Day 11 of the Tour

AMMAN, JORDAN – May 23 – Last night we bid farewell to our co-travelers who had completed their international journey to the Holy Land.  With mixed emotions, we felt sad about their departure … but excited about the adventure ahead for the 260 people extending their trip to Jordan.  Instead of fourteen, there were six buses that left Jerusalem early this morning … bound for the Jordanian border en route to Amman.  We crossed the Jordan River just southeast of the Sea of Galilee at mid-morning.  At the security check-point, we displayed our passports, allowed our suitcases to be x-rayed, and then … we said “farewell” to our Israeli tour guides and “hello” to our Jordanian tour guides.  It was another warm blue-sky day … the perfect backdrop for viewing the diverse culture from our buses.  The tour guide brought context as we captured our first impressions of Jordan.  He said, if Israel contains a wealth of New Testament history, then Jordan is rich with Old Testament history.  It is the land of kings, judges, and prophets.  Our first and only stop today was at Jerash … a city of the Decapolis.  Today’s modern city of Jerash rests near the ruins of the ancient city of Gerasa, once one of the largest cities east of the Jordan River.  According to Greek tradition, Gerasa was founded by Alexander the Great.  After the Roman conquest of Syria in 65 BC, Gerasa was incorporated in the league of Roman cities called the Decapolis (meaning “ten cities”).  It soon became a bustling enterprise, thriving as a center of religion and commerce. The Romans created intricately detailed temples, theaters, and other impressive structures throughout Gerasa.  Some of the construction pre-dates the time of Christ.  Excavated in the 1950s, much of the city is visible today.  Following an informal lunch in a quaint local restaurant alongside the site of Gerasa, we toured through these ancient ruins.  We saw the classic Roman columns that lined the stone-paved streets, the opulent pagan temples, the southern arena, and stone staircases leading to panoramic views of Gerasa and beyond.  Gerasa is arguably one of the best preserved archaeological sites in all the Holy Land.  This evening, after a long journey, we gathered together for dinner … and a special presentation from the leadership of Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS).  We heard the stirring testimonies from students who have come from all parts of the Middle East to prepare for a lifetime of ministry at this renowned center for biblical training.  It’s an inspiration to know that God’s Word continues to transform the hearts of men and women from all cultures.  Tomorrow is another big day for us travelers.  Thank you for taking an interest in our adventures and we hope that someday you will join us, too!    Until tomorrow’s blog entry, Roger Kemp 

Comments

[Patsy Norem]

It has been teary-eyed wonderful to go back to Israel with you! Two years have passed since we journeyed with Insight, but the memories remain fresh whenever I open scripture. I was so excited the day Debbie and Brad Rucker and Jamie appeared on the screen. And then again today! Debbie is a long-time friend from her Iowa days! What a blessing to hear her comments and see her enjoying this fabulous trip with Brad and Jamie. Again, thanks for the video blog! Patsy Norem