot do it in Hebrew and if I did not many of you could interpret it), "Next year in Jerusalem."

Shalom!
:O)
Tom/Deb

Blog 12 Headed Home

2010-10-23T07:10:00.001-04:00

Blog 12 Heading Home

Well, the day we all know would arrive has arrived: the day we start our long journey back home.

As you might imagine, we are tired but blessed. We are blessed in ways that will take a life time to tell about.

We have returned with thankful and full hearts. All those new things we saw and heard flood our minds. Tears still come without much effort. Memories abound about the last eleven or twelve days. Many of the sights and sounds of the past several days have become a part of us for the rest of our lives. The journey has been nothing less than amazing!

Everyone was anxious to see our families once again and to spend time telling about all things we have both seen and heard. They may even have something chosen especially just for you, purchased in the Holy Land.

Let me say again, “THANKS” to all of you who helped make the trip of a life time a reality. Thanks for your encouragement, your support, and the sacrifice of whatever sort it may have been to make this happen. God bless you for being such the special individual.

Our schedule was what we had expected, thankfully. I will not have wi-fi access at our airport, so this will be my last post until I arrive home. I will post as soon as possible and, as I have already said, also put up some pictures.

After I do get some rest, I will do another post with some additional pictures.

By the way, why don’t you start planning TODAY for our next pilgrimage. We have place reserved just for you. If it be the good Lord’s will, we will be returning in the Spring of 2012. The theme for our next pilgrimage is “Headin’ To Calvary.” I like that don’t you? I hope so. I hope you will begin making plans to join us today. We do not have the exact dates as yet, but we are working on our plans even as I type. In fact, I do know, as early plans stand, it will be in early May. Probably May 1-12, 2012.

From a group of tired, but blessed pilgrims,
Shalom
:O)
Tom/Deb

Blog 10 Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, Dead Sea

2010-10-20T17:06:00.005-04:00

Blog 10 Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, Dead Sea

Shalom, everyone! What a magnificent day this has been. Breakfast, as always, was good. Our accommodations have been and are good. As you already know, while in Jerusalem, we are staying the Grand Court Hotel. It lays just a little North of the old city of Jerusalem. If we had the time, we could walk to the old city within a few minutes.

We left Jerusalem (rising about 2,700 feet above sea level) this morning, heading for the Dead Sea area. The Dead Sea lies almost 1,300 feet below sea level. Our descent from Jerusalem was pretty significant.

Our first stop for the day was at a place called Masada. Masada is located in the Southern end of the Dead Sea. The name Masada means “fortress.” It was a place developed by King Herod who may have used it as a winter retreat with the belief that one day he could use it for a “hiding place” from those he imagined wanted to kill him.

This place has a great place in the history of Israel and for the Jewish people. A modern cable car carried us to the top of this natural mountain fortification developed by Herod the Great. Herod was called “the Great” because of his excellent architectural abilities. He was the kind of guy that you would not want to invite home for dinner or include on your circle of friends. He was brutal and proved it on many occasions.

There are many important and extremely interesting historical truths connected with Masada. Still to me, one of the most significant things about walking atop this marvelous mountain is the panoramic view it provides of the Southern end of the Dead Sea. It is in this area of the Dead Sea that scholars believe the cities of Sodom and Gomorah are buried. No man knows for sure, but God does and in the end, that’s all that matters. We do not need to know the location of these famous Bible cities but we do need to know the lesson God intends us to learn.

One more quick thing, when Lot look towards Sodom and Gomorah, the Bible says the Jordan Valley was water like the well watered area of Egypt from whence he and uncle Abraham had just returned. As I looked at this area and though about this, I can see how this could be true. How? In light of the fact that today it is barren and very dry. Because, when the land of Israel experienced two seasons of rain, both the early and the latter and understanding that the water of Jerusalem eventually ends up in this area via the Judean wilderness and the wadis (small river beds or little valleys), I can see how this place might have been lush.

A wild Gedi at Eiin Gedi

Following our hot time on the top of Masada, we headed for Ein Gedi or the home of the wild goat. This is an interesting place to me. It is one of the osasis’ located in the Southern part of the Dead Sea.

Cave where Scrolls were
found in 1947

We were headed for a place called Qumran. This is the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by an Arab shepherd boy looking for some of his father’s lost goats. If he had not been a little lazy, this discovery would not have been made. BUT, as you know, there is NO such thing as chance when it comes to a sovereign God guiding the steps of little man as He does and when He does. The complete Book of Isaiah was discovered there is 1946, among many other thousand pieces of manuscripts dating centuries earlier. With the exception of three or five discrepancies (depending on the source) that are little more than punctuation differences, the Dead Sea Scrolls match what is known as the Textus Receptus manuscript from which our beloved King James Bible was translated.

This 66 chapter book is commonly known as and referred as “the mini-Bible.” The similarities between the Book of Isaiah and the Bible are remarkable in many ways. I am sure that your personal research on this subject will be rewarded in a number of wonderful ways.

FYI: I personally do not believe it was a ‘chance thing’ (and I DO NOT believe in chance or luck…no such thing: I believe that all things work….) that this discovery was made the year that preceeded the rebirth of the nation of Israel! Oh I would like to say so much here, but both time and space will not allow.

Qumran is one of the highlights of any pilgrimage to Israel. Each item that Qumran is built upon and the history that it provides only proves the sovereignty of an Omniscient God. As we listened to our guide speak about what makes Qumran what it is, it becomes apparent that a guiding hand has been at work creating a special place, possessing special characteristics in order to produce such a miraculous treasure as the Dead Sea Scrolls are. Copied, encrypted in a clay pot (not a wood or metal vessel), housed in a place where the humidity is perfect for preservation, and a place where discovery was inevitable in time and at the right time, the Dead Sea Scrolls must be classed as one of, if not the greatest archaeological discoveries of the last one hundred years if not in the entire history of archaeology itself. But then again, as I type this, I know I may be, well, actually I am, prejudice. I will not offer an apology.

From Qumran, it just a short trip to a place where some folks had the privilege to experience the Dead Sea in a personal way. Several in our group spent a few minutes in the Dead Sea, even those who could not swim! You don’t have to know how to swim in this body of water. It is impossible to not float here. The water has such a high viscosity that a human body, unless heavily weighted down, will float. Do you know why the Dead Sea is called the Dead Sea? Want more trivia? What famous Bible river feeds the Dead Sea? (Actually it not longer flows into the Dead Sea with the exception of during the rainy season.) What two famous cities mentioned in the Bible thought to be located under the most Southern part of the Dead Sea? Enough trivia don’t you think?

After another long day, we quietly made our way back to the Grand Court. We went from almost 1,300 feet below sea level to about 2,700 feet above sea level. Mauri says that in Israel “we have both the best and the worst. The time we have left in Israel is getting shorter very quickly. Our days here in the land of Israel have almost come and gone. Soon we will back home with family and friends telling our stories and making plans for our next pilgrimage…but not yet. :O)

Tomorrow is still to come and it is a marvelous day that lies before us.

I’ll tell you about it then.

As always, thanks for coming by and reading about our adventures of the day. I do hope this effort is a blessing to all. Remember too, if you did not come by to read, it would not do me any good to be here typing.

From tired and happy pilgrims walking through Israel,
Shalom!
:O)
Tom/Deb

Blog 8 Mt. Moriah, The Southern Steps, The Via Dolorosa, Israeli Museum

2010-10-20T16:57:00.011-04:00

Blog 8 Mt. Moriah, Davison Center, Southern Steps, Via Dolorosa, Israeli Museum

Shalom! What an exciting day this has been. We have been in and around Jerusalem and the City of David all day! How good is that?

I did not know this blog needed the editing it did, so forgive me for having things so confused. I hope this edited version will make better sense and follow a good flow. This may look easier than it it! :O)

Our first stop today was on Mt. Moriah. We had to stand in line in order to get to the top of Mt. Moriah or what is more commonly known as the Temple Mount. I cannot put into words how exciting it was to walk on the very mountain range that Abraham offered up Isaac: the very place David purchased from a man named Ornan who used it as a place to thresh wheat: the very place Solomon built the first temple: the area that King Hezekiah enlarged that surrounded the Solomonic temple (I know I have said this several times before), and I could go on but I won't.

What a privilege, to say the least, to be in the very place that Jehovah said, from this place I will make my name known to all the world! Although there are a number of things to allow me and others to shout about when considering Mt. Moriah or the Temple Mount, there is a note of unwanted and yet undeniable sadness to this place in relationship to its history and to the prophecy that is associated with its future. Remember, Jesus sat on the back of a donkey on the day of His (theologians call it is His triumphal entry, but I believe that is yet to be) entrance into Jerusalem in fulfillment of Zachariah’s prophecy.

After walking atop Mt. Moriah, we headed for one of the most remarkable places there is available to tourist today, the Southern Temple Steps. Why? Well, this is one of those places that we can say for sure that Jesus walked. Not all of the stones that are there today are 2,000 years old, but some of them are and it is easy to discern between those of them which are and those of them which are not. When pilgrims came to Jerusalem, most of them would be entering into the Temple Mount would be via these steps on the Southern side of the Temple Mt.

From the Southern steps, we could see the Mt. of Olives to our left, down towards Jericho/Dead Sea in straight ahead to the South, Mt. Zion to our right, and behind us the Temple Mount. This place is one of those places that we do not have to say “this is the traditional place of….”

We sat on the stairs that most all pilgrims used when they arrived in Jerusalem and entered into the Temple Mt. area. No doubt Jesus climbed these steps on many occasions. Near here, along the Western Wall or what is better known as that Wailing Wall, on the first century street level, we walked and looked at the stones that had been “thrown” down. Stones that may have been thrown down when the Temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. The archeologists who unearthed this area decided to leave them as they lay. The street we walked on and the stone we saw were from the days of Jesus. Remarkable!

Oh I wish I had the time and the verbal ability to communicate all that I would like to communicate. This is why YOU need to make plans to join us next year we come, the Lord willing.

We also walked the Via Delarosa today. The Via Delarosa is the traditional route walked by Jesus on His way to bear my sins and yours. It started at a place known as Gabbatha. What a marvelous place Gabbatha is. Yet, on the other hand, this was one of the most gruesome places there is, especially in the time of Jesus. My heart hurts when I think of all the things my Blessed Lord suffered and endured for such a sinner as I. And yet I am glad and filled with praise in light of the fact that He was willing to and did. Oh what a Savior!!!

To me, Gabbatha is one of the most special places we have visited or will. If you are wondering why, there is not doubt that the stone we walked on were the street stones of the days of Jesus. It may very well be that those were the very stones our Lord stood on as He was subjected to the awful abuse the Roman soldiers meted out to Jesus.

While we were there, we took some time to read about Jesus’ experience at the hands of the soldiers who mocked Him and abused Him just minutes before He was crucified. We also sang a song that put the entire set of events in prospective, “Were You There.” You know, in a real way we all were there. Not literally of course, but in light of the fact that people today still mock Him, rejected Him, doubt Him, mistreat Him…(get the picture), I believe we were all there in type although not in actuality.

It was from this place (although the journey actually began somewhere in eternity past) that Jesus made His way towards Calvary. And, topographically, the walk to Calvary is “UP” all the way in elevation. Talk about being on holy ground, it felt like it was to me. Ask your loved one what they thought. I believe I already know.

We had a wonderful lunch in the Old City. There is nothing quite like watching people go by and listening to all the sounds you can hear from so many different sources. I'm telliing you, visiting the Holy Land is simply a marvelous experience on many different levels.

Our day has put before us many wonderful things. As our last visit, we drove by and near the Israeli Knesset. The Knesset is the place where their government is housed and meets in order to conduct its business. Our destination was the Museum of Israel which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. It is MY opinion that the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls was the greatest archaeological discovery in the past 100 years. In fact, I believe with all of my heart that God Almighty superintended not only the copying of the Book of Isaiah, but also its preservation for the many centuries it was housed in a clay pot in a cave near the Dead Sea. I also believe He superintended of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the year preceeding the rebirth of the nation of Israel nationally. Chance? Not a chance!

The Scrolls are housed (sorry for using that word so many times, but it is appropriate for what I am referring to today) in what is known as the Dome of the Onion. The top of the area where they are displayed and kept securely, from the outside looks like the top of the clay pot in which the Scrolls were orginally found.

We also saw a remarkable model of what the City of Jerusalem looked like in the days of Jesus. After looking at the locations of the Antonio Fortress, the House of Caiaphas’, the Kidron Valley, Gethsemane, the Palace of Herod, and Calvary, it once again helps clarify how the events of night before and the early morning hours of the day of Christ’s crucifixion, all of these places could be visited so easily. The Temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was a stately building (actually it was Heavenly) and was a structure that demand attention to any and all coming within sight.

Don’t forget, Bible reading(s) are a normal part of each site visited on most occasions, although there were exceptions this year due to the heat. There were a number of places that we suggested to our pilgrims, that they leave their Bibles on the bus. We still read Scriptures, but just one of us carried their Bible and most of the time it was Pastor David. The Scriptures read, as you already know, relates directly to the site we are visiting.

Well, it’s late and we are tired, as usual, but blessed, and don’t forget, my computer has been sick and was released from the hospital late last night :O). And as difficult as it seems to be (and I have told our group this very thing), the best is yet to come.

Dinner was VERY good tonight (roasted chicken) and so was our meeting. ToshiKo had some visitors from the Asian Mission International come visit with us. MickeyO and his sweet wife were a lovely addition to our nightly meeting. In fact, MickeO sang for us and prayed for us in Japanese. It was a wonderful experience that made us all feel rich in many special ways.

We have been so blessed today as we have been every day whether her in Israel or at home with our families. And, I am happy to say, everything is good with only one exception: and that is that you are not here to enjoy this experience with us. Maybe the next time I hope. But until then, it is my pray that these blogs will help that happen in a vicarious way.

Until the morrow…

Shalom

:O)

Tom/Deb

Blog 7 The Lord's Day, Mt. Olivet, Gethsamane, Bethlehem

2010-10-20T16:53:00.004-04:00

Blog 7 Lord’s Day: Mt. Olives, Gethsemane, Bethlehem

Today was a day of many things! I suppose I need to ask someone to “pinch” me just to make sure this is real. Oh, I know it is real, but each time God has blessed me to walk in the very city He has chosen as His own, it is overwhelming.

We started this day, the Lord’s Day with a worship service with Dr. David Jarrell preaching from Psalms 122. David preached a very good message on "Who, What, and Why". I cannot put into words what a special experience being able to worship our risen Savior in the very city God has placed His name and chosen for Himself is.

All of us were thinking about all of you: both our families naturally and our families spiritually. We prayed that you would have a blessed day and that your worship services would be something special.

We were ready to leave the hotel for Mt. Olivet and eventually when I discovered I could not find my passport. Not a lot of panic began in my mind and heart, but a lot of concern. After all, if I had lost my passport I would not have been the first one to do. But, prayer changes things! I found it in the very spot I had put it in so “I would not forget where I put it.” Sound familiar to anyone?

Although we did not go to Mt. Moriah today (we will go tomorrow), we did go to Mt. Olivet, the garden of Gethsemane, and the Kidron Valley. So much of what we read about in the Scripture, especially in the last week or Passion Week of Jesus, took place in these places. The first time Debbie came to Israel was 2001. When we were talking about what she learned and what surprised her, she said “It is how close things are to each other” she was referring to how close in proximity things lie in relation to each other.

Having the view from Mt. Olivet we had of Mt. Moriah (also known as the Temple Mt., the place where Abraham offered Isaac, the place David purchased from Ornan, the place Solomon built the first Temple) is breathtaking. As we stood on Olivet we read Scripture, as we do at every site visited, and sang and stood with a degree of amazement at being here. It was from this very mountain that our Lord and Savior wept over Israel’s failure to discern the times; it was from this very mountain that He gave His famous Olivet discourse (maybe it was in the same place we were standing today! wouldn’t that be something?); it was from this very mountain that our resurrected Lord ascended to Heaven; it was from this very place that two men in white apparel gave a glorious promise “This same Jesus, which is taken up from into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Wouldn’t it have been AWESOME if He had come while we were there!?); it is here that, when He returns as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, that His feet will touch down on Earth again. Not to die this time, but to rule and reign! How great it that!!! Glory!!!!!

Time in Gethsemane was special. Gethsemane is not one of those traditional places I refer to, Gethsemane is Gethsemane. Where Jesus prayed here, and He prayed here more than once, none of us know. But as we had some personal devotional time in this place where olives were pressed, pray and praying took on a new meaning. The night before Jesus’ crucifixion, as He prayed He agonized. Luke tells us He prayed so fervently that His “sweat became as drops of blood.” In fact, Matthew tells us that “he fell on his face.” I am told that in the Greek, the idea conveyed is that He fell and kept falling. In the place olives were pressed, so our Lord was pressed in a way none of us are familiar and in a way so holy no human eye beheld. Remember, the disciples lay sleeping not a stones cast away.

While in Gethsemane, we had a special time of worship. Yes, I know I just told you that we already had morning worship and great preaching by Pastor David, but I shared a message with our folks in Gethsemane that I pray was a blessing. Before we left that marvelous place, we took some time for private and personal reflection while in this marvelous place.

I wish I could put into words what Debbie and I experienced during our private time while in Gethsemane. Although I know I cannot describe it, I will try and I hope the picture will help. We decided to sit beside one of the small olive tress in the private area of the garden that we were allowed access to. We both took some time to pray and after we were finished, Debbie said “Look.” I did and was moved deeply as Debbie already had been moved. When I looked at what Debbie had already seen. The way the sun was shinning, a shadow been cast from the very olive tree we were praying beside. It looked as if it were the shadow of a man with his arms stretched out and his head bowed forward and his body poised as if under great agony. I do hope you can see it, it was not difficult for either of us to. In fact, we invited all of our group to come by to see if they too could see what we saw. I believe some them did.

From this wonderful place, we made our way to Bethlehem. What an experience that was. I will not take the time to tell you about the whole experience, I will allow your loved one to tell you themselves. Israel is crowed with tourist this year which is both good and not good. Good for this wonderful nation and not good for other pilgrims that are trying to get from place to place.

We learned after arriving in Bethlehem that the Shepherd's Field were not open to us seeing that is was Sunday. The Church of the Nativity was open but was EXTREMELY crowded. It took us a great deal of time to walk though, unfortunately, to see a traditional place of what is referred to as the Grotto and the manger. For us, it is not a place we put a great deal of emphasis, but to others of other faith, it is. In fact, I am afraid too many of them actually worship the place…they acted like they did in kneeling down to kiss the spot. YUCK!

Our lunch in Bethlehem was the second best thing that we did. I guess the best thing was shopping…you could ask James to see whether or not I am right.

Anyway, it was an experience on many levels we will never forget and one which we hope we will not have again. I believe with all of my heart that the Lord ordered our steps into this place, and I am glad to say, out.

Well, so much to say and so little time and room to do so.

I suppose I had better end today’s entry here. It is impossible for me to tell you about everything I would like to tell, I just hope I have said enough for you to get some of the flavor of our day and our experience. I do hope that in some virtual way you can experience some of what of have experienced.

Dinner sounds good, but a hot shower and a little sleep in the city of Jerusalem sounds a little better to me at this point.

A new day lies ahead. I can hardly wait! But then again, these days are passing far too quickly.

God bless all of you!

Shalom

:O)

Tom/Deb

Luke 13:34-35

PS It didn't take much money to get Judy out of Bethlehem, but it sure looks like it would have cost a lot. :O)

:O) Yeah...my computer is running again!

2010-10-20T16:49:00.000-04:00

Shalom everyone! I'm glad to be a part of the cyber space communnity once again. My computer is running as you can see, but due to its recent illness, I will not be posting pictures immediately with the new postings I will be putting up.

Please give me a little grace and I will add pictures also.

Thanks for coming by once again.

Enjoy what I have written.
:O)
Tom
from Jerusalem...how great is that?

Blog 6 From Tiberias to Jerusalem

2010-10-20T16:46:00.004-04:00

Blog 6 From Tiberias to Jerusalem

It’s me once again! I just had a thought about this day when it began. When we get to the end of it, we will have gotten to the half-way mark of our tour! That hurts me to say. Time is passing so quickly.

It was another day that began early. Breakfast was good and our evening meals are also. I haven’t said too much about eating have I? Well, believe me, we are eating well. Just ask your loved ones when you get to talk to them.

Today was an especially exciting day. Why? For many reasons, but for the main reason, we are heading for Jerusalem! How great is that!? This is THE city God has chosen to place His name and to make it known to all the world. This IS the capital city of the nation of Israel regardless of what the world says.

But, it took us a while to get there. Our journey took us toward the south, traveling along the Jordan Rift Valley. Would you like to do a rich and wonderfully full Bible study? Look up all the references you can find on the Jordan River and see how many great things took place in and around this Biblically mighty river.

Bet Shean was our first destination of the day. It is typically a very hot place to live or visit and today, it was maybe one of the hottest days of the year. What a remarkable place Bet Shean is for many reasons. This is one of if not the largest active archeological digs in the land of Israel. The Biblical history and natural history of this place is amazing. At one time it was a Philistine city (the Philistines are NOT the ancestors of the Palestinians. The Philistines came into the land of Canaan from the area of Greece about the same time the Israelites came into Canaan from Egypt. They were Israel’s number one enemy.) But Bet Shean eventually became a ‘Roman colony.’ (By the way, researching why Rome established Roman colonies in the countries they concurred is interesting.)

We walked along the ‘cardo’ or main street of this remarkable city that in its day, must have been a beautiful place to live. The word ‘cardo’ comes form the word ‘cardiac’ which refers to our heart or the ‘main’ part. We looked at the mosaics that actually made up the street that ran parallel to the ‘cardo’ and just outside the shops and stores where many different items were sold. We visited an ancient bath house that revealed a number of interesting features.

The bath house was interesting for a number of reasons. One is obvious and just simply for time’s sake I will only mention one more, it was the place to learn about what was going on. It would be like us turning on our computer in order to see what is going on in the world or to talk with our fiends. It was a major part of the Bet Shean or any city where a Roman bath house was located.

This year we went to what I believe is a very interesting place located near Mt. Moreh. Do you know what took place near Mt. Moreh? It was there that God instructed Gideon on the best way to reduce volunteers for combat duty. You recall the test that was designed by God Himself in order to decide who could and who could not be trusted in battle against Israel’s enemy don’t you? It was whether or not the one drinking would get down on both his hands and knees in order to drink water from the spring or whether they would just kneel and bring their hand to their mouth in order to keep their head up and scan the horizon for the enemy. It worked if you remember. An army of 32,000 was greatly reduced to the size God was sure to get the glory for the victory.

Although the spring at Harod was still producing some water, it was obvious that rain in Israel is very much needed. Please pray that they will have an above normal rainy season this year. Their rainy season runs from October through March. The water that was there allowed us a place to cool our tired and hot feet. It was a nice experience to say the least.

Although we could not visit Jericho and the traditional site for the Mt. of Temptation, we did see it from the backside, meaning from the Wilderness of Judea’s point of views. This view, to me, is simply amazing.

While gazing over into the wilderness from our vantage point, I find it hard for me to not allow my mind to wonder to long on what it may have been like for our Lord during those forty days of being tested and tempted.

It only too a few minutes to get onto the old ‘Jericho Road’ where we were able to look back down toward the Jordan Valley and into the wilderness. This may be the very place Jesus was driven to by the Spirit in order to be tempted by Satan after forty days of fasting. It was easy for my mind to wonder and to imagine what our Lord and Savior heard and felt while wondering in this place. Oh what a Savior we have!

Our next stop was Jerusalem. Imagine us being in Jerusalem! For the next five nights we will be staying in Jerusalem. That’s a little different than Lewisburg or Myrtle Beach!

I cannot put into words what our/my heart(s) felt upon arriving in this city. And when we stopped on Mt. Scopus and took our first view of the Old City, Mt. Moriah, Kidron Valley, Olives, it was more than our eyes could take. Most of them (but not all of them) began to melt as did our hearts. The view is, to me, simply breathtaking! Jesus overlooked this city and wept over it knowing what lay in its future. I weep over it knowing its future. I rejoice knowing its future.

Here is where Abraham offered Isaac. Here is where David purchased a threshing floor from Ornan and offered a sacrifice. Here is where Solomon built the Temple. Here is where Nehemiah rode a mule at night in order to survey the possibilities. Here is where Zachariah rebuilt the Temple. This is where Herod worked forty and six years in beautifying a Temple that Jesus said would be destroyed. Here is where the third Temple will be built. Here is where Jesus, the greater Son of David, will sit on David’s throne and rule the nations from. Here is where the nations will be judged by He who is ‘right and righteous.’ Enough said? I could go on….

We were able to get a look at the Old City of Jerusalem from both the North and the South. It was magnificent. And, I almost forgot, our guide Mauri and our driver Moses (I’m not kidding), welcomed us to Jerusalem, their home town, with a cup of grape juice. Mauri gave a welcome/blessing in both Hebrew and English. It was a special event.

Our hotel, the Grand Court Hotel, is within walking distance to the Old City. Sure wish you were here to walk to Jerusalem with us.

As always, dinner was good. Sleep is becoming more normal, whatever that is. Our after dinner meetings have been a blessing to us all.

Tomorrow is another big day for us! Oh it is truly exciting to be here. We will be having a morning worship service in our hotel with Dr. David Jarrell preaching. I am looking forward to this service with great anticipation. In fact, this will bet he first of two services that we have planned for tomorrow. The other one will be held in a place called Gethsemane…awesome!

Maybe you will start today planning for your pilgrimage with us to Israel in 2012, the good Lord willing that is.

Rest well, I pray, and I pray that you will have a great time of worship on tomorrow’s Lord’s Day!

Until next time….

Shalom

Tom/Deb

Psalm 122:1

Sick computer...:O(

2010-10-18T15:30:00.000-04:00

Shalom everyone! The reason I have not been posting is that I have a sick computer. Obviously I am making progress in correcting the problem, but I still have a little work to do before I can begin posting again.

SORRY!!!

Also, it looks like when I do get back up and running that I will only be able to put up some commentary until I get home.

BUT, I promise to do the best I can.

Again, sorry...:O(
:O)
Tom/Deb
from Jerusalem
PS We had a graet day today and expect an even greater day tomorrow.

Blog 5 North to Mt. Hermon

2010-10-15T16:06:00.003-04:00

North to Mt. Herman Blog 5

I can hardly believe that this is day five of our trip. Talk about time passing quickly! Wow!!!

This is the third day of our touring. Yes, we are still tired, but still blessed, very blessed.

Let me ask you a question. Have you even eaten anything that looks at you as you look at it? Well, several of our folks did that yesterday. For lunch they had what is called St. Peter fish. Although you would think it would have been caught in the Galilee, it is actually a farmed fish. Mauri, our guide, told me the government has suspended commercial fishing on the lake for at least three years. It is a very popular lunch item and sold by most restaurants located around the shore of Galile.

This morning we began our journey heading north to the foot of Mt. Herman. Personally, I believe this is where the transfiguration of Jesus took place. There is another tradition that the event took place on the top of Mt. Tabor, but if you look at the Scriptures you may discover that that may be a fairly difficult tradition to prove. Anyway, you remember where the story of the transfiguration is recorded don’t you? You can find it in Matthew 17. But don’t forget to read about the events of chapter 16 as Jesus and His apostles made their way north to a place called Caesarea Philippi. Matthew 16 is a MUST read before reading chapter 17.

Caesarea Philippi is one of my favorite places. It is located at the foot of Mt. Herman. It was on a journey here that Peter made a great statement about who the disciples believed Jesus to be, “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” At this place also known as Banias (Caesarea Philippi), we saw one of the three streams that eventually come together with two other streams several miles south of here in order to form the Jordan River. The word Jordan literally means down from Dan.

Here at Caesarea Philippi, idolatrous worship took place for many years, even centuries. I suppose the most famous false god that was worshiped here was the god Pan. In the mountain side, niches that have been cut out by man’s hands are clearly seen where false gods were placed and before which worship was offered. Worship that included sacrifices of different kinds. At this place, it was believed that the ‘gates of Hell’ was located. When walking the land of Israel, in seeing and hearing the many things we both see and hear, why Jesus said “upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” following Peter’s great confession about who Jesus was and still is.

Leaving Mt. Hermon we headed toward Dan. Dan was the most northern town in the kingdom of Israel. It was there that one of those ole ‘Boam boys, Jeroboam actually, that built a temple in Dan much like the one built in Jerusalem. There, sacrifices were made and idolatry in Israel-in many ways-reached its greatest or worst height. Jeroboam also set up a place of idolatry in Bethel in the southern part of Israel (referring to the area occupied by the ten tribes that broke away during the days following Solomon’s reign.) His idea, the same idea that is still being propagated in our day, was to ‘make worship easy; there’s no use in making that hard trip up to Jerusalem. Just do what is convenient for you to do.’ Hog wash! If you want the Greek for that it is ‘hog wash!’ Sounds too much like preaching now doesn’t it? For worship to be REAL worship and not WILL worship, it must be according to the commands of a Holy God in accordance to His Word.

Although Bethsaida was also on our itinerary for today, we did not stop. Why? Well, there is really nothing there to see. If you recall, Jesus pronounced a curse upon this place and some of its neighbors, i.e. Capernaum and Corazim. It was a curse that was the result of an unbelievable kind of unbelief. I believe the Biblical record of this place stands as a warning to all of us. Don’t you think we would be wise to embrace every opportunity God graciously sets before us? I thought you would.

Leaving Dan, we traveled a road on the Golan Heights looking for a place to eat lunch. Our guide took us to a small mall where we had some options for lunch. Some of us chose to eat at the sign of the golden arches.

Our next stop we at the Mt. of Beatitudes. What a special place this is. While there, we took some time to listen to Debbie read from Matthew 5. Here, Jesus began His famous sermon on the mount, which is one of His three most famous discourses we have record of in Scripture. After she finished reading we took each other’s hand, formed a circle, and recited the model prayer that is a part of this same sermon and is found in Matthew chapter six.

There were many other pilgrims there today. The place was quite crowded, but we took some private time to walk the grounds, find a place to sit and either read, pray, or just reflect. It was a good and refreshing time.

Our day was to end in a very marvelous manner. How? It would end with our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. It was simply a wonderful experience! It was a highlight. It was more than a ride across this famous lake. Our operator and owner of the boat, Daniel Carmel, stopped his engine and allowed us the opportunity worship the Lord as we floated the Sea of Galilee. Again, it was wonderful! We sang as a group, Amy Harper and Judy Keller sang solos, several had testimonies, tears, and joy, and I had the privilege to preach a message titled, “When The Safe Place Ain’t The Best Place.” I enjoyed the message and I hope the others did as well. Our boat ride is always a special experience.

So many things I could say and maybe should say, but the day has been long. I am tired but blessed, and tomorrow I will do this again, the good Lord willing.

By the way, tomorrow we head South and finally Jerusalem tomorrow night. We will be there for our next five nights.

All of us miss our families and are still wishing you were here, not just in spirit, but in presence.

Thank you for taking the time to visit this blogspot and for reading about our day’s experiences!

If you would like to contact me, you may do so at my e-mail address. I believe it is given in the upper right hand corner of this blog place. If it isn’t, here it is:
tomanddeb@suddenlink.net

Until the next time, Sabbat Shalom (today is the Jewish Sabbath).
:O)
Tom/Deb

Blog 4 Around the Galilee

2010-10-14T12:39:00.003-04:00

Remember, please forgive me for syntax errors.

Hello everyone! As I type this, I want you to know we are all TIRED…unbelievably tired. (maybe I’m not as tired as that sounds…I slept really well!) but we are tired but happy.

It was simply beautiful morning. I cannot put into words what it is like waking up looking over the Sea of Galilee. I was awake before the sun broke over the top of the Golan Mountains. I could get used to this. (Look who was walking under my balcony at sun rise :O) This is Chad Amherim from Towson, MD. We are so GLAD he is with us once again. ) --------->

The scene and the setting here at Tiberias on the “blue” Galilee is nothing less than breath taking.

Today was a full day, but then again, they all are. We spent our day around and even on the Sea of Galilee, Lake Gennesaret, Sea of Tiberias, or the Lake Chinnereth (harp shaped). No, we did not see Jesus walking on the waves as the disciples did, but we did feel His presence in an undeniable way!

Our first stop was Mt. Arbel. This has become one of my favorite places to visit. The short walk up the path to the top of this mountain is well worth the effort. From atop Mt. Arbel we were greeted with a marvelous panoramic view of upper Galilee. We were able to see most of the Galilee itself as well as Tiberias, Mt. of Beatitudes, Migdal, and ever the top of Mt. Herman. It was simply a breathtaking view.

After visiting Mt. Arbel, we drove to Yardenit, where we baptized several pilgrims. Baptisms came early today. In fact, Yardenit (the place where we baptize in Jordan) was our first stop. To me, all baptisms are wonderful, but I must admit that baptizing in the Jordan has been one of the highlights of my life. Not far from where we baptized, the Jordan flows South-ward out of the Galilee. Maybe, just maybe (if they purchased a DVD), you will be able to see your loved one’s baptism as it was captured on video. It would make a great souvenir.

From Yardenit, we began our journey around the Galilee. Near the traditional site where Jesus gave His sermon on the mount is a place called Tabgah. Tabgah means the “place of seven springs.” There were probably more than seven springs there, but it is called Tabgha nonetheless. Did you ever wonder where the five thousand go for something to drink in order to wash down all those bites of bread and fish? Was it water from the Galilee or from the springs of Tabgha? You decide, but I tell you the Bible is a marvelous book! Don’t you agree? I know you do.

We also visited the place Jesus chose to make His earthly headquarters, Carpernaum. From the first time I visited this place in 1985, the changes here are somewhat amazing. In 1985 Capernaum was an active archeological dig and they were in the process of uncovering some of the item we viewed today.

At Capernaum (our guide Mauri calls it Kefar Nahum like the prophet Nahum…who lived in the North of Israel) we spent some time in the remains of an ancient synagogue. It has been discovered this synagogue was built on the very foundation the synagogue Jesus stood in and performed the miracle on the man with the withered hand as we have taught the truths that He taught. Remember what Jesus said about having a mill stone tired around your neck? Well, we saw a millstone. Actually, we saw more than one today. And as we did, it became all too apparent why Jesus said what He did. As He often did in His teachings, He simply used what was available to Him so He could easily and undeniably illustrate the truth He wanted to be conveyed. Truly Jesus was the master teacher.

By the way, at all the places we have visited and all those we are yet to visit, we read from the Bible. It is amazing how the Scriptures we have read a multitude of times take on a new life this way. I tell you the truth, all of us here will never read the Bible in the same way as we did before we came.

Oh yeah, we also stopped at a place known as Peter’s Primacy. This place allows us to put our feet in the Galilee. It is the traditional place for the events recorded in the Gospel of John 21. Have you ever wondered what Jesus and Peter talked about while the other disciples were bringing their full boats to the shore? We will never know, but we do know that whatever the conversation was about, it satisfied Peter for we see him doing what he could to get the fish on shore.

After a blessed and full day, we arrived back at Ron Beach Hotel ready for dinner and rest. By the way, here is our guide, Mauri.

Keep praying for us! Everyone sends love and prayers.

Until tomorrow the good Lord willing,

Shalom

:O)

Tom/Deb

PS One more thing…does it concern anyone that some of our folks went to the diamond factory here in Tiberias? :O)

Blog 3 On our way to Galilee...:O)

2010-10-13T17:14:00.037-04:00

Boker tov! (Good morning in Hebrew)

Don’t ask about sleeping, we did sleep, but it is not like being home. Still, our being here in Israel feels like being ‘home.’ I can’t explain that statement, but it is true. Maybe you can join us on our next pilgrimage and discover this truth for yourself.

Jet lag is a very real thing. Some of us woke up way to early (around 3:00AM) and found it difficult to fall back to sleep. Others awoke looking for “that truck” that ran over us, But, WE ARE IN ISRAEL! Life is good.

We stayed on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. The view was just wonderful!

What an exciting day (I imagine I will use that word repetitively). We started with a visit to Caesarea Maritime. What a remarkable place this is. It was there that the Gospel was first preached to the Gentile by Peter. What a mighty and merciful God we serve. We saw the remains of King Herod’s palace by the sea and a hippodrome where they had chariot races and gladiators actually fought. Debbie and I had the privilege to sing a song from the stage of the amphitheater. How cool is that?

We then went to Mt. Carmel which means ‘vineyard of God’ via a view of an ancient Roman aqueduct remains that ran from Mt. Carmel to Caesarea.

It is my humble opinion that what Elijah did in calling Israel to repent and to decide on who the one true God is, is something that America would benefit from. Would to God that He would raise up a man of God with the power of Elijah and call our nation to repentance.

From the top of Mt. Carmel we had a wonderful view of the Valley Jezreel. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, this is the battle field of the most famous battle to be fought, Armageddon. From where I stood, the Mediterranean Sea was behind me, Nazareth lays to my left, Mt. Tabor is directly ahead, Mt. Gilboa is to my right, and so is Tel Megiddo. The word ‘tel’ means a man made mound. We will visit Tel Megiddo later today.

Tel Megiddo was remarkable. Each time I visit here I am somewhat amazed at the views this mound offers. It is just a beautiful panoramic view of the Valley Esdraelon, the same as Jezreel. The greatest generals in history have said this is the greatest battle field in the world. While at Megiddo we saw a manager that had been cut from limestone in the shape that may have cradled baby Jesus on the very night the virgin Mary gave birth to God’s only begotten Son.

From Megiddo, we traveled to Nazareth where we stopped at what is known as “the precipice.” It was there the townsmen attempted to cast Jesus over the “brow of the city” to His death because He had claimed to be the Messiah…which we know He was.

Next, we visited the village of Nazareth. As you know, Nazareth was the little mountain town Jesus grew up in. It is located in the lower Galilee area and it seems it did not have a very good reputation in the days of Jesus. Remember what John records in chapter one? (John chapter one makes for good reading don’t you think?)

Here we took a step back in time. This village was created to help its visitors get a feel of what Jesus’ hometown looked like when He lived there and worked in the carpenter shop of his step-father Joseph. (Isn’t God something? He had a Joseph in Jesus’ life at both His birth and at His burial.) The characters there dressed in first century attire. After seeing a wine press, olive trees, terraced land, donkeys, a carpenter shop, a humble home, and a synagogue we were given a small clay lamb similar to one Jesus would have used at His home in Nazareth. What a wonderful experience. (By the way, who would you rather have as a Shepherd? See the picture to the above right? The gentleman to my right was a character at the Nazareth Village. His sheep is just behind him...come to think of it, isn't that where a shepherd is supposed to be?)

Our next stop was Tiberias where we are to spend our next three nights. On our way, we drove through Cana where, according to John 2, Jesus performed His first miracle. Learning here comes on so many levels it is hard to explain. At one moment we are rejoicing and praising the Lord and the next minute we are so overwhelmed we are weeping. We all knew before we came that the Bible is alive, but today we are in the land where the Bible lives! Wonderful!!!

(Wish all of you were here with us!)

Cana, the place, according to John, is the place Jesus performed His first miracle. Many commentators I have read after and preachers I have heard preach, seem to make Jesus be always frowning. I know what Isaiah said in chapter 53, but doesn’t that deal with Him and His cross experience? Would Jesus get many wedding invitations if He never manifested any joy? I imagine that He had a wonderful smile and that His laughter was nothing less than infectious. Remember, it is His book that says “A merry doeth good like a medicine.”

Now it is on to our hotel on the Sea of Galilee, Ron Beach Hotel dinner, our nightly meeting for those who choose to come, and bed. Let me say that again, bed. And by the way, we had our evening meeting right on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Anxious anticipation about our next day in the land of Israel is almost too much. But, I imagine we will all do our best under this kind of pressure, :O).

Keep praying for us…until next time.

Shalom,
:O)
Tom/Deb and all the rest

Blog 2 On the Mediterrean Sea

2010-10-13T16:35:00.003-04:00

Hello everyone! It is late and I have been working to get these blogs up this evening for some time. I am going upload yesterday and today's blog without pictures. I will edit them and add some pictures, so look at them again...I do hope you enjoy.

Shalom from the land of Israel! After our group met in Philadelphia and just about an hour after those of us from Charleston landed, we began boarding our A330 Air Bus heading out over the Atlantic, for Israel some 5600 plus miles away.

I am happy to report that we have arrived safely but tired, very tired and happy, very happy!

Every time I make this journey I can hardly believe that I am actually in the land we call Holy because God called it Holy. Holy, as you well know, means “set aside” by God Himself for His chosen people, the descendents of Abraham through Isaac.

This tiny piece of land is just slightly smaller than our state of New Jersey. It is bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt. It is a natural land bridge that links three major contents: Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Here is a link to fairly good web site that gives some FYI for this wonderful land: http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Israel.html

We will spend our first night at Kibbutz Nahsholim on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Debbie and I, along a few others, watched as the sun slowly sank behind the horizon of this beautiful body of water. What a wonderful way to end a very long, but blessed day.

By the way, what two men from the Bible come to your mind as you think about how the Mediterranean Sea is connected to Scriptures?

Not far from here is the city of Caesarea Maritime. All Bible readers will know the significance of Caesarea I am sure. If you don’t, why not get your Bible and read chapter ten of the Book of Acts. One of the greatest messages ever preached to the Gentile world was preached by one of the greatest preachers that ever preached, preached. I’m glad it was!!!

Paul probably spent some time as a “prisoner of the Lord” at this beautifully situated spot. Many significant archaeological finds have been unearthed here over the past forty years. The spade of the archaeologist continues to prove the Scriptures that need no proof, just faith.

Tomorrow we will begin our journey traveling north towards the Galilee. It is in the Galilee that our blessed Lord spent most of His time during His three and one half years of public ministry. The Galilee is the area where 80% of what He did and taught took place.

We will also stop at some of those special places we have read about in the Bible and the people who were involved in those special stories. Stories like those of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. A valley called Jezreel which is the place where the most famous battle yet to be fought will be fought, Armageddon.

We will be visiting other amazingly interesting Biblical sites that I will try and tell you about tomorrow.

Don’t forget to keep praying for us. Be sure that we will be praying for you. Debbie and I wish to thank all of you for the support you have given to your loved one in enabling them to make this life changing pilgrimage.

Well, I could say lots, but I will close for now, more to come in the days to come. I will never be able to say all that needs to be said or all the things I would like to say about the places we plan to visit, but I will try, to some degree, to express as best I can with print…a long way from home.

One more thing, please don’t look for too many grammatical and syntax mistakes in these blogs. I will not take too much time editing them. I do hope they will be readable enough to be enjoyable and informative to anyone taking the time to come by and read.

You may respond to my blogs via my e-mail address:
tomanddeb@suddenlink.net or

tomanddebbie@inspirationaltruths.com

Until…from a happy but tired pilgrim,

Shalom
:O)
Tom/Deb
Psalm 122
PS If all of our after dinner meetings are as sweet as this one tonight, then, well I just don’t know what to say.

Blog 1 On Our Way...:O)

2010-10-11T12:24:00.003-04:00

The day we have been looking forward to has finally arrived! We are on our way to a life changing experience! It is just that simple and yet just that sublime.

Some of us will begin our journey from Charleston, WV, others from Charlotte or Willmington, NC, and still others from Columbus, OH. But once we meet in Philadelphia, PA we will be one group of pilgrimages on our way to the land of promise. The land God has given to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all their descendents...forever. Make no mistake about the forever thing, God meant what He said and said what He meant.

This day will be very demanding and tiring. By the time we arrive in Tel Aviv we will be exhausted and happy to once again be on terra firma (solid land). Our flight time will be around 10-11 hours. If we get a good tail wind, that could shorten our in-air flight time a little and we will gladly take it.

I would ask that as you pray, pray that our connections from our cities of departure will be on time and that there will be no complications for our arriving in Philadelphia on time for our international departure.

Everyone is excited and filled with wonderful expectations as you already know!

Our families will be missed, but I promise you that you will be carried in our hearts every mile we travel and every step we take. It will be said many times during these twelve days, “I sure wish ___________ was with us!” Maybe the next time we make a pilgrimage to Israel, YOU will be among those numbered among our group.

Don’t forget to check out our blogspot. I will try to make daily posts if possible. Most likely the first blog post I will able to make will be in Galilee. Our first hotel may offer wi-fi, but even if it does, I'm not sure that I will have the time to send one out...I'll see.

God bless you all is our prayer, and, we feel sure, the prayer of all those you love and already miss.
Shalom
:O)
Tom/Deb/Dave
Numbers 10:29
PS If anyone desires to comment on our post or to e-mail us while we are in Israel, our e-mail address is located in the upper right hand corner of the blogspot page.

Itinerary for October 11-22, 2010 Available

2010-01-26T20:25:00.003-05:00

How exciting it is for me and Debbie to tell you that we have received our new itinerary for our October 11-22, 2010 journey to Israel!

We would be glad to send you one either as an e-mail attachment or a hard copy via the US Postal service. All you have to do is contact us and let us know what your preference might be.

The theme for this year's pilgrimage is "Let the High Places of Israel By the Highlights of Your Life."

We have worked hard, that is the tour hosts, Towson Travel, and Kenes Tours, to create the best itinerary possible at a price that is very reasonable and affordable.

Space is limited and time will quickly pass by, so please make plans to join us for a trip that is sure to change your life forever.

If you have any questions, please contact us and we will do our best to provide you with the best answers we can.

Our e-mail address is: tomanddeb@suddenlink.net

Again, start today in order to join us as we walk the land Israel!

Until the next time, Shalom.
:O)
Tom/Deb
Ezekiel 5:5

Israel October 2010

2009-11-13T21:52:00.005-05:00

Greetings everyone! I am sorry for not making better use of this web option, but I promise I will try and improve in the future.

A lot has happened since returning from the Holy Land and one of the most exciting is we are planning another trip for October 2010.

I just received word earlier this week that our plans have been finalized by Kenes of Tel Aviv. I am now waiting on information about flight options.

Debbie, David, and I are truly excited about making plans for our next pilgrimage and we certainly hope you make plans to join us.

I will pass along to any and all interested the itinerary just as soon as it becomes available. My guess is that it will be at least a month before I can begin to put it into circulation.

It promises to be, the good Lord willing, an exciting and full eleven days!

Our theme is:
"Let The High Places of Israel be the Highlights of Your Life."

If you any questions for me, feel free to contact me at either of the following e-mail addresses:
tomanddeb@suddenlink.net
tomanddebbie@inspirationaltruths.com
Don't forget to start praying and planning today. Space will be limited and it will be on a first come basis.

Please be sure to pray for us as we continue to seek God's face and seek to do His will.

He is soon to send His Son, so "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it will thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whether thou goest." (Ecc. 8:10)

Until the next time,
Shalom!
Tom/Deb
Psalm 122:6

Variety of Pictures From Israel

2009-04-06T10:25:00.025-04:00

Here are some random pictures of our pilgrimage, not as many as we have, but enough for you to enjoy I hope. The pictures are not in any particular order. No commentary to them, just a note to identify them.

Shalom!
:O)
Tom/Deb

Debbie and Tom at Peter's Bascilla on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Picture of the place where Jeroboam built a temple in Dan at a place called Tel Dan.

Looking down on the Wailing Wall on our way up a walkway to the Temple Mount or to the top of Mt. Morriah.

An artist rendition of what the Southern Steps of the Temple might have looked liked in Jesus' day.

Does this need any explanation at all? (The place of the skull: Mt. Calvary: Golgotha)

A model of what Jerusalem looked liked just before its destruction.

The hosts from left to right: Dr. David, Debbie, Tom.

A street on the level of Jerusalem in the first century. Jesus probably walked along this corridor.

Soon to be baptized in the River Jordan at Yardenit.

An amazing view of the Sea of Galilee and surrounding area from the top of Mt. Arbel.

Our guide Hana Kessler and bus driver Haim Kalifa.
Both of Jerusalem, Israel.

A boat like the one we floated the Galilee on and had a marvelous worship experience on.

Untouched evidence of earthquake effects on the city of Bet Shean in Jordan rift valley.

Look closely at the small door in the bottom left corner of the large green door and you will be able to see a "camel's needle."

The remains of a synagogue at Capernaum. This was built on the foundation of the synagogue Jesus visited while in Capernaum.

A view of the Western Wall or the Wailling Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem.

A fig.

The Eastern Gate. One of my personal favorite sites.

This is what we did while in Israel, walked in the steps of Jesus. In fact, we walked more than 60 miles.

The is located near Tel Dan. Abraham may have walked on these steps when he came to deliever his nephew lot. I can imagine him calling one of the Canaanite kings out for an old fashion "whoopen".