Page 54 - Holyland Magazine - 2023 Edition

Traveling to Israel

with My Church

How an exceptional travel experience transforms a congregation

aving been to Israel more than a decade The next few days the Bible burst into living view of Jerusalem and the five glorious days
ago, I knew how meaningful it was to color as we read passages in the places they we spent exploring its wonders. I preached
worship and learn in places right out of happened! I taught on the Mount of Beatitudes on the Southern Steps of the Temple and
Scripture. I noticed that other Christian and as we sailed on the Sea of Galilee in a we shared communion at the Garden Tomb.
Hleaders I respect—like David Jeremiah, wooden boat, just as Jesus did. Later in the We laughed and learned together, building
Anne Graham Lotz, and Tony Evans—relied on day, our joy was palpable during the baptism deeper relationships along the way. The expert
Inspiration Cruises & Tours to create incredible service as members of my congregation guides Inspiration selected for us unpacked
travel experiences for their ministries. rededicated their faith to Jesus. the context and culture of the Bible so that we
could understand Jesus’ teaching and ministry
When I partnered with Inspiration Cruises & During our time in Israel, we shared so many better than ever before.
Tours to organize an Israel tour for my church, incredible moments, my faith will never be
they took care of everything: paying deposits, the same! I will always remember my first As a pastor, I never discount the power of a
managing flights, following up on traveler good story. Those who went on this journey
payments, and ensuring every moment of our of a lifetime are telling all the stories about our
experience was unforgettable. time in Israel. They’re talking about our shared
meals and teaching others about the Holy
Our journey began when we flew into Tel Land’s unique culture and sacred sites. I took
Aviv. I officially welcomed my congregation many notes to enliven future sermons as we
to the Holy Land as we shared our first of traveled through the towns where Jesus lived
many delicious Israeli meals that evening. and ministered.
The next day I preached in the 2,000-year-
old Herodian amphitheater at Caesarea by Most of all, we are all living testaments to
the Sea, overlooking the Mediterranean. From the spiritual impact of physically walking in
there, we traveled to Megiddo (Armageddon) the footsteps of Jesus. Our trip to Israel has
for a deeper understanding of prophecy and infused enthusiasm and energy into our
the place it will one day unfold. church—maybe forever.

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