Michael's Israel Trip Journal

Day 1: Arrival in Israel

I arrived at Tel Aviv airport around 10 AM and made my way to Nazareth by train and bus. Upon arriving in Nazareth, I visited the Church of the Annunciation. While it was large and beautiful, I found it quite blasphemous due to the numerous images of Mary, so I didn’t stay long.

I then began the Jesus Trail—what a mission that turned out to be! I walked about 4 km along the freeway before cutting through a forest. After emerging in an olive plantation, I met a kind man who welcomed me to sleep in his olive field. By then, it was around 4:30 PM, and the sun was setting. My feet were aching, so I gratefully rested there. I found a spot, prayed, and settled in for the night, ready to continue the Jesus Trail in the morning.

Day 2: Challenges and Miracles

The night was peaceful; I woke up occasionally but wasn’t too cold and managed to pray and sleep well. The roosters started crowing at 3 AM, reminding me of Peter, and the mosque began its call to prayer at 4:30 AM. I arose, packed up my camp, and began walking.

I got lost trying to find the trail. Eventually, I caught a bus to Zippori but still couldn’t locate it. Then, panic set in—I realized my pouch with my phone, passport, wallet, and money was missing. I returned to the bus stop, knowing the bus would come back in about 1.5 hours. I prayed desperately and read Psalm 119, asking the Lord for peace and a miracle.

When the bus returned, the bag wasn’t there. However, the driver told me he had seen it earlier on a seat. A passing police officer stopped, and I met four kind people managing the elections happening that day. One man made calls and located my bag, and a woman kindly offered to drive me to retrieve it. I realized why this happened: it gave me an opportunity to pray for the woman, who shared her struggles.

After retrieving my bag, I decided to take a bus to Tiberias to start a new journey around the Sea of Galilee. I desperately needed a shower, so I planned to stay somewhere overnight.

Later, I found a blanket, had amazing coffee, and swam in the Sea of Galilee. The water was so refreshing after two days without a shower and 10 hours of walking. Feeling rejuvenated, I walked a few kilometers to Mount Arbel, where I found a flat area to camp. I spent the afternoon in prayer and reading the Bible. Being in Galilee felt incredible—it’s as though I could almost see the biblical events taking place. Despite not eating since the airport, God gave me grace, and I didn’t feel hungry at all.

Day 3: Strength in the Spirit

I woke up to wild boars near my campsite! Still, I slept well, waking occasionally to pray. At 4 AM, I rose and prayed for Israel. The sunrise over Galilee was breathtaking—the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.

I felt led to climb Mount Arbel despite its size. Halfway up, I debated turning back, but the Holy Spirit prompted me to keep going. After an hour, I reached the top and joined a group of Americans listening to their pastor share the mountain’s biblical history. Some say this could have been where the Great Commission, the Beatitudes, or the feeding of the 5,000 took place.

Later, I descended with the group and took a bus to Tiberias, where I enjoyed a much-needed coffee and pita bread with beef. Afterward, I traveled to Capernaum but missed my stop and ended up on an hour-long sightseeing tour through the mountains. On my return, I visited the Mount of Beatitudes. Though commercialized, it was still meaningful.

Unable to find lodging in Capernaum, I discovered a beautiful beach nearby. I swam, rested, and slept peacefully under the stars.

Day 4: A Special Encounter

I woke up at 4:30 AM, prayed, and watched the sunrise—a truly stunning sight. After washing and doing some laundry, I felt the Lord prompting me to swim, so I enjoyed a refreshing dip in the Sea of Galilee.

Later, I explored Capernaum, the “Town of Jesus.” I marveled at the crowds of pilgrims and tourists, but it saddened me that many locals are unaware of Jesus’ significance.

Around 1:30 PM, I had an incredible feast at a restaurant by the shore after waiting patiently for over an hour. This gave me time to read the Bible and reflect on the disciples’ experiences in the same area. Afterward, I walked along the shore, finding another beautiful beach to camp for the night.

Day 5: Divine Connections

I continued walking along the trail around the Sea of Galilee. At one point, I felt lost, but the Holy Spirit led me onward. Eventually, I stumbled upon an archaeological site believed to be Bethsaida. The head archaeologist shared the site’s history, which dates back to the 6th century. It felt like God had guided me there.

Later, I met an Australian man named Bill Hodgson, a friend of someone I’ve been trying to connect with for years. Meeting him here, in Israel, felt like a divine appointment.

After a long walk, I caught a taxi back to Tiberias, where I found food before the Sabbath began. I then discovered a serene beach to rest for the next two days.

Day 6: A Day of Rest

I woke up by the Sea of Galilee to a stunning sunrise and a purring cat. I swam twice before 11 AM, cleaned up the beach, and spent the morning reading the Gospel of John. It felt so special to read it in the very place where much of it happened.

In the afternoon, I walked into town and met a man who shared a powerful revelation about resurrection power. He invited me to the Shalom Center, where we spent the evening in fellowship, prayer, and worship. I slept in a comfortable bed, grateful for God’s kindness.

Day 7: Onward to Jerusalem

I woke up at 4:30 AM after a night of powerful dreams. While praying on the balcony, I read Philippians and felt a great shift in my spirit. After breakfast, a pastor prayed a Father’s blessing over me, which felt prophetic and life-changing.

Now, I’m on a bus to Jerusalem, full of excitement and anticipation for what the Lord has planned.

Observations

    •    Cats and dogs are everywhere, and many homes display Israeli flags.

    •    The Sea of Galilee has perfect acoustics, and its water is amazing for swimming.

    •    Historical sites are abundant, and Christians are the ones who seem to care the most about preserving them.

    •    Israel is the most beautiful place on earth.