Drs. Boyd Seevers and Randy Nelson led a group of NWC students to Israel during the summer of 2008. They spent a week doing archaeological excavation with Bethsaida Excavations Project followed by a two-week course on "Jesus and His Times" at Jerusalem University College.

Bethsaida is one of the most frequently mentioned towns in the New Testament. It was the birthplace of Peter and Andrew, the home of Philip, and the site of the feeding of the multitudes and the healing of a blind man. Bethsaida is located along the major Jordan River-Dead Sea rift and was a transit stop in the commerce between major civilizations. Archaeological work included digging, sifting dirt, washing pottery and finds, and sorting and cataloguing finds.

Jerusalem University College offers a special two-week course emphasizing the geographical, historical, and cultural setting of Israel during the time of Christ. The field studies follow the basic chronology of the life of Christ, spending one week in the Galilee region and one week in the Jerusalem region. Extensive investigation of the Galilee region puts particular emphasis on the first century A.D. and walking tours of Jerusalem and its environs all help to place the life of Christ in the historical and cultural milieu and geographical setting of His time.

Jerusalem University College is located near the Old City wall.

Dr. Daryl Aaron and his wife Marilyn took twelve students on our 2007 summer study trip (June 10-July 2). The team studied at JUC for three weeks, exploring historical sites from Old Testament times. "Classrooms" ranged from caves to hilltop ruins, from boat sterns to shady olive trees, from excavation sites to cathedrals.

Read a blog from the trip!

KTIS sponsored a 10-day trip to Israel with B&TS professor Dr. Michael Wise, one of the foremost experts on the Dead Sea Scrolls, as the guest lecturer. NWC students were able to take this trip for 1-2 college credits under the direction of Dr. Randy Nelson.

Read a blog from PK (KTIS) with her follow-up thoughts and photos from the trip!

Learning about Israel's history near the Sea of Galilee

Eighteen students (including one dad!) joined Dr. Doug Huffman and Ruth Olson on a study trip to Israel June 11 - July 3, 2006. The "Geographical & Historical Settings" course (4cr) at Jerusalem University College included field trips to biblical sites in Israel with two nights in the southern desert area and three nights by the Sea of Galilee.

View more pictures!