Do you want to visit the Holy Land? I can remember as a child dreaming of a visit to the Land of Israel. In those days, it was such a far-fetched idea, that it seemed as realistic as flying to the moon. I still remember my very first trip to Israel, the incredible rush of emotion as the plane touched down at Ben Gurion Airport. As the palm trees flashed by the window, I was unable to stop the tears flowing down my face. My heart was so full and I hadn’t even stepped foot off of the plane yet! Even today, I still get that same rush of emotion every time my plane touches down on the runway at Ben Gurion. There is nothing like coming home to Israel.
I felt incredibly privileged that on my very first trip to Israel I was able to visit the heart of Biblical Israel. I went to places most Christians don’t usually get to go. I quickly realized that these places were the places I’d read about in the Bible and these were the places that meant the most to me as a Christian. These weren’t the touristy or churchy places that most Christian visitors get to see. It became my mission to help as many Christians as possible see these places too.
The second thing I remember most from my early visits to Judea and Samaria are the people. They were so warm and welcoming and so appreciative that we came to meet them and listen to their stories. I remember so vividly, sitting in a woman’s living room, listening to her story and she broke down and started crying. I wondered what I had done wrong or how I had offended her to cause her tears. After a moment, she gathered herself, apologized and explained. The fact that I had traveled over 6,000 miles and was sitting in her living room, admiring her view, and rejoicing in the fact that she was living Biblical prophecy had overwhelmed her. She then went on and admitted that she had family members who lived a 20-minute drive away, who had never sat in her living room. She had to travel to them, as they would not come and visit her because of where she lived, in what has become the most controversial part of Israel.
If you have a yearning desire to visit the Land of Israel, but you feel it is an impossibility, I am witness to the truth that when God puts that desire in your heart, He can help you fulfill it. You do have to take some steps of faith along the way. The very first step is to get a passport if you don’t already have one, or get it renewed if it has expired. I believe that if you have a desire to visit Israel and you take that first step by getting your passport, and believe God for the finances, or the time off work or whatever you need to be able to fulfill your dream, God will meet you and begin to line things up so that you’ll be able to go.
We have a tour going to Israel this coming September. It is led by our Australian representative Joy Heylen, and she truly lives up to her name. She is a true joy to be around. I know you will love her! If you are a regular traveler to Israel, but haven’t yet visited Judea and Samaria we have a one day trip to Judea on October 15. If you will be in Israel during that time, I encourage you to sign up for this one-day tour. You won’t regret it! The cost is only $60 per person and seats are limited, as it is first come first serve so get your tickets early. If you need a little more time to plan, and save, I am leading a tour in March 2020 and March 2021.
If none of these tours fit your time, or your budget, but you will be in Israel and want to visit Judea and Samaria and meet the people, please give us a call (719-683-2041 or +972-9-792-0958) or send us an email. Or if you are coming on a tour that does not include Judea and Samaria, connect us with your tour leader and we can help make it happen. We set up visits for groups and individuals all the time. We can customize a visit for you based on what you want to see.
The biggest obstacle that I hear from people who want to go to Israel is the cost. We can set up a payment plan that fits your budget. All you have to do is start making monthly payments and within a short amount of time you will have a trip to Israel paid for and you’ll be ready for the experience of a lifetime!