<< Back to Press Releases

CHRISTIAN LEADERS GET BIBLE HISTORY LESSON IN JORDAN

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 14 – A group of Christian leaders toured biblical sites in Jordan last month as part of an effort by the Jordan Tourism Board to educate the U.S. Christian community about important religious sites located in present-day Jordan.  Many of these leaders had their first look at places central to the biblical narrative, such as Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan, where most scholars believe Jesus was baptized, and Mount Nebo, from where Moses' viewed the Promised Land.

“Jordan is the best-kept secret for the world traveler,” said the Rev. Dr. Graham Bardsley, pastor of Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church in Kensington, Maryland, and chairman of Friends of Jordan.  “Jordan has it all – the people are wonderful and hospitable; the country teems with history; and it has fascinating archaeological sites.  The Jordan Valley is the cradle of Judaism and Christianity topographically, biblically and theologically.  It would be well worth the trip if the only site visited was the baptismal site of Jesus, or the rose-red city of ancient Petra, or the sprawling Roman city of Jerash.”

“As custodians of the birthplace of Christianity, it was an honor to share Jordan's biblical heritage with this group of Christian leaders,” said Malia Asfour, director of the Jordan Tourism Board North America.  “We hope that more such trips planned for the fall will continue to break down barriers and encourage more visitors to come to Jordan.”  Despite current unrest in parts of the Middle East, Jordan remains a safe and easy-to-get-to destination point in the Holy Land.

In addition to Dr. Bardsley, the group of leaders participating in the May 20-27 trip included radio personality Janet Parshall; Don Argue, president of Northwest College and co-founder of Christian Friends of Jordan; and Richard Ellis, pastor of the innovative Reunion Church in Dallas, Texas.

More than 200 authenticated locations of Biblical sites are in Jordan.  Highlights include:

• Ancient Penuel – Where Jacob wrestled with the Angel
• Elijah's Hill – Where Elijah ascended to heaven
• Mt. Nebo – Where Moses saw the Promised Land
• The Plains of Moab – Where Joshua and his people camped before crossing to Canaan
• The Land of Uz – Where Job lived, was tested by the devil and argued with God

Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan – Where John the Baptist preached, where Jesus was baptized and where Jesus and His disciples rested before His final journey to Jerusalem

In April, Jordan's King Abdullah had encouraged a Washington gathering of more than 50 Christian leaders to come to Jordan to see its biblical sites.  Earlier, the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) had launched its educational campaign at the 2001 National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention in Dallas, Feb. 10-13 – nearly a year after Pope John Paul II's much publicized visit to Jordan during his trip to the Holy Land.  Advertisements, exhibits, lectures and familiarization trips to Jordan are all part of the continuing effort.

“Biblical geography encompasses lands that are in present-day Jordan,” said Asfour.  “Our goal is to educate visitors and promote a comprehensive understanding of the location of the Holy Land.”

For more information on travel to Jordan, please contact the Jordan Tourism Board North America at 1-877-seejordan (733-5673) or email to seejordan@aol.com.

<< Back to Press Releases