We got a wake-up call at 6:00 AM to get us going!

Our first stop of the day was Migdal, the birthplace of Mary Magdalene. This town was only excavated 12 years ago and  they discovered a first century synagogue and a well preserved village.  Catholic priest, Rev. Juan Solana, set out to build a resort for Christian pilgrims, but just below the surface  discovered the amazing remains of Magdal. Experts agree Jesus most likely taught here.

Images:  The synagogue and a photo of the floor with mosaic

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Mikvehs (baths for purification) and dwellings of those who lived there centuries ago are being unearthed. Today a beautiful church faces the Sea of Galilee.

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Entering the dome of the antechamber to the church are huge pillars, seven  of which are engraved with the names of women who followed Jesus. The 8^th is left unnamed for all those who would follow through the centuries.

Off to the sides were small rooms with magnificent tile murals depicting scenes.

Through the antechamber we entered the sanctuary  marked by an altar in the shape of a boat.

The windows gave clear view of the Sea. There was such a glorious sense of the presence of God in this place.

Downstairs there is a huge mural-size painting — an amazing picture of the feet of Jesus walking in a crowd. A woman’s hand is moving towards the hem of Jesus’ garment as He walked.  and a divine spark is shown as she touches the hem. The painting is beautifully rendered and inspirational.  The only seating in this room was along a stone shelf made from stones of Magdal circling the room. The floor is made up of stones of the original first-century road through the market place of the town.  We felt like we were transported back in time.

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We gathered to sing. The sound resonated in such a way that it felt like choirs of angels were joining in the praise.

Out next adventure was a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee with worship and singing aboard a replica of the boats used by the disciples.

SLIDE SHOW

Edda  Swan, National Pres. of Iceland, IBOD member, and European Committee President, gave a message from the text given in  Matt. when Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow him to become fishers of men. Using her experience in fly fishing, she shared the necessity of knowing the line to use, how and where to cast, the kind of bait to use, and the challenge to reel in the fish. You have to really be focused and intent in reeling it in lest you lose the fish. Because the real joy is to land the fish!

How fitting as we are in a replica of a boat that Jesus’ disciples used for fishing. Our hearts were challenged afresh to reach the lost and fulfill the Great Commission.

Nonnie McVeigh, President of Aglow Great Britain gave a powerful prophetic word in response to the challenging message given by Edda.

After her sharing, we experienced deep worship and the presence of the Lord.

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SLIDE SHOW

Lunch, St. Peter’s fish

What a neat experience!

Capernaum

On shores of the Sea of Galilee, we visited Capernaum, where Jesus called His first disciples to follow Him. This small fishing town became the center of his three years of ministry.  It is one the “must see” places in Israel. 

Below is the site of the synagogue site where Jesus taught. Above you can see the ancient remains of the houses clustered around the synagogue.

 We viewed the remains of the home of Peter’s mother-in-law. (She was healed from her sick bed to prepare for her guests!) A church is built over the remains.

Under the church, you can see the remains of the house.

Below: A glass floor in the church allows a direct overhead view of the remains of the house.

Ministry time:

Capernaum – God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Many were healed.  through His presence and specific words of knowledge that were released.

Participants on individual buses were able to take time to  respond to the spiritual atmosphere of Capernaum, the place of so many miracles of healing and deliverance.

Baptism

Yardenit-  We finished our full day at Yardenit on the banks of the Jordan River on the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. Here Aglow men and women were baptized or recommitted to their baptism in a special reserved area. White robes and towels were available for those participating.  Some married couples were baptized together. For many, being baptized on the waters of the Jordan, was a dream fulfilled. Each person received a certificate honoring the occasion.  Some of us purchased a DVD that recorded the baptisms.

Our tour guide, Nola, shared about the Star of David and the Menorah in connection with the Jews. Very interesting!

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Tired but joyous, we all rode the short drive back to the Gai Beach Hotel.What a great day! I think everyone would find it hard to choose their favorite place or experience today. Probably the best answer: all of it!

PRAYER POINTS:

• We pray for good rest for the travelers.
• We pray against flare-ups of old medical issues with them.
• We pray for strength for all the walking.
• We pray for a deepening of their faith as they walk the land

CONTINUE TO DAY 3- ISRAEL TOUR