Caesarea Philippi (Banias Springs)

Banias Springs was one of the most beautiful spots on our tour itinerary. Located to the north of the Sea of Galilee, on the south-western slope of Mount Hermon, Caesarea Philippi is the source of one of the largest springs feeding the Jordan River. 

 

Numerous temples were built here during the Hellenistic and Roman periods and this site was named Panias (Banias in Arabic) after the Greek God Pan.  Here, Jesus asked His profound question, "Who do men say that I am?" and Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God". (Matthew 16: 13-20)

 

So He said, "Come."

So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. Matthew 14:29

(Photo courtesy of Toni Talosig)

Biblical sights around Galilee

Located by the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was the headquarters for Jesus' Galilean ministry (Matthew 4:13) after He left Nazareth.  Jesus lived here for a substantial period, healing the sick, preaching in the synagogue and performing many miracles.

 

Remains of first century synagogue where Jesus preached

 Remains of Peter's house which is right next to the synagogue, where his mother-in-law was healed by Jesus

 Joanna standing at the site of a fourth century synagogue

We took a boat ride early one morning on the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus performed so many of his miracles over nature such as the miraculous catch of fish, calming the storm and walking on water. There was much contemplation as we also entered a time of worship and teaching.

Old Testament Sights

 Joanna at Mount Carmel

Mount Carmel is where Elijah contested and defeated the 450 prophets of Baal by a mighty demonstration of the power of God, who sent down fire to consume the water-logged sacrifice of the prophet (1 Kings 18).

As a child, I thought that the best Bible story was the one where David defeated Goliath with one stone from his slingshot...so cool!  So it was thrilling to stand in the Valley of Elah (Pistachio Palestina) where the Philistines came against Israel, and the legendary battle of David against Goliath took place (1 Samuel 17).  Even more exciting was the opportunity to pick up smooth stones from the Brook of Elah, just like David did before heading out to battle with Goliath. 

 

I picked 5 stones but only 4 made it back to Singapore.  Ah well...just assume that I already used one to kill Goliath!  Haha...

Season's Greetings from Joanna (2011)

"Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long, The one whom the Lord loves rests between His shoulders"

Deuteronomy 33:12

2011 has been a year of resting secure in God's promises. I am writing this newsletter at the end of a six-week vacation in America with my sister, Julie. I've enjoyed the fall colours, celebrated Thanksgiving, harvested oranges and lemons, visited friends in New York and Los Angeles, seen one of my favourite Van Gogh's, and watched the taping of Anderson Cooper's talk show! All in all, a very good holiday.

This after celebrating the anniversary of my first year in business, which has been going well, thanks to the support of clients from Singapore, Malaysia and China. I've also been blessed with connections to new partners in Germany and US. The independence and flexibility of managing my own time, coupled with the intellectual stimulation of meeting new clients, training partners and coaches are just some of the rewards I enjoy about of being a business owner. Thank you very much for your prayers and words of encouragement, and I look forward to sharing some of my reflections with you in the near future.

The freedom of time has allowed me to discover two important things about myself. Firstly, that I truly love singing and miss using this gift. So in August, I auditioned for the New Creation Church choir and got in! I debuted in early November and look forward to serving with the choir in 2012. Secondly, I have gained a clearer view about my personal mission - how I'm meant to channel my skills, experience and networks to serve in a new field. It is very exciting and I look forward to obeying the call as His plans are further revealed in the next few years.

I pray that you will all enjoy the Love and Grace of God in your lives and homes this season. Until we meet again next year,
Merry Christmas and Happy 2012!