by Dr. Robert Mullins
This summer, for the first time in eight years, APU will be taking students to Israel to participate in a study tour of the Holy Land. There are two parts to this program. From June 8-29, a total of 30 students will join in a 21-day study tour of Israel, focusing on the historical and geographical settings of the Bible. This tour, guided by resident experts Drs. Robert Mullins and Robert Duke, will be in conjunction with Jerusalem University College. Afterwards, 18 students will remain for two more weeks to join Dr. Mullins in an archaeological excavation at Tel Rehov; a site in the Jordan Valley not too far south of the Sea of Galilee. This expedition, directed by Prof. Amihai Mazar of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, will focus on the excavation of beehives from the time of the Israelite monarchy. It is the earliest apiary to have been revealed to date in an excavation anywhere in the Ancient Near East. During their stay, APU students will also be exposed to some current issues, such the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the growing influence of Islam. Students will also get a chance to explore the roots of our faith in the Holy Land through the visitation of churches and opportunities to meet and speak with Middle Eastern Christians.
