From Friday, September 11, until Sunday, September 13,1998, most of the members of the Roanoke Church in beautiful Roanoke, Virginia, had a wonderful experience. Let me tell you a little about what the “Holy Land USA” is. It is located about 30-45 minutes away from the church here in Roanoke. A man, after his son died, made a replica of the Holy Land—where Jesus lived, traveled, died and rose again. This man erected little sites to represent Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee and other places of interest. Some of our church members had visited there a month or so before, so someone suggested a camp outing there, since accommodations for sleeping in the “Ark” (a replica of Noah’s ark with bunks and bathrooms, as well as a kitchen) are available. Here is a little journal of our trip:
Friday, September 11. We arrived about 7:30 p.m. for evening vespers. We had our meeting in a chapel made for visitors. Brother Silva presented the message for that evening. We reflected upon the judgment, death and resurrection of Jesus. After a nice meeting, we all went back to the ark and got a good night of rest.
Saturday, September 12. We began our day by having worship and breakfast. After breakfast, many more people arrived for the start of Sabbath School. The Sabbath worship service was presented by Brother Henry Brostovski, also of Roanoke. His message was about reflecting on the cross of Calvary. After the service, we enjoyed a good fellowship lunch, and talked a while, and then people began to be eager to walk around the area and see the biblical sights. We got ready (making sure we got some water—this was supposed to be a two to three-hour walk), and went on our way!
Our first stop was at a replica of the stable where Jesus was born. There was a pony as well as sheep and donkeys around the stable. While we were there, a tour wagon came up, and the tour guide told us to step aside so he could call the sheep. He whistled and they all came running to him! He then fed them. What does this remind you of? Read John 10:27. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Like that man called the sheep, so our Shepherd calls us! Will you run to Him when He calls you?
After the stable, we saw replicas of other interesting sights such as Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, Peter’s House. Then after a while we reached Jerusalem. This was to be the highlight of the trip because of the three crosses—representing Jesus’ death. We had a small song service in a tiny chapel there and then stopped by the crosses and the tomb where they laid Jesus. This made us reflect back on what we had been learning about Jesus’s death.
Our next stops included Egypt and Emmaus. In a little while, we were back at the ark. After we relaxed a bit, Brother Sas had a study with us all about Jesus’ resurrection. It was interesting how he told us about some people who believe that the Sabbath starts at dawn instead of being counted from evening to evening. It was strange how they took a verse from the Bible about Jesus’ resurrection and twisted it all around. When the study was finished, we closed the Sabbath. And, as it usually happens, we had a light supper.
Sunday, September 13. Our day started out with worship and breakfast. Then we all hustled and bustled around, trying to get ready. By 10:00 a.m. we were all packed up to go. But before we left, we needed a picture! So we had several pictures taken and then we were off. But that’s not the end! Some of us took the time out to hike up an almost 4,000 feet high mountain—one of the Peaks of Otter, known as Sharp Top. The trail was treacherous and steep but we made it in about 45 minutes or so. (The estimated time to reach the top was one and a half hours.) How glad we are that a vegetarian diet makes us all strong. The view is breathtaking, and we all enjoyed the fresh air and rest up there. It is amazing how majestic God made the mountains and hills, isn’t it? And when you look from the top of a summit, you feel really small, and you realize how great our Creator is! But no matter how big God is, He still loves us. He even loves the little sparrows, for He says “one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. . . . Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29, 31. He loves us a whole lot more than even the sparrows!
When we were just about rested, we walked down the mountain. At the bottom, we determined what to do the rest of the day. We were invited for a nice meal and fellowship by Linda Kiker, one of the sisters from our church.
And that is the account of our short but very wonderful weekend at the “Holy Land USA.” I’m sure that all of us who participated received a blessing, because I know I did!