Day Three of Our Israel Tour

We got off to an early start this morning. Our first stop was at a site that displayed a 1st century boat. This was the type of boat used during Jesus' time, and it was quite a find several years ago. After the video explaining how it was found and the process of preserving and moving the boat, we saw it firsthand. We then had time to shop in the gift shop for some souvenirs. From here, we went on a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where we enjoyed the worship ministry of Daniel Carmen.

From there, we boarded the bus where we headed to the Mount of Beatitudes. Jaida ministered from Matthew 5 and 6. We enjoyed the gardens and the beautiful church on the site. It was quite exciting to see where Jesus spoke to so many, and it was evident by the lay of the land how the sound works in a natural amphitheater. We moved to one of the cities that Jesus cursed, Capernaum, where we saw the home of Peter where he healed his mother-in-law. Jesus did much of his ministry in that area, and we saw the ruins of an old synagogue and many ancient artifacts.

For lunch, we went to a local Israeli restaurant for St. Peter's fish. Yesterday, we experienced felafel, an Israeli food, and today we enjoyed fish and salad in pita bread. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and firsts.

After lunch, we went straight to Banias, which is the site of worship of the god Pan at the place called "The Gates of Hell." In Matthew 16, Jesus asked his disciples "Who do men say that I am?" This is the location of that conversation. There we had ice cream, and then traveled to the Golan Heights. There we saw the UN station near the Syrian border. We saw many old bunkers and tanks that are remnants of the Yom Kippur War of 1973. It was quit amazing looking at old history, and having a guide who fought in the Six Day war.

From the Golan Heights we went to a Shofar factory and then to the River Jordan for a good old fashioned baptismal service. It was a great experience and a wonderful day. We all rejoiced at what God has been doing in us and through us. We then headed back to the Ron Beach Hotel for our evening meal and packing for tomorrow. In the morning we are heading to Petra in the Nation of Jordan. See you then.