Christian Message Boards: Christian pilgrims returning to Israel

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Posted by evanoff (Member # 4176) on :

THE SHORES OF JORDAN RIVER, Israel (AP) -- -- A pastor called white-robed Christian pilgrims to descend toward the water under a canopy of eucalyptus trees. One by one, the believers vowed to renew their faith before they immersed themselves in the gentle flow.

The Yardenit baptismal site on the Jordan River in northern Israel had been deserted for much of the past four years due to fighting with the Palestinians. Foreigners put off plans for trips to the region, frightened by TV scenes of bombed buses and Israeli tanks rumbling through West Bank towns.

But in recent months, during a relative lull in the fighting, tourists from around the world have begun returning to the Holy Land, many of them on religious pilgrimages. As visitors to Israel have always done, they wander the alleys of Jerusalem's Old City, home to some of the holiest sites of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Many also visit Masada, the desert fortress where hundreds of Jewish rebels committed suicide rather than face defeat at the hands of the Romans.

Increasingly, however, these visitors are devout Christians looking to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Their trips are often organized by tour companies that cater to church groups, and their itineraries are based on stories from the Bible. They get baptized in the Jordan River, sail on the Sea of Galilee, and visit the olive grove where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount.

Continue story here:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/12/15/footsteps.of.jesus.ap/

Posted by LaurieFL (Member # 3794) on :

My pastor has been 5 times to the Holy Lands, and he says he believes everyone would benefit from a visit if they can manage it. I would love to go.