Author Archives: andretowner

30 centimeter deep trench from first day of digging. Our day started at about 5:00 am this morning with a two-hour walking tour of the surrounding area, where we explored tombs from the Mid-Bronze Age (Abraham’s time) to present day.  One of the most fascinating was a tomb, from the time of Jesus. Modern workers dynamitedContinue reading “The Digging Begins”

We arrived at Kibbutz Yizrael at about 4:30 am local time after about 27 hours of traveling.  Tired but exited about the coming events.  After a breakfast and brief orientation, we travelled by van to the dig site where we helped prepare the dig site by clearing brush and erecting sun shades.  Afterwards we toured some ofContinue reading “Naboth’s Vineyard”

Traveling to Israel, via a layover in Istanbul, Turkey, was fascinating and slightly disorienting.  English and American culture were no longer the default reference point for everything from announcements to cuisine.  However, English subtitles and the wide acceptance of American currency allowed us to reasonably navigate the environment without speaking the local languages.  While servingContinue reading “For You Were Strangers”

In May and June, I’ll travel with classmates from WesleyTheological Seminary to participate in the Jezreel Expedition on the foothills of the Gilboa mountain range in Israel, where we’ll sift through remains of civilizations from late prehistory through the 20th century. Jezreel is the former residence of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel whose conflict withContinue reading “Israel Archeological Dig”

As a child, I knew all was not right with the world and felt I had some role in changing it. I eventually recognized this feeling as God calling me to the Gospel ministry. As I explored and tried to faithfully answer this call, I felt myself simultaneously pulled toward serving specific communities and engaging theContinue reading “Answering The Call”