Faith in Context: Greenville University Students Experience Scripture in Israel
Published: August 03, 2026
Author: Lydia Cahill
It is not often that one finds themselves walking on the stones that Jesus walked, surrounded by walls dating back thousands of years, while listening to the modern bustle of the city. However, in the winter of 2025, that is just what a group of students experienced on their life-changing trip to Israel.
Israel is of great historical Biblical importance to Christianity, compounding the awareness of the senses. Israel takes center stage in the Old Testament and during Jesus’ ministry in the New Testament. Going to Israel is the equivalent of walking into Independence Hall in Philadelphia where the Declaration of Independence was signed—there is an immediate reverence and awe that fills the space. However, for Christians, walking through Israel is even more breathtaking than an old hall; it is where our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ stepped.
Macy Tannahill ‘29, a freshman theology major and student on the trip, talked about her experience soaking in the sounds of the ancient city.
“I will never forget the bells in the Old City portion of Jerusalem. These bells had a set schedule every day that was so accurate it took me a few weeks back in the States to stop hearing them.”
Ella Hudspath ‘27, a worship arts and theology major, noted that, thousands of years later, she felt as if she were in the disciples’ shoes.
“On our last day of the class, we took a boat onto the Sea of Galilee. Usually, this would be a peaceful boat ride, but there was a storm and strong winds, much like the feel of what we read about when Jesus calms the storm in the Gospels,” she said. “Although we weren't on the water for very long, it felt like we had an experience like the disciples on the water during the storm.”
Simply walking through Jerusalem and interacting with people from so many different languages, religions, and heritages created memories that will never be forgotten.
Steps of Faith
Looking around at the very places Jesus would have seen thousands of years ago is enough to leave any theology major in awe, but this trip did more than connect students to the ancient past—it impacted their faith.
Isabella Iffert ’27, a theology major, described how her Bible reading will be forever changed after the trip.
“After the trip, I truly know the places of the Bible. I read names like ‘Bethlehem’ and think, ‘I got to go there!’ I better understand Psalm 23 because I've seen where shepherds take their sheep to graze. I better understand the social world aspect of the Bible because I now understand how people interact in that area of the world,” Iffert said.
Jasmin Sanchez ’26, a criminal justice and psychology major, discussed how this trip helped her newly developed faith.
“Before this trip, I was still new to my faith and honestly hadn’t read much of the Bible yet. Because of that, getting context of the world in which the Bible is set actually made a huge difference for me,” Sanchez said.
“Instead of just reading it and feeling confused, I started to understand the bigger picture of the history, the people, and why even the geology mattered. Establishing that foundation made everything feel more meaningful and easier to understand, and it helped me see how I can apply Scripture to my life instead of just reading it and moving on.”
Aubrey McClain, a professor at Greenville University, has had ten years of experience working in Israel. She earned her master's degree from Jerusalem University College and worked as a field instructor while there.
After the October 2023 hostilities in Israel, McClain returned to the States—this is her first trip to Israel since then. She remarked on how the generosity of the people in the region, despite their circumstances, deeply impacted her.
“In Sebastia, a small Palestinian village, a little boy gave a bottle of olive oil to Isabelle. She told me about it later, and I was able to put the gift into context for her. The village of Sebastia wasn't allowed to harvest its olives in peace this last year. That means the olive oil they produced is extremely valuable. That gift was priceless,” McClain said. “The people of that village were so hospitable and kind. They greeted us with such love.”
Robert Munshaw ‘93, professor of theology at GU, led a student into her confession of faith during the trip.
“I baptized Isabelle Hobbs in the Jordan River. It was great to hear her story and witness and participate in this affirmation of her faith,” Munshaw said.
Meaningful Memories and Surprising Moments
For students and professors alike, seeing history and faith come to life in the land of Israel held surprises, solace, and learning. However, each person still had their favorite parts of the trip.
“Visiting Beit She'an and Scythopolis was a neat experience!” said Iffert. “I also loved seeing Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We read a lot about the Dead Sea Scrolls in our theology courses; it was so cool getting to see where they were found!”
She continued, “Additionally, being atop Masada, where the Jewish rebels made their last stand against the Roman Empire, was life-changing. The story really came to life.”
Along with their favorite memories, some parts of their journey surprised group members. Seeing many Biblical locations in their true context changed how members visualized them.
“Bethlehem is a large city as opposed to a little town in the wilderness,” said Munshaw.
In an environment so different from what they were used to, many students were apprehensive about how local people would treat them. However, wherever they went, students were stunned by the kindness they received.
“The amount of hospitality that we were instantly greeted with. It felt like every place we went, we were fully welcomed,” Tannahill said.
McClain added context and depth to students' reactions to the places in Israel they visited.
“Places we would normally go, including access to nature hikes or family-owned shops that have hosted us for decades, were closed and appear unlikely to reopen. People greeted us with such eagerness and grief. In Israeli territory, you could also tell that they hadn't seen tourists in several years,” she said.
“One of the hotels we stayed at was being renovated after serving as refugee housing for families who evacuated from the northern border over the last 2 years. Speaking with the people we encountered, it was clear that everyone was so grateful that we were there,” McClain added.
Future Impact
One of the largest concerns surrounding this trip and hopes of future trips is the safety of students because of continuing hostilities in Israel.
McClain discussed how, in the face of suffering and hardship, Greenville’s mission to live and love like Christ becomes even more important.
“GU and our in-country partner, Jerusalem University College, are apolitical. As a Christian institution, we support people. We traveled in Israel; we interacted with Palestinians and Israelis, Jews, Christians, and Muslims. We seek to understand and love all these parties as Christ loves us.”
She continued, “From my experience, the cause of Christ is not advanced by avoidance. As long as it is safe, we go to be with people, to witness their experiences, and to show what love we can. We go to learn about the past and the present so that we can make a difference and speak with authority.”
Students and professors alike are adamant that this trip is worth the cost and the hours—they would gladly do it again.
“Do it. Do it. Do it. Do it. It is a life-changing experience; you literally get to walk where Jesus walked,” said Iffert. “It was worth every penny, and if given the chance, I would go again.”
An Abundance of Gratitude
To those whose financial contributions made this trip possible, the group expressed its gratitude.
For Iffert, this trip was a huge part of making her major a reality. “Thank you. For a theology major like me, your support means everything. Getting to see where Jesus walked makes the Bible truly come alive.”
“Thanks so much for investing in the faith and lives of our students,” Munshaw added.
McClain agreed, saying, “I'm so grateful for the donor support that made this trip possible. They not only helped several students attend who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to go, but they made the entire trip possible.”
Looking ahead, the Israel trip is scheduled again for 2028, giving another group of students a chance to experience a life-changing journey.
“We have a fund that people can contribute to for future trips. We have historically taken students every other year, so we will be hoping for a return trip in 2028, circumstances permitting,” McClain said.
Greenville University is committed to empowering students to live lives of service and learning around the globe. Through trips like the one to Israel, students walk away forever changed, ready to carry God’s kingdom message to ancient streets and modern cities.
