Visiting the Bible lands is like drinking from a fire hose. Just one of the sites could be inspiration enough for a year or a lifetime, but especially in Jerusalem it is one inspiring spot after another. In less than 24 hours we experienced the place where Jesus may have been baptized, the place where the Israelites crossed the Jordan, a view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, the top of the temple mount, the western wall tunnels (which put one in close touch with so many things in ancient Jerusalem), the newly excavated staircase leading up to the temple in Jesus’ day, the Roman shopping street, the place of the last supper, the place where Peter denied his Lord, the street where Jesus and His disciples walked on the way to the Garden of Gethsemane, and Oskar Schindler’s grave. Do I need to go on? It was a lot to process for me and for those here for the first time, their heads were truly swimming.

Probably the most moving moment was in the Church of All Nations by the Garden of Gethsemane. Having just walked down the Mount of Olives, the group was confronted by a large rock in the center of the church that is thought to be the place where Jesus drew away from his disciples and wrestled with God over the fate of the human race. Pastors became moved over the commitment Jesus made to their salvation and one by one they knelt next to the stone, put their hands on it and offered prayers of gratitude and of commitments of their own. It was touching to see their solemnity afterwards as they pondered things bigger than themselves.

At the upper room, we contemplated the significance of the original footwashing and realized it called all of us to sacrificial service for others. To lay aside our pride and make a serious commitment to the betterment of all, whatever it takes.

Can’t wait to share some pictures with you, but I need a connector for my camera that I left at home. Stay tuned!