A few years ago, my family made a trip to the Explorations in Antiquity Center in LaGrange, Georgia. Having grown up studying our Bible and learning all of the lessons contained therein, we found the center very interesting. The items that they had on display gave more context to the Bible. Since that trip, I have had the opportunity to travel to Israel five times. Consequently, I appreciate even more what they are trying to do at this wonderful museum, now renamed to the Biblical History Center (BHC).
BHC has a number of options of things to do and see. Among them are:
1) Garden Tour - In the garden, they have a number of reconstructed items from the land of Israel like a wine press, olive press, alters, grave stones, houses, wells, etc.
2) Shepherd's Bread - Be invited into a tent and make bread and butter from the simple ingredients that you have in the ancient times.
3) Kid's Archaeological Dig - Kids can dig in archaeological squares and find items of interest.
4) Biblical Meal - Recline at the table and eat many foods found in the Bible.
5) Biblical Life Artifacts Gallery - BHC is one of only six places in the world in which the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) allows some of its contents to be displayed. BHC has a very impressive collection.
About three months ago, I was approached by a couple at the congregation where I attend about organizing a trip to the Biblical History Center. We began making inquiries with other members of our congregation and before we knew it, we had over 60 people interested in going. We collected money from everyone, rented a tour bus and obtained our tickets.
Our group's experience was fantastic. We learned all about different things that helps provide context to the Bible. It is appropriate for all ages. If you have any interest in going, I highly recommend it. You can obtain information on their website and then contact them for more information. (Ask for Morgan. She was very helpful.)
Two ironic things happened with regards to this visit:
1) The night before we left, my friend Ferrell Jenkins posted a long blog post about the BHC. As far as I know, he had no knowledge our group's intention on traveling there the next day. He provides some great information about the history of BHC.
2) BHC was founded by Dr. James (Jim) Fleming, who is well known for his teaching and writings of the land of Israel. As many of my readers know, I have been in Israel this month working with Appian Media. We were there to film some videos that can be used in teaching others about Jesus. While we were visiting Caesarea Philippi, we decided to travel a couple of miles to the west and visit Tel Dan. As we were walking through the tel, we crossed paths with a gentleman and his group of about 20 people. That gentleman was Jim Fleming. He was spotted by my friend and Israeli guide, Gus. Years ago, Gus was enrolled in one of Dr. Fleming's classes at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Jim was very kind as we all exchanged greetings before going on our way.
If you know me, you know that I am always trying to encourage Bible students to travel to Israel to learn more about the Bible. However, I know that it is not possible or many people. If you live in the southeastern United States, I encourage you to take a day and visit the Biblical History Center. You won't be disappointed.