Bible Lands Tour Evaluations by Tour Members

Nine members of the Guided Tour who rep­resent various countries have expressed their reactions to the trip in the paragraphs that follow.

The Tour to the Bible Lands

During many years of Bible teaching in our schools, I had often felt the need of a personal contact with, and more intimate knowledge of, the Bible lands. Yet, as the way opened for this tour, sponsored by the SDA Theological Sem­inary, to become a reality, the question came to me, as perhaps to others: What will the ultimate results be in the lives of the partici­pants and upon the fruits of their work of teaching, preaching, and other service in the work of God? We are sure that the results will be reflected in bettter training given to the young people in our schools where these partic­ipants are serving, and in other areas.

The inspiration received from the tour, however, will perhaps be of equal or greater im­portance than the factual information received. The association and interchange of thoughts within the group, as well as with workers in the various mission fields visited, will also tend to a better understanding of our great mission in the world. We are confident that all who participated in this instructive and inspiring visit to the places where God's people so­journed, and where our Lord, His disciples and followers, laid the foundations of true doctrine and faith, and where the hand of God guided in marvelous ways in the affairs of human history, will go back to our people with a new vision and a burning desire to finish the task entrusted to God's church today.

CARL D. CHRISTENSEN, Head of Department of Social Science Monternorelos Vocational and Professional College, Mexico

The articles appearing on pages 15 to 23 of this issue were also provided by the Seminary Tour members under the di­rection of Doctor Horn.

"I Am Debtor"

"I am debtor." These words of the apostle Paul were forcibly impressed upon me many times during the weeks it was my privilege to travel with the Bible Lands Tour. The hours spent on Sinai and the Mount of Olives were undoubtedly the high spots of the tour, and I shall always have sacred memories of the wor­ship periods in each of these places. Naturally my mind turned to the Saviour and my per­sonal debt to Him for His saving grace. But the thought of my debt went beyond this and kept growing as we traveled through Egypt, Pales­tine, Syria, and Iraq—lands that were the cra­dle of Christianity but where millions today eke out a most primitive existence under appalling conditions of poverty, illiteracy, and indescrib­ably insanitary living conditions, with disease everywhere. How I thanked God for our small band of missionaries who are giving their lives to bring the story of salvation to the Middle East!

Mentally I made other debit entries in my accounts-payable ledger as we visited the Qum­ran caves and the Palestine Archeological Mu­seum and watched the scholars laboriously de­ciphering the Dead Sea scrolls. Reminders of other scientific and cultural debts seen through­out Europe were too numerous to mention, but as we visited many of the scenes of Paul's labors, from Damascus to the dungeon where he was finally imprisoned at Rome, my per­sonal prayer was that like Paul I might ever remember that life, in so far as we have the spirit of Christ, is a permanent debt we owe to the society around us. The education and in­spiration of the Bible Lands Tour has helped prepare me to make larger payments on that debt.

Percy W. Manuel, President Caribbean Union College Trinidad

Some Main Impressions

Adventists have always found that in every field of study the writings given us through the Spirit of prophecy, have been vindicated. Our journey to Mount Sinai, where the Exodus story was made alive through the reading of the Bible record and Patriarchs and Prophets, con­firmed this anew. Only one who has been there could describe the scenes as Mrs. White does. She was never there, yet through the gift given to her "she must have been there." The same could be applied to all her descriptions of the Bible lands. The tour was made much richer because we were among those who "have the testimony of Jesus."

When we stood among the ruins of great cities and empires we received a strong im­pression of the fulfillment of the prophetic Word. The desert around most of the ruins was not so dismal as those ruins, as they spoke about the past glory of man. The visits to these places reminded me of the words of Pascal: "The mouldering kingdoms built by iron and blood preach about sin and judgment better than any evangelist can do." In this way the Bible showed itself not only as true history and a handbook for the archeologist but as a book with a message that in all generations has been as a hammer and a fire.

Two spiritual experiences stand out among many others—the worship on Mount Sinai led by Neal C. Wilson, president of the Nile Union Mission, and the communion service on Sabbath morning in the Garden of the Tomb.

For one who had never visited the mission fields it was a valuable experience to see the work of our consecrated missionaries in the Moslem countries and feel the unity of the Advent Movement across land and sea.

It was a privilege to trace the steps of Christ on earth, but it deepened the desire that on the earth made new we may "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth."

VIGGO NORSKOV OLSEN Dean and Chairman of Department of Religion Newbold Missionary College, England Reliving the Exodus

Undoubtedly this journey was for me very instructive, besides being agreeable, because of my having been an appreciative student of the prophecies in relation to the ancient peoples and above all the people of God.

The march of the Hebrews from the land of Egypt through the deserts on the way to Canaan was one of the episodes that impressed me most in this trip. Now we can better compre­hend that without the continual divine inter­vention the survival of such a numerous peo­ple in such inhospitable and cruel paths as we observed, following in their footsteps, would not have been possible.

When one draws near Sinai he recalls the climax of the experience of the people of God, when they received from the hands of God Himself, by the intermediary of His faithful servant Moses, the most perfect norm of order and life. Yes, the law of God, rejected by the very people who received it, is not a series of prohibitions, but a code of practice for all who accept and obey it.

In this journey through the desert we re­called the murmurings of the Israelites, on sev­eral occasions ungrateful to their Creator and to their great and patient leader, Moses. Are we not today repeating the same story in our march from the Egypt of sin to the celestial Canaan? Nevertheless we learn a lesson of obe­dience and faith, in order not to lose, as did many of them, the Land of Promise.

Emmanuel Zorub, Director Voice of Prophecy, Brazil Unforgettable Moments

Participating in a study trip planned and directed by an Adventist professor is most profit­able in acquiring knowledge and gathering ma­terials for better service in the work of the Lord.

Among my unforgettable moments experi­enced on the journey are the following: The visit to the Mamertine Prison, where the apos­tle Paul sustained strongly, up to his last mo­ments, the banner of the faith.

The first look toward the desert on descend­ing from the airplane at the Cairo airport. There I comprehended somewhat more the verses of Hebrews 11:27-29, where mention is made of the faith of Moses in leading the peo­ple of God from the slavery of Egypt.

The climb to the peak of Mount Sinai, where God gave His law to Moses. I remember, too, the lecture and religious service directed by Neal C. Wilson, when he made a call for conse­cration to the Lord.

The visit to the ruins of Babylon and Nin­eveh, which fulfill the prophecies. There I thought of the prophets, especially Daniel and his faithfulness to his God.

Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives, Jacob's Well, Gethsemane, Calvary and the tomb in the rock —all so intimately related with our salvation—have left in my heart a feeling of greater grati­tude for the love of God and a greater consecration of heart and life to the work of God.

Benoni Cayrus, Minister Montevideo, Uruguay The Historicity and Truthfulness of the Bible

The history of religion, and especially of Bible religion and revelation, has taught us that there is error in the worship of relics, of places and of persons connected with the his­torical parts of the Bible. On the other extreme we find the error of allegorization, spiritualiz­ing everything away from the actual, factual, and historical material in the Bible, until there is no reality and no place to anchor one's faith. My participation in the tour made the Bible more real and intelligible to me. The Bible is true. The visits to the various muse­ums under the guidance of Dr. Horn were a great inspiration to me, and visiting the dif­ferent places mentioned in the Bible made me realize the truthfulness of God's Book, and directed my attention to the Lord, who gave us a knowledge of His will and revelation. I mention the following as high points:

To stand in Egypt, where Joseph and Moses witnessed for the true God; to climb to the summit of Mount Sinai, where God proclaimed His law and where Moses twice communed with God for forty days; to stand on Nebo, whence Moses with undimmed vision viewed the Promised Land; to visit Gethsemane, Cal­vary, and Olivet, which are connected so closely with the stirring events in the Saviour's life and ministration and sacrifice—all these made me realize that I was in the vicinity of the spots where momentous events occurred, and I was drawn nearer to God, and the Bible became more precious and comprehensible to me. To witness how the prophecies were fulfilled re­garding Babylon, Nineveh, Tyre, Edom, Moab, et cetera, caused me to exclaim: "We have a more sure word of prophecy." To notice how the glory of nations, empires, and cities has passed away, strengthened my conviction that the Word of God abides forever, and also everyone who does the will of God. The neces­sity for early rising, late hours, irregular meals, long and difficult desert journeys, walking and climbing—everything connected with the tour —I willingly, gladly, and joyfully accepted with the prayer that I might receive the utmost of blessings, physically, mentally, and spiritually, from the tour. By God's grace I want to witness more strongly for my Master and His wonderful words of life and truth, to help finish the work, that we may go home.

J. J. B. COMBRINCK, Minister South Africa

The Reality of the Bible

For me the Bible Lands Tour has sketched the outline of a picture that will be enhanced by the skillful touches of Inspiration each time I read my Bible. I have always believed the Bible, and did not visit these lands in order to prove the Bible true. When one actually sees places that are spoken of in the Bible, his heart is impressed with the reality: the things the Bible records actually did happen; these men did live; these places are real.

The predicted judgments of the Bible are true. The nations that rejected God and wor­shiped the idols of Power and Wealth and Philosophy and Lust are only bleaching bones in the desert today.

When the devil conducts his "Archeological Tour" during the millennium, he will find evi­dences of the same idolatrous pagan worship in Rome, London, and New York that we have seen in Baalbek, Petra, and Babylon.

Each day I prayed that the Lord would help me to see with my heart, as well as with my eyes. Each day my soul was stirred by snatches of poem and song and sacred text. There is a balm in Gilead. I know it now. There is still a well at Sychar for every thirsty soul. Still there is a vision of the Promised Land from Nebo's height—for all with eyes to see it. Gethsemane remains, and Olivet awaits the touch of "His foot." When Jesus comes, my picture will be complete.

R. H. ABBOTT, Evangelist Australia

Now that I have returned from the Guided Tour to the Bible Lands I know that in a sense I am a changed man. The Bible has become a new book to me. It has become a living oracle, vibrant in a way that I had never thought possible. I find myself obsessed with an appe­tite that cannot be satiated. A new craving has been created within me to study history, geog­raphy, and archeology—to find out why! Why?

Even now as I look back on this experience it has an unreal quality like a dream. I think of the old Mamertine prison where Paul was im­prisoned the second time. The old resort city of Pompeii—victim of sudden destruction much as were Sodom and Gomorrah—has many valuable lessons for us. We climbed the Great Pyramid in Egypt, swam in the Red Sea, stood on the peaks of Mount Sinai, where the voice of God like thunder rolled through their rugged grandeur, proclaiming His everlasting law. We stood on one of the same ridges, per­haps, where Moses stood and viewed the Prom­ised Land from Nebo or Pisgah. We waded through Hezekiah's water tunnel; were led through the stone-paved streets of Jerusalem and out across the Kidron Valley to the Gar­den of Gethsemane. Our path crossed and re­crossed the paths of great men of the Bible and the Reformation. We visited innumerable his­torically important spots and viewed a wealth of archeological material shedding light on the Bible. Our last Sabbath spent together as a tour group was highlighted by the privilege of taking Communion beside a Garden tomb—an open tomb. Who wouldn't be changed?

This, the greatest single educational oppor­tunity of my life, has created within me a new appreciation of our wonderful heritage, the truths of eternity as expressed in God's last call to men.

FRANK T. MUNSEY, Minister Montana Conference

Realization of a Quarter-Century Dream

Egypt, Sinai, Tyre, Sidon, Damascus, Baby­lon, Nineveh, Jericho, Bethlehem, and Jerusa­lem! Our eyes have seen now that of which our mouths have so often spoken. For more than a quarter of a century I have desired to see these countries; the realization has been even more productive of enthusiasm than the dream.

I have been asked, "What impressed you most?" Three summits:

Sinai, rocky range bristling with peaks, can be approached only after a hard journey across successive deserts and a painful ascent. But up on top, what severe majesty, what overwhelm­ing grandeur! It is the perfect setting for the giving of the law, behind which already appears the cross of Golgotha.

After having traversed the plain of the Jordan, strangely situated more than one thou­sand feet below sea level, one goes up from Jericho by a dolefully arid valley, and suddenly before one, on its hills, rises Jerusalem. "Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities; thine eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation" (Isa. 33:20). "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets" (Matt. 23:37). "And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God" (Rev. 21:10).

What an emotion stirs one, to descend from the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsem­ane! "Being in an agony he prayed more ear­nestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground" (Luke 22:44). We would have liked to remain there a long time to pray.

It was a blessed journey because it gave us a new revelation of the Bible, and because it was the occasion of a very sweet manifestation of Christian fraternity. Thanks be given to God! And a very warrn Thank you to him whom the Lord had placed at the head of the expedition, who, by his informed science, his remarkable spirit of organization, and his brotherly patience, assured the profitable ac­complishment of the trip.

Charles Winandy, Evangelist, Paris

"Singing as We Journey"

On our Bible Lands Tour our group of min­isters, doctors, nurses, editors, and teachers en­joyed fellowship in song. We sang on buses as we traveled and in churches as we worshiped, but our outstanding and most heartfelt experi­ences were ones that we expressed in song at significant places.

When our taxies stopped in the sands and heat of the desert in the wilderness on the way to Mt. Sinai, we recalled the journeys of the children of Israel as we blended our voices in singing the words "Is it far to Canaan's land?" We wondered, too, how long it would be until spiritual Israel would be finished with the wil­derness of sin and enter into the heavenly Canaan.

On the top of Sinai, while gathered in a serv­ice of reconsecration, we again expressed that dedication in the melody of song. As the gospel songs reverberated in the valleys among the peaks of Horeb, we thanked our Father in heaven anew for the giving of His law. Sister White in the book Patriarchs and Prophets, page 302, says of this occasion, "Here Israel was to receive the most wonderful revelation ever made by God to men." In song and prayer we pleaded anew that God would reproduce its principles, and thus the character of Christ, in our lives.

As we wended our way through the 1,777 feet of Hezekiah's tunnel under Old Jerusalem and enjoyed the refreshment of the cool water up to our knees, the tunnel resounded with the mel­ody of "The Old Rugged Cross," "I Come to the Garden Alone" and other gospel songs that reminded us of the clear refreshing waters flow­ing from the "wells of salvation."

Our trip reached its climax when on the last Sabbath of the journey we sat at the mouth of the Garden tomb in Jerusalem for Sabbath school and the celebration of the ordinances of the Lord's house. There we expressed deep feel­ing in the singing of such songs as "I Come to the Garden Alone," "He Lives!" and "I Need Thee Every Hour." Not all voices were heard throughout the singing of these songs on this touching occasion, for the consciousness of the presence of the Master was so real that tears of joy moistened the eyes of all who stood in sol­emn rededication of heart and life to the One who lives in the hearts of His people around the world, as well as in the heavenly sanctuary where He makes intercession for us.

HUGH J. CAMPBELL Department of Religion Canadian Union College