Multi-generational Tour of the Holy Land Makes the Bible Come Alive

Dr. Mark Meehl, professor of theology lived and worked in the Holy Land for more than a dozen years during his professional career. He uses that experience to provide a unique, information-rich tour of the Holy Land for students and alumni every three years, taking them to historical sites and archaeological dig sites like those he studied and worked at in the 1980s and ‘90s. 

A group of nine students plus more than a dozen alumni and friends of the university joined Meehl on a study trip this past June. 

“Connecting the Word of God to actual sites such as taking a boat across the Sea of Galilee; walking though gates built by Solomon; striding across the Temple Mount platform built by Herod the Great as Jesus, the disciples and Paul did; walking down the streambed that David crossed before fighting Goliath and where he picked up the stones; to name a few – is a powerful learning tool, enriching the biblical events and embedding them in the students’ memory for a lifetime,” said Meehl.

Annie Pico, a senior from Gilbert, Arizona, was impacted by the recent trip saying, “I really enjoyed seeing Biblical and historical sites in person; it contextualized the Bible and made the Word come alive in a different way. It was also very interesting to see how the convergence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam impacts the present reality in Israel. Although I learned a lot of information about the country and its history, my favorite lesson I learned in Israel was that God sees all our brokenness and still chooses us as the holy priesthood. This trip changed how I read my Bible because I can picture the locations I am reading about. It was awesome being in Israel with people of all ages because everyone brought a different, unique perspective to our conversations. As a college student, I valued the wisdom and experience the older folks provided. Anyone who wants to connect to God and the Holy Land in a life-changing way should go on Dr. Meehl's Israel trip!”

Before joining Concordia in 1991, Meehl lived in Jerusalem at the Albright Institute for a few years performing research for his doctorate on archaeological material stored in Jerusalem and Bir Zeit in the West Bank. He became the program director for the institute and arranged field trips to sites and dinners with local Israeli scholars for the fellows.

The multi-generational nature of the recent tour gave students the rich experience of walking alongside those older with more life experiences while at the same time, they were able to bring a certain excitement to the trip. 

“Nine students and a varied aged group of adults was a wonderful mix. The students brought energy and curiosity to the trip. The adults brought a bit of experience and a little bit of wisdom. The adults were often "helped" by the younger group over the uneven steps and rocky paths.  Thanks "kids," said Elaine Royuk ‘63 retired Kindergarten teacher from Seward. 

“The trip was a dream realized. Dr. Meehl goes every three years on this marvelous archaeological experience. Start saving money now! Take this powerful trip,” Royuk said.

For those interested in upcoming travel opportunities, follow Alumni and Friends Events.