Pilgrims on the Journey of Faith

Carol Byrd ’88: “The boat ride on the Sea of Galilee was the most deeply spiritual experience for me of the whole trip. I could feel God’s Spirit in a different way. So much of Jesus’ ministry was spent around the Sea of Galilee. To be right there, seeing what he saw, connected me to him in a new and special way.”

At the end of our journey we visited the Western Wall on a cloudy, cold February afternoon. It was a powerful experience for many like Jeannie Bickett: “I was praying with so many devout, observant Jewish women at the Wailing Wall when all of a sudden I heard the Muslim call to prayer. A few moments later the church bells from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher rang out. It was an unforgettable reminder of how all three traditions of faith are birthed from one place and one God.”

The Elah Valley, where David met Goliath, was a special site of remembrance for David Cameron ’82: “In that valley, next to the field of pepper plants, a flood of gratitude washed over me for the men and women who, in my childhood, who cared enough to teach me the stories of the Bible.”

Bob Meyer recalls group worship at the traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount on a beautiful hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee: “When I heard the words, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit,’ I felt a deep connection with that place and with Scripture as the Living Word. Just as Jesus spoke at that spot ages ago to a people who were weary and depleted of spirit, so he spoke to me that morning, words of deep refreshment.”

Charles Heyward ’88 (DMin ’94) writes of his journey: “The pilgrimage put 55 years as a Christian in context. Much of what I have studied in seminary, taught in African history, and believed of biblical history came to life. To walk the way of the cross was an experience that continues to live in me each day.”

Laurey Murphy ’82 relates how the trip revitalized her for ministry and the journey ahead: “My soul was replenished more than I could ever have expected and that is what drives my energy and vitality for ministry. I realized how passionate I am in ministry to share the Word in teaching, preaching, pastoral care and service. My life-long experience in the Word was confirmed on this pilgrimage.”