Israel 2011 - Final Reflections On An Incredible Journey

Well, this is it - regrettably, this is our final entry for our 2011 Israel Experience! We have been back "State-side" now for one month and it seems like it has been so long since we were there. The memories are as strong as if it were yesterday. As a wrap up, we asked those who went to share some of their thoughts and impressions of the journey, now that they have had some time to process them. Here is what some of them had to say.

Sharon:

I had been told by a number of people that going to Israel would be a life changing experience. I wanted to see first-hand the places that JESUS walked, taught, healed and lived with HIS disciples. Many things that I learned and saw about this Land are beyond written or spoken words of explanation. Some words that do come to mind are "Awesome, Amazing, Fabulous and Fantastic!"

I remember when we finally got a glimpse of Tel Aviv from the plane, that we all knew we were finally HOME. When we reached our hotel I thanked the LORD for a safe arrival and asked HIM to show me everything that HE had in store for me. HE did not disappoint me! In some ways my opinions of Israel have changed. I have always known that we should were to be praying for Israel, but I did not realize to what extent that they needed our prayers.

Thank you so much for taking such good care of me on this trip. Words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation for all that you did for me. I am ready to go back to Israel again! If anyone ever has the opportunity to go, they should. It is definitely a life changing experience!

Bob:

This was a trip that I had wanted to experience for as long as I can remember!!! I wanted to walk where JESUS did and see the events of the Bible unfold. My expectations were exceeded as the trip unfolded. The icing on the cake was both our guide Abi and driver Sami.

When we arrived in Tel Aviv I was overwhelmed at finally being in Israel. As the week went on it was almost surreal - at times it was hard to believe I was here. I had numerous encounters with GOD while in Israel. The day we went out on the Sea of Galilee the presence of the HOLY SPIRIT was so strong, also at the entrance of Jerusalem, in the Old City.

This trip to Israel has changed me forever. How could it NOT change you when you walk where JESUS walked? My opinion of Israel has changed for the good as I have now seen Israel up close.

After coming home, at times I am just overwhelmed when thinking about the trip. I would like to go again!!!

Greg:

This was my second journey to Israel and as before I had high expectations. And as HE did the first time, YHVH simply blew away those expectations. I was in such awe of everything during my first journey, but this time I wanted to be even more focused so I could absorb and experience this encounter even more.

However, there were two or three people in our group who weren't as mobile as the rest of the team, so I refocused my desire to ensure they were able to take part and enjoy this journey as much as all. It was truly a blessing to hear them share how incredible everything was as they were experiencing the feelings I had experienced during my first journey to Israel. Then GOD spoke to me and said, “This is why I gave you such a passion and desire for MY Land and MY people. I want you to instill in others the desire to come and I want you to help them experience MY Land in a way that will change them.” From that moment on it stopped being about what I was experiencing, or not experiencing, and more about how I could help others experience this journey to the fullest.

We saw many places we didn’t see during my first journey and I was awed at every turn. And the places we did revisit I was experiencing much differently, because, now I was seeing it through new eyes and from a new perspective. We planted trees to expand the forest that Shofar began last year - different location, yet in the same forestry. We blew our shofars over Jerusalem from Mt Scopus in the rain. Our people had such a great time in the planting and in the rain and in the Jordan.  Our guide, Abi, was absolutely amazing, as was our driver, Sami. They went above and beyond on everything we could have asked just so they could make this an incredible journey for us. Rabbi Matthew’s teaching coupled with Abi’s knowledge ignited within us a desire to know and learn more. And our enthusiasm drove Abi and Sammy to want to give even more.

Now that I know why YHVH embedded this passion and desire for Israel and the Jewish people deep within me, I can now better prepare myself for my next return "HOME." I just can’t wait!


I want to thank everyone who faithfully followed us on this journey and kept us in your prayers. Only Heaven knows to what depth your prayer covering and faithful participation meant to each and everyone of us to ensure the success of  this journey. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!


Much Shalom and blessings from all!