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The Lee University Campus Choir toured through Israel-Palestine during June 2023 on a music and ministry trip.  

“Travelling to both Israel and Palestine with the Lee University Campus Choir was one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” said Dr. Luke Gambill, music professor and previous director of Campus Choir. “How we read the scriptures has changed, now that we have personally laid our eyes on the many amazing biblical locations that have survived the centuries. Every meal, every smile, and every hug we experienced are now etched in our memories, and we will never, ever be the same again.”  

The choir, which comprised 68 students, sang at various locations throughout Israel and Palestine over an 11-day period. They sang at several churches, including Jerusalem Baptist Church and Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, as well as the Dar Annadwa International Center and the Nazareth Baptist School.  

The ensemble sang songs such as “Total Praise,” “Nothing But the Blood,” “Jesus,” “Hosanna,” and “Agnus Dei,” with the last two being sung in both English and Hebrew.  

“It was a surreal experience to not only be in Israel singing about the glory of the Lord, but to also direct the choir for every service we had,” said recent graduate TJ McClendon, who was student director of the choir at the time. “Campus Choir edified the name of the Lord in the land where it all started, and I had the best seat in the house watching every member glorify Him!”   

In addition to singing, the students were able to visit places such as the Garden of Gethsemane, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Church of All Nations, the Walled City of Jerusalem, and Masada, among others.  

They also participated in experiences such as swimming in the Dead Sea, worshipping on the Sea of Galilee, taking communion at the Garden Tomb, getting baptized in the Jordan River, and sharing a meal with Elias Ghareeb, a local Palestinian Christian, and his family at his home.  

“My favorite place to visit was the Pool of Bethesda,” said Sammy Fennema, member of Campus Choir. “Many of the places we went to were geared toward tourists and had been changed over the years, but here we could see where Jesus healed the lame man at the pool. It felt truly authentic.”  

Students were also able to earn their Global Perspectives credit from this trip as all Lee students participate in a cross-cultural experience before graduating.  

Campus Choir, a 70-plus-member ensemble, has been a Christ-centered auditioned touring choir, committed to both excellence in music and ministry for over 60 years. It is known for performing at the university as well as across the Eastern United States and international venues.  

For more information about Campus Choir, click here.