Adventures from Dayspring's
2011 senior class trip to Israel:
Part II
As we left the Galilee and headed south, the landscape changed quickly and dramatically. The trees and grasses were replaced by sandy colored, brown dirt littered with rocks and boulders. Vegetation went from sparse to almost nonexistent. Our first stop was at Qumran, the place where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. What an amazing example of the providence of God!
We arrived at the lowest place on earth on which one can walk—the Dead Sea. The air was oppressively hot as we stepped into the silky water for a nice “float.” Some of us discovered that the bottom was covered with little dime-sized balls of salt. All in all, it was quite an experience!
The next morning, we boarded a cable car to reach the top of Masada. This fortress was built by Herod the Great just prior to Jesus’ birth. It contained all the amenities for a life of luxury. As far as we know, Herod never used it, but at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome in 70 AD, a band of Jewish Zealots made a last stand there. Eventually, the Romans were able to build a huge ramp and breach the wall. Rather than be taken as slaves, the Jews killed their wives and children and finally, the last one took his own life. This tragic story has become a unifying point for the modern state of Israel, as it struggles against numerous forces determined to annihilate them.
From Masada we went to En Gedi (mentioned) in I Samuel. These beautiful springs are positioned along a steep ravine that is lush with tropical plants, birds, ibex, and conies. David spent many nights in the caves that dotted the cliffs, as he hid from King Saul. It was here that he composed several Psalms (which we read “in situ”).
Our journey up to Jerusalem was interrupted by a stop in Jericho—a Palestinian-controlled city, which contained signs along the tree-lined streets acknowledging the gifts of the USA in helping to build their city. The locals there were very nice and so appreciated that we were Americans.
The journey into Jerusalem was incredible as we made our way from 1,300 feet below sea level to 2,700 feet above! We passed the mountain remembered as the place where Jesus was tempted by Satan and also the road He mentioned in the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Whether those in our group are city or country lovers, each was deeply affected by our first day in Jerusalem. The press of the crowds, the sights, smells, and noises were so reminiscent of what it must have been like in the ancient times. The bar mitzvah parade we walked beside reminded me of what it must have been like on that first Palm Sunday.
We saw so many things that I can’t list them in this short blog, but suffice it to say, each one felt the presence of God in such a deep way sometime during the day. Probably most impactful was our visit to the house of Caiaphas, where Jesus was taken for questioning, abuse, and flogging on the night of his betrayal. As we sung hymns in the deep holding cell where Christ may have spent his last few hours, we listened to Psalm 88 with tears in our hearts and eyes. How indescribable is the sacrifice our Lord made that we might be forgiven our sins and spend eternity with Him!
Today we visited Yad Vashem—the Israeli Holocaust museum. Words cannot describe what that was like. (I know, I keep saying that!) On the way back to Jerusalem, we stopped at the Valley of Eleh, the place where David killed Goliath. We all went into the dry streambed to find our small smooth stones!
Shalom!
Mike Myers
Part I
We have been in Israel for three days and we are so full of incredible sights, sounds, and teachable moments that we can scarcely contain it all. Tonight after dinner, we gathered to share what God is doing in our hearts. What a joy to hear exclamations of how the trip is impacting each one—students and parents alike! There is just nothing like being in the land of the Bible to bring the historical and geographical context into focus. Here are just a few excerpts of the trip so far:
Yesterday, we visited Caesarea by the Sea, where Paul was imprisoned before being taken to Rome. It was here that King Agrippa was “almost persuaded” to become a Christian. After a quick stop (and pictures) at a huge Roman aqueduct, we headed up the Mt. Carmel range and remembered the great story of Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal. Of course, God won and the Baal worshippers were destroyed.
From a lookout, we were able to see the far distant snow-capped top of Mt. Hermon where Israel, Lebanon, and Syria meet, as well as Mt. Gerazim, Mt. Moreh, and Mt. Tabor—all of biblical fame for their particular stories. But most spectacular of all was the view of the Valley of Jezreel, where the Battle of Armageddon is to be fought. Interesting that we drove through it on the day the world was supposed to end! We made our way to Nazareth, the boyhood home of Jesus and saw a typical cave home like the one in which he probably lived.
We finished the day with a hike up to the cliffs of Arbel, which overlook the Sea of Galilee—another spectacular view! We are staying at a Kibbutz right on the sea for three nights.
Today started with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. It was so calm and serene, but we learned about the furious winds that can sweep down from the north and whip up the waves to 6-8 feet in 30 minutes. (Remember the story in Mark?) The rest of the day we spent visiting the places where Jesus walked, talked, and performed miracles (e.g., Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida). There really is a natural amphitheater where a voice can be heard by 5,000 without a microphone! The day ended with a baptismal service in the Sea of Galilee, where four in our group got baptized!
Here are a few excerpts from some of the participants:
It is so awesome to see all the things that I read in the Bible come to life. I will not be able to read the Bible the same again. Jesus putting on flesh is a really cool thing to me.
Mt. Carmel a picture is worth 10,000 words. I just love the geography; it is out-of-this-world.
My heart is pounding because I have so much to say. Everything is so symbolic in the Bible. I have to give credit to Dr. Randy Snith as he is teaching and leading us in to all this knowledge. I thought I knew the stories but there is so much I don’t understand. Jesus is a man and I never really thought about his personal conflict. I like this place too because I can’t forget about God. Everywhere I look I see God.
Shalom!
Mike Myers
Trip participants overlooking the Sea of Galilee
Grades 6 through 12
Dayspring’s upper school is comprised of the middle school (grades 6-8) and the high school (grades 9-12). It is during these years that a child grows into a young adult, bearing the fruit of the seeds sown in both Christian character and scholarship during the lower school years. Opportunities for involvement and service grow as the students mature, all with an eye towards developing Christian leaders who govern themselves according to the Principles of God’s Word.
Middle School
The middle school (grades 6 through 8) is designed to provide a transition from the self-contained, structured setting of the elementary grades to the greater independence of the high school years. This is accomplished through an approach that allows students the opportunity to demonstrate Christian self-government in and out of the classroom. Students encounter a greater variety of teachers at this level while maintaining a close-knit relationship with their peers.
Required courses include Bible, English, classical literature, reading, Latin, history, geography, science and math. With School Technology Programs, we provide computer education within the context of the rich Principle Approach curriculum. Music and art instruction and appreciation continue to be emphasized at this level. Students may also be involved with the chapel worship team, drama, and student government. Key field studies include visits to
High School
The high school program allows students to demonstrate the fruit of a Principle Approach education. The emphasis on character development continues as students prepare to take their place as adults in our society. Preparation for college is highlighted in the major subjects, as well as in the electives a student chooses to fit with his or her direction for life. Students may earn an Honors Diploma by choosing from several Honors/Advanced Placement course offered in Bible, Calculus, Chemistry, Choral music, English, History, Psychology, and Statistics. Enhanced opportunities for service and growth are provided through programs such as Leadership Trek (Passing the Baton, International), The National Honor Society, Student Government, Athletics, Yearbook, and the Fine and Performing Arts.
The aim of the