Grand Canyon University’s Spiritual Life group recently completed an 11-day trip to Israel, marking the second consecutive summer that students from the university have participated in such a journey. Organized by Passages, a U.S.-based nonprofit facilitating trips for Christian college students, this year’s visit saw an increase in participants from 15 to 50.
Brielle Field, one of the students on the trip, expressed how the experience altered her perception of religious texts. “I think I’ll never read Scripture the same,” she remarked. “It will change me forever.”
The group’s itinerary included significant historical and religious sites such as the Garden Tomb, Garden of Gethsemane, and Valley of Elah. Jared Ulrich, GCU Worship Manager, noted that having a dedicated group from their university enhanced the experience. “Just that difference alone from last year made a ton of difference,” he said.
Despite ongoing regional conflicts and safety precautions due to events like the Nova Music Festival massacre, Field shared that locals were welcoming. Tucker Hudson, President of Associated Students of GCU, echoed this sentiment: “They all welcomed us with open arms.”
The journey offered spiritual insights for many participants. Hudson reflected on his hope to view biblical stories through a new lens: “It totally did that in terms of letting me physically see the places the Lord once walked.”
The visit also included moments for personal reflection and connection with faith at locations such as Jesus’ tomb and Capernaum. Ulrich described riding on a boat on the Sea of Galilee as both beautiful and inspiring.
Field recounted an emotional moment at the Garden of Gethsemane where they prayed and took Communion together: “After that, we took Communion as a group… ‘Wow, Lord, You did this for me.'”
Mark Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]
