From the Top

It has begun! Our JV singles trip to Israel: #jvisrael16 (on Instagram and Facebook) in case you want to know!

After meeting up with everyone at the airport this morning, we headed off towards Tiberius, our 'home away from home' for the next three nights.

First stop: a hike up Mt Arbel which overlooks the Sea of Galilee and the region where Jesus spent his years of ministry.

From up on top, you look down and immediately feel transported into another time and location, one where Jesus lived, taught, healed, ministered and equipped his disciples.

Though this is the beginning of our tour, Dave started at the end. With Matthew, chapter 28 and the Great Commission.

It could very well have been this spot where Jesus stood with his disciples, after he had been raised from the dead, and said: "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Dave began the teaching that will continue throughout the tour, talking about what it means to make disciples as Jesus made disciples.

My big take away?  People who make disciples are always coming back to Jesus: who he is, what he's done for us and who we are in Christ.

The truth of that has stood the test of time for over 2000 years.

And once again, I'm in awe of JESUS as I'm here in his land, walking in his steps, and pondering how he transformed lives, like my own. I am SO thankful for him!

And I'm looking forward to all he has for me, and for my friends, this coming week as we study his life and teachings here in Israel.