“Boker Tov!” (That’s “Good Morning” in Hebrew!)

We’ve just returned from an incredible 10-day journey to the Holy Land. There’s nothing like being in Israel at the places Jesus taught, healed, lived, died and was raised to build your faith and make the Bible come alive! Just ask the eighteen members from First Church who experienced this “trip of a lifetime” along with the eight other new friends who joined us. Peggy King alone has much too share – just ask her! We all want to go back and take you with us next time!

We had a very knowledgeable ethnic Jew as our tour educator by the name of Shahar. I had the privilege of being in his group two years ago when I went with several other pastors. We saw the sites, but also learned the rich history and modern challenges. We read scriptures together and Robin led us in singing hymns and choruses at various places. It was much more than simply an overseas trip; it was a spiritual pilgrimage. As we shared about our personal highlights, three stand out in my mind:

First, sailing on the Sea of Galilee. We set sail from the Jesus Boat Museum on “The Promised Land” boat to Capernaum, possibly Jesus’ greatest place of ministry around Galilee. We sang our National Anthem as the US flag was raised beside the flag of Israel and spent time “visualizing” Jesus walking on that very body of water and Peter attempting too! We shared about powerful healings and answers to prayer. We worshipped together and several danced as well to the Jewish “hora!” It was a very special time, though we didn’t discover any “tax paying” fish this trip!

Second, baptizing at the Jordan River. It is a truly beautiful setting. We were the only group in the river at the time. I felt very privileged as your Pastor to baptize a man from Atlanta in our group, Barry Johnson, and to reaffirm several baptisms of our members. It was a chilly and memorable experience for all! Just to stand in the river Jesus was baptized in is a remarkable feeling and blessing.

Third, it was the time spent in prayer at the Western Wall. I carried your prayers with me and placed them within the Wall as I prayed. There were several lively bar mitzvahs going on all around with young boys carrying the Torah and dancing. Women were throwing candy and men were dancing too, but in the moment I approached the Wall all became silent to me. I felt so very close to the Lord at this historic and sacred place as I prayed. Time seemed to stand still. I felt The Lord renewing, reviving and restoring me. There’s no place like it in the world.

We can’t all travel to Israel in person (though many of us can!), but I hope these very few thoughts I’ve shared give you a sense of Christ’s presence in a fresh way, as we enter into Holy week. May you and I fall more in love with Jesus every day.

Yours in His Love,
Mark

P.S. I can’t wait to get to see you this Sunday as we celebrate Palm Sunday! Remember to bring any new or gently used coats to share with Skyline Urban Ministries. You can also still order Easter lilies in honor or memory of a loved one this Sunday. Shalom!