Welcome back to day three of my adventures in Israel. I wish I would have brought my journal to Texas with me, but I figured I wouldn't have time to read through it with all the meetings I'd be attending. However, writing here would have been much easier and on a day to day basis. At this point I wake up and wonder where I am and what time is it? I was thinking God graced me with a special grace from having flown from Dulles to Ghana, then from Ghana to Philadelphia, then Philadelphia to Texas--until last night. At 9 PM my eyes decided to close. I fell asleep sitting up in my chair writing. Who does that? I went to my room grabbed some Sarris chocolate covered pretzels and headed back to the Ballroom. It was one of my favorite speakers. I knew it wasn't boredom so, yeah that happened. Prayerfully, I have adapted and overcome. My "Word" for the year if you remember is "Sticktoitiveness".....and yes, it really is a word. I couldn't have made it up. God knows every word in the dictionary and I let Him pick. Go figure?
The above photos are from the River Jordan. This was one of the highlights from my trip. However, "Sticktoitiveness" really came into play. I'd never seen the River of Jordan. Sure, I'd read about it in the Bible, how it was considered dirty. 2 Kings "And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” Naaman complained and was insulted. When I saw that muddy water I had myself a "Naaman Moment". I truly had to talk myself into getting in that water. But, I can honestly share with you, without a shower, just a change of clothes I felt cleaner, softer and so refreshed. Now, I can truly sing from the bottom of my heart, "I been to the Jordan and I been baptized!" It was a great feeling.
You will notice the roped off area. This was as far as we could go legally because the other side was not safe and many armed guards were ready to defend their portion of land. We were warned if we crossed the rope we could be killed. That being said, I never felt unsafe while in Israel. Even at night walking the streets I felt totally safe and was informed by our guides we were safe. Ignore what the media tells you and go have the time of your life. Need connections and a tour guide let me know and I will give you some contact information. I would totally go again.
You will notice the roped off area. This was as far as we could go legally because the other side was not safe and many armed guards were ready to defend their portion of land. We were warned if we crossed the rope we could be killed. That being said, I never felt unsafe while in Israel. Even at night walking the streets I felt totally safe and was informed by our guides we were safe. Ignore what the media tells you and go have the time of your life. Need connections and a tour guide let me know and I will give you some contact information. I would totally go again.
So, from the map above you can see it was a great trip. I took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, baptized folks in the Jordan River and was re-baptized myself and then swam in the Dead Sea. It was truly a great trip. I am still pinching myself and telling myself this really did happen. God truly gives us the desires of our hearts.
Here is a great link to read more about the River of Jordan: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jordan-River.html
Here is a great link to read more about the River of Jordan: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jordan-River.html
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU BAPTIZE IN THE JORDAN RIVER
We went to a more private area and if you are interested contact me here at RPMDaily.net
The baptismal site “Yardenit” on the Jordan River is a must-visit place for any visitor or pilgrim. Many of the tourist will not only go to visit, but also be baptized in the same place where John baptized Jesus Christ. The site offers 12 separate baptismal pools, enabling different groups to comfortably conduct private worship ceremonies. Every year, over half a million tourists from all over the world visit the site.
Here are the most important things to know before you go.
1. When should I go?The spring and summer are the best seasons to visit. Approximately around May and up until mid-October, the weather is perfect for baptism. Sunday to Thursday are usually less crowded than Saturday. Operation hours change, please check the official website for the information. The water is under the supervision of the Israeli Health Ministry and are suitable for baptizing all year round.
2. What Should I bring with me?The site offers towels and robes for rent (The special robes are also available for sale). There are showers and dressing rooms you can use, so you should bring all your shower necessities. All visitors are required to change in the change facilities. Access to them is included with the rent or purchase of a baptismal kit. There is a restaurant on the premises, but you can also bring your own food and water. Cameras are highly recommended, also you will have the option to purchase a DVD of your own baptizing. Baptisms are only allowed while wearing the special white robes, which can be rented or purchased on site. Swim suits must be worn under the robe.
3. I want a Pastor to baptize me! How can I reach one?There is no resident pastor on site. You should contact the premises in advance and we they can refer you to a pastor according to your needs and denomination. This service is free and most pastors do not charge for conducting baptismal ceremonies. We suggest making a small donation directly to the pastor as a courtesy.
4. What else is there to see at “Yardenit”?“Wall of New Life”- Yardenit’s unique project, celebrating the diversity of cultures from which visitors have come to Yardenit to baptize in the waters of the Jordan River. Over 85 large panels, each inscribed in a different languages or dialect, make up the Wall of New Life which runs along the banks of the Jordan River up to our baptismal pools. Each section represents a different community from around the world, where visitors have come to Yardenit. The many panels of The Wall of New Life are dedicated to ‘Christians throughout the world, which at this place has followed their Savior through the waters of baptism’.
Olive Grove- Yardenit’s Olive Grove gives community leaders a unique and rare opportunity to plant a tree on the shore of the Jordan River as a symbol of peace and their communities’ dedication to the land of Israel. 12 trees have been planted so far.
5. What Else is in the area?Yardenit is a crossroad for many pilgrims, one among other holy places around the Sea of Galilee, such as Capernaum, Tabgha and the Mount of Beatitudes.
To make a whole day in the area, you can also visit the Sea of Galilee or Tiberias, which are both very close to the area. Kibbutz Ginosar is also about 10 minutes from Yardenit. Plenty of sites to see and places to visit to make your holiday in Israel unforgettable.
We went to a more private area and if you are interested contact me here at RPMDaily.net
The baptismal site “Yardenit” on the Jordan River is a must-visit place for any visitor or pilgrim. Many of the tourist will not only go to visit, but also be baptized in the same place where John baptized Jesus Christ. The site offers 12 separate baptismal pools, enabling different groups to comfortably conduct private worship ceremonies. Every year, over half a million tourists from all over the world visit the site.
Here are the most important things to know before you go.
1. When should I go?The spring and summer are the best seasons to visit. Approximately around May and up until mid-October, the weather is perfect for baptism. Sunday to Thursday are usually less crowded than Saturday. Operation hours change, please check the official website for the information. The water is under the supervision of the Israeli Health Ministry and are suitable for baptizing all year round.
2. What Should I bring with me?The site offers towels and robes for rent (The special robes are also available for sale). There are showers and dressing rooms you can use, so you should bring all your shower necessities. All visitors are required to change in the change facilities. Access to them is included with the rent or purchase of a baptismal kit. There is a restaurant on the premises, but you can also bring your own food and water. Cameras are highly recommended, also you will have the option to purchase a DVD of your own baptizing. Baptisms are only allowed while wearing the special white robes, which can be rented or purchased on site. Swim suits must be worn under the robe.
3. I want a Pastor to baptize me! How can I reach one?There is no resident pastor on site. You should contact the premises in advance and we they can refer you to a pastor according to your needs and denomination. This service is free and most pastors do not charge for conducting baptismal ceremonies. We suggest making a small donation directly to the pastor as a courtesy.
4. What else is there to see at “Yardenit”?“Wall of New Life”- Yardenit’s unique project, celebrating the diversity of cultures from which visitors have come to Yardenit to baptize in the waters of the Jordan River. Over 85 large panels, each inscribed in a different languages or dialect, make up the Wall of New Life which runs along the banks of the Jordan River up to our baptismal pools. Each section represents a different community from around the world, where visitors have come to Yardenit. The many panels of The Wall of New Life are dedicated to ‘Christians throughout the world, which at this place has followed their Savior through the waters of baptism’.
Olive Grove- Yardenit’s Olive Grove gives community leaders a unique and rare opportunity to plant a tree on the shore of the Jordan River as a symbol of peace and their communities’ dedication to the land of Israel. 12 trees have been planted so far.
5. What Else is in the area?Yardenit is a crossroad for many pilgrims, one among other holy places around the Sea of Galilee, such as Capernaum, Tabgha and the Mount of Beatitudes.
To make a whole day in the area, you can also visit the Sea of Galilee or Tiberias, which are both very close to the area. Kibbutz Ginosar is also about 10 minutes from Yardenit. Plenty of sites to see and places to visit to make your holiday in Israel unforgettable.
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