Gennesaret Kitty

“After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret.” Mark 6:53 – this is the location of the museum that houses the ancient boat found in 1986 under water in the Sea of Galilee.

It took 10 years of conservation and special processes to preserve the boat after pulling it from the water. It was found to be made mostly of oak and cedar but also 9 other types of wood. Radiocarbon dating showed the boat to be 2000 years old – from the time of Jesus Christ.

Heading to our boat docked on the Sea of Galilee.

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.” Matthew 4:18

The city of Tiberias in the distance is where our hotel was located.

Toby helped to raise the American flag to fly with the Israeli flag, while the Star Spangled Banner played, as we departed from shore.

Holly led us in worship

Pastor Josh shared a very special testimony

The Mount of Beatitudes which we visited on day 3. This hillside is maybe where the feeding of the 5000 took place.

Surprisingly beautiful scenery in every direction

“The uncompromisingly righteous shall flourish like the palm tree…” Psalm 92:112

We really did not know what to expect at the YMCA of Nazareth! It turned out to house a very special place called “Nazareth Village” which was a re-creation by many actors of how Nazareth would have been when Jesus was growing up. Nazareth is now an Arab city.

Nazareth Kitty

“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in and confidently rely on the loving-kindness and the mercy of God forever and ever.” Psalm 52:8

Threshing floor

Shepherd

Small cave tomb

Demonstrating the wine press and channels in the rocks

Grapevine trellis

Pomegranates

Rolling stone crusher used for olives

Further processing of olives in the oil press

Potter and clay

Craftsman/carpenter

Turning wool to yarn and weaving with the loom

View of synagogue

Synagogue

“When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures.” Luke 4:16

This kitty should get all the fish he could want as he lives outside the Kibbutz by the sea where we had what they call “Peter’s fish” for lunch

We had a choice of filet or…

Whole fish with bones and eyes! (It’s tilapia fresh from the Sea of Galilee)

Next we went to this area of the Jordan River for baptisms. This would not be the area where Jesus was baptized by John.

Kristi dipped a toe. It was clearer than expected but still very smelly.

Jerry got pics and Kristi got video of 13 in our group being baptized.

“One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River.” Mark 1:9

“As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove.” Mark 1:10 – A dove actually flew over as Nancy was being baptized. It’s the only dove we saw while there. We got this picture from the video of her baptism.

The baptism group

Jordan River Kitty

Another beautiful night on top of our hotel

Some sweet daddy daughter dancing