The start of another clear, warm, day. There is colorful bogenvilla plants everywhere. The roses are just about finished for the season. The date palms are full and loaded with bunches of dates, often covered with plastic bags to keep them from falling to the ground. Acre after acre of olive trees.
First stop is the Mt. of Beatitudes where there is a beautiful church that over-looks the Sea of Galilee. Pastor reads the Beatitudes - and there is time to pray and contemplate what we have seen.
The rest of the day will be to see modern Israel sites. Drive through the Hula Valley which once was a swamp. The Israelites drained the swamps and now there are green farms and small communities. This is the Land of Milk and Honey - we see it every day. See the ruins of ancient Hazor and Crusader fortress of Nimrod in the distance.
The village of Quierat Shimona in the distance. This village was shelled by the Lebonese in the 07 war. Eight people were killed.
To Caesarea Philippi, AKA Banias, AKA Panias. A beautiful site. In this location Peter made his confession that "you are the Christ." A great study from the Pastor. We hike for about an hour, through the Banias Nature Park walk to a beautiful falls.
Lunch at a small place on the edge of an ancient volcano that is filled with water. Our tour guide points out sites along the way. The land is green and fertile.
A note about the food. It is wonderful. Different than most Americans are used to eating - but none of us is going hungry!! As I often say at the airport as we board the plane to go to Israel - "Let the eating begin!!" Many vegtables. Lots of chicken and fish. Pizza at a few stops. Desserts that are down-right sinful!!! Freshly baked bread. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price of the trip, but most people dig into a large lunch....the cost was $7-12 depending on the stop, and the size of the plate. Oh yes - very few are able to resist the temptation of ice cream most days.
To Mt. Bental - a northern point that overlooks the Syrian Border. An active security outlook when needed. Again we see bunkers that were used, and will probably be used again, by Jewish men and women defending the border. These bunkers still have a few tables and beds. The electricity is still on. Syria is within walking distance.
Drove the length of the Golan Heights from North to South. Learned much about the importance of the Golan to Israel - for both its water supply and its defense.
Tomorrow we will leave the northern Galilee area and head south for the Dead Sea.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Trip - Part III
A beautiful clear sunny day on the Sea of Galilee. A boat ride takes us to the center of the lake/Sea. The engines are turned off and the Pastor gives a message. We sing two hymns. It is always a very moving experience to sit in the quiet, bobbing gently up and down and to think we are on the same sea that Jesus walked upon – and where he stilled the storm. The geography has not changed much in 2000 years. From the center of the sea we can see the ruins of Capernaum, the modern city of Tiberias and smaller villages around the perimeter of the sea. Mt. Arbel looms high and proud to the west, with the Valley of the Doves, and the city of Mary Magdalene, Migdol, clearly marked. (I will try to add a photo of Mt. Arbel.)
We get off the boat at the museum site of the ‘Jesus Boat.’ The ruins of this ancient wooden boat, dated back to the time of Jesus was uncovered in the 80’s during the time of a severe drought. Two brothers walking along the shrunken banks of the Sea of Galilee found it. Could it be the boat on which Jesus sailed? Only He knows, but it is an interesting thought. The museum is modern and beautiful. On my first trip in 1991 the boat was stored in a thermally controlled ‘shack’ ….now a beautiful edifice has been built with museum, gift shop and snack bar….and the amazingly preserved boat.
A short bus ride to the ancient ruins of Capernaum on the north west corner of the lake. Teaching to the group while we sat in the shade of trees. Black stones form the basic foundation of the ruins of a synagogue. The black stones date back to the time of Jesus – perhaps this is the actual synagogue where he preached. Perhaps these black stones were witness to his teaching and miracles.
There is also a museum built over the ruins of “Peters House.” Many believe that this was actually the home of Peter and his family – where Jesus healed the mother-in-law.
A drive along the north/eastern side of the lake. A view from the bus of a cemetery and ruins that might be where Jesus drove the demons out of the man, and then into the pigs.
Up a long, narrow, winding road on the eastern side of the lake, up to the Golan Heights. We stop at the “Peace Vista” overlook. A fantastic view of the entire Sea of Galilee, the cities of Tiberias and Capernaum (on the west side.)
We also stopped along the road to go inside some deserted bunkers that face east toward Jordan and Syria. Empty and weed infested – but unfortunately will probably be used again one day to defend Israel.
The last stop of the day is at the Jordan River Baptismal site. This beautiful site was funded by a church in the USA. Thousands of pilgrims are baptized in the Jordan River each year. We had approximately 12 from our own group that wanted to be (re) baptized in the Jordan River. The site is crowded with many groups. I hear Spanish and Russian spoken. People are joyful and excited as they don white robes and are dipped beneath the cold waters of the Jordan.
(Again, contact me if you would like information about tour groups. I hope to get a group of ladies together to tour, with an emphasis on the Women of Scripture.jpsant@netzero.net)
We get off the boat at the museum site of the ‘Jesus Boat.’ The ruins of this ancient wooden boat, dated back to the time of Jesus was uncovered in the 80’s during the time of a severe drought. Two brothers walking along the shrunken banks of the Sea of Galilee found it. Could it be the boat on which Jesus sailed? Only He knows, but it is an interesting thought. The museum is modern and beautiful. On my first trip in 1991 the boat was stored in a thermally controlled ‘shack’ ….now a beautiful edifice has been built with museum, gift shop and snack bar….and the amazingly preserved boat.
A short bus ride to the ancient ruins of Capernaum on the north west corner of the lake. Teaching to the group while we sat in the shade of trees. Black stones form the basic foundation of the ruins of a synagogue. The black stones date back to the time of Jesus – perhaps this is the actual synagogue where he preached. Perhaps these black stones were witness to his teaching and miracles.
There is also a museum built over the ruins of “Peters House.” Many believe that this was actually the home of Peter and his family – where Jesus healed the mother-in-law.
A drive along the north/eastern side of the lake. A view from the bus of a cemetery and ruins that might be where Jesus drove the demons out of the man, and then into the pigs.
Up a long, narrow, winding road on the eastern side of the lake, up to the Golan Heights. We stop at the “Peace Vista” overlook. A fantastic view of the entire Sea of Galilee, the cities of Tiberias and Capernaum (on the west side.)
We also stopped along the road to go inside some deserted bunkers that face east toward Jordan and Syria. Empty and weed infested – but unfortunately will probably be used again one day to defend Israel.
The last stop of the day is at the Jordan River Baptismal site. This beautiful site was funded by a church in the USA. Thousands of pilgrims are baptized in the Jordan River each year. We had approximately 12 from our own group that wanted to be (re) baptized in the Jordan River. The site is crowded with many groups. I hear Spanish and Russian spoken. People are joyful and excited as they don white robes and are dipped beneath the cold waters of the Jordan.
(Again, contact me if you would like information about tour groups. I hope to get a group of ladies together to tour, with an emphasis on the Women of Scripture.jpsant@netzero.net)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Trip Part II
Arrived at the airport in Tel Aviv. A beautiful evening. The next morning the adventure truly begins as we drive a short distance to the ruins of Joppa. The significance of this site is that in this area Jonah began his trip that lead to Nineveh, and that this was the city of Peter and Dorcas. Peter raised to life a gentile woman who as noted for her service to the widows. (This was the first time I had ever visted this site- something new for me.)
We drive through the modern city of Tel Aviv, north up the coast to the ruins of Caesarea to visit the ruins of the ‘theatre’. To think that we were standing in the same theatre where Paul gave his impassioned speech to King Agrippa, Bernice, Felix and Festus (Acts 24 – 25)gives one pause. This is also the home town of Philip the evangelist and his four daughters. The beautiful blue Mediterranian.
To Mount Carmel where Elija built an altar and…slew the prophets.
To an overlook at Nazareth (Oh yes, Mt Tabor of the Deborah/Barak story is in the distance) This overlook may be the site where the townspeople planned to throw Jesus to his death – He escaped. The modern city of Nazareth loomed in the background (to the north) as the western end of the Jezreel Valley was seen to the south.
On to the ancient ruins of Megiddo, through the Valley of Jezreel – which is also called Armageddon – yes this is the very same valley prophesized to be the site of a great battle in the end times. Standing on the crest of the ruins of Megiddo we can see the breathtaking view of the valley for miles and miles….
Next stop – drive north through the city of Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle. Another ‘first’ for me… we drive to the top of Mt. Arbel – what a view of the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Valley of the Doves, Via Maris, and the ancient village of Mary Magdalene – Migdol. Wow! Wow! Wow!
We drive through the modern city of Tel Aviv, north up the coast to the ruins of Caesarea to visit the ruins of the ‘theatre’. To think that we were standing in the same theatre where Paul gave his impassioned speech to King Agrippa, Bernice, Felix and Festus (Acts 24 – 25)gives one pause. This is also the home town of Philip the evangelist and his four daughters. The beautiful blue Mediterranian.
To Mount Carmel where Elija built an altar and…slew the prophets.
To an overlook at Nazareth (Oh yes, Mt Tabor of the Deborah/Barak story is in the distance) This overlook may be the site where the townspeople planned to throw Jesus to his death – He escaped. The modern city of Nazareth loomed in the background (to the north) as the western end of the Jezreel Valley was seen to the south.
On to the ancient ruins of Megiddo, through the Valley of Jezreel – which is also called Armageddon – yes this is the very same valley prophesized to be the site of a great battle in the end times. Standing on the crest of the ruins of Megiddo we can see the breathtaking view of the valley for miles and miles….
Next stop – drive north through the city of Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle. Another ‘first’ for me… we drive to the top of Mt. Arbel – what a view of the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Valley of the Doves, Via Maris, and the ancient village of Mary Magdalene – Migdol. Wow! Wow! Wow!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Israel Trip 2008 - Part I
For those who might be interested in what a typical trip to the Holy Land might encompass I will give a summary of the trip I just completed….my fifteenth trip!!
Many people have looked at me as though I am crazy when I say I this is my fifteenth trip. No I am not Jewish, nor do I have relatives in Israel. My first trip was in 1991 – it was breathtaking, little did I know that I would return again and again, and hopefully again in 2009. Why?
As I prepared to blog my current trip I have asked myself that many times. Why return again and again? Why incur the expense? Why go through the stress of international flight and fatigue? Why do it Jeanne?
My only answer is that I love Israel and the people of Israel with a supernatural love. I do not say this as some super-saint, super-religious zealot. I say this from my heart. I believe that God wants us to not only love Israel and His Chosen People, in a practical, verbal manner, but to love them with action. If I claim to love the Holy Land because God says it is His own precious land and people, where else would I want to spend my money and time? I believe it is what God wants of me, Jeanne Sant, although I am not sure why.
I also believe that as a Christian, I should want to visit the land that our God calls Holy. The ancient Jews made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times a year, with modern travel can a believer in 2008 make the trip at least once in a life time.
All that aside, the truth is – it is a life-changing experience for the believer. You have heard that said-but until you experience it yourself, you may not believe it. Standing where the ancient Kings of Israel stood, standing on the Temple Mount where God lived in the Holy of Holies, sailing on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked, or standing in front of the empty Tomb – will change your life.
Even on this trip I heard people say that they could not wait to get home and start reading Scripture with new eyes. My dear roommate for this trip, Donna, was an example. She was almost in a frenzy each evening to get back to her room and read Scripture. I will remember fondly the evening that she read, aloud, Ezekiel Chapters 1-4 as I lay curled up and comfortable under the covers in our hotel in Jerusalem, listening and discussing what it meant. What a memory of a life time.
With the next entry I will begin a summary of the sights and experiences of my September 2008 trip to God’s Holy Land. I will not go into detail about each site, but I just want to give a taste of the sites that can be seen and experienced with a ‘typical’ trip to Israel…..believe me, after 15 trips I can say that no trip is “typical” – God directs each one in His special way, and in the heart of each traveler.
Oh yes – I am beginning to plan my next trip- God wiling- for 2009. If you might be interesested in going along –bring your church-contact me at jpsant.netzero.net. I have three great tour groups that I have traveled with and can highly recommend. I also am trying to get enough women interested in a “Women’s Trip” that would put an emphasis on the women of Scripture. Let me know if you are interested.
For the fifteenth time the Scripture that keeps occurring to my mind as I traveled through the land was “Why have I found favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me…” Ruth 2:10. Who am I that God would bless me with fifteen trips to the Holy Land?
Thank You dear Lord for another trip to Your Holy Land!
Many people have looked at me as though I am crazy when I say I this is my fifteenth trip. No I am not Jewish, nor do I have relatives in Israel. My first trip was in 1991 – it was breathtaking, little did I know that I would return again and again, and hopefully again in 2009. Why?
As I prepared to blog my current trip I have asked myself that many times. Why return again and again? Why incur the expense? Why go through the stress of international flight and fatigue? Why do it Jeanne?
My only answer is that I love Israel and the people of Israel with a supernatural love. I do not say this as some super-saint, super-religious zealot. I say this from my heart. I believe that God wants us to not only love Israel and His Chosen People, in a practical, verbal manner, but to love them with action. If I claim to love the Holy Land because God says it is His own precious land and people, where else would I want to spend my money and time? I believe it is what God wants of me, Jeanne Sant, although I am not sure why.
I also believe that as a Christian, I should want to visit the land that our God calls Holy. The ancient Jews made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times a year, with modern travel can a believer in 2008 make the trip at least once in a life time.
All that aside, the truth is – it is a life-changing experience for the believer. You have heard that said-but until you experience it yourself, you may not believe it. Standing where the ancient Kings of Israel stood, standing on the Temple Mount where God lived in the Holy of Holies, sailing on the Sea of Galilee where Jesus walked, or standing in front of the empty Tomb – will change your life.
Even on this trip I heard people say that they could not wait to get home and start reading Scripture with new eyes. My dear roommate for this trip, Donna, was an example. She was almost in a frenzy each evening to get back to her room and read Scripture. I will remember fondly the evening that she read, aloud, Ezekiel Chapters 1-4 as I lay curled up and comfortable under the covers in our hotel in Jerusalem, listening and discussing what it meant. What a memory of a life time.
With the next entry I will begin a summary of the sights and experiences of my September 2008 trip to God’s Holy Land. I will not go into detail about each site, but I just want to give a taste of the sites that can be seen and experienced with a ‘typical’ trip to Israel…..believe me, after 15 trips I can say that no trip is “typical” – God directs each one in His special way, and in the heart of each traveler.
Oh yes – I am beginning to plan my next trip- God wiling- for 2009. If you might be interesested in going along –bring your church-contact me at jpsant.netzero.net. I have three great tour groups that I have traveled with and can highly recommend. I also am trying to get enough women interested in a “Women’s Trip” that would put an emphasis on the women of Scripture. Let me know if you are interested.
For the fifteenth time the Scripture that keeps occurring to my mind as I traveled through the land was “Why have I found favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me…” Ruth 2:10. Who am I that God would bless me with fifteen trips to the Holy Land?
Thank You dear Lord for another trip to Your Holy Land!
Monday, September 8, 2008
General Thoughts
Thank You Lord for another trip to Israel!
I leave this week for my 15th trip to the Holy Land. I am truely blessed! My focus for this trip will be the twelve tribes. I believe that we will have to opportunity to visit the Temple Institute in Jerusalem.
If you are interested in anything about the Temple, or the rebuilding of the Temple, be sure to go to their web site. www.templeinstitute.org.
This past Sunday I had the blessing of teaching my ladies at Tierrasanta Baptist Churh about Anna (Luke 2:36-38). She was from the tribe of Asher. Now, why would God give us so much information about the background of Anna, when usually this type of desctiption is not given to us about the women of Scripture? Why mention her father or her tribe?
Asher was one of the smaller tribes, located along the Mediterranian coast in the north. Those who believe that oil will be found in Israel base their intitial interest in the verses about Asher that mention "riches" and "oil." Were the riches olive oil, or perhaps oil not yet found? Asher is said to be "blessed above the other brothers"...we have not seen that yet...perhaps oil will be found in Israel one day....an interesting thought.
Another intersting thing about the tribe of Asher is that in the New Testament, very few tribes are mentioned (do a word search/Strongs search) - Outside of Revelation 7 only Judah, Benjamin and Asher are mentioned.(An interesting side study is Rev 7. Two tribes are left out of the listing - Dan and Simeon - why?)....oh well, more on Asher in another blog. (See my next entry for general notes on Asher.)
I will blog my findings about the 12 tibes, and my daily adventures, when I return.
Let me end with the emphatic statement.....if you love Israel and the Holy Land - you should go!!!! This will be one of the most moving, life changing and important trips in your life. I know you have heard this, but it is true!!!! Save your money, take and loan, whatever....just go...you will be blessed!
I leave this week for my 15th trip to the Holy Land. I am truely blessed! My focus for this trip will be the twelve tribes. I believe that we will have to opportunity to visit the Temple Institute in Jerusalem.
If you are interested in anything about the Temple, or the rebuilding of the Temple, be sure to go to their web site. www.templeinstitute.org.
This past Sunday I had the blessing of teaching my ladies at Tierrasanta Baptist Churh about Anna (Luke 2:36-38). She was from the tribe of Asher. Now, why would God give us so much information about the background of Anna, when usually this type of desctiption is not given to us about the women of Scripture? Why mention her father or her tribe?
Asher was one of the smaller tribes, located along the Mediterranian coast in the north. Those who believe that oil will be found in Israel base their intitial interest in the verses about Asher that mention "riches" and "oil." Were the riches olive oil, or perhaps oil not yet found? Asher is said to be "blessed above the other brothers"...we have not seen that yet...perhaps oil will be found in Israel one day....an interesting thought.
Another intersting thing about the tribe of Asher is that in the New Testament, very few tribes are mentioned (do a word search/Strongs search) - Outside of Revelation 7 only Judah, Benjamin and Asher are mentioned.(An interesting side study is Rev 7. Two tribes are left out of the listing - Dan and Simeon - why?)....oh well, more on Asher in another blog. (See my next entry for general notes on Asher.)
I will blog my findings about the 12 tibes, and my daily adventures, when I return.
Let me end with the emphatic statement.....if you love Israel and the Holy Land - you should go!!!! This will be one of the most moving, life changing and important trips in your life. I know you have heard this, but it is true!!!! Save your money, take and loan, whatever....just go...you will be blessed!
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