Israel 2022

I am writing this blog at 37,000 feet on the plane as we return from ten-days in Israel. Pam and I had the honor of leading 24 people on a whirlwind tour through the Holy Land. The experience can be very impactful. More than simply sightseeing, our trips to Israel have proven to be deeply spiritual experiences. This trip was no exception.

I’ve asked those who were with us to share a few thoughts about the trip…

·       “I’ve traveled my whole life and have great memories, but nothing as meaningful as what I experienced this week in Israel. What I learned and where I walked combined to bring my faith to life.”

·       “There were countless memorable moments on the trip. But three highlights were praying and reflecting in the Garden of Gethsemane, walking where Jesus walked and taught and standing in the tomb where Jesus possibly was placed before he rose to life again. Visiting Israel made the Bible come alive!”

·       “This trip has opened my eyes and heart to the truths of God and Jesus. I now have a clearer understanding of what I read in the Bible. I can visualize it. I see the events through new eyes and I can feel God in a way I did not before.”

·       “When I return home and sit with my Bible and with my notes from this life-changing trip, the Bible will come alive from everything I’ve learned, seen and experienced. My most impactful experience was sitting in the Garden of Gethsemane praising our Heavenly Father and surrendering to him and his will for my life.”

·       “Our trip to Israel has imprinted in our hearts God’s Word, his intention and his indescribable love in a way we have never experienced before. To physically see and touch the land our Lord and Savior was born in, lived in and ministered in is life-changing.”

·       “This was our second trip to Israel and it blew away our expectations. Our guide’s biblical explanations brought the Bible into living color. She dug deep with her knowledge and passion for the Bible and for Israel. This was a trip of a lifetime.”

·       “Being in the Holy Land makes the Bible even more alive. Experiencing the history, culture and people is powerful. It has blessed my spirit and my faith.”

·       “’It is better to see and experience something once, than to hear about it a thousand times.’ (Anonymous quote) I came to the stomping grounds of Jesus and I’m leaving with a full heart overflowing with his love.”

·       “I am overwhelmed by the history, culture and excitement I have felt reliving the incredible biblical story. My favorite place was on the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount. I could sense the presence of Jesus teaching there as a young boy.”

·       “We have to say that you need to put this trip at the top of your list of things to do and places to go.”

·       “The reality of Jesus went deep into my soul as I saw sites where Jesus walked, taught and prayed.”

·       “The Word of God has become more alive and we have been washed and filled with his joy and love for us.”

·       “The most amazing thing to me was to see all the places where end-times prophecy will be fulfilled…the Valley of Armageddon, the Mount of Olives and Jerusalem…so exciting! The most special time with the Lord was at the Western (Wailing) Wall. As soon as I touched the wall and started praying, I felt alone in the presence of God even though I was surrounded by a crowd of people.”

·       “What I probably enjoyed most about my trip to Israel was our guide’s passionate and thought-provoking perspective. I also fully enjoyed the adventures of walking through Hezekiah’s Tunnel and floating and mud-masking in the Dead Sea. In addition, the reaffirming of my baptism in the Jordan River was very special and won’t be soon forgotten.”

·       “Traveling through Israel where Jesus walked made the Bible come to life in unimaginable ways. It strengthened our faith and gave us chills to see living proof of the Bible. The history and culture made it even more special.”

·       “For me, the Mount of Beatitudes and the Garden of Gethsemane made lasting impressions. To pray where Jesus had prayed was very impactful. The entire journey has strengthened my faith and created memories which will last a lifetime.”

Pam and I are thankful to have played a small part in helping our Israel travel-family experience God’s love and grace in new ways. We are beginning to plan a trip for late 2023 tracing Paul’s missionary travels through Southern Turkey, Greece and Rome. We may also organize another trip to Israel in late 2024. If you might be interested in joining us for either of these spiritually encouraging experiences, please let us know.   

Warmly,

Steve and Pam