MISSION: Qumran and The Dead Sea

We continue our journey by bus from the northeast region of Israel heading south along the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem. The landscape change is dramatic: going from an area with lots of vegetation and trees to the hot dry desert. We go from sea level to what is the lowest place on Earth at 1200 feet below sea level when we reach the Dead Sea. Some of our team members took a dip and immediately experienced "floating" in knee-deep water. Due to the high mineral content in the sea you only have to go out a short distance, turn around and sit down to experience this unusual phenomenon. Check out the pictures!

We were also able to visit the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were first discovered. Finding these ancient writings of the scripture in the original Hebrew is particularly significant not only to archaeologists and historians but also to the Jewish people. The scrolls provide evidence and help authenticate the accuracy of the scriptures which had been translated into Greek and Latin. This is still an active archaeological site and new discoveries are still being made.

We enter the capital city of Jerusalem just before sundown. From the top of Mt. Scopus we have one of the best views of the entire city. Our Israeli tour guide is very proud to bring us to "his capital" and leads us in a traditional blessing and prayer.

We are coming to the conclusion of this amazing journey. Tuesday we continue touring a section of Jerusalem known as the Old City. We will also hold our last concert at a hall located in the Jerusalem YMCA facility. We'll sing for local residents as well as be joined by the folks on the tour with Jim and Barbara Dixon. It should be an exciting time.

The majority of our team is doing just fine. There are a few that are battling with fatigue and minor ailments. We're missing home but we are aware that we are on a mission for the Lord. Pray for our physical endurance and that we finish strong.

Shalom