The Boat Named "Faith"

      In November of 2008, I traveled to Israel for the first time on a tour. At first, we stayed in Tiberius, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. How beautiful it was to watch the golden sunrise over that quiet and serene lake!

      One day, we visited the peaceful shore of the Sea of Galilee, under a blue sky, and boarded a small ship, named Faith.

Our tour group of about 40 people found seats along the rails of this ship and the small crew cranked the motor for a short cruise in the Sea of Galilee. I was overwhelmed by a sense of awe, at being on the lake, where Yeshua (Jesus) had spent much time, teaching His followers and performing miracles. It was hard to imagine this calm lake in a storm, with high waves, as had occurred on an occasion, when Yeshua (Jesus) was with His disciples in a boat.

      The captain of our crew asked if everyone in our tour group was American. When the group indicated that we were, the crew of Israelis raised an American flag and led us in singing the American National Anthem, “O Say Can You Sing”, while we cruised on the Sea of Galilee. Since this time was during an economic crisis in our country and the world, it was very touching that they would express support for our country, in spite of the problems that Israel, as a nation, faces.

      The crew of Messianic Jewish believers (Jewish people who believe in Jesus as the Messiah) led us in a worship service in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. Among the songs we sang were “More Love, Move Power – More of You in My Life” and “Amazing Grace”. Since I sing, “More Love” almost every morning, when I walk to work, I could close my eyes on that boat and feel as if I were home.
      It was an awesome experience to take that cruise on the Sea of Galilee. I was also impressed that the peaceful and simple lake and countryside looked very similar to lakes in rural areas in my homeland. It had never dawned on me that my own stomping grounds were very like Yeshua’s and that His mission was for all mankind.