Pastor’s bLOG

July 12th, 2009

Reflections from the Holy Land – Summer 2009

Below you will find reflections on my journey to the Holy Land. The original goal was to keep an online travel log (or blog) as the trip progressed, but internet service was sporadic, so my entries were few and far between. However, upon returning, I’ve been able to transcribe my notes about the trip and provide tour details, photos and reflections about my amazing journey to the holy land. You may read entries chronologically below and click “MORE” links for each entry that include additional information and photos, or you may peruse the links above at your leisure.

Thanks for listening friends, PB

TRAVEL LOG

5.28 – I’ll be headed to Israel tomorrow afternoon where we’ll be studying first century Jesus followers. We are going to walk where the man Jesus walked as He battled the enemies of God’s people: the empire, the devil, and death. My hope is to chat with you all while there via this blog. MORE>

FOREWORD

6-29 REFLECTIONS ON THE TRIP TO ISRAEL AND JORDAN NOW THAT I’M HOME…I begin this morning by pondering the simple question, “Why did I want to go to the “Holy Land”? Traveling to Israel has been a dream of mine since childhood. MORE>

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ARRIVAL DAY

6-30 The reflections Israel/Jordan continue….As I review the itinerary, I am reminded of the long lines at Bush Intercontinental Airport and the long flight from Houston to Frankfurt. I wonder, “Why are some people so mean to others? Pushing, shoving, ugly looks, all because of some self-imposed self-importance and the belief that “I” should be first. MORE>

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TOUR DAY ONE

July 1st – The first day of the tour begins with a short bus ride from Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives. On the way we get a great view of the Temple Mount. This is an absolutely breath-taking view. Think of the history this place has seen. MORE>

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TOUR DAY TWO

July 2nd – On the next day of the tour we drove the short trip to Bethlehem (approximately five miles). Before entering the town of Bethlehem we have to cross a checkpoint at the dividing wall where Palestinians cannot cross over into Jerusalem and Israelis cannot cross into Bethlehem. MORE>

TOUR DAY THREE

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TOUR DAY FOUR

We go to Hebron. This is where the Tomb of the Patriarchs are located within a synagogue/mosque. Today Hebron has a population of about 500,000. We first stop at the oak of Abraham. MORE>

TOUR DAY FIVE

We try again to enter the tomb of Jesus at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Once again, after patiently waiting at the door of the tomb, we are turned away. Took advantage of the time there and snapped a few more photos. MORE>

TOUR DAY SIX

Today we head to Nablus (Shekem). On way we see Mount Gerazim where Abraham was willing to offer Isaac as a sacrifice to God and where Jesus was tempted. (Picture 346) We visit Jacob’s Well where Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman. MORE>

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