Holy Land Journal, March 13

We were first shown a movie about the temple what it meant to the Jewish people.

It was a very well done movie.

There were also some restored ruins in the area.

These are just outside the temple area.

This is the wailing wall. When the temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD the western wall was all that remained because it was a retention wall.

The Jews pray at this wall for the coming of the Messiah and the rebuilding of the temple.

The men pray at the left half and the women at the right.

This is the area in front of the wall which is always crowded with people, especially tourists.

We had to wait in line to enter the Temple Mount area. While waiting, these people marched by led by drummers.

The Temple Mount area is the place where the Jewish temple had been and is now occupied by the Dome Of The Rock.

The Dome Of The Rock is a Muslim church built around the rock where Mohammed ascended to heaven.

The Temple Mount is the place where Abraham bound Isaac for sacrifice. At 10:15 everyone had to leave the Temple Mount.

We went to nearby St. Ann's Church where we were told an echo can last for 27 seconds.

Our guide led us in the singing of Amazing Grace and indeed the echo was great, but not 27 seconds.

From there we walked through the old city.

These are a few pictures of what the old city looks like.

Occasionally cars assed us going both ways on these very narrow streets.

We went in to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher but was too dark to get decent pictures.

We had a good lunch on at a restaurant on top of one of the buildings.

This is a view of the streets from the top of the building.

These three became great friends during the week. They are Bill Dunham, Ralph Robinson III and Gene Mathes.

We were shown a jail dungeon similar to which Jesus would have been thrown in to after his arrest. It was frightening.

We then went to this area that is very likely the spot where Jesus was crucified.

Nearby is this tomb which could have been the one Jesus where was buried.

If He was not buried here it is a good example of it.

Inside one can see the spot where the body would have been placed.

It was very tight quarters to get a decent picture.

The garden outside is where Mary would have first seen the risen Jesus.

Pastor Mike led us in a very emotional communion service which ended our Jerusalem journey.

Tomorrow, those not going on to Egypt will be traveling back to Jordan and then flying back to the U.S. on Saturday. Those continuing to Egypt will have a day of relaxation. I am continuing on to Egypt and will keep you informed as to what we do. There are 24 continuing and 23 returning.