GONE FISHIN'

It's a good thing that we will not have any time to go fishing. We will spend some time on the Sea of Galilee, but there isn't much of a chance that Ol' Moses will come along.

On a more serious side, I want to suggest that it would be a good idea for us to read a part of the Old Testament that is rich in the stories of the Kings like Saul and David and the early prophets like Elijah, Elia and Nathan. I am talking about the books of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel, 1 Kings (Chronicles) and 2 Kings (Chronicles). In these books you will also be introduced to some interesting places that we will be visiting and you will read some exciting stories about the relationship between the ancient prophets and God Himself. These books are fairly long, so it would be a good idea to start in on them early, because you may not be able to digest them all on the plane ride. That makes me think, do not bring a huge bible along with you. A small purse sized one would be better. No one will laugh if you need a loupe to follow along.

Let me also suggest that you check out the maps that are usually tucked into bibles somewhere. As you go through your bible, don't ignore the place names. You will be traveling in and through these places and they will mean more to you if you can identify them with something that you have read. A wise monk once called the Holy Land, the Fifth Gospel. For those whose Bible has no New Testament, I guarantee that being in the places where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob thrived, Where Elijah, Amos and Hosea and Jeremiah fought the Baals, and where David and Saul chased one another, your trip will perhaps turn out to be the new edition of the Talmud.

Finally, please put aside Saturday, July 12th as the day of our first group meeting. The place and the agenda will be announced by next Friday.
By next Friday, I will also have a suggested schedule when you can submit payments to cover the entire trip.