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. Watch the video below.
The God who Heals?
What do Athens and Jerusalem have in common? An asklepion! See the video below.
Sparta and Jerusalem
Did you hear about this curious link between Sparta and Jerusalem? Discover it lurking in the video below.
Tombs in the Trees: Exploring the Ancient Slopes of Bethphage
Perched on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, the modern Arab community of Bethphage stands directly above the ancient village that witnessed one of the most famous processions in history. In the biblical narrative, this was the starting point of the Triumphal Entry, where Jesus sent his disciples to find a colt before descending toward Jerusalem.
Walking the downslope from the modern village, the atmosphere shifts from bustling community to silent history. Tucked among the olive trees and terraced gardens, ancient rock-cut tombs remain as quiet witnesses to the generations who lived and died on this sacred hillside. These burial sites provide a grounded, immersive look at the reality of life in the first century, bridging the gap between the modern skyline and the ancient stone.
Check out the video below.
Mud, Salt, and Sand: Blasting the Bus after a Heartland Haul
After two weeks of pushing through the mud of Galilee and the silt of the Judean wilderness, our tour bus wears the landscape. In Jerusalem, a high-pressure wash isn't about aesthetics—it’s about visibility and survival. You don't just “wash” a bus; you blast away the Heartland grit to prepare for a group of pilgrims.
Busses sparkle for a reason. It’s no accident!
Watch the video.
Group Shot Exiting Hezekiah's Tunnel
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.