Pilgrimages Past and Future

Some very exciting items are beginning to accumulate in my dining room. There are travel hair appliances, a travel bag, a neck pillow, a name tag, luggage tags, and an itinerary.

Did you spy the LPM logo? Our whole LPM crew and lots of our volunteers are taking a journey together in a couple of weeks. Wanna guess where we’re going?

The Holy Land!

My passport’s a little rusty, but it still works!

When I was 17 years old I had the amazing blessing of going to Israel with my mom. I found that old photo album this morning. Pardon the unfortunate quality of these pictures. I don’t have a scanner and rather than drag my babies up to the office to use theirs, I just took pictures of my pictures. I’m a skilled blogger, y’all!  Melissa and I are going to blog from Israel and I don’t want to steal our future thunder, so these will be pretty random.

Here I am in the airport with my friend Debbie.

Here’s Mom in a funny hat on our 12 hour layover in London. I fell in love with England that day.

This is Mom with Mary Helen Davis, whom our resource center is named after. We love her so much.

This is something that will never happen again as long as I live – a mother-daughter overalls picture. Wrong…very, very wrong.

Here’s the wonderful Nancy Mattingly in the airport on our way home. I’m sure she was calling her family to say she would see them soon. Her youngest, Sara, would have been 5 years old at the time. Sara is now my kids’ babysitter and her graduation announcement is sitting on my counter. Time? It is a’flyin’!

Have you ever been to the Holy Land? If so, what is one of your favorite memories of being there? If you’ve never made the pilgrimage but hope to one day, what do you look forward to experiencing?

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301 Responses to “Pilgrimages Past and Future”

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Comments:

  1. 251
    Pamela says:

    Yes, I went to work for 3 months in 1977 at the Holy Land Crippled Children’s Orphange in Bethleham & at the Mt Dabid Crippled Children’s Orthopedic Hospital. The orphanage is now closed. LIFE CHANGING Summer. Loved being there with the precious children.

  2. 252
    Angela says:

    I have never been myself, but my husband filmed an Old and New Testament educational series for a Christian University and had the honor of walking in the footsteps of Jesus. Even climbing Mt. Sinai with a camera on his back. If I ever get the chance to go I look forward to being baptized in the Jordan River. We named our daughter Jordan and walking where Caleb (who our son is named after walked). When I was pregnant with him my husband was able to put a prayer for him in the Wailing Wall.

  3. 253
    Hollen says:

    Oh my, you look just like your mother!! I have never been to the Holy Land, but I would love to go!! My dad has been though!
    Hollen

  4. 254
    Barbara says:

    Just this morning, my husband left for a 3 week trip to Israel (his first). He is a seminary student and this is a “study” trip titled “Geography of the Bible”. He is beyond excited and I am so happy for him. I’ve never been myself, but it will be great to hear all about it.

  5. 255
    Diana Shaw says:

    I had the incredible priviledge of going to the Holy Land twice with Christian tours, in 2007 and 2008. There can’t be just one amazing memory. I have so many amazping memories and one trip to Isreal wasn’t enough to take it all in. I can’t believe I was able to be baptized in the Jordan River, stand on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, sail on the Sea of Galilee, float in the Dead Sea and sit in the Garden Tomb and have communion and see the EMPTY tomb. Walking the path Jesus walked from the Antonio fortress to the cross, standing on the Temple mount and look at the Mt of Olives as well as pray at the Western wall was so amazing too. What a privildge it was to get a preview of our future home during the Millenium when we will rule with Jesus.

  6. 256
    Sandra Kearns says:

    I went with you Beth when you filmed your Jesus, the One and Only. What a memory. Got pictures girl.

  7. 257
    Verona H says:

    Our first trip was in 1980 with our two college age kids and my father-in-law. We were stationed in Crete at the time and went with lots of Air Force people and a Catholic Greek Priest led the tour, and our guide was a Catholic Arab. It felt like we had gone “home”, althought I had only been there through the Bible. The most meaningful spot was the garden tomb and the hill over looking the lake of Galilee where Jesus gave the beautitudes. My husband and I went back for a second time 3 years ago with David Jeremiah, and a Jewish guide, so didn’t get to go back to Bethlehem or Jericho or Cana, places owned by the Arabs.It was such a worshipful experience and we were never scared, even though we constantly saw guards walking around with guns. It is the favorite trip we have ever taken in our 53 years of marriage. Second best is the travels of Paul in Turkey.

  8. 258
    Anna says:

    Would love to go to the Holy land! One day…

    Until then, it’s time to head back to Romania. Please pray that the volcano keeps it’s ash to itself. I’m to return on the 28th and my bonus daughter’s wedding is June 5! Please pray I return home safely & on time. 🙂

    Thank you! Can’t wait to see what the Lord is going to do there!

    Anna

  9. 259
    Sharoni says:

    I have never had the honor of stepping foot on Israeli soil…but in my heart I know I will some day. My name is Israeli, so I have a particular affection for standing on the plain of Sharon and just looking around. I want to stand on the seashore and look at the beautiful little wild “rose of Sharon” that grow there in the sand…and breathe….just breathe!
    Sharoni is a nickname the LORD gave me years ago and I want to hear HIM say my name while I am there surrounded by my namesake. Cool, huh?

  10. 260
    Lynn Hyman says:

    back in 1990, I flew to Israel to meet my husband whose ship had pulled in to Haifa. We went to a Romanian Jewish restaurant and they asked me if I wanted red steak or white steak. I asked them what white steak was. They came over and whispered in my ear “It’s pork, but don’t tell anybody.”

    Really, just being in Jerusalem, walking where Jesus walked, being where Jesus will be again, driving around the Sea of Galilee – what an experience!

  11. 261
    JANICE BROWN says:

    My daughter and I had the privilege of being in Israel with Beth for the taping of Jesus The One And Only. It was wonderful!

  12. 262
    Lynn says:

    I would LOVE to go to the Holy Land and see all the sights from the Bible, especially Jerusalem! I have actually looked into a couple of tours, and I recently thought that if Beth Moore led a tour of the Holy Land, I would sign up immediately since it would be so educational and powerful with your Biblical insights, not to mention a complete blast! Anyway, I will be praying you have a safe, productive and meaningful trip. If you have one open to the public in the future, sign me up!

  13. 263
    Kay Martin says:

    Yes, I have been to the Holy Land! I was there for the filming of Jesus the One and Only. It was a wonderful experience and I would love to go back some day!

  14. 264
    Tina Harrell says:

    I’m just catching up on my reading and came across this post. I had to respond even though it is several days later. I’ve been so blessed to go to Israel twice – once in 1996 and once in 2006. I feel completely drawn to the Holy Land like no other place on earth.

    The first time I went with my 8 yr old son, my mom and sister along with others from our church and another church. I couldn’t believe how lush the Galilee region was. I was expecting dry and barren, but lo and behold it was green and full of fruit of every kind. We were sightseeing and the biggest highlight was taking communion at the tomb. THE tomb – still can’t wrap my mind around all of that – but what a priviledge (and it was the first time my son took communion).

    The 2nd time I was on a mission trip with my husband and a few others to teach at an English camp in Nazareth. The 1st week we stayed with a Muslim family. They were the most hospitable people I have EVER met. They fed us til we looked like rolly pollys and they fiercely protected us. I was even able to talk to them about my Savior, Jesus Christ. Unforgettable. The 2nd week we house sat for a lady that was making a quick trip to the States. That was really cool, because we had to do our own shopping and cooking. Buying fresh fruit on the street was always fun and walking everywhere instead of driving was like a breath of fresh air.

    To walk where Jesus walked and to finally see my beloved Bible in 3-D is something I could only dream for each of my siestas. DO IT if at all possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Blessing and safe travels to you AJ, and to the rest of your family and LPM staff. May you feel even closer to Jesus in this land He trod.

    Tina Harrell
    Chesapeake, VA

  15. 265
    Sallye says:

    When I grow up, I am going to have an apartment in the Jewish Quarter, old section that over looks the Western Wall. Either that or a little place in Tiberas. Not picky…only place I did not care for is Tel Aviv and the Yad.

  16. 266

    I have the privilege of living in the Holy Lands (Amman, Jordan) and it’s pretty awesome to take family vacations to the Red Sea and to live 30 minutes from the site where Jesus was baptized. Jerusalam is such a unique city- I’ve never been anywhere like it. To see the mosque, the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Seplucre- the most devout of the three major religions of the world all converging in one point- it’s truly FASCINATING. I hope you guys visit the Garden Tomb, it’s one of my favorites and the Mount of Olives at sunset or sunrise is gorgeous.
    If you are jumping over to Jordan at any point in your journey, I’d be thrilled to meet y’all. You have quite the fan club here in Amman. My Bible Study group just wrapped up Daniel about 3 weeks ago and are planning on starting the study on Paul in June. Sometimes I have to translate your southern English for my Arabic speaking friends 🙂 Good thing I speak “Southern” 🙂 . Have a GREAT trip!

    • 266.1
      Terri Beede says:

      Hi Rachel,
      I saw your post in a Beth Moore Thread regarding the Holy Land. Do you still live there?
      I’m from Montana and I’m planning on taking my 20 year old son on a mother-son trip. I’m not entirely sure I want to be with a large group. I like the sound of touring in the day to get the best information possible, but also to have the freedom to depart if something more interesting comes up (want to take my son’s interests into consideration as well). This will be our first trip, and I was wondering if you have suggestions on perhaps a reputable, smaller touring company or places to stay (apart from the traditional hotels).
      Any help will be much appreciated!
      Blessings,
      Terri

  17. 267
    Amanda says:

    I went when I was 17 as well with my church. It was the longest trip away from home and family I’d ever been on. We went to Greece, then Israel, Jordan, Egypt (to ride Arabian horses), and then finished in Italy. I scrapbooked it and kept a journal. I’m still amazed when I think about it. I remember two things most: I was baptized in the Jordan River by my pastor. I got to stand at the base of the mountain where my Jesus was crucified and then see inside His empty tomb, Praise His Name!!!! It is unforgettable!! I have my parents to thank for allowing me to go. I hope all our Siestas have a chance to go sometime in life. You all be safe; I look forward to hearing from you all and where you are going. That will be neat.

    God’s Blessings,
    Amanda
    Olive Branch, MS

  18. 268

    Your are great. And so is your site! Awesome substance. Good job guys! Interesting article, adding it to my favourites!

  19. 269
    Steve says:

    I’m just catching up on my reading and came across this post. I had to respond even though it is several days later. I’ve been so blessed to go to Israel twice – once in 1996 and once in 2006. I feel completely drawn to the Holy Land like no other place on earth.

    The first time I went with my 8 yr old son, my mom and sister along with others from our church and another church. I couldn’t believe how lush the Galilee region was. I was expecting dry and barren, but lo and behold it was green and full of fruit of every kind. We were sightseeing and the biggest highlight was taking communion at the tomb. THE tomb – still can’t wrap my mind around all of that – but what a priviledge (and it was the first time my son took communion).

    The 2nd time I was on a mission trip with my husband and a few others to teach at an English camp in Nazareth. The 1st week we stayed with a Muslim family. They were the most hospitable people I have EVER met. They fed us til we looked like rolly pollys and they fiercely protected us. I was even able to talk to them about my Savior, Jesus Christ. Unforgettable. The 2nd week we house sat for a lady that was making a quick trip to the States. That was really cool, because we had to do our own shopping and cooking. Buying fresh fruit on the street was always fun and walking everywhere instead of driving was like a breath of fresh air.

    To walk where Jesus walked and to finally see my beloved Bible in 3-D is something I could only dream for each of my siestas. DO IT if at all possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Blessing and safe travels to you AJ, and to the rest of your family and LPM staff. May you feel even closer to Jesus in this land He trod.

    Tina Harrell
    Chesapeake, VA

  20. 270
    Ralph Verret says:

    I had fun reading this. I am forced to really wonder if you meant you were leaning towards the masculine perspective here. :3

  21. 271
    leslee minas says:

    I would like to know if there are any trips planned with Beth Moore as guide/participant?

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