Helen (2017) Tour to Israel
“Since this was a study tour, we learned some fascinating things about events in the Old Testament and Gospels. Now I will have answers for some of the questions that the local … translators have asked or are likely to ask.”
[Damascus Gate, Old City of Jerusalem]
Samuel M. ( 2016) It was the fleshing-out effect that makes the Bible ‘become live’ and more interesting to study.
“…The idea that a tour to Israel could provide a personal spiritual experience for me actually kept me from going on such a trip. I had strong resentment to seeking a spectacular experience in Israel in order to support my belief; that would undermine the “believe without seeing” principle.
As it turned out, the Biblical Byways study trip is not primarily designed as a devotional retreat, neither did I go with any such expectations. Right from the preparatory materials issued, the primary objective was clearly indicated as a chronological Bible study.
Then, when I got into Israel, I did find an opportunity for a personal integration of Scriptures with the right contexts to make vivid sense, once for all. It was the fleshing-out effect that makes the Bible “become live” and more interesting to study. That is what I desire all fellow-workers involved in communicating the Scriptures to attain.”
Samuel prays at the Western Wall next to a Jewish man.
He takes a ride on an ancient mode of transportation in the Middle East.
Biblical Byways 