Overwhelmed! That’s the word that comes to mind when I think back on my Israel trip in February of 2017.  My name is Micah Smith, I am a worship pastor for StoneWater Church, and my life will never be the same after visiting Israel.

The presence of the Holy Spirit was overwhelming!  So many times throughout the trip, I found myself humbled in the presence of God. I truly feel like I clearly heard God speaking vision and direction into my life in many different areas.  God also gave me visions like I have never had before.  Visions about my children and even future generations in my family.   I also had the privilege of leading our group in a time of worship in St Ann’s Cathedral.  The moment I started singing, I was in awe of the sound I was hearing.  An inexplicable sound that can only be created by the voices of God’s children worshiping Him.  God’s presence was so real and tangible! It was an incredible moment with the group. I was overwhelmed by the reality of who God really is.  I constantly found myself in awe of the preciseness of God.  It was amazing to see that everything God has done, is doing, and is going to do is exact, precise and His perfect plan. I could physically see how God created things, placed things, planned His creation and His people, and it was all for a perfect and precise purpose. It was so fascinating to take the knowledge I had of the Bible, and then see the physical locations where these events took place.  Until I physically stood in these places, I didn’t fully understand the magnitude of what God was doing in those moments, and how it impacted His people.   I was overwhelmed by the group of people I was with and the leaders of the trip.  Moshe took us to amazing places and the information he presented us with left me in awe.  This is a journey you have to take to accurately understand the people, places and events that took place in the Bible.  John and Roxie were incredible hosts! I loved being able to ask John questions that brought a lot of clarity to my biblical understanding.  I was also blessed with an amazing group of people that attended the trip with me.  We created great memories together, and it was a blast to experience all of this with them.  I can truly say that this journey to Israel was life changing for my family and I.  God is continuing to use the experiences I had in Israel to teach me, and grow me into who He wants me to be.  Thank you to everyone who makes these trips possible. I cannot wait to go back!

Check out Micah leading worship in St Anne’s cathedral here!

It truly was an amazing experience and I found it extremely special to have this journey with some amazing men of God. We were all bounded together because our love for Jesus Christ and we continued to grow throughout the journey. I have a greater understanding of the biblical text as well as modern day Israel and their daily struggle as a result of this trip. Of course, it makes scripture come alive and will greatly impact your preaching and teaching of God’s word as well as strengthening your overall faith. I would also encourage pastors to consider various ways they can help others in their church family make a similar journey to Israel to help strengthen your local body as well as provide much needed support and encouragement for the people of Israel. I think having church leaders experience this type of trip only results in a greater blessing for those that are part of the churches they lead. Great experience, Great Journey, and Life Changing!!!

My trip to Israel was an opportunity I never thought would happen. To start the Journey in Jordan and follow the path of Jesus was amazing. I was amazed and at times I couldn’t hold back the tears. It’s hard to be in the place where Jesus stood, was tortured, crowned with thorns and given His Cross to be crucified on so all of us could live. It was a very emotional experience. We experienced John the Baptist, The fisherman of men, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, The City of David and so much more. This trip by the Fathers House is not a normal tour. This trip goes behind the scenes and places not many people get to experience. This trip (my second trip) we had a total of 8 Pastors with us. All of them were amazed and taken back by the truth of the trip. I think every Pastor should have the opportunity to visit Israel and relay the message of the Promised Land to their church and encourage His Church to visit their home as well. The first thing that is said to you as you land in Tel Aviv is, “Welcome Home.” The Father’s House is amazing. They gave us the best experience they could possibly give us. From the airlines to the finest hotels, to the transportation and two of the finest meals a person could want, everyday! On both of my trips there was never an issue with safety. The people of Israel and the Jordan welcomed us with open arms and love. They are our brothers and sisters. If you love God and want to learn and understand Him, this is the trip for you. If you love to worship, this is the trip for you. I have always believed God is Real. Now I know, God is Real. – See more at: https://fathershousefoundation.com/pages/testimonials.php#sthash.XnjSgfdR.dpuf