Day 4
From Misgav Am to the Mount of Beatitudes
Date: Monday, October 27th
Today’s schedule was packed! From visiting Israel’s northernmost town, Misgav Am, to exploring Caesarea Philippi—where our tour guide took a dangerous tumble down the rocks—to standing on the breathtaking heights of Gamla and taking in the scenic view of the traditional site of the Mount of Beatitudes, our group experienced an unforgettable day. By the time evening came, we were both exhausted and deeply moved by all that we had seen and learned.
Eye witness account of Hezbollah terrorist activities
Our day started out traveling to the most northern kibbutz in Israel at Misgav Am which means “Fortress of the people” in Hebrew. Just over the horizon is the nation of Lebanon which has been housing Hezbollah terrorists for quite some time. As we arrived at Misgav Am, we noticed a smoke cloud rising up to the sky in the distance. We were not positive at first, but we immediately assumed it was the work of the IDF protecting Israel from Hezbollah terrorists.
IDF strikes Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon
In the video above, Buddy talks about how this village that borders Southern Lebanon and northern Israel was filled with houses that had red roofs and no windows. According to Lebanon, these houses were occupied by families. However, Buddy noted that he never saw a single child or woman ever go in or out of these houses. Rather, he saw large trucks and young men. Eventually Israel discovered these houses were hiding thousands of rockets pointed straight at Israel. The IDF quickly did their thing and reduced this secret terrorist stronghold to rubble.
Damaged gate by gunfire
This security booth was shot by Hezbollah terrorists shortly after the October 7th terrorist attack.
American and Israeli solidarity
Flying high and proudly at Misgav Am are two flags—one Israeli and other American. This represents a strategic partnership at Misgav Am between an American evangelical ministry and the Israeli citizens. Both care about protecting and supporting the people of Israel and exposing the Hezbollah terrorists.
More destruction from Hezbollah
This building was damaged by a missile that Hezbollah shot shortly after October 7th 2023. This was just an innocent information center for visitors.
Wrapping Up Misgav Am
The small community of Israelis at Misgav Am—the fortress of the people—stands as a powerful emblem of the nation’s resolve to live in the land given to them by divine promise in Genesis 12.
Before our group departed, several of us thanked Buddy for his time and expressed our commitment to pray for their safety and for the peace of Jerusalem. I also had the privilege of a short but meaningful conversation with him. I asked what it was like to serve so closely alongside Christians and what that meant to him personally. His answer will stay with me for a long time. Buddy explained that the Christians who live there with him have taught him that there is a difference between Evangelical and Catholic Christians. Before, he saw no distinction, but he has since learned that many of the historical atrocities committed in the name of Christianity were Catholic, not Evangelical. To him, Evangelicals care about the Jewish people, believe in God’s promises to Israel, and can be trusted.
I thanked my new friend and shared that I, too, love the Jewish people and hold firmly to God’s promises for Israel. Once again, God allowed me to help water a seed that had been planted by other Evangelical believers in the life of a Jewish man.
Now, on to our next site—Caesarea Philippi
Caesarea Philippi
Under the shady trees at Caesarea Philippi, Steve Conover led a devotional on Peter’s confession of Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God.” It was in this very region where Peter made that declaration after Jesus asked His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15–16).
Standing at the base of Mount Hermon, surrounded by ancient pagan shrines and idols, the contrast between the world’s false gods and Peter’s confession of the true and living God came vividly to life. What a reminder that even in the midst of spiritual darkness, Jesus reveals Himself as the Messiah, the foundation upon which He promised to build His Church.
Gamla
The breathtaking view from Gamla featured soaring vultures gliding on the wind, vast valleys stretching into the horizon, and the ruins of the ancient fortress where Jewish defenders once sought refuge from the mighty Roman army—only to be ultimately overcome.
The Ancient Fortress of Gamla
Perched high in the Golan Heights, Gamla (Hebrew: גמלא, meaning “camel”) was once a thriving Jewish city and fortress about six miles northeast of the Sea of Galilee. Its ridge, shaped like a camel’s hump, offered a strategic defense. Gamla became a powerful symbol of courage and tragedy during the First Jewish Revolt against Rome (66–70 AD).
The Mount of Beattitudes
Reading Jesus’ Sermon
I am reading Matthew 5:1—12 on the very land where Jesus preached it. What an honor and a privilege to walk where Jesus walked to read what Jesus preached!
Sermon on the mount
Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount here on this mountain (Mt. 5—7).
Magdala
Located along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Magdala is best known as the hometown of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus’ devoted followers. Excavations here have uncovered a well-preserved first-century synagogue, one of the oldest ever found in Israel. Standing within its ancient walls, I was struck by the thought that Jesus may have taught in this very place during His Galilean ministry.
Magdala Stone
Found in a first-century synagogue in Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene, the block was likely used for the liturgical reading of the Torah and other sacred scrolls. It features detailed reliefs of the temple and its ritual artifacts, including the earliest-known carving of the temple menorah, and suggests the sculptor had made the pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem.
The End of a Long Day
As the sun set over the hills of Galilee, our hearts were full. From the northern borders of Israel to the slopes where Jesus delivered His most beloved sermon, every site reminded us of God’s enduring faithfulness to His promises and His people. I was especially moved by how each encounter—whether with an Israeli soldier, a tour guide, or a local resident—was another opportunity to reflect the love of Jesus the Messiah. These moments confirm my calling to continue sharing that same message of hope with Jewish people back home.
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