Exploring the Holy Land-A Trip Like None Other

By Norine Rae –

This summer was by far one of the most amazing times in my life as I explored the Holy Land with Jerusalem University College (JUC). JUC is snuggled just outside the wall of the old city on Mount Zion – a mere five minute walk to enter either Zion Gate or Jaffa Gate where shopping abounds.

You experience culture galore as old Jerusalem is divided into four quarters with Arab, Christian, Jewish, and Armenians living together in what appeared to be harmony. This was an adventure unlike any trip I had ever taken for the courses “Jesus and His Times” and “Geographical and Historical Settings of the Bible” were tremendous.

What an incredible way to see Israel! We traveled throughout Israel touching Nature Reserves and National Parks from Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, Jericho, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Samaria, and so much more. We studied the geographical and historical nature of the sites exploring ancient ruins, churches, cities while visualizing how it appeared in Biblical times through Scripture. If that wasn’t enough to satisfy ones appetite, we also had a four day trip to Jordan where we explored the countryside to include a day in Petra.

The beautiful blending of students of various ages and cultures from sixteen to sixty came from throughout the world which added a sweet dimension. Relationships flourished as we enjoyed daily meals, travel experiences, and interests together. Bonding did not take long and I made new friends from Africa, America, Hong Kong, Canada, and Australia.

What a fabulous journey: not only did I get to know the locals, but I developed wonderful relationships that I plan to continue to cultivate. If you like to travel, learn, and meet new people JUC may be the “best” kept secret out there. The schedule was arduous at times, but we kept forging on encouraging one another as there was so much to see and learn. There is an option to audit the courses which takes the pressure off having to study for examinations.

My faith was deepened as the stories of the Bible came alive. It felt as though the Lord had taken my hand and together we visited His homeland, meeting His kin as He shared the stories of His childhood. One of my favorite experiences was in Samaria when we visited Jacob’s Well.

It was here that Jesus met the Samaritan women and asked her if she would like living water and told her she would thirst no more. Jacob’s Well is located in a lower room within a beautiful orthodox church. The church is richly decorated with icons that caused my heart to stir. But, when they drew the water from this very deep well I became elated to think that Christ had drunk from that very same well.

It seemed to take forever as the young student lowered the bucket and strenuously pulled it up. Having already told us that we could have a drink of the water, she began to pour the water back into the well; my heart began to pound for I longed for just a taste. Finally the professor stopped her before it was all gone. Two tin cups were then used to dip into bucket and was passed around to all who wished to take a drink. I was in the back of the room on the steps because I had spent time looking at the artwork in the church and fell behind from the group.

Anxiety began to grow in my heart for I was certain that there would be no water left by time it got to me. Aching, I wanted to push my way forward like the women with the issue of blood. I wanted as taste of the water, but I knew that I must wait my turn. When the cup finally came to me I felt the Lord say to pass it on. So, that is what I did. I passed on the cup of water that I so deeply desired. As I released the cup the Lord began to minister to me that I had the “living water” within me. It was so beautiful!

My heart was touched as I could feel His tangible presence in the room. It was as though He and I were the only ones in that small lower chamber. Magically, Christ himself handed another cup to me that was full. The Lord showed me that my inner cup was full and that all I had to do when I thirst is to drink from the cup. When I got back onto the bus I began to sob as the Lord ministered to me and showed me that although He knows everything about our “stuff”, “our issues” and “sin” that He loves us just where we are. He desires for all of us to come and drink the “living water.” The Samaritan woman took the message of Christ to those in her community, to encourage them to come and see Him so they too might also drink of the living water.

This was the commission that the Lord has given me – a revelation of love and hope for every tongue, tribe and nation to come and worship – to know Jesus. For Jesus loves people; no matter their current situation. He just wants us to come and drink of the “living water.” And from that place – He will heal our spirit, soul, and body.

No one is rejected by Jesus. He is continually calling us to open our hearts to Him as we see in the story of the Samaritan Woman in John 4: 4-24 … “Yet a time is coming and has come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth.” God is looking for worshipers. We are invited to worship and know the King of Glory!

As you can see, my summer in Israel was life changing. Encountering God in the Holy Land through daily journeys, precious relationships, and sound teaching was more precious than gold. It was a time of worship! Friends were concerned for my safety, yet I never once felt any danger. The staff at JUC is skilled, informed, and knowledgeable regarding current local issues. If you have ever desired to travel to Israel or even if you have been there before I encourage you to look into this wonderful short-term program offered through Jerusalem University College. Your life will never be the same!

Jerusalem University College Website: http://www.juc.edu/.

Norine Rae resides in Redding California and is scheduled to complete her Master’s in Intellectual Leadership from A.W. Tozer in May 2012. She received her BA from Central Washington University and is an Ordained Minister and holds a Degree in Evangelism from Full Gospel Bible Association. She has worked 30 years in the Human Services fields and has done extensive work in ministry, missions and leadership both foreign and domestic. She is a lifelong learner, speaker, minister, writer, mother, and friend.