Israel 2010

I spent some time today thinking about, planning, and just plain getting excited about our trip to Israel and Rome this November/December. This will be our third trip, leading a group mostly from Palm Valley, but is open to others. I love going to the Holy Land, and it’s such a joy to help others experience it for the first time. if you’re interested in joining us, email pastorgreg@palmvalley.org and we’ll get you all the information you need.

Some personal highlights that I always look forward to…

• boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Untouched, just as Jesus saw it.
• Ceasarea Philippi, ancient pagan worship site where Jesus promised to build His church
• Caesarea Maritima, roman port city, you can stand on the exact spot where Paul preached in chains.
• Mt. Carmel, where Elijah called fire from heaven, looking over valley of Megiddo (where Armegeddon will happen)
• Dead Sea, lowest point on earth, site of Sodom
• Masada, mountain fortress where Jews hid during revolt of 72 ad.
• Qumran, caves where Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered (incredible proof of reliability of the Bible)
• Mount of Olives, love standing where Jesus ascended to heaven from and looking across at Temple mount.
• Rabbi Tunnel — going underground, standing 10 feet from the “holy of holies”, the dwelling place of God!
• Temple Institute — watching end times prophecy fulfilled is always amazing.
• Temple Mount — Abraham, David, Jesus have all stood there. Most controversial piece of real estate on the planet.
• Garden Tomb — it’s still empty , love doing communion there.

Overall, I just love the sites, the sense of history everywhere you turn, the interaction with Jews and Palestinians who can be so welcoming, it’s the trip of a lifetime!!!  If you can make it, join us in Israel this November.  If you’re a Senior Pastor and want to go, contact me, I would love to help you make this trip.

After going to Israel you will never read the Bible the same again, it will be alive like you’ve never experienced!