Day 1 - around Galilee

What a privilege it is to be here in Israel! Since it was dark last night when we arrived we all got our first glimpse this morning of the beautiful Sea of Galilee.

I think I could write a book about everything we learned today! I'll let your friends and family fill you in on their experience and use this blog to give you some highlights.

After a night's rest at the En Gev Kibbutz, we started our day right on the Sea of Galilee at the Primacy of Peter. This is where Jesus called Peter, James and John to be fishers of men and we were reminded how they immediately obeyed. It rained through that teaching but we got a beautiful rainbow in return. The rain stopped and we headed across the street - and up a mountain - to where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. Jim read the sermon to us (Matthew 5, 6 and 7) and it was awesome to sit on the Mount of Beatitudes and hear the words of Jesus. Just like the followers in Matthew 7, I was amazed at His teaching. 

We drove to Bethsaida and learned about Philip, Andrew and Peter. Did you know Bethsaida was influenced by the Greek culture? I didn't! But we saw how God used that in their ministry and how everything we go through was ordained by Him to bring Himself glory. We also learned about the miracle of feeding the 5,000 and it was so cool to see how Jim pulled out common themes for us: wilderness, disobedience, bread, temptation, stones...

We had a lovely lunch where we were served Musht (pronounced moosht), which is basically Sea of Galilee tilapia. I was glad for the lesson on how to eat it since you are given the whole fish. We also had some of the freshest and most delicious hummus I've ever eaten. Served with warm pita bread... Mmmmm. We ate our fair share. Ok, moving on.

In Capernaum we sat in the Synagogue ruins and learned about where Jesus lived. We walked where Jesus walked and saw where Peter lived. Peter's house is only steps from the Synagogue. There was a sweet time of communion right on the hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee. We sang praises to God and had time to reflect on everything we learned and had been challenged with.

Synagogue 

Peter's house

We did a quick stop to see a 2,000 year old boat that had been discovered and preserved before heading to take a boat ride of our own. Lisa read to us Isaiah 43:1-5a and we had time to pray, meditate and hear from the Lord. All while on a boat, watching the sunset over Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee.

Back at the Kibbbutz, some brave souls (myself included) took a quick dip in the Sea of Galilee It wasn't real for fun or refreshment; it was more so we could say, "I swam in the Sea of Galilee!!"

As we gathered tonight after supper to talk about our day, we heard stories about how God is moving. About how He is speaking. It's such a joy and encouragement to hear that God is teaching us all something on this trip.

Please pray for the group tomorrow as the schedule/timing has historically been a more challenging day. Thank you!