ISRAEL 2010

Our trip to Israel this year included a team of 13. Everyone was a first timer to the Holy Land. What a privilege to introduce someone to Israel and watch the bible and 6000 years of history come alive in front of them day by day. One person described seeing the bible in living color. Another said that they had run out of English words to describe how wonderful, awesome and surreal this place was. Below is the picture of the group on a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. As you ride so many stories come alive.

Below is a picture at sunrise on the Sea of Galilee. The fishing boats and the colors just add to the moment there.
One of the most memorable times this year was to watch the sunset over the city of David. The colors were stupendous and all were in awe that we were actually in Jerusalem, God's Holy City.
After watching the sunset on the Mt. of Olives, we went to the western wall, on the sabbath, in the middle of Hanukkah, and watched the Rabbi's light the Menorah.
Below is a picture of the Israeli soldiers. Look how young they are. They are ages 18-22. But we grew a great attachment to them as we visited the Navy Base and talked with these soldiers everywhere. Watching them cry in their Holocaust Center was a very moving moment. This is a picture of them at the Western Wall.

This was our view at lunch. Imagine looking out over the temple mount and the mount of Olives while you have a cappuccino. Only in Israel.
Below is a picture of a part of Nehemiah's Wall. Imagine building this with a sword in one hand.
EinGedi is where David was hiding from Saul. What a wonderful oasis in the dessert.
The Jordan River below carries with it so much history.
We had our own baptism service right there in the Jordan. Something we will never forget.
Below is the mount of Beatitudes. Picture each one of those banana trees as people and our Lord teaching the character His followers should emulate.

The entire trip in Israel was during Hanukkah season. Below is the precious time we had at the children home. We had the privilege of lighting the menorah and celebrating with these precious children.
Our course the uniqueness of this trip was the fire on Mt. Carmel. We were actually scheduled to be on that mtn. when the fire was lit. But miraculously and unbeknown to us, our plans changed and kept us safe.
Swimming or rather floating in the dead sea is always a great time of laughter.

Walking on the temple steps where Jesus actually walked daily into the temple. Behind Jim and Colleen is the actual arch that our Savior walked through. You can't imagine how it feels to be there in that place.

Unique to this trip was time to actually pray in the garden of Gethsemane where our Lord and Savior praying the night before His trial.
Praying "not my will but thine be done."
It was in this garden that we decided, as part of our ministry, that we need to take as many people as possible to Israel. It is that life changing. If you are interested in joining our group next year please contact us by email.
God Bless, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!