Venice Presbyterian Church (Florida) is headed home after a two-week pilgrimage to Israel/Palestine and Türkiye. Thanks to Pastor Chris Romig, Fred and Cindy Gossman, and all our bold travelers for helping to make this trip a success. Despite what you may see in the news, the Middle East is open for business.
Jerusalem Churches: Old and New
Rotate in one spot you can see the oldest and the newest churches in Jerusalem.
The God who Heals?
What do Athens and Jerusalem have in common? An asklepion!
Sparta and Jerusalem
Did you hear about this curious link between Sparta and Jerusalem?
Under Bethphage
The Arab community of Bethphage stands over the village with the same name from the biblical period. Downslope, tombs are found in the trees.
Bus Wash
That coach sparkles for a reason.
All In
Hezekiah’s Tunnel provided a pleasant reprieve from Jerusalem’s July. Our new friends from Mosaic Christian Church are all in.
One full bus, many full hearts
The challenge of moving 48 people through the land of the Bible is felt most acutely in Jerusalem’s Old City. Here, the rhythm of life lived within these walls collides with the press of new arrivals. Together, residents and pilgrims rush, gawk, worship, shop and gossip. The result can be chaotic, or at least have that appearance for first-timers. There is no tutorial for this school; one must simply dive in.
Like a patch ripped off
They were resilient
Mutabak Master
We visited with our dear friend Abu Samir today. His family has been making pastries in the heart of Jerusalem's Old City for 200 years. The mutabak (made of goat cheese, butter, nuts, and syrup) is as light as a feather and is the most delicious pastry you will ever find. His version of mutabak is so famous locally, it is called by his family name, the "Zalatimo." I dare you to find his secret shop (clue: there are no signs).
A rat's tale
Jesus Trail, Jan 3-10, 2017
Thousands of sightseers view the land of the bible through the window of a tour bus. A few seek a deeper experience. If you are among the latter group (or know someone who is), I invite you to try Galilee on foot. There is no better way to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of the Heartland. For those who are veterans of a standard study- or pilgrimage-tour, this may be the perfect way to build upon that previous experience.