Trip of a Lifetime

Just a few weeks ago I received a phone call that would change my life forever. I was invited to be part of a trip to Israel with the Israel Collective team. My answer was immediately YES! There were a few obstacles in the way but the Lord went before me and opened all the doors. My husband and family knew that this was an amazing opportunity for me.

On April 4th in the JFK airport I would meet new faces that would quickly become faith family. Friendships that sharpen and encourage you. Before leaving and even having our initial group zoom call I felt that this trip would be one of celebration, expansion, and revelation. My eyes and heart would be opened to so many things. The depth of the Word coming to life. Realizing how much Jesus loves his hometown and family. Seeing the Bible in color. Understanding that following Jesus is not convenient but is extraordinary! Understanding that the joy of the Lord is truly our strength.

We actually started our trip breaking bread together on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Caesarea. Laughter would be part of this group from start to finish. What joy it is to be together in Him. At Caesarea I thought of Paul leaving his homeland to never return but full of hope that the Gospel was being spread. It is where Peter came and preached to Cornelius the centurion

On our second day we would begin by walking where Jesus walked. We would go to Magdala, the hometown of Mary Magdalene. We would see the town, the synagogue, the purification pools, and the destruction. Just thinking that this could be the very place that Jesus likely taught.

Then we went to the Mount of the Beatitudes. Where we read the Word together. Took in the lane around us. I could see Him pointing to the mustard plants that were surrounding us, the city across on the hill, the river below us- making ordinary things extraordinary.

We would grab lunch as a group in a wonderful Israeli Druze community village in the north. It was wonderful. The best falafel I have ever eaten and my first coke in Israel. Yes and hallelujah.
We would then jump in jeeps and head to Israel’s northern border next to Syria. What an extraordinary experience. And we truly went off road…. Learning the truths of the people in and around this area.

Then we were headed to the Sea of Galilea for a ride on the water. The very same water Jesus and Peter walked on. The same area where He spoke peace to the storm. As we read the Word and sang together I felt His peace- His laughter- His Smile on us.

Our days would be full of amazing scenes out of the Bible and bus rides of rich conversations with laughter and tears. In Capernaum I would see how the families lived and shared such a beautiful community. We read in the scriptures about in our Father’s House are many rooms and this was beautifully shown to me.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

On our way to Jerusalem. Thinking how Jesus loved and wept over Jerusalem. Everyday was full of amazing conversations from many different people all speaking of the peace and hope of Israel. And on the way an amazing stop seeing the road to Damascus. Stopping for people, just like Jesus!

In Jerusalem we would walk the Palm Sunday road- knowing that our own Palm Sunday was at hand. Imaging all the people crying out Hosanna! Go to the Mount of Olives. We would sit together in the Garden of Gethesamne. Knowing that we were the joy set before Him to endure the cross. That He drank the cup for me.

One of the greatest parts of the trip for me was the Garden Tomb. I had the great honor of leading this group of dynamic leaders in communion. Sharing in this time of community with Christ as the centerpiece. Worshipping together in a small chapel lifting up the name of Jesus. Then heading over to the Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum, which is beyond words. I would later on during the trip meet one of the holocaust survivors accidentally at breakfast and share a sweet time with him. Making what I saw in the museum come to life. We would leave the museum to walk the trail from Yad Vashem to Mount Herzl, celebrating the founding of the State of Israel and all those that have lead with the hope of peace.

We would eat many times in the busy markets enjoying the local culture. We would journey to the Old City of Jerusalem and walk the Western Wall. It actually felt like we walked many walls. And this day would end with an amazing Sabbath meal with a beautiful Jewish family in Jerusalem that opened up their home to a loud joy filled bunch of Jesus lovers and the night would be full of learning and blessings.

We would meet with so many amazing leaders- an Israeli Muslim journalist, Pastor Stephen Khoury, Colonel Dani Tisza, Danielle Mor, other citizens, leaders and organizations that are helping keep Israel safe and hopeful.

We would see the City of David, the water system, the walls of Jerusalem, the road that ascended to the tabernacle. So much that I think it will take me weeks to unpack it all from my heart and mind. We would pray at the western wall while seeing the children learning with big smiles, men dancing and singing, women dancing and singing, wailing and rejoicing all together. It made me want to be at home with my amazing faith family- sharing worship and prayers together. I would see the amazing churches and places that those that I have read about actually built and walked on. We would float in the Dead Sea together as a group enjoying the goodness of God with a few accidents- don’t get the water in your eyes and use the steps getting in- if you know you know! We would see how Israel keeps its heart and arms open to others while working to keep itself safe. It is a country full of hope innovators. I feel such a great new responsibility to lift up the name of Jesus and stand with Israel. And I believe this is just the beginning. So from Tiberius, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and all in between I bless and pray for you- Israel!

These last few days have brought the gift of friendship with some of the most amazing people in the world- my Israel Collective family. I know that the best is yet to come and we are better together. My life has been transformed by them. I feel fresh Fire and greater Love than ever before. So just know there is more to come. Going from glory to glory and faith to faith!

So- Going to Israel did make me fall more in love with Jesus- but it also made me fall more in love with what He loved…. His community, His family, His homeland, His people!