Holy Land – BLOGPASTOR

Tag: Holy Land

Masada: Jewish resistance’s last stand against Romans

21 January 2016 blogpastor Leave a comment

The first time I went on a pastor’s familiarization tour, Masada was not included. In this pilgrimage I led, Masada was included but a flash flood spoiled our plans. The Israeli tour guide said they will try again the next day. We were all so glad the electric cable car system was restored to working order. I heard so much of the last stand of the Jewish resistance, I wanted to see it myself. The fortress does look formidable and impenetrable and unreachable on the top of a steep and bare hill. The Romans surrounded and besieged them till the resistance force took their own lives. The guide said the Israeli armed forces now pledged their loyalty at the site.

Depiction of Masada on the wall of the cable car station

Looking out from the entrance into Masada

Briefed on the various features of the fort

Our Israeli guide was suave, handsome and speaks with an American accent

The fort was a few football fields in size

Another view from various high spots in the fort

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Genesis Land: welcomed by Abraham

11 January 2016 blogpastor Leave a comment

This was an interesting experience: a camel ride and some hospitality from Abram. Great idea and fun. We rode the camels to Abrams’ tent and there he welcomed us to a meal. We were blessed.

It started with a historical and geographical sketch.

It was about 15 minutes ride to Abram's tent — It was about 15 minutes ride to Abram’s tent

This was just starters. Sadly no fatted calf was included in the meal. Just Jewish chicken. — This was just starters. Sadly no fatted calf was included in the meal. Just chicken.

With wonderful Raffles Air tour organizers and owners Albert and Jenny.

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Holy Land Genesis Land, Holy Land, Raffles Air

Qumran community archaelogical site

1 January 2016 blogpastor Leave a comment

We visited the remains of an ancient site of a Qumran community in a semi arid landscape. It was cool but stark. It must have been hard to live in such circumstances where water concerns were predominant and this was reflected in the architecture and the space given for cisterns. The desert made me feel alone, forlorn, quiet, meditative and reflective.

Another view from the hotel — A view from the hotel in Jericho

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Sea of Galilee: dancing with seagulls

28 December 2015 blogpastor Leave a comment

We couldn’t sail on the Galilee lake on the scheduled day because of the strong winds. It wasn’t safe. That night we gathered and prayed that the unexpectedly cold weather would not sabotage the pilgrimage . The next morning it was not a particularly bright day but the sea of Galilee was sail safe and we were happy to get on board the boat. It was a very joyous moment as we saw it as God’s gracious gift and answer to our prayers. To rejoice with us the seagulls played and danced with us as we celebrated God’s faithfulness and love. A satisfying playful morning.

Looking out of the hotel balcony to the sea of Galilee.

Seagulls came looking for their breakfast

You filled our hearts with joy and our lips with laughter

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Jordan River: Coldest baptism

24 December 2015 blogpastor Leave a comment

It was, and probably would remain, the coldest baptism I have ever done. We did it at Yardenit – the baptismal site of the Jordan River. In the days leading to the baptism the unusually cold weather led me to give a way out for the parents of the baptism candidates, You know the weather is extremely cold and you may be concerned for your children. Think about it, if you do not want to go ahead with it, let me know. We can do it back in Singapore, in warmer waters. Later I was told, The children want to go ahead with it. I had no choice then. So after donning swimming tights and baptism robes we took some photos, went down the steps into the river, and pastor Thomas and I baptized them in the fastest speed ever recorded. Remarkably, I was cold when outside, but in the waters I felt unusually “uncold”. This was in 13th December 2013 in the cold and holy land.

Ps Kenny, Ps Thomas and the 5 baptism candidates

The holding area is by the bank of the river and well fenced

After baptism the parents quickly put on jackets on their kids except one kid

After its all done and with a hot beverage we are ready to leave — After its all done and with a hot beverage we were ready to leave

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Holy Land baptism, Holy Land, Jordan River, Yardenit