Journey through the Holy Land: The most remarkable day

March 12, 2018 / By Pastor Amy Winnie / 2 Comments

To say that the Holy Land is a place of amazement and awe would be an understatement. On our trip – our pilgrimage – to the Holy Land, we were able to visit all the notable places – Jesus’ baptism, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, the Via Dolorosa, the tomb, and the list goes on. I was entranced and in awe as we visited each of these sites; at many of them, the words, “We are standing on holy ground,” kept ringing through my head, for we certainly were stepping on sacred, holy land. Each stop presented yet more wonder and praise!

The day that holds the most memories for me is Sunday, Jan. 14, the time spent on and around the Sea of Galilee. All of us gathered on a boat and traveled out into the middle of the Sea. Our guides shared a little of their testimonies, and then the Bishop gave a devotional. I stood there, after that, thinking about his words and taking in the scenery. I grew up in the Adirondacks on a lake, swimming since I was 6 months old; lakes have a special hold on me. So, here I was, on the Sea of Galilee! This is the water that Jesus walked on, the place where he called Peter, Andrew, James, and John. It was around this lake that Jesus spent much of his time; he made his home in Capernaum, a city on the shores of the Sea. And I was on that same body of water! And, yes, wading in that same water!

The day was made even more special, though, that evening when a group of us went to the communion service at the Church of Scotland around the corner from our hotel. Before the service started, the priest asked if any one played the piano; a friend with me ventured, “Amy does.” Long story short – I played the hymns for the service in the Church of Scotland in Tiberias, Israel! An incredible way to end an incredible day! There really is no way to convey my feelings at that point other than ‘Thanks and praise be to God” for this opportunity and experience!