Friday, October 21, 2011

Temple Mount Sifting Project

One of the optional events for the 2013 trip will be volunteering at The Temple Mount Sifting Project.  The archaeological project was begun in 2005 and is dedicated to recovering archaeological artifacts from 300 truckloads of topsoil removed from the Temple Mount by the Moslems during the construction of the underground el-Marwani Mosque from 1996-1999.  The construction of the mosque, 18,000 square feet  and 36 feet deep, entailed excavating layers of earth that are believed to have been undisturbed since antiquity. The project entailed the use of heavy earthmoving equipment. The debris was dumped in the Kidron Valley to the east of the Temple Mount. Under the supervision of Israeli archaeologists, all 300 loads of topsoil are being sifted in search of artifacts. Hundreds of artifacts have been found, including coins and jewelry, some with biblical links dating back more than three millennia. The workers and volunteers use a technique called "wet sifting," similar to panning for gold. Every particle is examined, using wire filters that are rinsed under water.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Photo of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives 1865

The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth

You will note the words inscribed in Latin above the church's entrance. Verbo Factum, est et Habitavit en Nobus. "And the WORD became flesh and dwelled among us" it was in this place, this neighborhood, where the Son of God moved in to live. It was in this place where the Prince of Peace played in the streets. As we start to think about our pilgrimage to the Holy Land, pray that this verse will come alive for us in astounding ways.