User:Thomas A. Powers

I am an American citizen who has been living in Israel/Palestine as a volunteer for several years, mostly in Jerusalem. In my spare time I do some writing and editing, especially on historical and archaeological subjects, as well as a bit of guiding.

I first traveled to this part of the world in the 1980s, and after many years of reading and studying about its geography, history and Biblical connections, I came to Israel as a volunteer in 1999. What began then as a mid-life adventure has now turned into something of a life-style — I’m still here!

I first served as a guide and teacher for two Christian organizations based in the Jerusalem area, then lived in Nazareth for 3-1/2 years where I served as a volunteer at the Nazareth Hospital and, on occasion, at the Nazareth Village project. In 2005 I returned to Jerusalem and immersed myself in an intensive guide course, the natural culmination of all my explorations and personal study. Along the way, I have indulged my interest in archaeology by participating in excavations at Bethsaida and Kursi near the Sea of Galilee and the “Cave of John the Baptist” west of Jerusalem.

I am a graduate of Florida Atlantic University (BA, History, 1972) and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Religious Education/ Social Work, 1978). I am also a 2006 graduate of the Archaeological Seminars Institute tour guide training course, and in January 2007 passed the guide licensing exam of the Israel Ministry of Tourism. I currently volunteer and reside at Jerusalem’s École Biblique, the French Biblical and Archaeological School - aka St. Stephen’s Priory.

My web-log: http://israelpalestineguide.wordpress.com