The Leadership Team from the Assemblies of God Church were guests of IGTO for a week’s visit to Israel. Below is a short “daily blog” of their tour.
  |
 |
 |
||
|
Leadership group at Dead Sea |
Wailing Wall, Jerusalem |
Model of Herod’s Palace |
Day One:-
One of the little phrases that has been uppermost in my thoughts over the past days is that we live our lives by either “design” or “default”. Sadly too many folk seem to almost drift through their lives without either a real sense of purpose or destiny.
On Sunday the whole of the Assemblies of God National Leadership team were the guests of the Israeli Government Tourist Board and began a seven day trip of the Holy Land.
A busy first day began in Caesarea where we visited the National Park in which there are the remains of a Roman theatre, hippodrome and bathhouse.
From there our drive took us to Mount Carmel, where although the weather conditions restricted the magnificent views, we were again reminded of Elijah’s struggle with the Prophets of Ba’al.
Onto Tel Megiddo to visit excavations of an ancient fortified city located on a strategic crossroads in Jezreel valley……the site of Armageddon.
Finally, our full but excellent first day was climaxed with an outstanding meal in a nearby Caesarean fish restaurant.
I thank God that my life is full of purpose and destiny, and this wonderful trip to the land that Christ himself lived and grew up in, is but another evidence that, as the Bible states, our “steps can be ordered by the Lord”.!
Sent from John Partington, National Leader.
Day Two:-
An early start heightened the expectation of an exciting day exploring Lower Galilee & the sea of Galilee, and we were not to be disappointed. From our hotel in Caesarea we drove across the Jezreel valley to Nazareth, the town where Jesus grew up. Though the Bible gives us little detail about His life in Nazareth, the only guidance given for the 18 years of silence is
highlighted by Luke when he tells us that Jesus grew in wisdom and strength, in favour with God and man.
The Nazareth of today is highly populated, noisy and busy, contrasted to the village Jesus grew up in with a population of just a few hundred people. The ‘Nazareth Village’ experience, gave us what felt like an authentic insight into Jesus’ world and as a restoration of a first century Galilean village it attempted to recreate both life and culture. Watching ordinary, everyday things brought to life helped remind me that although Jesus was God in flesh, His human existence was both uncomplicated and challenging, but though it was simplistic it was not insignificant.
From Nazareth we descended to the region of Galilee. As our ears popped on the bus we were reminded that the sea of Galilee lies some 200 metres below sea level and is the lowest lying fresh water lake in the world. As our eyes looked beyond the mist of the morning, the beauty of the lake came into view, glistening in the sun in what seemed like perfect stillness.
Before reaching the lake however, we went first to Capernaum, the home of Peter and the ‘headquarters’ of Jesus Galilean ministry. The contrast between the commonness of this place and the wealth of Caesarea was striking. There were no magnificent mosaic floors, large houses or elaborate designs, but rather the ordinariness of an everywhere place where Jesus felt comfortable enough to live and minister.
After lunch we found ourselves standing near the spot where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, or what some might refer to as The Beattitudes. Trying to imagine the beauty of the rolling hills without the church currently on the site helped me to see the multitude of broken humanity press near to hear Rabbi Jesus declare His hope-filled, revolutionary words. I was struck by the fact that these amazing words were declared it seemed in the middle of nowhere, far from the big cities and the power brokers of its day, yet His words and what they stood for lives on today far beyond the confines of this humble place.
Our final stop was Galilee itself and a boat ride on the lake. Though late in the afternoon the sun was still shining and it’s silent stillness called us to draw near. As we enjoyed the leisure of an engine powered boat, I tried to imagine the disciples working hard to manoeuvre their vessel from one side of the lake to the other, and the impact Jesus must have made on their lives when on that very lake on two separate occasions He calmed a storm that threatened to destroy them and walked on water towards them. If the lake could talk, what insights it might reveal. However today it’s silent beauty was enough to invite my own imaginations.
As the day drew to a close I was struck again by how small the world of Jesus was. He was raised in an unfashionable village and practiced much of His early ministry in an area of just 5 to 10 square kilometres in size, yet millions of pilgrims flock to see for themselves His world in the hope that they might understand Him a little more.
I’m already looking forward to day 3!!!
Sent from John Andrews.
Day Three:-
After enjoying the magnificent hospitality at the Scot Hotel in Tiberias the team set off on a short journey to the River Jordan. One of the first things you realise when travelling through the Holy Land is the close proximity of all the famous biblical landmarks. The River Jordan wasn’t as grand as I expected (it reminded me of a creek in north Queensland close to the house where I grew up) but this did not detract in any way from the significance of the moment. It was easy to imagine people flocking to the waters edge to be baptised by John some 2000 years ago.
The long pathway leading to the memorial site is plastered with the record of Christ’s baptism from Mark 1:9-11 in more than a dozen languages. The site is also decorated with photos of people – some famous – from all over the world demonstrating how significant this place has become for many of Christ’s followers. We also witnessed a baptism while there. They had travelled all the way from Scotland to be baptised, to heighten their experience and their identification with our Saviour.
Our tour guide on this occasion is Jewish and a committed scholar. Beyond the remarkable sites, each day has been punctuated by stimulating conversations about history and the Hebrew language. The trip has been made that much richer by listening to his worldview and perspective on scripture.
As we drove south along the Jordanian border we passed places like Samaria, Mount Gilboa and the fertile oasis of Jericho and En Gedi. Our guide reminded us of the biblical texts and the stories that have made these the favoured topic of many great sermons.
We visited Qumran a site that was settled for 200 years by a Jewish sect called the Essenes. They were ascetics, and as such, were obsessed with ritual bathing and purity. I’m glad I am saved by grace and not through constant ceremonial works. Among other things the Essenes were known for their library which included books of the Old Testament written in ink on handmade parchments. They were rolled and placed in jars to protect them from harsh conditions. In 1947 Bedouins found seven of these jars in caves. Their legacy to us are the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Travelling further south we came to Masada, one of the most magnificent places I have ever seen. Masada was the last Judean stronghold for Jewish freedom fighters in the uprising against the Romans. Built by Herod, Masada was a palatial fortress located on a plateau 450 metres above the level of the Dead Sea. We travelled up by cable car and heard the story of how 8,000 Roman soldiers led by Flavius Silva attacked and lay siege. However the courage and commitment of the Jews would not allow themselves to again be enslaved by their Roman oppressors. Led by Eleazar Ben-Yair they agreed to kill their own wives and children and then commit suicide before the Romans arrived at the top. They ‘have preferred death before slavery’. I am reminded that Christ died sacrificially so that I can be free from the slavery of sin.
Our day has come to an end at a beautiful spa hotel on the shores of the Dead Sea. One of the most unbelievable feelings is to float on the mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea. Ironically it’s water cannot support life yet the waters are therapeutic, healing and life giving. You can feel the minerals massaging your aches and soothing your skin. A wonderful
experience.
Tomorrow Jerusalem……
Sent from Gary Rucci, Area Leader.
Day Four
We left the Daniel Spa Hotel at the southern end of the Dead Sea at just after 10am, retracing the road along the Rift Valley heading north towards Jerusalem. The morning was one of bright sunlight enhancing the spectacular scenery that flanked either side of the highway.
Eventually we turned off Route 19 to begin the unrelenting climb towards the capital city. As we approached the city boundary we entered a tunnel taking us under Mount Scopos and them moments later were confronted with a superb
panoramic view of Jerusalem. Wow!
Our indefatigable tour guide Mr Amir Orly commented ‘It has only taken a short time to come from the lowest point on earth to the holiest city on earth’
The coach parked for a time at the Mount of Olives, here again so we could enjoy the magnificent setting as we gazed out over the city. It was here also that Mr Orly spoke of what it meant for Jesus in His day to come here, and in particular he pointed to various places across the landscape that articulated the events of Holy Week. The poignancy felt by the hushed attentive listeners was almost palpable.
Our walking began at Dung Gate and quickly took us to the Western (Wailing) Wall, where many thronged to bow and bring their prayers to God at what is for the Jewish people is a most holy site. On then through the Western Wall Tunnel, observing along the way, the incredible size of some of the stones used in the original temple edifice.
Re-emerging into the afternoon sunlight on what was now a very chilly day we began the journey along the Via Dolorosa-the pathway Jesus walked in bearing his cross to the place of execution-Although now heavily commercialised by numerous stores and shops it nonetheless did not detract from enabling our imagination to picture the tortuous journey of our Saviour in his last hours before death.
Finally to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, here are the sites of Jesus death, preparation for burial and burial in the tomb. Many pilgrims from around the world were paying homage in their own particular way.
Our group had felt privileged to experience close-up the immediate context of the life of our Lord we have all read of thousands of times in the gospels.
And so to the evening, in an atmosphere of great conviviality a meal hosted by Mr Oren Drori the Deputy Director General and Head of Marketing Administration for the Israel Ministry of Tourism and colleagues.
Tomorrow brings further opportunities to explore this captivating city….I can hardly wait!
Sent from Phil Pye
Day Five
Throughout our time in Israel we have enjoyed the wonderful stories of the Bible being brought to life. From Caesarea and Peter’s first sermon, onto Carmel with Elijah, then across to Peter’s house in Capernaum and Galilee with Jesus. From there we travelled down below sea level to Cumran with the dead sea scrolls and finally arriving in Jerusalem yesterday. After seeing the amazing city and walking through it’s ancient streets with 3000 years of history, today we awoke to something completely different. Our guide Amir told us to be ready for 8.30am as we had an appointment we needed to be at by 9am at Yad Vashem Holocaust remembrance centre. We arrived at the centre in eager expectation to learn about the tragic and horrific events of the Holocaust that took place in Europe during World War 2. Nothing could have prepared us for what we were about to experience.
At the entrance we were met by our incredible Jewish guide called Haizy a South African who has lived in Israel for the past 42 years who’s knowledge and depth of insight was breathtaking. In the past I have visited Auchwitz in Poland and was impacted by the brutality and barbarity of the Nazi’s who sought to carry out the ‘Final Solution’ as they called it for the 11million European Jews they sought fo kill. There I saw the cruelty and suffering of those who were murdered at the hands of the Nazi’s. In Yad Vashem the same cruelty was seen but the overwhelming theme was not the brutality of the
Nazi’s but the spirit and determination of the Jewish people to not only survive but thrive beyond what Hitler sought to do to them. Hitlers plan was to annihilate them, yet today we see the Jewish people living in freedom and prosperity while the dream of the Third Reich of a 1,000 year reign is relegated to a terrible and tragic event of history. Yad Vashem is a
remembrance of what the Nazi’s did, but is also a celebration of life and commemorates in a dignified and honouring way the 6 million Jews who died. Its impact will remain with me forever!
From there we travelled to the promenade overlooking the magnificent views of the city from a western viewpoint for a short photo opportunity and then on to a lunch appointment with the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem. After lunch we heard how the ICEJ was founded in 1980 by Christians from around the world as an act of solidarity with the Jewish people’s 3,000 year old claim and connection to Jerusalem.
Our day ended with a Shabbat meal at our Hotel where the team was able to reflect together on an emotional and challenging day. Our Sabbath meal reminded us of the fact that through Jesus each one of us has been brought into the rest of God, where we no longer have to strive through religion to try and please God, but are accepted and loved due to what Jesus alone has done for us. Tomorrow is our last day, but what we have seen, felt and learned will impact us way into our future.
Sent from Grayson Jones.
Day Six the final day of our Holy Land experience!
Early on this Sabbath morning, as the sun shone over Jerusalem, we found ourselves at Golgotha in the Garden Tomb, which is a presumed site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. The peace and tranquility of the garden was overwhelming, in stark contrast to the horrific, fear-filled Place of Roman execution it once was. Entering an empty tomb hewn out of the rock transported us back to the first Easter morning when the message to all visitors was, as it is today, “He is NOT here for He is risen”. We were also privileged to experience a poignant moment as opportunity to “break bread” together ushered in the tangible Presence of God.
We moved on to the Garden of Gethsemane (the name literally means – “oil press!”) and as we walked amongst the olive trees it wasn’t difficult to imagine Jesus’ agony as He prayed to His Father about what He knew was to come whilst those closest to Him slept! The garden itself and the intuitive explanations of our guide provided great insight into the emotional and physical pain that Jesus would have experienced as He placed His life into the Hands of His Father.
Walking from the Garden thro the Kidron Valley we were immediately transported back in time to the Prophet Ezekiel & his “Valley of dry bones” which is now the site of a Jewish cemetery.
Ascending thro the Valley towards the Temple we entered the ancient Jerusalem, the City of David and passed thro the Jerusalem Walls National Park to observe the excavation of what is believed to be the remains of King David’s palace.
From there to mount Zion, the site of King David’s tomb, but more significantly for us, as Pentecostal Christians, the location of an “upper room” -a room where Jesus foretold his death whilst sharing the last supper with His disciples. The very same room to which the disciples may have returned to await the Gift promised by Jesus, the Holy Spirit. The place therefore of the first gathering together of Christians and the event called Pentecost!
So much to take in in one morning – Jesus’ journey to death & resurrection and the birth of the church!
The afternoon took a different turn as we visited the Israel museum which houses the Dead Sea scrolls as well as many other exhibitions and artefacts pertinent to the Jewish nation.
The day and our time here in Jerusalem climaxed with a spectacular sound and light show within the ruins of the citadel (tower of David museum). This magnificent display unfolded the 3000 years of Jerusalem history – no wonder our hearts have been captured by this the holiest city on earth!
A traditional Israeli meal was a fitting conclusion to what has been a once-in-a-lifetime, never-to-be-missed experience!
Sent from Ian D Williams
IGTO will be present at a number of forthcoming conferences, seminars and exhibitions, including:
Big Church Day Out: 2-3 June 2012
New Wine, Newark: 28 July-3 August 2012
Last October saw the launch of a new Advertising Campaign initiated by Israel Tourism within the Christian media. The campaign, which continues well into 2012 is being featured on Christian TV stations, Inspiration; UCB and Revelation, Premier Radio, all the major Christian monthly and weekly publications as well as prime web sites.
Focusing on the theme “Walk where Jesus walked”, the advertising sets out to encourage Christian to consider the value of a trip to Israel, the Holy Land both on an individual or group basis.
