A walk in the steps of Jesus

We cannot believe our time in Israel is coming to an end. What a gift it has been to be able to experience Israel with friends who now have become family. The community we have formed these past 10 days has blessed us in more ways than we can say. We have formed friendships that will extend beyond our time in Israel and friends that will continuously remind us of the lessons we learned and of our God who can and who cares.

Our morning began at the Mount of Olives as we started the Passion Week narrative. Sitting there we overlooked the Temple Mount and City of Jerusalem. We made the journey to the Garden of Gethsemane where we took communion to remind us of our cup that Jesus willingly took from us so that we could enjoy the cup of God’s blessing instead. Following the Via Dolorosa, which is the road Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion, we journeyed through the Muslim Quarter and took in the sights and the sounds of the city. Our next stop was the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This site was marked during the 4th century as the traditional location of Jesus’ death and burial tomb. As we descended underground, we also went back in time. After having lamb kabobs for lunch, we walked the Ramparts Walk from David’s Citadel where we spent time praying for peace in Jerusalem and thanking God for bringing us to Israel. We ended our day with clear skies and happy hearts at the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount. How fitting to wrap up our time in the Holy Land at the spot where the church began. We meditated on Jesus’ resurrection and the 40 days he spent preparing the disciples for his ascension. In his stead, he left the Holy Spirit, which fulfilled God’s promise by writing the law on our hearts, not tablets of stone. Once back at the hotel for our final night, we spent the evening reflecting on the week and the people who made it possible.

Sitting on the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount and overlooking the Mount of Olives, we were overwhelmed by all that God has done for us. In response to his sacrifice, we live our lives practicing faith and obedience. We can be encouraged when the fruit of the Spirit is made evident in our lives because it means we are learning to walk in submission to the Spirit and his leading. This is how we can accomplish God’s will, by being the body of Christ who does the work of Jesus on earth.

We cannot thank you enough for following along with our time in Israel. We have appreciated your prayers and cannot wait to share what the Lord has done. Please continue praying for our safe travels home and that we will remember how God has changed us here. To everyone who made this trip possible, thank you - To say we are grateful is an understatement. Much love and see you soon!

By Melissa McNamara & Anne Maya Yalamanchili