Baptisms in the Jordan River

Participants in the tour were offered the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River, either because they had never been baptized after their profession of faith or to commemorate their commitment to the Lord Jesus. It was made very clear that you are baptized once for all time after your profession of faith. However, some people felt very strongly that they would like to be baptized in the river where Jesus was baptized. As each person came forward, each one gave his/her testimony and told why he/she was being baptized.

This is Jon and Theresa. We really enjoyed getting to know them. He is a pastor in Fort Collins, CO. I told them that the next time I go see Erin I would come to see them. They sat in front of us on the bus.

Here is the mom and daughter from South Africa.

This is Ray and Jill from Minnesota. They sat behind us on the bus and he was a pill!! They came with two other couples. He was saved after they lost their daughter but had never been baptized, so this was his profession of faith.

Leah, the young mom sitting across the aisle from us on the bus, was baptized at church camp without any of her family being present. She commemorated her baptism here so that her mother could witness it.

Actually, the experience ended up being very moving. I’m glad I had tissues in my purse! I got to know Linda, Kay’s friend, well because we were both boo hooing together.

This was also a very busy place. You had to have an appointment for your group. It cost $10 for each person who was going to participate to have a robe, etc.

Sharing a coke with Brenda and Brenda from Tennessee on the hotel patio… They were also very sweet ladies.

Dusk on the Sea of Galilee…

This was also the night when we got back to the hotel and there was a large group checking in. Someone said that the group was from Beth Moore’s church. So I stopped one of the group members at dinner and asked if they were from First Baptist, Houston and they said that they were. Since it was the end of Shabbat and we were all waiting for the coffee bar to open so that we could have a cappuccino, we had an opportunity to visit.  Shabbat is not over until the first three stars come out. It is work to make cappuccino, but not to open a coke??? More on Shabbat when we get to Jerusalem...

This is David Self and his wife. He preached Dad’s funeral. We didn’t want to interrupt their reverie. It’s a small world.

Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. Matt. 4:18-20

I’m sure this will not be the last you’ll see of the Sea of Galilee.