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Capernaum where Jesus focused so
much of his ministry, walking among
the olive trees in the Garden of
Gethsemane — all of these were
profound experiences. But worshiping
in the Garden Tomb, which might have
been the place of the resurrection, was
the most moving of all. As our group
stopped in the Garden, we sang, heard
scripture read and once again shared
communion. The nearness of God
brought tears of joy."
Hill, who has been to Israel several
times, said his faith is impacted in new ways each time he goes.
"I began traveling to Israel more than twenty years ago," he explained. "Every trip is unique and every trip includes new discoveries and new experiences with friends and with God. In our trip this past month, we walked on a first century street near the Temple Mount that was not excavated until recently. It is always a spiritual pilgrimage as you meet God in new ways and begin to read the scripture with fresh eyes."
Above: Doyle Sager leads communion on a boat on the Sea of Galilee.
Left: Recently excavated first century steps to Temple Mount that commoners (like Jesus) would have used.
Right: Jim Hill and others praying at Wailing Wall.
(photos credit:
Brian Ford)