The breathtaking Galilee...

It's been a whirlwind of emotions and fun these last few days!  The days are long and hot but so glorious to be here.  I'm afraid I've been slack in keeping up with my posts, but after a long day I've found myself falling asleep anxiously awaiting the next day!  Here are some pictures of what the last few days have entailed.  I hope you will enjoy them!

A boat ride on the Sea of Galilee is so breathtaking!  No body of water on the face of this earth has seen more spiritual excitement or made such history.  Out in the middle of the lake we cut the motors and worshiped, prayed and imagined Jesus walking out to us...

Next we traveled a short distance to the calm waters of the Jordan River.  Many in the group chose to follow the exampe of Christ and was baptized in the same waters.  It was an emotional moment for us all.  Those who watched as well as those in the water had tears of joy.

Jim says "hello" by the way to his lovely wife. He know he wishes you were here...

 

Last but not least, Pastor Mark being baptized.

More to come... today we have communion at the Garden Tomb!  Wish you ALL were here with us!

There are no words...but I'll try!

It’s a beautiful morning in Tiberias. Beautiful is not even close to describing it really. I sat here for a long time trying to come up with the right word to describe what I’m seeing for you but found that there are no words for this. As I write this, I am sitting outside on my balcony. My view is the Sea of Galilee and of the sun slowly rising above it. It’s early. About 5:45am but I hear others like me out on their balconies. Some sitting quietly, some talking softly; I know that all of us are in awe of the beauty and peace of the view. I have no doubt that like me; they are pinching themselves in wonder and amazement.

“I’m actually looking out over the Sea of Galilee, watching the sunrise – the same view that Jesus would have seen! The same water He walked on! I can’t believe I am here!”

The last few days have been a whirlwind of emotions. The moment we got off the plane our senses have been at full attention with curiosity and wonder. We stretched our legs at the first stop which was Caesarea by the Sea, walking around what used to be a busy port city and where Paul was taken to Rome. The waves of the Mediterranean Sea slamming into the shore…the ruins of ancient times before us – Wow!

On our way to the hotel we also stopped at Megiddo and to Mt. Carmel. At Mt. Carmel we were taken to the top of a church and when we reached the top of the stairs and looked up…there standing before us was the Valley of Armageddon! The very place where the worlds army’s will gather! I heard gasps and verbal grunts of utter amazement. No picture or words would come close to describing this to you. Just know this: It is real! The Valley of Armageddon is not just a story. It’s here just as the Bible tells us! To consider for a moment at what will take place here is simply mind-boggling.

We ended the long day at the hotel, checked in and had dinner together. Most of us had no problem going right to sleep as you can imagine! Several people were so jazzed to be here they set out after dinner to explore Tiberias!

I bet when everyone’s head hit the pillow that night, they had a small smile on their face and thought… “I’m REALLY in the Holy Land!” I know I did – and then I giggled. :)