Greetings from Israel.  Now that we have only two more tour days in Israel, this technically challenged tour host has finally figured how to access this blog and comment.

We are so grateful for all those who have been praying for us as we journey.  Our Lord has gone so far beyond keeping us safe and has blesswed us beyond our fnest imaginings.

We have visited so many places we have seen before; Ceasarea by the Sea where the Gospel first connected with ur Gentile world, Megiddo where over 20 civilizations have fought and thrived, Muhkrakah on Mt. Carmel where Elijah faced down the hundreds of false prophets adn wn, Nazareth where Jesus grew up, Korazim where so many of his mjiracles were done, Cana where that first miracle was performed to save embarrassment to a young groom, Capernaum where Jairus’ daughter as raised from death and the woman with the bledding problem was healed, the region of Ceasarea Philippi where Jesus was transfigured, the Sea of Galilee around whose shores so much of Jesus’ ministry transpired and so many more.

Then there are the places that we have never seen before; like hiking through the preserve at Tel Dan where the tribe of Dan settled after defeating the unsuspecting people of Laish, Tel Hazor where Joshua defeated the northern kingdoms of Canaan, and a few others I can’t remember tonight.

Then there are the places we have visited before but have been developed more completely than ever before; like Bethshean where Saul’s mangled body was displayed by the conquering Philistines, the temple tunnel along the Western Wall of the temple compound, the area South of the temple including the original steps where Jesus undoubtedly spent many hours in conversation with his disciples and others.

Malcolm Cartier has proven to be a guide par excellence!  We have received so much information (and entertainment) from him that we are often experiencing information overload. It will take us months to process all we have seen and heard.

With only a couple of days left to share the rich fellowship of fellow Christians as we “run where Jesus walked,” we already know it has been worth the jet lag, sore feet and other complications of foreign travel.  We know that we will never read our Bibles quite the same again.  Now will we view the news from the Middle East quite as passively again.  We have lived, loved and served where JESUS did those things and life will never be quite the same again.

Again we thank thow eof you who have held us in your thoughts and prayers as we have traveled.  You have been a blessing to us and we pray that you will stay close to God where you are for “blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”  

God bless!  Good evening and good night!

Love to all,

From the 32 pilgrims who have traveled together on the Pauls March 31 Israel Tour