Day 01 - Shephelah: Yad Hashmonah, Beth Shemesh, Azekah, Beth Guvrin (Maresha)

Our introduction to the land, the lives, and the loyalties of the people of Israel began today with a trip to Yad Hashmonah where we learned about Israeli agriculture, as well as turning agricultural products into life-sustaining goods.

From agriculture we turned to the art of war. At Beth Shemesh, we were reminded of the consequences of trying to use God’s power as a talisman to further our agenda (the stories of Samson and Hophni & Phineas). At the Valley of Elah, we were encouraged that surrendering ourselves completely to God is the secret to victorious living (David vs. Goliath).

Finally, we took our adventure underground, spelunking through a gigantic abandoned cistern and Bell Cave, two man-made wonders that point to the ingenuity of our ancestors. The stories of the Bible are real events that happened in real time at real places. To explore them with our brothers and sisters in Christ is a spectacular thrill.

Bear and Caryl Mills
Lubbock, TX