Students recap Land of the Bible tour
April 17, 2008
“This trip was more than just a sight-seeing vacation, it was more than just centuries-old ruins--this trip was so significant to me spiritually."
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One of 35 students who took the course “Land of the Bible,” Crystal Rath, shared those thoughts after returning from the 11-day study tour to Israel over Spring Break.
She was among a number of students who shared that there was much more to be gained than the three credits offered.
According to the course syllabus, preparation sessions held on campus acquainted students with major topographic features and regions of Israel, major geographic sites, and archaeological terms and procedures.
The tour itself, which took place March 20-30, was intended to help students expand their appreciation of Scripture, grow spiritually, engage in meaningful worship in places of biblical significance, and create memories to last a lifetime. About fifteen others joined the study group on the tour without receiving course credit.
Instructors Dr. Greg Trull and Dr. Tim Anderson anticipated the trip for months, enticing potential travelers last fall (and earlier) with the words “Next year in Jerusalem!” That, by the way, has been the expressed hope of Jews for centuries. Trull and Anderson planned the itinerary to include four days in Jerusalem as well as in numerous other cities and sites mentioned in Scripture.
Rath pointed out, “We were in so many incredible breath-taking places, it was hard to take it all in.”
On Easter Sunday, for example, the group followed in the footsteps of Jesus and the disciples by boarding a boat on the Sea of Galilee. There they enjoyed a worship service. Later that day along the shores of the Jordan River, some were baptized. Student Timothy Dady counted that as a highlight, when he was re-baptized by Dr. Trull.
“During the trip, the same concept was repeated that being in Israel adds life to the Bible,” recalled James Delcastillo. “The majority of us read it in black and white and only imagine what it was like. Being there, your faith becomes real, the Bible becomes real, and Jesus is real more than ever.”
For Richard Kappler, it “reaffirmed my faith” to see the Pool of Siloam where Jesus asked the blind man to wash off the mud He applied to his eyes.
As an English major, Tarnah Wright was impressed by the Dead Sea Scroll display. “God places a high importance on the written word,” she noted. “Not just the Scripture, but historical documents and stories.”
A business major, Kappler made it a point to converse with Israelis while on the Tour. From his interactions, he learned that “they felt the United States was their only ally.”
“The trip was amazing and life-changing,” said Delcastillo. “I advise every Christian to make that trip, no matter the cost. What is more important? Money or strengthening your faith?”
