On the streets of Nazareth.
A different Mindset
I’m typing this from the departures terminal at the Tel Aviv airport. The faces pictured above are winging their way home at this very moment. Take a close look—these are the faces of sturdy students, even if they are a bit different.
Their chief was Seth Bryant (second from the left), pastor of New Hope Christian Church in Roanoke, Virginia. He led this team halfway across the world for a 12-day immersion in Israel and Palestine. While the destination isn't unusual, the way they approached it certainly was.
Seth tempts gravity on the edge of Mt Arbel. Below him is the Plain of Genesaret and the Sea of Galilee.
Most two-week itineraries are predictable. You can’t exactly dodge heavyweights like Caesarea-by-the-Sea, Tiberias, Jerusalem, or Bethlehem. The paths between those landmarks are well-worn by millions. Sturdy students, however, crave the “extra”—or shall we say, the odd.
We enjoyed the hospitality of Hani and Shifa Billan who are doing local ministry in Cana, Israel. They are a part of the Christian HolyLand Foundation team. See the link here for more on CHLF.
Different tracks and stops
Here are three things that set the New Hope crew apart from the typical tour bus crowd:
The Jesus Trail Hike: They didn’t just look at the trail from a window; they hiked two major sections: Nazareth to Sepphoris and the descent from Mt. Arbel to Magdala. Given this year’s mid-summer temperatures, that was a challenging but rewarding experience.
Local Ministry: They spent time with members of the Christian HolyLand Foundation. Learning about the gritty challenges and unique rewards of contemporary ministry in Galilee proved to be a spiritual high point of the trip.
The Road Less Traveled: Instead of the standard cruise down the Jordan Valley, they opted for a drive through Palestine (the “West Bank”). This allowed them to hit Samaria, Jacob’s Well, Shilo, and Jenin. This detour included a stop in Nablus for world-famous kanafeh and coffee—a far cry from the usual tourist buffet.
Staying hydrated is a challenge on the trail in the summer.
different stays: A Galilean Commune and A Palestinian Boutique
Even their lodging was a study in contrasts. They went from the communal, Orthodox Jewish atmosphere of Kibbutz Lavi in Galilee to the Angel Hotel, a boutique spot run by an Arab Christian family in Palestine. Toss in a few nights on the Mediterranean and the Sea of Galilee, and you have a total cultural immersion.
Not every group is ready to embrace these kinds of "odd" experiences, but this one was. They didn't just see the sites; they felt the heat, met the people, and tasted the culture. They might be a little different, but they’re heading home with memories that will last a lifetime.
Lesson? Avoid the “big-box” tours. Let Bible Land Explorer customize your program!
Our sturdy driver and dear friend Robert Makhlouf proved to be a difference-maker.
Sam, an old camel friend of mine who lives in Jericho, is known to snoggle the unwary tourist from time to time.
If you’ve never experienced a camel snoggle, you’re not living life to the fullest. Why don’t you consider joining one of our future trips? Our 2020 and 2021 tour schedule may be found here.
