Where Jesus walked: Israel/Jordan

“Oh the places you’ll go and the places you’ll see,” as Dr. Seuss would say. I am so excited about the prospect of "Come, Encounter the Roots of Your Faith (Israel/Jordan)" a study abroad opportunity from January 5-19, 2017.

It is hard to believe that under a year ago, I left my career and family behind to follow God's call. I am so enjoying the journey and so grateful for God's provision in my schooling and day-to-day life.

For those of you who don't know me, I am Heidi. I am the mother/Oma of 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-love, and 3 grandchildren. In 2015, God called me to leave my job, sell my home, and journey across the country to attend seminary. You can see from my photo that I am not young, but I am not old either, and I believe that I have another career ahead of me.  That is to teach and serve God's people.  I am in the Master of Divinity- Pastoral Care program. For me, this trip to Israel is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but my income as a full time student does not go far enough to cover such a trip. 

So I am placing this trip to Israel and Jordan in God's hands to find a way, where there is no way.  

Imagine learning the history of the land in that earlier time and pondering “life as it was” before the coming of Christ.  Imagine having the opportunity to understand God’s word in our current culture and times while acquiring a deeper knowledge to use the experiences ahead to teach and write while ministering to and serving God’s people. 

This summer I have been immersed in the study of the New Testament through Greek Interpretation and a Survey of the New Testament. During my first year at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, I have completed Old Testament Survey and Church History courses.  The trip to Israel will take me to the many places we read about and visited in our studies. 

I can't begin to explain the excitement and wonder of walking where He walked; hearing the stories and history from both the Old and New Testament; taking Jesus’ path from Nazarene, to the Sea of Galilee, and to His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  We will see the places of Jesus’ ministries and, also, the site of David’s victory over Goliath, Jericho’s tumbling walls, and Megiddo where the last great battle of the age will be fought.

To see the full itinerary, you may go to

http://www.gordonconwell.edu/global-education/documents/GordonConwell17itinerary1.pdf

I will use the funds to
*  pay for the trip,
*  books and materials to prepare for the trip and to complete the coursework at its completion. 
*  travel to and from NC to Boston. 
*  expenses on the trip.
*  obtaining a passport
*  other miscellaneous trip expenses 

At the end of the trip, I plan to complete some writing; teachings and devotionals related to the places that we visited, using the pictures and stories of the Bible as a starting point. These devotionals will be a part of my on-going ministry to others. They will be used to support and encourage others on their journey of spiritual growth and faith. 

*  If I have additional funds they will be set aside for publishing of these writings. 

I appreciate more than you know any support you can provide. If you cannot financially support this trip, I understand and ask that you would please pray for God’s wisdom and knowledge as I study and prepare for this opportunity to walk where Jesus walked.