Journey to the Land of Promise

INTRODUCTION TO ISRAEL

God’s Country

Genesis 13:15-18

15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed FOR EVER.

16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.

17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.

18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

Traveling to the beautiful state of Israel is often regarded by many as a pilgrimage of sorts, a journey to the land that is steeped in rich tradition and divine significance. Any student of history, both biblical and secular, has been able to witness the profound impact this nation has had on countless generations. The stories and teachings associated with this land resonate deeply with so many, making the experience of visiting Israel, especially for the first time, truly transformative.

However, for us…by sending us to Israel, God sent us into His purpose for our future!!

The Historical Significance of the Promise Land

2 Chronicles 33:4

4 Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be FOR EVER.

Israel, often referred to as the land of God's promises, is regarded as the birthplace of our rich Judeo-Christian heritage. The ancient stories of the Bible come alive as you walk the streets and hillsides that are filled with special significance. Each stone has a story, and each location has been studied by both theologians and commoners alike for many generations.

Exploring the ruins of ancient cities, such as Jerusalem and Caeseria, provides a glimpse into the past—a time when prophets walked, kings ruled, and divine events occurred. A historical exploration will strengthen one’s understanding of Biblical texts and offers a profound appreciation for God’s provision for His elect. Getting to stand in the valley at the brook where David chose his stones before he faced Goliath…where Elijah prayed fire down from Heaven…where Jesus wept over Jerusalem and were He travailed over the sins of all mankind…where Peter preached on the day of Pentecost and the Holy Ghost was first outpoured…where Paul was kept in prison and preached to Agrippa…you get the idea. Everywhere you turn, there is something to see and/or learn about. And no trip to Israel is complete without a visit to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Trust me…you’ll need two full days to properly take it all in.

Exploring the Land

While we didn’t go to be tourists, our host pastor, Bishop Shawn Turner, reminded us that every day in Israel is a day when you have the opportunity to learn something new that will make the Bible that much more real. For the first two months, we had the privilege of living inside the Old City, on the line between the Jewish and Armenian Quarters. A five minute walk from our apartment had us standing at the Western Wall, where you can feel the weight of centuries of prayer and hope. We often watched as the modern day Jewish people showed us a physical manifestation of faith-driven conviction that God was hearing the prayers being prayed FROM THAT PLACE. We often joined them, carrying a collection of spoken and written prayer requests from our home church family and friends from around the world, personally praying over them and then placing the written requests in the cracks of the wall. Every visit to that place of prayer led to an encounter with God that was unforgettable.

We also got to visit sites such as the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Olives, the Jordan River, the Mount of Beatitudes, and Jesus & Peter’s home town of Capernaum. Once again, the stories and events of the New Testament came to life. For instance, standing on the shores of Capernaum, you can understand how the storm arose so quickly on the Sea of Galilee. The surrounding mountains form a wind tunnel through which a light breeze can turn into a mighty gale and the waters go from mirrored stillness to whitecaps in seconds. You can also see where Jesus would have been praying when the storm arose and understand that He saw everything with one glance. It is a visual reminder that Jesus sees you at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of your personal storms…ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!!

OUR BURDEN

Revival & Harvest in Israel

The journey through Israel was not just about sightseeing for us. As wonderful as the experience of traveling to Israel—the land of God’s promises—was unique and life-changing, this trip was all about the people that God led us to on a daily basis. Israel is a place where history and faith converge for many, and yet there are throngs of others who wait, like the woman at the well, for someone to bring a fresh breath of hope into their existence. Of course, we were there at a time of war. Shop owners were so quick to give us their undivided attention and we learned of their personal stories and struggles. Our hearts broke for mothers whose children were serving in active combat just miles from home. We cried with others whose friends were brutally massacred and others kidnapped by terrorists on the 7th of October, 2023. We witnessed a people in mourning, while at the same time fighting for their very existence.

It was while we walked the streets, rode the buses and cabs, and rubbed shoulders in the market places, that God opened our eyes to the monumental need of revival in Israel. Both Jews and Arabs, young and old, rich and poor…they are a hungry people, going through the motions of personally meaningful rituals, yet leaving their ceremonies void of the fulfillment of the promise God gave to them. God’s promise to Israel was about more than just acres and animals, vineyards and vitals. It was about the reward they would receive if they would only repent of their pride-filled sinful ways and return to the Lord, in spirit and in truth. Past generations broke the covanent that God with them. So He came in the form of a lowly servant, robed in flesh, to take away the curse of the broken covenant, and thereby put in place a new promise that we can read about in Acts 2:38-39.

OUR GOAL

Go Back A.S.A.P.

We have been asked and charged by our elders with the task of going back to both Israel and the Mediterranean region to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who will hear. We witnessed many who received the glorious gift of the Holy Ghost and were later baptized in Jesus' Name. There are many open doors in front of us and we are humbled by the support of the pastors and churches in North America who are standing with us. With every dollar of support you give to the vision, you are sending us into a very ripe and ready harvest field. With every prayer you pray for us, you are strengthening our hands for the work God has called us to. From the bottom of our hearts, we say “Thank You.” It is our prayer that God will reward each of you in greater abundance, replacing and replenishing your labors of love toward us!!

Romans 4:16 (NLT)

16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of ALL who BELIEVE.