Venice Presbyterian Church returns from a transformative two-week pilgrimage to Israel, Palestine, and Türkiye. Read about their journey, the leadership that made it happen, and why the Middle East is open for discovery.
Jerusalem Churches: Old and New
The Asclepion: The God who Heals?
The Lost Letter Connecting Jerusalem to Sparta
Tombs in the Trees: Exploring the Ancient Slopes of Bethphage
Mud, Salt, and Sand: Blasting the Bus after a Heartland Haul
Pilgrims in Jerusalem: A Refreshing Splash in Hezekiah's Tunnel
Coordination and Grace: The Logistics of a Large-Scale Holy Land Tour
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.