We started today off at Gideon's Springs. The area on the edge of the Jezreel valley where Gideon took on an army of thousands with just three hundred men. It was very lush and green and peaceful, but the park and the actual spring were closed, so we were downstream just a little ways.
We then ventured to Tel Jezreel, an ancient village on a hill where there were vinyards and wine presses carved into the hillside. the view from here was awesome looking out over the beautiful Jezreel valley. Then it was off to Bet She'an and ancient roman ruins and temples.
We had lunch at Qasr El Yahud, a place along the Jordan river just north of the dead sea. It was here, along these very shores of the Jordan river, where John the Baptist baptized the masses... including Jesus. We at lunch along the shores of the Jordan and shared our lunch with a few Israeli soldiers who were there guarding the border (see photos). The Jordan River is the border between Israel and Jordan and we were able to see the Jordanian soldiers on the other side guarding the border there.
After lunch, we changed into our bathing suits and sandals. We also put on baptismal robes that they sell there to be sure nobody is wearing anything too revealing. We made our way down to the shores of the river and one by one, were baptized by our pastor Rick Crawford in the Jordan. What an experience. Unforgettable to say the least.
In the afternoon we made our way to Qumran, the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in a series of caves in 1947. Wow! This was really cool. We saw a short movie on exactly how it happened and how significant the discoveries were... truly incredible. These dead sea scrolls, are available for viewing and occasionally make their way around the world. If you ever have a chance to see them, do!
Tonight we're headed to our hotel in Jerusalem! We're looking forward to seeing the city that has captivated the nations for thousands of years. We'll spend the next six nights in Jersalem and travel from there to see the rest of the country.
It is truly amazing how God has blessed this land and the Jewish people. The ingenuity, creativity and shear mind power of the Jewish people is awesome. They truly are God's chosen people and we are so blessed to be here and to be "Grafted In" as the greater body of the Church.
Stay tuned for more!!!
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