In Israel 09

Heading Home

2009-04-27T03:49:00.000-07:00

Saturday 25- 26April

Arrive in Amman, flew on to Thailand, and then..... home

Amman was quite uneventful as we had to stay in transit. Just spent the last of our Jordanian Dinars on snacks before we flew to Bangkok

After the last Memorial Meeting in Bangkok before we left for home.

On Sunday we had a memorial meeting listening to Bro Dennis Gillet, doing some shopping for souvenirs and clothes. The markets go on and on, literally for miles and miles!

As Darren described the computer stalls in Bangkok they are like Harvey Norman (A computer chain store in Australia) on steroids. The photo only captures about 1/6 of the store

Leaving Bangkok Airport

The weary crew (minus the Ginns who have stayed another two days in Bangkok) back home at Sydney Airport.

This brings us to the end of a very memorable time together, sharing the joys and excitement of an amazing land. It has certainly enriched our understanding of many of the events and stories of the Bible.

For those who have embraced The Hope of Israel, we hope that we will see you all soon, again in the land of Israel.

Jordan Valley

2009-04-27T01:38:00.000-07:00

Friday 24 April

Drive to Jerusalem and then Tel Aviv.

The two cars took different routes to Tel-Aviv. One left early to travel along the Jordan Valley, the other left later and went via mount Carmel and Hiafa. The Jordan Plain is very fertile, and both the Jordanians, and the Israelis are taking advantage of this productive land. Looking up onto the hills of Samaria or the West Bank from the Jordan plain it is just desolate, and forboding. We saw the valley where the Jabbock stream flows into the Jordan.

View across the Jordan Valley to the hills of Modern Jordan (Ancient Amman) in the distance. Extensive agriculture happenning along its entire length.

We also saw the border fence that the Israelis maintain between the West bank and the section that the Jews have settled along the Jordan Valley. We also passed the town of Adam, where the river Jordan flowed back to when the Israelites crossed it in the beginning. We also passed Gilgal! So many places that you read about in the Bible, it is such an exciting experience.

Israeli border patrol. They drive up and down this road along the Jordan each day dragging a mesh grate that leaves a trail of fine dust that will reveal any trace of footprints of those who attempt to approach near to the Electric fence to cross (the fence is behind the patrol).

We arrive at Jerusalem. Some went in for the Ha-Kotel (Western Wall) Tunnel, Ruth and myself went into the Archeological gardens around the Temple mount. Interesting to see the actual pavement that Christ walked on, and see the huge stones that the Roman cast down from the top of the Temple Mount. Just as Jesus had prophesied, “not one stone would remain upon another”.

One of the huge stones that was 'cast down' from the top of the wall in the background

We drove on to Tel-Aviv to return the cars and check in for our return flights. A time of mixed feelings after a tremendous time together in the Promised land.

An intersting World Peace Memorial in Jerusalem - It reminded me of the 'Gordian Knot'. I thought this very nicely sums up the world's hope of solving the predicament of war and conflict on its own. It needs a deliverer to come along with a radical solution just like Alexander the Great did with the Gordian knot.

Steve (always willing to help) putting his shoulder to the wheel. An ancient Mill Stone in Jerusalem.

The Golan

2009-04-27T00:17:00.001-07:00

Thursday 23 April

Driving Tour of the Golan Heights. Gamla, Tel Dan, Banias, Mt Hermon, Nimrod Castle, Safed. After the pace of yesterday some stayed back for a quieter day.

Simon and Pris, Steve, and Geoff and Ruth journeyed to Gamla. It was another stronghold for the Jewish resistance against the Romans before AD 70. It was the equivalent of Masada in the north. It is not as formidable or desolate as Masada, but the Romans deployed 3 legions of men (24,000) to take, and it fell in a matter of weeks. 5000 Jews were mercilessly killed in the battle and another 4000 men women and children threw themselves off a cliff to their death rather than submit to the Romans. Again it depicts the stubborn spirit of the nation that God would eventually break under the iron fist of Rome.

Simon and Pris at the lookout over Gamla. You can just make out some of the old wall going all the way up the hill under Simon's hand and next to his thigh

We drove through the Golan. Observed many concrete bunkers and bullet-ridden buildings that are now abandoned as a result of the 1967 and 1973 wars.

An abandoned Bullet ridden Mosque in the Golan Heights.

We visited El Rom Kibbutz and saw a very nail biting film with actual footage of the 1973 tank battle between the Syrians and Israeli’s in the valley of tears. It was a battle that they very nearly lost. Israel was outnumbered 1500 to 300 tanks. Israel was very confident after the 1967 six-day war and not properly prepared. Their tanks went against the Syrians without night vision technology, and the Syrians had the latest Soviet infrared night vision technology. In the middle of the night the tanks were all tangled in amongst each other and shooting in all directions!! The radio talk between the Israeli tanks even in Hebrew with English subscript had our adrenalin pumping.

A modern Israeli-Abraham Tank outside the El Rom Kibutz. Still patrolling the Golan today

Nimrods castle was the next stop. Tradition has it that Nimrod (yes the Nimrod of Gen 11) originally dwelt here. The main ruins today are that of an ancient Crusader castle built in approx 1260, fascinating to walk through and imagine what it would have been like.

Simon in the spectacular ruins of Nimrod's castle

We visited Banias (ancient Caesarea Philippi) at the foot of Hermon. The place has springs of water gushing out everywhere. This is the beginning of the Jordan River where Jesus went before he set his face to go towards Jerusalem. It is the site where the god Pan (the goat god that is portrayed as the devil) was worshipped. This is also the site where Jesus said in Matt 16 he would build the Ecclesia on Peter’s statement that Jesus was the “Son of the living God”, “and the gates of hell would not prevail against it” an apparent allusion to the worship of Pan in the area. Being at the foot of Hermon it is presumed that Christ then went to experience the transfiguration soon after on Mount Hermon itself.

Pris at Banias - the head of the Jordan

We then traveled to Tel Dan, again a place with many springs, all contributing to the Jordan river.

Ruth at one of the springs in the territory of Dan

This is the place where Jeroboam set up the false worship for the 10 northern tribes and the Golden calf. Arrived back at Tiberius after a full day to begin the process packing the time for us to also head towards Jerusalem, our journey is nearing its end.

Pris feeling a little bit guilty having just picked one of the wild flowers - then read the sign!

Lake Galilee

2009-04-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 22 April

Driving Tour of the Lake of Galilee. Boat Trip, Jesus Boat, Capernaum, Bethsaida, Korazim, Mt of Beatitudes, Mt Arbel, Hamat Gader Hot Springs for a warm bath.

A very full day. Had a fantastic speed boat trip around the top of the Sea of Galilee stopped at the various sites including the Jordan delta where the Jordan flows into Galilee. Considerably cooler water flows in from Mt Hermon. We did a reading on the lake and talked about many of the stories of Jesus life that were enacted around these very shores!

Darren talking on the speed boat trip around Galilee

We then travelled to the Capernaum to see ‘The Jesus Boat’ a fisherman’s boat discovered and preserved from around the time of Jesus. Interesting to see the size and shape and imagine the Lord in a boat like this on his many trips across Galilee.

Ruth at the 'Jesus Boat' at Capernaum

Also a very interesting display on the Palmac the youth workers in in the early day of the State of Israel. Many of these were Holocaust orphans, fascinating to hear how so many young people (late teens and early twenties) worked together and contributed to the birth of the state.

The ladies could not resist the opportunity of a photo in front of one of the magnificent Bougenvillias that are all over this land

We also visited the synagogue of Capernaum. It is a 4th Century AD synagogue but built on the site of a synagogue built during Jesus’ times. We also visited the three cities where Christ did much of his work - Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Korizan. These three cities are now in ruins according to Christ’s pronunciation of woe against them because of their unbelief, despite the mighty works done in them. The buildings of this area are distinctly different from the white limestone of the Judean area. Here they used a black, contrasting basalt (which contributes to the very fertile soil of this region). We saw what we believed to be conies running around the rocks of some of the ruins, just as Agur observed “a feeble folk, yet they make their houses in the rock”

Many were growing weary by this stage of the day - but Simon, Pris, Stephen and myself went to the top of Arbel. A possible site where Christ may have given the Sermon of the mount which gives a fantastic view of the entire Galilee region. We sat and watched the sunset, and contemplated another enjoyable day.

Simon looking out over Galilee

Pris, Geoff and Stephen looking out Magdal from Mount Arbel

Simon and Stephen at Sunset on Mout Arbel

Jezreel Valley

2009-04-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 21 April

Depart Jerusalem and drive to Tiberius. Megiddo, Nazareth, Jezreel, Spring of Harod, Mt Tabor, Mt Gilboa, Beit Shean.

We have hired two Kia Carnivals (7 seaters) from El Dan Hire for transport, one red vehicle and a white one. We have also been using Two Way radios to communicate as we travel, which has worked well. I think it was Darren that coined the phrases ‘Red Barren’ and ‘White Night’ in the Two Way radio talk, so it has been quite entertaining listening to the lingo as we have traveled.

This day was Holocaust Remembrance Day, most of the traffic stopped at 10:00am and everyone got out and stood by their car for 1 minute.

Traffic stopped on the Freeway for the one minute silence on Holocaust Remembrance day

We traveled to Megiddo a strategic city located on the pass from the South into the Jezreel Valley. The ‘Tell’ has 25 layers! That means that it has been razed and rebuilt 25 times that they know of in its history. It is the site where Josiah died as Pharaoh Necho was on his way up to meet Nebuchadnezzar for the battle of Carchemish. This marked the beginning of the end for Judah’s kingdom. Ultimately the last king would remove the crown ‘until he come whose right it is’.

Simon entering the tunnel to the water source of Megiddo

Nazareth YMCA village is an excellent place to see for all those hoping to visit Israel and the land of Galilee. We had a guide who was a Mennonite, an American Christian group that formed out of the Amish. The village has been built around the time of Christ and woven into the landscape are many of the parables of Christ. We saw spinning and weaving, threshing implements, watchtowers, olive stone for crushing the olives, and olive press, a lady spinning and weaving, a carpenter at work. A very enjoyable spot.

Darren reading in the small Synagogue in Nazarath Village

A Olive Press showing the woven baskets on the ground behind the man where the olive pulp was put and hte various weights that could be put on the press to get the various stages of pressing.

We drove south across the Jezreel valley again to Mt Gilboa. We saw Ein Harod where Gideon chose his 300 men from the 10,000.

We drove on to Beit Shean, another strategic place on the watershed between the Jordan valley and the Jezreel Valley. Beit Shean is where the Philistines hung Saul and his sons on the wall after their death on the battlefield. We could also see across the Jordan to the area where the brave men of Jabesh Gilead rescued their kings body for an honorable funeral. All this was very helpful to get the perspective of the layout of the land.

The group at Ein Harod, where Gideon selected his men for battle against teh Mideonites

Arrived at Holiday Inn at Tiberius with a glorious view overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

Jerusalem - To the South

2009-04-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Monday 20 April

Driving Tour of the South West Region. Valley of Elah, Cave of Adullam, Lachish, Beer Sheba, Yad Mordachai

We left the hotel at 9:45 as we had to make a ‘Masada like’ ramp to get our hemmed in car out of the vacant lot car park opposite the Hotel. Despite being a little late we left feeling very chuffed with our achievements as we managed to achieve our freedom without leaving a muffler of bumper bar behind on the rocks.

Anthony and Fiona were not up to traveling today so the four remaining couples traveled south via the valley of Elah the place where the Philistines and the Israelites faced off against each other across the little brook. The standoff ended with the head of Goliath dangling in David’s hand.

The Cave of Adullam was interesting. We shared the cave with about eight busloads of 8-9 year olds and teachers who had come to see the bats. Several of the teachers had automatic or single shot rifles slung over their shoulders! The cave is at the end of a long wadi or small valley and very concealed. The entrance to Adullam was covered by a huge fig tree reaching out to the sun from a crevice in the rock deep in the caves mouth. The tree was in full leaf and budding figs. As Jesus said in his parable “Behold the fig tree and all the trees, when they now shoot forth ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.” If the fig tree does represent Israel, what an amazing thing to be in the land when the Israeli fig tree has been dormant for so many centuries, and to be here with hundreds of young Jewish children! The nation is budding forth in the land,,,, and the ancient prophecies of are judgment looming.

Pris in a beam of sunshine in the Cave Adullem. The trunk of the old Fig tree is in the background.

The budding Fig Tree. Symbol of Israel's rebirth

We visited Lachish, the site where the Assyrian King Sennacherib was successful in his siege, before God disgraced him at Jerusalem. Then we drove to Beersheva where Abraham camped with his family for a considerable part of his life. We also looked out across the plain to the east and imagined the Australian Light horse with the ANZAC’s galloping towards the city in 1917 when the British wrested control from the Turks. I believe the Balfour declearation was signed on teh very same day they took the city.

Access to the water was piped from Hebron to ancient Tel Beersheva

The group in front of a recreated alster at Beersheva

We then went to the Yad Mordechai Kibbutz. There is a book written (Six days at Yad Mordechai) on the events of the 1948 War of Independence, and the fight against the Egyptian army as it advance towards Tel-Aviv. The Jews have made it into a memorial and education centre. They have recreated the battle scene and documented it in a remarkable way in the museum on site.

Part of the recreated battle scene with Egytian army siloets advancing on the Kibutz.

The group in front of the statue of Mordechai Anielewicz the leader of the Warsaw Gheto uprsing whose namesake the Kabbutz was called.

An amazing story of the determination of the Jewish settlers to resist the Arab onslaught, and a silent testimony to God’s help during the heady days of the birth of the nation. The Mordechai Museum was an unexpected surprise, and well worth seeing if you are visting the land.

Ruth near the Jaffa Gate with the Citidel of David in the background in the evening

Jersualem - Free Day

2009-04-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday 19 April

Free Day around Jerusalem.

It was great to have the flexibility to take some time to visit the things that everyone had a personal interest in, and just have a bit of time on your own to absorb the atmosphere of Jerusalem.

Stephen and Fiona – visited the Burnt House and the Wailing Wall in the morning. Simon and Pris, Darren and Suzie, Stephen and Fiona in the afternoon went to see Yad Vashem again, the Bible Lands Museum, Herzl’s grave, Gethsemane, and the Mount of Olives. Fiona Ginn shopping and read the Exodus (By Leon Uris). Anthony has been plagued with a stomach bug for over a week and sat at the Jaffa Gate when he just had the strength to watch the colorful comings and goings.

Some Young Israeli soldiers. Quite unusual to be having lunch sitting next to a group of giggling girls with deadly automatic riffles, that you know they are trained to use in necessary.

I spent the morning looking at the Burnt house, the Herodian Palace, and the War of Independence exhibit 1948.

Solid stone vessels used by the Jews at the time of Christ. Pottery vessels could be defiled or become unclean under the law. These stone utensils were very expensive.

Ruth joined me in the afternoon, after a restful morning of reading and writing at the Beit Shmuel Hostel. We went shopping in the markets, and then had a tour of HaKotel tunnels (The Western Wall Tunnels). The tunnels are fascinating. The Jews have burrowed along the entire length of the Western Wall. And even at one point burrowed in under the Dome of the Rock. This caused quite a stir at the time when they were found out, and have had to seal the entrance, and promise not to go in again… ever!

Our guide on the HaKotel Tunnel Tour. Very talented, and passionate about her country and Yerushaliem.

Quotable quote from yesterday. At Akko we were wandering around the restaurants on the foreshore, grand old medieval buildings behind us, music playing, a few fishermen sitting on the walls with their lines in the water and Fiona (guess which one) innocently makes a statement “This place has a real Mediterranean feel about it……” (It hadn’t quite registered yet where we were.) Another interesting day.

Caesarea

2009-04-20T22:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday 18 April
Driving Tour of the North West Region. Joppa, Caesarea, Acco.

Today is the Shabbat. The streets are empty as we drive out of the city. Orthodox Jews are walking up the middle of a normally busy multi lane street on their way to the Synagogue. This tranquility changes the further we get away from Jerusalem.

Joppa is a leisurely seaside town, with markets and café’s happening (despite Shabbat). Biblically this is the site where the prophet Jonah attempted to flee in a ship to Tarshish from his duty of preaching to the Gentiles in Assyria. Joppa is also the place where the Apostle Peter received the vision to confirm that non-Jews or Gentiles were to be grafted into the Hope of Israel. He was sent to Caesarea to baptize the first household of Gentiles. This was one of the mysteries or secrets that in other ages had been hidden from men. So as non-Jews, standing on the very site where the Christian heritage was given the green light to go to the Gentiles was a very moving experience.

Pris, Susan and Darren at Joppa

Caesarea was also a wonderful experience. It is a well-preserved ancient ruin and they have some fantastic audiovisual displays showing the various eras of construction that took place on the site. This was the very site where Peter visited and baptized Cornelius and his household, the result of the vision he had seen in Joppa! We were standing on the very site where the new era that has changed the course of history began.

The Apostle Paul also visited this city on his way to Rome as a prisoner. We saw the Hippodrome where Roman games and races occurred. We also saw the very elaborate Palace facilities, with the suggested courtroom where Paul (the apostle to the Gentiles) probably gave his testimony before King Agrippa (Acts 26). So altogether, the sites we saw today highlighted the blessing that has been extended to us all as Gentiles through the Gospel… even in far away Australia… nearly 2000 year later.

Getting a bit carried away in the Chariot Race on the Hippodrome

Simon on the ancient aqueduct supplying water to Caesarea

We also visited Akko (Biblical city of Acre) an old Crusader fortress. A mostly Arab section. The site of the jail breakout in the Exodus story of 1947. amazing labyrinth of tunnels, mosques and castles.

Anthony on the walls of Akko

The Tunnels in Akko

Jerusalem - Hezekiah's Tunnel

2009-04-19T11:44:00.001-07:00

Friday 17 April

Hezekiahs Tunnel, Yad Vashem.

Driving in Jerusalem is an interesting experience. Traffic lights don’t have red or green arrows as we do in Australia. They simply have a normal set of traffic lights, with an arrow sign above the lights pointing in the direction of the turn they are controlling. When you are approaching the intersection you see several traffic lights that are either red or green and you then need to discern the arrow sign above each set of lights to se if you can go or not, a little confusing when you are not used to it. Then there is the left hand drive! This is not so bad when there is a lot of traffic on the road but if the roads are empty, you do need to concentrate. Only once, late at night and feeling a little weary, can I recall driving on the wrong side of the road with the passengers of two other cars looking strangely at me across the median as we were all heading in the same direction. The other thing you need to get used too is the regular toot of the horn. It seems a mandatory thing whenever the traffic stops you give the horn a good blast.

Hezekiah’s Tunnel, and Warrens shaft. These give testimony to two Biblical events. The taking of Jerusalem by Joab, David’s Captain, and Hezekiah, a king that reigned several hundred years after David. Both Biblical accounts speak of these engineering feats, of approximately 2500 to 3000 years ago.

Fiona and Pris in the Jebusite tunnel leading to Warrens shaft.

Warrens shaft. The original access to the spring in the time of the Jebusites when King David took the city. This is the likely shaft that Joab climbed to breach the city.

Hezekiah’s tunnel is the conduit that his men cut through the rock during a reprieve when the Assyrians retreated to deal with issues on the other side of the empire. The Assyrian King threatened he would return one day and finish off the work he had begun. “This same Hezekiah also stopped the water course of Gihon and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David” (2Chron 32:30) into the pool of Siloam. It is certainly an amazing experience to walk through a very narrow and sometimes very low tunnel with water about knee deep. It is approximately 500m long and cut through solid rock! When you are in the tunnel it seems to go on and on.

Pris about to take the plunge at the start of the tunnel, with torch at the ready.
It give you a good idea of how deep the water gets in some places

When Sennacherib the Assyrian king eventually returned, Hezekiah was well prepared and with God’s help the Assyrian army was unable to breach the walls. He retreated in disgrace with heavy losses.

Emerging from the tunnel at the traditional Pool of Siloam

We traveled to Yad Vashem the Holocaust Museam. The display is now housed in a new building, and it is an amazing piece of architecture. The building is a long rectangular prism that is predominantly underground with only the top point of the prism protruding out of the ground to let small shafts of light into the chambers throughout the building. The exhibit starts at one end, and you wind a tortuous path back and forth through the displays along the floor of the prism making your way to the other end. The displays take you through the story of the rise and fall of the Nazis in Europe and the horrible persecutions against the Jews that ensued. It finishes with the birth of the Jewish state. The exit end of the building dramatically bursts out of the side of the hill you have been walking through and the sides of the prism peel apart to reveal a magnificent view over beautiful forests in Jerusalem. A very significant statement is made in a very clever way.

The striking building that houses the Holocaust exhibit

Another depiction of the valley of dry bones. This time in Yad Vashem

The display highlights such an ironic and sad story. Ironic in the fact that Hitler’s objective was to destroy the Jewish people with the ‘final solution’ and rid the world of this perceived problem, yet this was the catalyst that brought about the rebirth of the Jewish sate. A sad story because it was yet another tragic bloodbath that the Jewish people had to go through. So much does it mirror the sufferings of their Messiah whom they rejected!

They ‘looked for some to have pity on them’, and to take them in when the Nazi party’s grip on Europe began to tighten, ‘but there was not any’ and all nations turned their back when they needed them most. Just like their Messiah. ‘The soldiers mocked them’ and beat them. Just like their Messiah. The Nazis ‘plucked off the hair’ as they systematically shaved all the prisoners in their camps. Just like their Messiah. ‘They parted their raiment among them’ as they stripped them naked and took all their clothes. They were murdered naked. ‘Everyone could tell all their bones’. Just like their Messiah. Their ‘strength was dried up like a potsherd’, just like their Messiah, as they all died weary and emaciated from the labor of the concentration camps. In ‘three days’ God raised their Messiah, and it was three years after the end of WWII that the Jewish state was resurrected from the graves of the holocaust and lived and breathed again.

On and on go the eerie echoes of the Jewish sufferings during WWII, and their Messiah. Astonishing parallels, that must be intended to have a future impact on the nation, as today their eyes are blind to these things, nor can they see their Messiah.

Masada

2009-04-17T12:57:00.000-07:00

Thursday 16 April

Driving Tour of South East Region. Jericho, Qumran, Masada, Dead Sea.

Jericho. Saw the supposed site of Elisha’s healed spring, and the ancient site of Jericho, The place is still a ruin as foretold by Joshua. As far as an archeological site goes it was quite disappointing. Not quite the same emphasis on history as in Israel. It was helpful to see the mountains to the west where the spies found refuge when they left the city. It was also interesting to imagine the camp of Israel to the North East in Gilgal after crossing the river Jordan as they prepared for the siege.

Qumran. Fascinating site where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. (The contrast between the archeological sites of the Israelis and the Palestinians are poles apart) very interesting to see the life of the Essenes (Jewish ascetics who lived like monks. They were scribes that felt it their duty to preserve the ancient manuscripts). These are the ones that hid the Dead Seas Scrolls in caves in about 70-150AD at the time of the demise of the Jewish nation and the scrolls were recently uncovered in 1947-56AD at the rebirth of the nation!

The famous Qumran Caves

Masada. This is a formidable fortress that impressively vaults itself 400m out of the floor of the Dead Sea plain, and is nestled in among the steep ravines of the Judean desert to the west. The plateau top is 550x 275m.

View on the way up to Masada in the Cable Car

View from Masada in an attempt to show the height of the fortress

The views across the Dead Sea and up and down the Aravah Ravine are just breathtaking. You cant really capture it on Camera. This is the scene of the last stand of the Jewish resistance against the Roman Empire in 74AD. The battle that took place here marks the final dying breath of the Jewish state. It remained dead until its miraculous resurrection after the holocaust of WW2 in 1948.

Model of the Palaces as they would have sat on the point of the Plateau looking our across the Dead Sea

Masada is such a sad story, as the Zealots deliberately ‘chose death instead of life’, and defiantly resisted the Roman yoke. So much did they embody the same stubborn spirit of the nation, which received the consequences of their cry about 40 years before “His blood be on us and on our children” . Later in the evening we drove about two hours down the dead sea valley and back around behind onto the Judean desert to see the Masada sound and light show.

Sound and light show Masada

Unfortunately we could not visit Engedi because of the threat of a storm and flash flooding.

Going for a swim in the Dead Sea is something to be experienced. We gingerly made our way down to the waters edge over the salt encrusted stones. The water was a little cool for comfort, but not to be deterred, we soldiered on. As we waded in the water felt quite normal and was nice and clear. It wasn’t until the water gets up to your stomach and you have to take the plunge that the experience changes. You mustn’t get your face wet as the salt content is 30% more than seawater and is quite dangerous if you get it in your eyes. When your feet actually leave the floor you start bobbing up and down like a cork, and when you paddle along you seem to skim along on top of the water and can make quite rapid progress. It was quite a scene as these very white Australians, all over forty (except Susan of course), and slightly over weight, with screams and laughter we caused a bit of a sensation. Then there was the mud! Most of us endured the experience, not sure really what it does but the Israeli’s make a lot of money out of selling it all around the world.

The amazing Dead Sea. Click on the photo and get a closer view of how much they are floating out of the water.

Shrek and Princess Fiona emerging from the swamp?

The pursuit of a good complexion? Or the vanity of man!

Arrived home well after 12:00 am. A great day was had by all.

Jerusalem and Surrounds

2009-04-17T11:17:00.001-07:00

Wednesday 15 April

The Garden Tomb, Church of the Ascension, King David Hotel, Israeli Museum, and Knesset.

Although most archeological scholars tend to prefer the Tomb of the Holy Sepulcher as the actual site of crucifixion and burial, the garden tomb is very helpful to visit. It is far removed from the commotion and religious rituals of the Church. Allows you to contemplate the events of that fateful day so long ago. When we arrived, we were met by a ‘Kiwi’ tour guide. He was very touched to have someone from ‘back home’ in the Holy Land. (at least across the channel from home!) The first station he led us to had a small sign “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem” and was quite excited when we could answer the question of where the phrase came from (Psa 122:6). So we spontaneously offered to sing the hymn. It was the first time we had all sung together, it was so beautiful in the quiet garden. After the tour, we did a reading of John 19 and talked over the events that occurred on that important day and their significance. A very positive, and sobering, experience.

Simon and Pris just after we burst into song

Steve at the tomb pointing out an amazing fact of history

Pris next to the gutter where the stone was rolled across the entrance of the tomb

Next stop was the Church of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives. The supposed place of Christ Ascension to Heaven as recorded in Acts1:9. Again, the church and other buildings restrict your ability to imagine what it would have been like in those times. We climbed the tower and enjoyed the splendid 360° views across to Jerusalem, and round into the Jordan Valley. We virtually had the whole church to ourselves and were talking about the beauty of its construction when we decided to sing some hymns because we could sense the acoustics of the building. This was an absolutely amazing experience! We sang acapella (without accompaniment) and enough knew the parts to give the harmony. Even our raspy old voices sounded incredible! We sang slowly and enjoyed the resonance at the end of each line. I wonder what it will be like hearing the singing in the Temple of the future age.

Church of the Ascension where we sang hymns and enjoyed the acoustics

We visited the Israeli Museum, which houses a scaled model of the old city of Jerusalem in the time of Christ. Very interesting to see the perspective of some of the sites we have already visited. We also saw the Shrine of the Book – where the Dead Seas Scrolls (discovered in 1947 at the time the Nation of Israel was being reborn) are housed. These manuscripts are 700 years older than any of the texts previously known. This is a phenomenal testimony to the accuracy and reliability of the Old Testament Scriptures. So many ancient non-religious manuscripts that are taken for granted as authentic, yet the evidence to support the authenticity of the Bible is literally 100’s of times more sound. Despite this, the Bible is still an unheeded book.

Model of the Second Temple Mount

We also walked along the front of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament house) with Ezekiel’s ‘Valley of Dry Bones’ Prophecy depicted on the gates. It was also interesting to see the huge Menorah donated by the British Government in 1956 to the State of Israel also depicted this same prophecy amongst the scenes inscribed on the branches. These things are an amazing testimony to everyone that God foretold His intention to resurrect the dead nation of Israel in the latter days. This is all there, today, at the very gates of the Parliament of the modern nation! This is all a down payment to the fact that He will also resurrect faithful men and women as promised so long ago. As the Apostle Paul said to King Agrippa “Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you that God should raise the dead?” (Acts 26:10)

Exekiel's Prophecy of 'The Valley of Dry Bones' depicted on the Menorah out side the Israeli Parlement

Another very enjoyable day.

Geoff and Ruth outside Zuni's after Dinner

Jerusalem - Temple Mount

2009-04-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 14 April

The Old City. The Cardo, The Broad Wall, Rooftop view, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Temple Mount,

Today we thought we would be clever and take the vehicles to the lower part of Jerusalem. This was the last day before the High Day Shabbat. Every main road into Jerusalem was closed. We eventually found ourselves winding further and further up a steep narrow street in the Palestinian section near the city of David till the Kia’s we hired could not go any further. (Cant say I’m very impressed with their power, for all the Kia owners out there). To make matters worse, about three Palestinian Taxis were stuck behind us, and about another three or four vehicles were stopped coming down from the top.

After a pregnant pause of a minute or so in our besieged Kias, one Arab learned out the window gesticulating with his hand – (fingers and thumb all pursed together and pointing to his face, as if he was trying to pull each word out of his mouth).

WHY……...YOU……… COME……... HERE……..??? in a stilted Arabic accent.

Piece by piece we unraveled an ever increasing traffic jam as we reversed down the steep narrow winding street for about 300m, trying to contain our laughter over the Palestinian’s estimation of the whole affair. (His words have become the catch cry of our travels in the Kias ever since).

View of the Western Waling Wall from the ramp that ascends the Temple Mount

Having abandoned the vehicle idea, we went back into the old city via the Jaffa Gate which is close to the Beit Shemuel Hotel where we are staying. We walked to the Temple Mount and imagined what it would have been like in the time of Jesus. The porches and the money changers, the walls of partition with the priests officiating. Very moving experience, brief though it was.

The team on the temple mount

Made our way up Via Dolorosa (Street of Sorrows). Visited a possible site of ‘The Pavement’ where Pilate is supposed to have judged Christ. This is not the preferred site by archeologist but very interesting to help imagine the scene of Christ’s trial “who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession”. We did a reading from John 19 and contemplated the events that ensued.

Crown of Thorns that grows in this area

One of the supposed Gabatha (The Pavement) sites . About 10m below the current road level

Went to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Interesting to see and contemplate. So many people, from so many Christian religions are visiting these places at this time. The religious rituals were a bit off putting, as people kiss and fondle each special place in the church. The majority of the archeologists seem to agree that this could well be the place that the crucifixion and burial took place.

Pool of Bethesda
(about 10m below the current ground level)

The Pool of Bethesda was also interesting. The site where the lame man, who for 38 years was waiting to go into the waters to be healed (John 5). Eventually it was Christ that healed him, and the whole scene possibly represents Israel and their inability to go anywhere because of their false hope. The site is about 10m below today’s ground level, very large and extensive.

Israeli Soldiers on duty in the Jerusalem Markets

3:00pm marks the start of the preparations for the High Shabbat at 6:00pm. Everything Jewish began to close. We were able to wander around the city to get a further feel of the environment but it was a little frustrating that we could not see as many exhibits as we had hoped. Despite this it was still a very interesting day.

Outside the walled up Golden (or Eastern) Gate
This is the gate that everyone expects Messiah will eventually pass through when he returns to the city in the not too distant future.

Jerusalem - The Old City

2009-04-14T13:49:00.001-07:00

Monday 13 April

The Old City.

Ruth and Fiona outside the Hotel where we are staying in Jerusalem

Pasak (Passover). Jerusalem is alive. There are Jews and Christians from all around the world, and ten Christadelphians witnessing the spectacle!

We decided to walk around the walls to get the overall view of the city, This was excellent for those of us who had not been before. It gave an overall perspective of the old city. There were stories to contemplate at every turn, events that occurred both inside and outside the walls; history, both modern and ancient; and even events still prophetic for the future. Such a breathtaking experience let alone the view. I have never been able to memorize all the gates of the city before (even though I have tried) but one walk around the walls and you have them all imbedded into your mind.

Darren, with Fiona in the background on the walls of Jerusalem

A view from the walls of Jerusalem

The Dome of the Rock precinct prevents you from walking around the entire length of the wall in one trip. So we had to come down at the Lion Gate to walk through the city…….

Only those who have walked the streets of Jerusalem before, will understand the experience. It is unique. So many ancient doors begging to reveal the secrets concealed behind them. So many little side streets. So many layers of history below the pavement you walk. Archeological digs, Churches, views,…… and the markets. Such an amazing mix of cultures. How can you possible describe it?

Salesman in the Jerusalem Markets trying the hard sell.
Very interesting to hear the shrill sound of the shofar

“If I forget thee O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.” As the words of the ancient prophets testify, everyone’s personal destiny is tied up with their attitude to this city…..

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper that love thee”

Kerak

2009-04-13T23:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday 12 April

Travel from Petra to Karak and Amman. Today reveals how much the territory of modern Jordan is tied with the land of Israel in their history and their future. We traveled most of the morning through the Biblical territory of the Edomites. Again, the scenery is just spectacular.

We stopped for a view of Buseirah (Bozrah Isa 63:1-6). The prophecy indicates, this is the expected route of Christ and the Saints will take as they move up to Jerusalem, before Armageddon. A time when he will have “trod the winepress”, and this is just the start of the judgments.

A Huge igneous (volcanic) intrusion into the limestone layers at the bottom of the dead sea.
Hot intrusions like this could well have ignited the Bituminous slime pits that the Biblical record affirms was in the area of Sodom and Gomorrah before it was destroyed.
These potent ingredients would have caused a phenomenal explosion

We also passed through Wadi Musa (Biblical place called Zered). This is where the Israelites finished their 38yrs wanderings in the wilderness. The last of that generation over 20 at the time when they originally spied out the land and rebelled perished. and Isa 16:1-7 Where “God’s outcasts (Jews) will dwell with thee (the Moabites)”. It is understood from this prophecy that this territory will become a refuge for the Jews fleeing from the Latter day invasion of Gog.

Kerak (Kir-hares or Kir-Hareseth Isa 16, 2 Kings 3) is the place where The King of Moab offered his firstborn son as a burnt offering on the walls of the city to defend against the advancing confederate armies of Israel, Judah & Edom. From the wall of the old castle we could see the irrigation pools below in the valley that reminded me of the pools of ancient times that looked like blood in the morning sunshine, and fooled the Moabites into coming out of the city to their misfortune.

Ruth and Fiona overlooking the valley below.
The camera cannot do justice to the view from the top of the castle

It also has an extremely well preserved Crusader castle that we could have spent all day exploring. Just sensational to sit on the top of the old walls and drink in the view and contemplate the history of that place.

View from the top of the walls of the Crusader castle to give an idea of the height at the top.

Darren with imaginary bow and arrow shooting
at the 'infidels' below

We flew out of Amman into Telaviv. Amy left our company at this point. It was such a pleasure to have her with us, and she thought we were the “coolest old people” she knew!

Middle Eastern fat tailed lambs with a goat on the right for sale.
Any takers?

It was so exciting to look out across the Holy land from the plane. The land which “the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end”. At the airport we hired two - 7 seat vehicles and drove to Tel Aviv.

We travelled up through the Pass of Beth Horon. This is the scene of many Biblical stories, but also a place where a modern tragic struggle took occurred. The Jews, desperate to bring supplies up to the besieged city of Jerusalem in the War of Independence 1948, had to pass through this death trap with Arab Militias incessantly raining gunfire upon them. Tragically many perished having escaped the Holocaust of Europe a few years before. The old armour plated vehicles still remain along the roadside for a memorial. ‘O Jerusalem’ is a fantastic account of the birth of the Jewish nation, and worth reading to understand the history of this time.

Unable to hold back, we went straight up to the Old city for a quick walk, up to the Wailing Wall via the Jaffa and Zion Gate. It is Passover. The place is teaming with Jews. To walk through the Jaffa Gate and look up at the ramparts overhead is a very emotional experience. This is the city of the Great King. One day soon “he whose right it is” will be entering into this city to claim his throne and “reign over the house of Jacob for ever”.

Petra

2009-04-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

Saturday 11 April
Travel from Medeba to Petra. Accommodation at the Petra

Fiona Arafat trying to blend in with the locals

After a long trip through the hill country of Moab (Modern day Amman), we arrived at Petra. Booked our rooms and walked down to the entrance of the ancient entry in to Petra with thousands of other tourists. It is quite an awesome experience walking through the Siq. (This is the long narrow crevice that takes you into the old city of Petra). All the pictures you have seen cannot adequately prepare you when you walk out into the valley and stand in front of ‘The Treasury’ (the famous building carved out of the sheer rock that is on all the travel brochures). Amazing with all the tourists, Bedouins stalls, donkeys, camels, horses with carriages quite an experience!

'The Treasury' giving you the perspective of the size

The ancient city is huge. It is several kilometers walk from one end to the other, and has many layers of history. The main ruins are Nabataean (starting around 500BC). The next major civilization that has overlaid its mark on the ruins is the distinctive Iron stamp of Rome. There is the typical Colonnaded street with several temples at right angles with steps leading off the promenade up to the temple to give them distinct prominence. The ruins are just colossal.

After several hours of viewing and reading, the sisters needed a rest. After lively negotiation with the young Bedouin boys and their donkeys most went back to the Hotel. Steve, Simon, Amy and myself ended up staying behind and quite by accident ended up on the path up to an the old Crusader Castle. The ruins are situated on a huge knoll overlooking the city, and is perfect for defense. The view was fantastic. A 360° panorama of Petra about 400m off the floor of the valley. We just sat there and soaked up the history, it was just a sensational experience. We also yelled a few Australian Cooo-eeeees.. that bounced back and forth across the ravines for several seconds. Not sure what the native Arabs thought, but we noticed a few Australian Eucalypts growing near one if the temples so we thought it wouldn’t seem too out of place.

One of the temples in the City of Petra,
giving you a perspective of the size of the entryway

Steve about 3/4 of the way up to the Crusader Fortress.
His foot is pointing at the back of the same temple that is hidden behind the mountain.
You may also be able to make out the people walking on the road in front of the temple, giving you some perspective of the view from the top.

Arrived back at the Petra Palace hotel for a scrumptious smorgasbord and talked about everyone’s highlights of the day. Had a memorial meeting with Amy listening to Bro Dennis Gillett. A very encouraging day

Simon making a fast get away!

The non-cloven foot of the Camel designates it unclean under the Law

Camel Pad print with no division,
making it difficult to walk on Rock like the goat or sheep

Fiona and Pris - Princesses of the desert.

The Dead Sea

2009-04-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

Friday 10 April
Macareus, Dead Sea, Bethabara, Mt Nebo, then return to Medeba

Amy, Anthony and Fona - Macaereus in the Background

Having a terrific time in Jordan. It is far better than I expected. Seeing Machaerus was amazing. (the place where Herod celebrated his birthday and John the Baptist was beheaded) We had the whole mountain to ourselves. We did a reading of the Mark’s Gospel account of the incident and sat quietly for several minutes to meditate.

When I say we had the mountain to our selves, That was not exactly true, there was a young shepherd boy sitting up there with watching over some goats. Every now and then he would throw a rock at the flock to prevent them wandering to far away. Dierctly across the Dead Sea on the Israeli side were the Caves of Quomran where another little shepherd boy was throwing rocks and discovered the Dead See scroll. Everywhere you turn there seems to be some incredible story history that relates to the Bible.

Arab Shepherd boy with his flock of goats in the background

Drove down to the Dead Sea, an absolutely awesome view. The place of the infamous Sodom and Gomorrah. The rocks appear burnt at the bottom still today,, where the bitumous explosion would have occurred.

Fiona inspecting the 'burnt' rock of the Dead Sea basin

Went to the Jordan River at Betharaba (‘beyond Jordon’ - on the eastern side) where they believe Christ was baptized.

The Jordan. In the Vicinity of where Christ was Baptized.
(Israel just on the other side of hte river)

Went to Mount Nebo where Moses viewed the land. An absolutely tremendous view, there is nothing quite like it in Australia. The Dead Sea is about1.2km below. You could see the plain where Israel probably camped, and where the Moabites seduced the Israelites at Baal Peor. and across the valley there is the skyline of the Mount of Olives with some of the modern parts of Jerusalem visible.

Coffee stop - Starting to get a taste for Turkish Coffee

Ended the tour with a drink of tea and a 'sprig of Thyme' to chew on in one of the Arab drivers homes. Very hospitable company.

Went out to tea again tonight and had a tremendous Arab meal. I have never
tasted anything like it in my life.

Amy Schofield has joined us too. She spent last night and today with us and will be coming with us to Petra tomorrow. It is really great to catch up with her again.

Arrive in the Jordan!

2009-04-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

Thursday 9 April

Depart Bangkok, arrived in Amman about 6:00am travel to Jerash, then Rabah in Amman. Drive to Medeba for accommodation.

Amman Airport and ready to go to Jerash!

Just Kid-ding!

Our first taste of Turkish Coffee

First taste of Turkish coffee. Enough to put a smile on your face!

Our first Middle Eastern Breakfast at Jerash
The two Fionas in amongst the wild flowers.

Arriving at Jerash is our first experience of antiquity. It houses the best preserved Ancient Ruins outside of Italy. The site had been buried for centuries, and they are still uncovering amazing things. It is just an experience that is unable to be described if you are an Australian where your Colonial history goes back about 200 years, and to arrive in a place like this and walk on Roman roads and through Roman buildings that are over 2000 yrs old!

Ruth about to do battle with a Roman Soldier. But who has the sharpest sword?

To imagine the chariots rumbling up the promenade with all sort shops, the Coliseums, the bathes the temples…. The site was mainly embellished in the time of Hadrian but the Christian influence had appeared by about 300-400 AD and there were several old Church ruins. The Temple of Artimas was incredible. The whole city is designed around this huge place of worship. It is just phenomenal in the size, and layout of the whole city.

Having fun at the Promenade, or initial entrance into the main street

Drove to Amman to view the Citadel. This is the site of ancient Rabah, where Joab, David’s chief captain conquered the Ammonites. It is the scene of Uriah the Hittite’s death, and it marks a tragic turn in the life of King David, and consequently the whole nation of Israel. Very helpful to imagine the siege and the archers raining arrows down on the those below, and reflect on the consequences that sin brings in our lives. It often not only affects us personally but can irreversibly change the lives of others as well.

Meeting Amy at The Citidel, Amman

Coliseum at Jerash. The one in Amman is a third as big again!

Visiting the huge Coliseum in the town centre (Amman). These type of structures are just an amazing testimony to the strength and might of the Iron Empire of Rome, and the mark it has left on world history.

Thailand - Bangkok

2009-04-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

Wednesday 8 April

Arriving in Thailand at 6:00am Thai time (that is 9:00am Aus). we journeyed to the hotel. Most of us had managed to get enough sleep on the flight.The atmosphere is definitely excitement and expectation.

We arrived at the Hotel at 7:00am. The first few hours were spent looking at the markets, so many tiny stalls with vegetables, fish, clothes, cooked meat on sticks, etc. They literally go for miles and miles.

Ruth and Fiona at the markets

Having planned a trip to visit the various temples around the city centre, we started by visiting the Golden Buddha. Our jouney took us along the ‘Venice of the East’ a filthy black river with long wooden boats powered by inboard diesel engines that literally roar up and down the river traveling at about 30-40 kms per hour and spaying the floating trash over the walls of the channel, and grinding to a sudden halt as they slam them in reverse.

The 'Vienna of the East'

The Golden Buddha - The similarities with Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden Image is obvious. It is a statue of concrete covered in gold tiles that stand about 4 or 5 stories high! The Idolatry in Bangkok is incredible. By the end of the day we were templed out, there are just so many of them, and we did not go to the Golden Temple, which is supposed to be the greatest of all.

Worshipers at the Golden Buddha praying for good fortune.
(notice the money on the end of the sticks)

Pris, Fiona and Simon in front of the Riot Police at a temple.
Notice a 'Red Shirt' in the background.
These are protesting against what they say is corruption in the government

While we were touring the temples we happened to be amongst a peaceful protest of about 1million ‘red shirts’ against the current government because of corruption. You may remember the sit in at the Thailand international airport some months back which resulted in some deaths. The trouble still seems to be brewing, and the Financial Crisis is really starting to have its affect. People are fed up with the ever increasing struggle to feed their families knowing that corruption is fleecing the system. We really didn’t realize till latter how volatile it could have been as we mingled among the protesters and the riot police. A situation that could have erupted at any moment.

Fiona looking at finches you are supposed to let go for good luck
(after you have paid for the privilege)

Visiting the MBK shopping center was another shock. Materialism has well and truly made its mark in Thailand. It would have to be five times the size of Charlestown Square, at Lake Macquarie and about 8 or 9 stories high.

Anthony enjoying his ride on a tuk tuk
(it latter broke down and he had to push)

By the end of the day we were over the smells and sad situation of so many. Looking forward to flying out tonight to Jordan.

Leaving Australia

2009-04-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 7 April
We all made our own ways to the Sydney Airport. We were traveling with carry on luggage only. That means 7kg each and with the exception of a small handbag as an extra! The average case weighs about 3.5kg so not much room for the essentials. Having eventually passed that challenge we boarded for Brisbane. Spending an hour in Brisbane we were bound for Bangkok.

Susan - not so sure how she will cope with the culture of the Middle East

The Land

2009-04-08T09:21:00.000-07:00

Introduction

The Land…. What does it mean to you?

After many months of planning, and expenditure, a dream is finally coming to reality for five married couples to visit the land together. We are-
• Simon & Priscilla,
• Anthony & Fiona,
• Stephen & Fiona,
• Darren & Susan and
• Geoff & Ruth.
Only three have been to the Land before. We hope to see Jordan and Israel, spending most of our time at Jerusalem and surrounds, and Galilee (Tiberius). We hope to share our experiences with you through this Blog, and trust you will enjoy our perspective on the Land “which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.” Duet 11:12,

Train trip to Sydney

2009-04-07T04:22:00.001-07:00