Walking the lands of the Bible

Mark Twain quipped,“Travel can be fatal.” Fatal, that is, to your preconceived ideas about a country, its land and peoples. With wind, rain, beautiful sunshine, glorious views, rocky paths and a Mediterranean climate, Israel came alive to the 35 Salvationist pilgrims who embarked on a study tour from Feb. 28–March 12, sponsored by the Western Territory Education Department.

Each day the group travelled to cities with familiar Bible names, now coming alive with color, sound and activity. Those interested in archaeology enjoyed Megiddo, Caesarea, Capernaum, Masada, Sepphoris, Capernaum, Bet She’an, Tel Hazor,  Hill of Zippori and the excavations taking place at the Western Wall and the Southern Temple Staircase.

For the nature-loving pilgrims, the diversity of the countryside boasted just about every type of flora and fauna in places including the Tel Dan Nature Reserve, the Ein Gedi oasis and Hermon Stream Nature Reserve. Desert adventurists enjoyed the hot and dry regions of Petra and Qumran.

But it was the unique opportunity to experience first-hand the sacred landmarks that made the Bible stories come alive. Familiar names such as Bethlehem, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Sea of Galilee, Mt. Nebo, Pool of Bethesda, Garden of Gethsemane, the Via Dolorosa, the Garden Tomb and the excavations at the Temple Mount all took on a new meaning.

Major Dusty Hill said, “The Holy Land study tour was a highlight of my service as a Salvation Army officer. As we traced the steps of Jesus and his dynamic ministry from Galilee to Judea, I was reminded of the contemporary calling he has placed on my life to faithfully share the good news in the present age.”

For Captain Erica Helton, Psalm 63:1 took on new significance as she experienced the lands of Israel and Jordan where water is still an essential and limited resource: O God, you are my God; Early will I seek you; My soul thirsts for you; My flesh longs for you In a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.

Major Betsy Kyle reflected on the mosaic of a hen gathering her chicks under her wings, which was featured in one of the churches. “I considered the millions who over time have journeyed to Israel to validate their faith in Christ, or for many who come still searching for the one true God” she said. “The mosaic, based on Matthew 23:37, displays how much love the Father has for his children. ‘O Jerusalem,  Jerusalem, who kills prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.’”

Other participants shared their responses:

Lt. Colonel Marcia Smith: “A great impression for me was being able to read the Scriptures in the places where these events actually happened.”

Captain Howard Bennett: “The entire trip was a revelation! I felt extremely close to my Jewish ancestors and their struggle to worship the one God of Israel while remaining pure and untouched by the pagan influences of those around them.”

Major Darren Trimmer: “The Sea of Galilee had a real impact on me. As we stood on the shore in Capernaum, looking out over the water, I sensed a renewing of his call on my life, just as he had called the disciples.”

Major LeAnn Trimmer: “I was put off by the path called the Via Dolorosa—so much noise and chaos, vendors hawking their wares, people shoving, plowing through the crowds—and it finally struck me, that was probably the way it was as Jesus made his way to Golgotha. The God of Creation on his way to bear the wrath of God for mankind and restore us to relationship with him, and for most of them it was just another day in the marketplace.”

Major Rhonda Lloyd: “It was an awesome opportunity to connect with the history and geography of the Bible, but even more, to put myself into the narrative light of who and what have gone before to prepare the way for me to live eternally! Thank you Salvation Army for this privilege.”