Our tour begins in a local shop where you get to buy various kinds of souvenirs. Then off we went for a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee where we have time of joyful praise and worship, we were lead to sing "How Great is Our God" in English and Hebrew lyrics. Afterwards Pastor Peter gave a short preaching from the Bible.
How the crew of the boat who were mostly Messianic Jews welcomed us and praised God for us visiting their country was memorable. He once said, "If you trust the news, you will not go to Israel, but if you trust God you will come."
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| Mosaic displays |
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| Actual mustard seed |
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| Our ride for the day |
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| Pastor Peter Tan-Chi |
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| Israel and Philippine flags |
The experience was so surreal that I have to tell myself this is really happening. We sang Philippine and Israel national anthem while the flags are being raised inside the boat in the middle of the sea. At one point the head tour guide asked us to extend our both hands and face in one direction, he said that all the places that is covered by both hands can be found in the New Testament, in fact sixty percent of the events in the New Testament is right in front of us. I' not sure about others but being able to experience this gave me goosebumps and singing the song "How Great is Our God" was a humbling encounter, He was indeed Great and Mighty!
The Sea of Galilee was most famous for Jesus' miracle of walking on water,
Right away Jesus made the disciples get into the boat. He had them go on ahead of Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Then He sent the crowd away. After He had sent them away, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. [Remember that Jesus often sneaked away from other people to spend time alone with His heavenly Dad.] When evening came, He was there alone. The boat was already a long way from land. It was being pounded by the waves because the wind was blowing against it.
Early in the morning, Jesus went out to the disciples. He walked on the lake. They saw Him walking on the lake and were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said. And they cried out in fear.
Right away Jesus called out to them, “Be brave! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” - Matthew 14:22-27
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| Long table of colorful sides |
Right after our wonderful experience in the boat sailing in the Sea of Galilee where Jesus performed His miracle of calming the storm, walking on water and inviting Peter to walk on water, we are in for a treat of St. Peter's fish lunch on a nearby restaurant.
Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” --Matthew 14:28-31
The sumptuous lunch features huge fried tilapia, fries, pita bread and variety of sides and salads. My favourite was hummus, a Levantine and Egyptian food dip or spread made from cooked and mashed chickpeas, blended with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic.
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| Fried Tilapia |
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| Red bus peeps |
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| Hello from the other side of the table :D |
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