Holy Land

The local group, standing on Mount of Olives overlooking the city of Jerusalem (Dome of Rock in foreground). First row: L to R: Nola Moss (tour guide), Sheryl Ashley, Bea Huntington, Carol Lankford, Joe Riley, Candy Hartmann, Barb Pingel, Ruth Hoferman, Diana Pollard, Joan Martin. Second Row: L to R: Glen Huntington, Lavonne Pollard-Maddox, Linda Ehrp, Sally Ites, Kevin Pingel, Clint Hoferman, Terry Pollard. Back row: L to R: Donavon Davenport, Shirley Davenport, Brian Ashley, Larry Lankford, Warren Ehrp, Jon Ites, Lance Pollard, Chad Pollard. [Click to enlarge]

Walking where Jesus walked, lived, taught, performed miracles and where he was crucified and raised from the dead provided a life-changing and never-to-be-forgotten experience for 15 Alta and Schaller persons who took part in a Holy Land Experience earlier this month.

Pastor Terry Pollard of United Methodist Church in Alta and Schaller helped organize the trip. Several friends and family members also took part and the group traveled with 23 others from the Cornerstone Church from Augusta, Va.

The groups left from New York City and the Holy Land trip began in Tel Aviv. the 11-day trip took them throughout the country of Israel where they not only came across Biblical sites but historical sites.

One of the first stops was Caesarea, the site of major events in the lives of Peter and Paul. Megiddo, where archaeological digs have revealed 20 layers of civiliazation including fortifications of King Solomon and the water tunnel of King Ahab. Megiddo also provided a magnificent view of Jezreel Valley and the prophesied site of Armageddon.

"There is an incredible amounts of history," said Pastor Pollard. "It was so overwhelming."

The group went on to Galilee and Nazareth, site of Mary's Well, and Cana, site of Jesus' first miracle.

One of the many highlights was a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, in a replica of the ancient wooden boat used in Jesus' day. Scriptures were read and a prayer shared.

Another inspiring stop was a visit to Jordan River where the group had the option of being baptized or rededicating their life. Pastor Pollard bottled up some of the Jordan River water and purchased a new white robe with an image of Jesus on the front that he will use for baptism services he conducts at the Alta and the Schaller churches. Imagine, he said, how special the future baptisms will be with a bit of Jordan water added to the font.

In Jerusalem, the group enjoyed a magnificent view of the Old City from the top of the Mt. of Olives. They took the "Palm Sunday Walk" to the Garden of Gethsemane, and visited Pilate's Judgement Hall and saw the House of Caiaphas and the the Upper Room of the Last Supper.

While in this spot, Pastor Pollard read the story from the Bible of the account when Jesus was mocked.

"It was a moving moment and I don't know if any one had dry eyes. We were standing right there, on Holy ground." The group made a stop in Bethlehem where they saw Manager Square, the Church of the Nativity and viewed the Shepherd's Fields.

Also in Jerusalem, they visited the Western Wall where they had the opportunity to write down prayers and insert them into the cracks of the wall (a tradition that has gone on for many, many years - infact, Pastor Pollard's father visited the spot in 1968 and left his prayer in the wall) and the Southern Temple Staircase, where Jesus stood and spoke to crowds. A special prayer was shared here as well. They then stopped at Golgotha and the empty Garden Tomb.

A stop at the Dead Sea, the lowest spot on Earth, was another fun experience. Members of the group had the chance to float in the mineral and salt-filled sea and even took advantage of the mineral-filled mud, often used as therapeutic.

They went on to visit Herod's Palace, where in 73 A.D. the Zealots made their last stand against the might of Rome. They went on to Ein Gedi, fabled Spring of David, and proceeded to Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947.

Pastor Pollard summarized the trip.

"I don't think anyone thought was a pleasure trip. this was a pilgrimage. Many of those who took part have told me, 'I'll never be the same' and have indicated how overwhelming they still are. After this trip, reading the scripture turns it from black and white to living color."

There was so much enthusiasm following this trip that a second trip is being planned for next January.