Go Up to Caesarea
Israel Tour - Day 4
On the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, members of the Israel Tour explored the ruins of Caesarea Maritima, a once-thriving city mentioned in the book of Acts. After a time of worship while sitting in rows on the ancient stone seating of what remains of that city’s hippodrome, a local pastor stepped forward to share the story of Cornelius. “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all of his household and gave alms generously to the people and prayed to God always” (Acts 10:2).
At that time, Peter was uncertain he should go and meet with Cornelius because he couldn’t understand why Jesus might welcome a gentile. Ironically, the roles are reversed today. The followers of Jesus are largely gentile, and the Jews do not understand that He is Messiah. As he taught, this Arab pastor lovingly encouraged all believers to remember that no matter our heritage, we are one in Christ.
Before calling it a day, tour members were welcomed into The Joshua Fund’s warehouse, where food and other necessities are stored until they are distributed to people in need. Many of the items on the pallets were the very same things handed out during the previous day’s outreach. After learning even more about the ministry’s purpose and plans, everyone was humbled by the opportunity to be a small part of a larger outreach to Israel and her neighbors.
