Stong Men, Giant Killers, & So Much More

Another wonderful day in Israel is quickly coming to a close. I believe we have sensed every emotion humanly possible today. Last night some of us walked down into the old city and did some shopping before we called it a night. After breakfast at the hotel, we loaded up the bus and headed out. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived in Jerusalem last night to see Bro. Danny Warrick, a friend from Pace setting in the hotel lobby. He had wanted to make the trip with us but was unable to come for the whole trip so he just flew over for a few days with us here in Jerusalem. Our first stop was the Holocaust Museum. There are no words to describe this memorial to the 6 million Jews who lost their life. The Museum focused not only on their lost, but on the contributions the Gentile world made to attempt to help them. After this very moving visit, we loaded up and headed to the areas surrounding Jerusalem.





We stopped at a location that some historians believe to be Samuel’s Tomb, but our guide said it was not true; however, it was a wonderful place to view many historical biblical sites. From there we traveled through the West Bank to the Land of Samson. Before we got too spiritual, we made a stop at the golden arches. Although it was not just exactly like home, it was a neat experience. After lunch we climbed a small hill overlooking a beautiful valley. We considered the valley through which the Philistines sent the Ark of The Covenant back to the Jews and the land from which Delilah came. From here we traveled a short distance to the valley where David faced off with Goliath. It hardly seemed possible to be standing in the spot that could very well have been the place where the giant fell. From there we traveled further through the West Bank back toward Jerusalem to near the city of Bethlehem. Due to the current political situation in the country our guide did not feel comfortable taking us to Bethlehem today. We instead stopped on a mountainside and viewed the Bethlehem area. Yoni eventually gave us on trying to share with us when a local woman and her son approached us to have their pictures made for money. The beautiful almond trees in bloom were a sight to see and reminded us of the many scripture references to almonds, especially Aaron’s rod that budded. From there we traveled to a very expensive gift shop where we looked but did not buy. We went an overlook where we could see Jerusalem from the south. Yoni pointed out many significant sights in and around Jerusalem, most especially the Kidron Valley. We were joined there by Yoni’s wife and 4 children.





After returning to the hotel, several of us taxied back to the Old City for a time of shopping then back to the hotel for dinner. We were joined at dinner by Suzanne Artley, who is from our church. She is involved in a study program here in Jerusalem through Southeastern University. She brought a couple of friends with her and we all had dinner together. It was great to see her and hear all of the exciting things that are happening in her life while she is here in Israel. We are really tired and are having to type this post in the lobby of the hotel because that is the only place there is internet. There is so much more we could tell, we will share more when we get home. Tomorrow will be a full down in and around the Old City.

Some Additional Pics

We will start our day at the temple mound and also will see the Garden Tomb and share communion. I just can’t wait. We will update you again tomorrow night. Hope all is well at home and trust services went well today. If you read it please comment. The group enjoys the comments. (SOMEONE PLEASE LET JUDY STVERSON KNOW ABOUT THE BLOG!)

Pastor Tom & Rese with the Israel 24