Swart Life

Sea of Galilee

The first 3 days of our tour were spent in the Sea of Galilee area. This was my favorite "location." It was absolutely beautiful here and Jeff tells us that the majority of Jesus' teaching ministry was done in this area. The sea isn't very big (8 miles wide at its widest point and 15 miles long). So when we took our boat ride from the shore of the Plain of Gennesaret to the shore of Capernaum, we knew that Jesus had sailed in that same area. It was on this Sea that both Jesus and Peter walked on water. It was on this Sea that Jesus stilled the storm. It was at the edge of this Sea where he called Peter and Andrew and James and John to be His disciplies. What history it holds!!

The land in this area is lush, green, peaceful and very valuable. In comparison -- Jerusalem is in the hills of the desert. It is very much a busy, commercialized city -- but does hold the sites of the foundation of our faith (Jesus death, burial and resurrection!). So, of course, you can't go to Israel and not see both the north and south regions of the country. I can't help but think that Jesus too must have loved the beauty of the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee.

This picture is of the Valley of the Wind and Doves, so called, because the wind blows through it and it sounds like the "cooing" of a dove. We are certain Jesus walked through this valley as He traveled back and forth from Capernaum to Nazareth and Cana. It is located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It too was such a peaceful, beautiful area.

Great Tour Guide and Bus Driver

David Aarons did an excellent job of leading our tour. This man, who was born a Jew, but lived in the US for many years, knows Israel!! David works for EO, Educational Opportunities, the Tour Company that we used. David now lives in Jerusalem.

Haled was our great bus driver. WHEW -- the Israeli drivers are crazy! Haled was very patient and never lost his cool! Haled is a Palestian Israeli, married with two small children and lives near the town of Nazareth.

Devotionals by the Preachers

Brian Smith on our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. He spoke about when Jesus walked on the water. And then on a hill near the area of the Nativity was born, Brian spoke about the birth of Christ.

Mike Goering spoke at the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes a few miles west of Capernaum. He spoke about Jesus feeding the 5000. Then Mike spoke about the Ascension of Christ in the area of the Mt. of Olives.

Eugene Anderson spoke at the Jordan River near where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Eugene also read a Scripture passage near the Mt. of Beatitudes located on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee near Tabgha and is the traditional site where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

Steve Crawley spoke on the temptation of Christ. We were in the wilderness of Judea near the Mt. of Temptation, the traditional place where Satan showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time (as you see, we had a camel in our audience!!) Steve also led our group in a hymn in the Church of St. Anne in Jerusalem.

Ken Riley spoke at the ruins of the old city of Jericho about Joshua and the fall of the city of Jericho. He also is reading Scripture at the Church of St. Peter's Primacy on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee near Tabgha.

Andy Swart spoke in the Garden of Gethsemane speaking about Christ's agony and strength that He received in the garden that enabled Him to go to Calvary. Andy is also reading a Scripture in the second picture at the Garden Tomb about the resurrection of Jesus.

Jeff speaking at Caesarea Philippi calling us to answer life's most important question, "Who Do You Say That I [Jesus] Am?"
In this area, is where Peter confessed the deity of Jesus Christ and Jesus predicted His death and resurrection.

Jeff speaking on the Mount of Precipitation in Nazareth where the mob tried to kill Jesus.

Jeff speaking at Gordon's Calvary and asking us if we have ever really thanked God for what happened on that hill?!?

Jeff speaking at the Garden Tomb on the most important doctrine in the Word of God:

The Resurrection of Christ!

Yes, Jesus Lives - Hallelujah!!