Several years back on our first trip to Israel, we were taking a taxi to the West Bank to study events on sites. Our wonderful driver was very accommodating. We mentioned several times throughout the day that we wanted to go to Shechem (modern Nablus). The day was winding down and he told us that we would not have the time to make that stop. He turned and asked us where we would like to go instead of Shechem. There was a look of disappointment on our faces, and the driver perceived that no other place would do.

He said, "So, you want to go to Nablus, then we will go."

We arrived in the middle of town and the Greek Orthodox church right after closing time. The door was locked, but our driver would not take "No" for an answer. He was persistent in knocking when finally, an old priest came to the door. The Old priest started shaking his head while our driver was explaining or desire to see Jacob's well. Once the old priest looked our way and saw the deep desire on our faces, he motioned to us to come in.

Take your Bible study to a new level by taking a virtual step back in time to Jerusalem. With the free Virtual New Testament App you can now digitally walk where Jesus walked, whether with us on tour or from the comfort of your couch. The scripture stories that took place in Jerusalem will become more understandable, memorable, and impactful when you can visualize where these events occurred. The app allows you to visit key locations around the ancient city of Jerusalem. It will also allow you to take a ground-level walk-through of the Temple Mount with its expansive Courts (Gentiles, Women, Israelites, and Priests). Walk into the Temple’s Sanctuary with its Holy Place that includes the menorah, altar of incense, and table of shewbread. Walk through the veil and see the Holy of Holies, symbolic of the presence of God. Even better than visiting these sites virtually, is to the Holy Land with the app in hand to compare the ruins and sites in front of you with how they might have looked 2,000 years ago. The stories will become more real. The principles and doctrines they contain will become more relatable and your appreciation for the Savior’s perfect life and infinite atonement can increase.

Last summer my wife and I guided a group of 48 people to Israel and guess what, not only did everyone survive but EVERYBODY had a wonderful time!   When considering travel to Israel, the heat sometimes will scare people away from travel in the summer, but I’d like to offer you 3 reasons why you should consider an Israel summer tour and a few more just about Israel in general.

1. The historic and sacred sites are not heavily populated. Often, there are no waiting lines. We can spend more quality time at each site. Imagine trying to feel/learn/experience a sacred site with 500+ others speaking different languages and worshiping in other fashions.  While there is a great energy at these sites during the busier seasons, there is a lot to be said for this more personal opportunity.

2. The average temperature in Israel in June is 82 degrees. The evenings cool off nicely. In Jericho, Masada, and the Dead Sea areas, the dry heat temperatures range between 89-95 degrees. I don’t know about you but to me, it was not TOO hot that it interrupted our activities and no one was near heat exhaustion.