The Scriptures have come alive for me since being over here in Israel

On the bus we sang a few Scripture songs (also taken from the Psalms), and the spirit of singing didn’t leave us after we got off the bus. The first stop, the Church of St. Anne, has beautiful acoustics, especially when singing the Lord’s Prayer, as we experienced.

Singing Scripture with uplifted hands in the chapel

Across the courtyard of the church lie the ruins of the Pool of Bethesda. This is where Jesus asked the man who had been sick for 38 years if he would like to be made well. The lesson we learned here is that with Jesus, it’s moving time! Dr. Castelino shared another important insight from the story of the paralyzed man who was made well. Being paralyzed from the neck down is a sad plight to be in, but even more tragic is to be paralyzed from the neck up! Being stiff-necked and resistant to the working of the Lord is just about the worst thing possible. Let’s all be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we might prove the perfect will of God!

Dr. Castelino sharing insights on location at the Pool of Bethesda

The next stop was a very sobering one indeed. The Israeli Holocaust History Museum, called Yad Vashem, is a place that remembers and honors the people who were eliminated for reasons none other than the fact they were Jews or were supporters of the Jews. Such cruelty and inhumane treatment was almost too much to fathom.

After leaving the museum, we drove over to Bethlehem to eat lunch and see what there was to see. What we found waiting for us at the restaurant blew me away. A full two-course traditional Middle Eastern spread of pita and flatbread with lots of fixings—about 7 in all to choose from—barbecued lamb and chicken with fries, topped off with some Turkish coffee and baklava. The restaurant also offered a great view overlooking the shepherd’s fields from back in the days of tending flocks for Temple sacrifices and things.

The lovely spread of food awaiting us in Bethlehem (literally meaning "house of bread")

Following the meal, we went to the Church of the Nativity which is built upon the spot where Jesus is thought to have been born in. Also there, we learned that St. Jerome did the first Bible translation work, translating the Aramaic Scriptures into the Latin Vulgate. Being the birthplace of Christ, Bethlehem is a bit more Christian than other parts of the country. We had the opportunity to shop at a local olive wood carving and souvenir shop owned by local Christians. A lot of us took advantage of the sales and brought back gifts for family and friends.

We had a little while to pack our bags back at the hotel before having a farewell dinner/recognition time prior to leaving for the airport. We had the opportunity to sing our favorite Jewish songs for the guests, “The Prayer of Jabez,” “Then Shall the Virgin,” and “Heveynu Shalom Aleichem” (We’ve Brought Peace). Throughout this trip, it’s been wonderful to have seen God at work in our lives, blessing us indeed like Jabez requested: enlarging our coast, keeping His hand with us, and protecting us from harm.

Our bus driver did a fabulous job all throughout the trip. He even navigated the side streets with only a few inches of clearance without breaking a sweat.

While we were completely safe the entire time, it was definitely a unique experience to realize that we were standing in one of the most holy sites of radical Jews and Muslims alike.  Men gathered in circles upon the Temple Mount to recite prayers to their god as women covered to their eyes scurried past.  Here in Jerusalem, men and women are serious about religion: no tracts, no religious symbols, no physical affection, no Bibles.  And, remember, men armed with machine guns stand ready to enforce the law.   As I stood on the Temple Mount, which was enlarged during the reign of Herod the Great, I could not help but consider the contrast between Christianity and Islam: light vs. darkness, peace vs. conflict, love vs. hate.

The powers of darkness have desecrated the area where once stood the Temple and the Holy of Holies.

After several pictures of the famous golden dome, which has become an icon for the city of Jerusalem, we left the Temple Mount and headed to the Antonia Fortress.  Around 2,000 years ago, a Roman centurion proclaimed at the scene of Calvary, “Truly this was the Son of God.”  As he spoke these words, the earth quaked after the crucifixion of Christ.  During the course of the day, the Verity Mission Team had the unique privilege of following the same path that Jesus walked as He bore His cross to Calvary.  For us that path started in the Antonia Fortress, where we saw the actual road that Jesus walked.

Ronen showing us the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Suffering

Following that path, we walked through a bustling market place and out the Damascus Gate to the possible spot where Jesus was crucified and buried.  On the door of the tomb a sign is posted, which says, “He is not here for He is risen.”  As I reflected on that statement, I was struck by the fact that He is risen, but He is still here.

In front of the Garden Tomb

As Christians, we do not need a temple to worship our God; we do not need to pass through tight security lines to stuff our prayers into the crevices of ancient walls; we do not need to repeat vain traditions to draw near to God.  Since the church God built was built on men and women, He reigns throughout the whole earth.  The curtain into the Holy of Holies has been rent in two, and we through the sacrificial love of Christ have access to the Holy One of Israel.

Celebrating the fact that the tomb is empty. He is risen indeed!

Isaiah 52:7 states: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, ‘Thy God reigneth!”’  Truly, God reigns, and it is a privilege to share this with the people we meet throughout the day.  Men and women from all over the world are in this country to see the Holy Land, and we have had the opportunity to meet people from Romania, Ukraine, Indonesia, Finland, Germany, Argentina, and many others.  One day, at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord.  For us, it has been a privilege to traverse the countryside of Israel already proclaiming that HE IS LORD!

The Castelino family in front of the Old City section of Jerusalem

Next, we followed the steep Palm Sunday path and entered the quiet sanctuary of the Garden of Gethsemane. Papa J read to us from Matthew 26 as we sat in the shade of the olive trees. “Not My will, but Yours be done,” Jesus said in that same garden. After a few minutes of reflection, we sang “Have Thine Own Way, Lord” and continued on toward Caiaphas’ house.

In the Garden of Gethsemene

In the palace, we walked down several steps to a stone dungeon where prisoners were kept and where Jesus most likely spent the night He was betrayed. It was sobering to imagine that Jesus, lowered down through the hole in the ceiling, sat bleeding and alone on the cold stone in our place and because of our sin.

In the cell beneath Caiaphas' house

After coming up from the pit, we had a chance to reflect in the courtyard—the one where Peter denied Christ.

Lunch was falafel sandwiches atop Mount Zion, close to the location of Pentecost. Papa J took the opportunity to read us passages about the Holy Spirit and His ministry, and we asked for His further working in our lives. We traversed the narrow limestone streets that were bustling with Jewish and Moslem children, soldiers, musicians, beggars, orthodox men and women, and other fellow tourists.

As we approached the Wailing Wall, we heard the laughter of Jewish children, passed by orthodox men with their black hats and full beards, and also listened to the strains of the Moslem call to prayer coming from minarets across the city. Standing amidst the crowd, we reached out our hands to intercede like Daniel did for Jerusalem and the people around us. “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name” (Daniel 9:19).

Some of the guys from the mission team praying at the Wailing Wall

This is real: it is no fairy tale and no joke. Today we followed in the literal footsteps of Jesus as He knelt in the garden, walked on the stone path and descended the stairs to the dungeon to die for real people with real needs. He was despised and rejected, but there was no anger or complaining. He endured it all for the joy set before Him: for us. What an honor it is to be His both His disciples and His children and to be here in Jerusalem and say with millions of others, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord.”

Our accomodations for the night at Kibbutz Almog. A true desert oasis!

Today we woke up in a kibbutz, near the Northwest shore of the Dead Sea, called Kibbutz Almog. In Hebrew, Almog means corral and is the name of the military guy who founded the settlement when it was a military base many years ago. After having a great night at the kibbutz and a wonderful breakfast provided by our hosts, we set off for the southern end of the Dead Sea where we would be spending our day. As we drove south we left the green that we have been used to seeing and entered the Judean Desert and all the fertile farm lands and the grassy hill sides turned into a barren wasteland with only a few dry river beds and a few desert bushes here and there.

View of the Masada fortress from the cable car perspective

After a while, we came to Masada which is a fortress, dating back to the first century, on the top of a mountain beside the Dead Sea. We saw from the top where Herod had his magnificent palace, and where a thousand some Jews took refuge from the Romans when they were putting down the Jewish revolt in the first century. We got to enjoy the view of the Dead Sea as well as nearby En Gedi. Then Ronen gave us a demonstration of how the people at the top of Masada would collect the water from the flash floods in that area when there was rain. The system that the Jews in the first century used was ingenious, they would collect the rain water from dry river beds by diverting the water down aqueducts to cisterns that were easily accessible from the top.

When we were finished up on the top of Masada, instead of taking the cable car back down to the bottom, we instead walked down the back side of Masada where the Romans had built a ramp up to the top in order to take the stronghold. When the Romans got to the top however, everyone but a couple of women was dead. The Jews had decided that it was better to die free than to die to a Roman sword and have their women and children taken into slavery. So the people had chosen 10 men to kill every one and then the 10 remaining men took lots to see who would be the last one alive who would jump off the side of the mountain after killing the other 9.

Walking down the ramp the Romans constructed to take the fortress

The sad story about what happened at Masada was a good reminder that for us as Christians, no matter what happens, we have nothing to fear in Christ. We can just pray and God will take care of us. If we die, then we are in Heaven with God. We would not have to take the extreme choice of massacre that the Jews had taken if we were in their position.

After we got to the base of the mountain, we met up with the bus that had to drive all the way down around the mountains to pick us up on the other side of Masada. We then took off and just were amazed at how barren the hills are. We then came around a corner where there were some Bedouin shepherds and even a small Bedouin settlement. We pulled in and were given the opportunity to go on a camel ride. Almost everyone went on the ride, even though some were not wanting to because of the cost. I was going to go no matter what; I had not taken the opportunity to ride a camel last time I was in Israel, so this was my chance. The experience was very fun. I’d say the most interesting part was when the camel was either getting up, or kneeling down at the end—I was sure that I was going to be thrown off when our camel knelt down.

I think we enjoyed riding the camels more than they enjoyed us riding them.

Our camel procession through the barren wilderness

After the ride, we had lunch at the settlement and then continued on our way. We drove back around the mountains to the South end of the Dead Sea and once again passed Masada and continued on to En Gedi, which is the site where David hid from King Saul and spared his life when he had the chance to take the king’s life. After getting into the park where En Gedi is, we started walking until we found a little gathering area where we had a dramatic reading of the Biblical account from 1 Samuel 24 where David spared Saul’s life. We then went off and walked up the trail to the waterfalls which are deep in the valley in the middle of the desert where this hidden oasis is.

Two of the three falls at En Gedi. The last one in the distance is the largest waterfall.

After enjoying the cool beauty of the oasis and waterfalls, we hiked back down the trail and got back on the bus. We passed by the caves of Qumran in which the Dead Sea scrolls were found. They included a complete copy of the book of the prophet Jeremiah preserved for almost 2000 years. We kept driving north and passed by Jericho, the first city God delivered to Joshua and the children of Israel as they entered the Promised Land. From Jericho we followed the Jericho Road up to Jerusalem, and on the bus reflected on the story of the Good Samaritan. As we entered Jerusalem, music was played about Jerusalem and some of us sang along. Then we were taken up to where we could see the city and get a first taste of the layout and what all we will be getting to see over the next few days.

Our first view of Jerusalem after coming up the Jericho Road

When we got to our hotel, we met a group of National Guardsmen from the States that are stationed over in the Sinai Desert in Egypt who were here on vacation. When we learned that they were American Soldiers, we all went over and talked to them and thanked them for their service and asked them about what they do, where they are from, and how long they have been over in Egypt. It was a tremendous blessing not only to us by showing our appreciation or our troops here in the Middle East in person, but also to them as well. It was clear that they were thankful for us coming over and talking to them. All I can say, is God is giving us ministry opportunities in ways that we never would have expected.

Our time here in Israel is coming to an end soon, but I praise God for what He has done for us this far. For me, being here and getting to see the sites, and walk where Yeshua walked 2000 years ago just catches my breath. I, along with my class thank you for your prayers. We still covet your prayers for safety, for health, for guidance, and for opportunities to reach out to the people here in Israel.

Walking through the ruins of Bet She'an

Heading south, we stopped first at the surreal Roman ruins in Bet She’an, which afforded breathtaking views and a staggering amount of history.  Mr. Jackson gave us a fascinating message from God’s Word that really made the location come alive, and later our group had the unique opportunity to sing in the ancient amphitheatre to visitors from across the globe.

Sitting in the amphitheatre at Bet She'an

After Bet She’an, we traveled to the traditional site of Gideon’s spring, a picturesque oasis highlighted by natural hot springs and scores of palm trees.  For the next hour or so we each had the chance to reflect separately on what the Lord had shown us over the past few days, which was a real blessing, and I took the chance to write in my journal and pray.

Personal meditation time and reflection at the Springs of Gideon

Leaving Gideon’s Springs, our group ascended the desert heights near the Israel/Jordan border to visit a moshav—a very special community of Israeli farmers who live in a nearly completely self-sufficient village complete with homes, farms, a synagogue, and a school.  It was a real treat to be able to meet with the leaders of the village and gain insight as to what it means to live in such an interesting community, and our friendly hosts also served us a delicious lunch.

Moshav Argamon, a little village in the West Bank region of Israel

From the top of the mountains, we descended down the majestic slopes several miles to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea.  At first, I was a little surprised as to the brilliant blue color of the lake, which dispelled my previous ideas of a white, bubbling mass.  Floating on the Dead Sea reaffirmed the fact that this was indeed a unique lake, the feeling of nearly complete buoyancy was a little overwhelming, but extremely fun as well.

Floating in the Dead Sea

Perhaps the most meaningful moment of the day, however, came after we were preparing to leave the Dead Sea area.  I noticed a young man sitting off by himself close to where our group was located, so I walked over and said hello and soon we had an interesting conversation on our hands.  While I was not able to specifically witness to the man, I believe that the Lord used our meeting, and the conversations of others who talked with him, to make a difference in this man’s life.  In many ways, this divine appointment illustrated to me the importance of being open to the Lord’s leading and capitalizing on each opportunity He gives us.  While it has been a truly life-changing experience to walk the land where Jesus walked and enjoy the many sites along the way, ultimately the most satisfying aspect of this missions trip is to share the love of Christ and proclaim His light to a very special land.

Many of the storms on the Sea of Galilee come in through this narrow passage.

From Mensa Christi we proceeded to the shore of Galilee where we boarded a boat for a splendid ride on the sea of Galilee. While out there Mr. Jackson pointed out how the geography caused for storms to brew quickly and fiercely, sharing again the story of Peter walking on the water and encouraging us to keep our eyes on the Master and have the enthusiasm to follow quickly after Him no matter what our circumstances are. We also had the pleasure of watching a demonstration of how fishing was done back in the days of Jesus.

We went on a great boat ride in a traditional fishing vessel

Climbing off the boat we had a brief break at the little museum and gift shop by the dock before we continued to the remains of Capernaum. We viewed what was believed to be the site of Peter’s home, the remains of a Synagogue, and the rubble of some other buildings. Here Mr. Jackson reminded us of the story of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed. The part of the hem which she touched was the tassel of His prayer shawl—something which represents authority. Mr. Jackson exhorted us to not let the Lord just pass by, but when we have troubles or know of someone who is troubled to catch a hold of the one who has authority and power to make us whole.

Ruins of Capernaum

After Capernaum we headed to a small restaurant for a late lunch. It was an… interesting meal. Some of us had the adventure of trying a whole fish. That’s right, we ate Talapia that still had fins, scales, bones, a head and tail, and worst of all… eyes. I felt like I was back in biology dissecting animals again. Some of us enjoyed the adventure, even venturing to try the eyeballs, while others passed on the opportunity.

A bit unsure of the fish staring back with a blank look on it's face

From Capernaum we proceeded to the Jordan river (our last stop of the day) where several in our group decided to get baptized. Those who chose to do so were Ellianna McCray, David Auge, John Dalrymple, Peter Copu, Joshua Justice, Peter Kroon, Melissa McCray, Judith Harris, Elisa Bond, Virginia Glover, Kayla Hills, Nathan Sisson, Emily McCray, Rosie Humphreys, Anna Bradigan, Suzanne Farynyk, Renee Knudsen, Jacob Vaccaro, JoHannah Povich, Christopher Jow, Dr. McCray, and Dr. Castilino (there’s a list of names for all you folks back home hoping your loved one would be mentioned specifically in the blog). Many felt that this was a very special experience.

We have decided to follow Jesus!

From there we returned to our hotel, our last night at this one as we will be staying somewhere else tomorrow night. One thing that God has really been emphasizing to me while here has been His love. I wonder how He can love me, and while here I am reminded of story after story of His love for the unlovely. He sought the lowly of society, healed the sick, and the poor unclean woman who caught His hem He called “daughter”. How wonderful is our God!

Please continue to pray for the team that God would keep opening doors for us to share His love with the people here.

By 8:15, our ever-ready tour guide had us all on the bus. On our way to our first destination, Ronen and Mr. Jackson told us about different aspects of the cities and the country in general, such as the common use of solar power in place of electricity and the growth of orange trees in once barren fields.

View from the top of the Tel of Megiddo

Our first stop was the Har Megiddo. We climbed several series of stone steps to reach the top. At one point, we passed through the remains of a gate. Mr. J. explained the gate was a place of learning in Jesus’ time, a place where wise men and those striving to be gathered to expound upon the Scriptures.

We happened to come across an elder sitting at the city gates—none other than our beloved leader Papa J!

At the top of the mountain we were able to look down into the valley that is said to be the location of the first battle in recorded history, as well as the prophesied last battle of Armageddon. Across the valley we could see the hills where Gideon whittled his fighting force down to the three hundred men who drank from the stream at the ready. Also within sight was the mountain top on which King Saul fell on his sword. Also within sight was Nazareth, our next destination.

We visited in Nazareth an Orthodox Greek Church built around a natural spring; the place where Gabriel is said to have visited Mary to announce to her the news that she was carrying the Messiah. The church was Colorfully painted with pictures telling the tories of the saints. Mr. J. reminded us there that, like Mary, we carry the Messiah inside, and that we are chosen to share him with the world. What a great blessing to be a believer.

Images on the wall of the Annunciation Church

The top of Mount Carmel provided a view that astonished us. After gazing in every direction for miles, we climbed back down the small tower We sat under a vine-covered pavilion as Mr. J. animatedly related the story of Elijah and the prophets of Ba’al. He admonished us to carefully consider the altars of our own hearts. As we finished our devotions, a group of Indonesians seated near us began singing. When they started singing a song in English that we knew, our group joined them, spontaneously creating a time of worship. We were reminded that neither nation nor language makes a difference when we are worshiping the same God.

Dr. McCray and the leader of the Indonesian Church Group.

After a brief lunch at a small restaurant, we visited a ministry call Tents of Mercy. After introducing us to their work, the energetic workers showed us a video detailing their work, then took time to share their personal passions for the mission. This time was the highlight of our day, as we were able to hear the joy of other Jewish believers working in the Holy Land. Their stories, beliefs, and advice to us were divinely inspired, and just what our group has been praying to encounter.  We prayed over them for some time and tried to bless them as they blessed us.

The team praying over the staff at Tents of Mercy.

The momentum of the trip is building as we anticipate what each coming day will bring.

Guys being questioned by Israeli Intelligence before boarding flight for TelAviv

After we landed at Ben Gurion International Airport, Mr. Jackson, our group leader, introduced us to Ronen, our guide and resident encyclopedia on the nation, culture, and history of Israel. These two will be our leaders as we travel through the land. Each stop we make will be a time to reflect on scripture; specifically what the bible says about that location, and what it means for believers.

Mr. Jackson reading Scripture over the team at Joppa

Our first stop was at Joppa (Yafo), the old port city. Once called the Port of Jerusalem, this city is one of the more recognizable of the cities of Israel in both the Old and New Testaments. It is called the Port of Jerusalem because both King David and King Solomon imported cedar trunks from Tyre for the construction of Davids castle and, more famously, Solomon’s Temple. (II Chronicles 2) Later the city of Yafo became known as the port from which Jonah fled from G-d’s directions to him. (Jonah 1). In the New testament, it was here at Joppa that Peter healed Tabitha (Dorcas)(Acts 9).

The Team at Joppa

After Peter restored Dorcas and presented her to the church body and the widows, he moved on to the city of Caesarea. We followed in a similar fashion. Caesarea, a port city established by Herod the Great as an economic headquarters, was a rich spiritual and historical experience. The area is home to many excavations and ruins from ancient rome to the crusades. It was amazing to see one era build literally right on top of the ruins of the previous era.

The Mission team singing for tourists in the Roman Ampitheater

In Caesarea we were reminded of the origin of the church. It was here that Peter first shared the gospel and healed a gentile, spreading the Good News beyond the realm of the Jews and opening it up for all peoples for the first time. It was from here that Paul began his ministry to Asia. Amid the ruins of the Hippodrome, amphitheaters, and crusader fortresses, our team discovered the cradle of the church.

It has been a long day for us, spanning from early Monday morning when we left Indianapolis, to Tuesday evening, broken up only by light and intermittent napping. Each of us is tired, but we are overjoyed to be here and fulfilled by the activities of our first day.

Please continue to pray for all of our team. Praise the almighty for granting us such endurance in the face of fatigue, and pray that He continues to grant such strength. The journey is just beginning. We know we are not here by accident or any appointment of our own, but for a greater purpose.

As I write this, it is less than two hours until we leave. At 2am on Monday, March 21, we will take a bus to the Chicago airport. From there, we will fly to New York, and finally to the Promised Land.

As I brought my suitcase down with the others to be weighed and loaded, I could feel the excitement in the air. A group of students and staff assembled packages of tracts, while others hovered around the growing collection of luggage. All around the room, small groups gathered , one thing foremost in their conversations, one thing in their hearts: the time has come.

Soli Deo Gloria