When I was asked about going on a journey to Israel, I had some fears to overcome. I’m a hamburger eater. I don’t really like vegetables at all. My view of any country outside of the United States was that vegetables were the main course of every meal. So, I pictured myself starving to death if I ever went outside of the U.S. Thankfully, Byron convinced me that I’d only need one good meal in the 10 days. He promised me McDonalds (which I never got to have by the way) so that I’d be able to eat at least once.

I also had amenity fears. To me, every country outside of the United States, the people lived in homes made of straw and mud and very few “American” style homes. So, I kept thinking about that as well. Through much prayer, I decided to take the journey and boy am I glad that I did! I took 2 pounds of beef jerky with me to make sure I had a little something to eat just in case though. But, my very first meal in Israel was at a restaurant that had hamburgers! Then, we arrived at the very modern and beautiful hotel. This just happened to be Shabbat and the food was AWESOME! From start to finish, I enjoyed every moment and still vividly recall so much about the trip and the education that I received there from Moshe, Byron, and John. When I came back, I couldn’t wait to share all that I had learned with my friends, relatives, and anyone who would listen! I even did a presentation at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church, where I was the interim pastor. Today, that is where I am incredibly blessed to be the Lead Pastor.

So what’s been going on since I came back from the journey?

I have read the Bible two more times. It is amazing how when I read now, I can picture in my mind what it may have looked like that the time. As I read about Moses, I envision them wandering around the wilderness. When I think of  Joshua, and two million Israelites, I can picture them at Gilgal. When I read about David and Goliath, I can picture each army on either side of the Valley of Elah. I saw the stream where he chose his round stones. I can somewhat picture Old Jerusalem and what it must have looked like. My relationship with God has grown by leaps and bounds because I’ve seen, with my own eyes, many of the things mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. I have seen where Jesus was born, where he spoke on the mount to the crowds, and where he took his steps toward Calvary. I am still in awe! When I reflect on all the work God has done in my life and in those around me, I like to think that some of that is because of the way my passion for Christ increased because of my journey. If you get the opportunity to go, remember, fear is not of God! Go and be blessed! Stand with Israel NOW!

This trip is one of my FAVORITE memories! So beautiful and amazing! To be where Christ did most of his miracles made me feel so close to our Savior.

The biggest life changing experience ever, because it made me want to get into my Bible. And that has changed my life. I went on the original trip with Father’s House in 2008 and it is still true today. I can’t wait everyday to get into His Word. Having been there where it happened, walking where Jesus walked, makes it come alive and gives understanding I could never get any other way. I’ve been on lots of other trips and by the end of the 10 days or 2 weeks or whatever, I just want to get home and sleep in my own bed. Not Israel. I was home. I was home.

Dear Byron, My brother it has been too long sense I have seen you, Tammy and Isaac.  I have such fond memories of our 2011 trip to Israel. I have just returned from the second trip (June 2012).  I can tell you that there is no such thing as a bad trip with Father’s House.  My first trip was marvelous.  The team of you and Moshe did an excellent job and I loved every minute. I was disappointed when I learned that Moshe would not be with us on the second trip.  The second trip was as marvelous as the first.  We revisited some of the same places and I departed from each with an expanded appreciation, blessing, and understanding of each.  That is the way the body of Christ is supposed to work, isn’t it.  John Turner and Ron did a masterpiece rendition at repeats and new sites. I so much thank the Lord and Father’s House for making this possible.  My life and ministry were changed after my first trip, but the second trip completed the transformation. After 58 years of preaching/teaching the Word, I can tell you that theses two trips have enriched my teaching and reading the Word.

Walking where Jesus walked…tracing the path Moses took…exploring the City of David. How do you put a price on these kinds of experiences? When I signed up to attend the Father’s House Educational Journey, I knew I would learn more about God. I have been absolutely floored, however, at how much the experience has changed me, and the way I understand the Bible. I walked it. I saw the landscape. And my heart will never be the same. Sign up! Don’t wait! You will never regret it.

I want to extend my gratitude for a fantastic experience.  I am already having a wonderful time with God, processing what I have learned!   Thanks again for a wonderful trip.  God is doing wonderful things through Father’s House.

Shalom! Tell Israel that I WILL be back there someday!!! My life was changed during that trip and will never be the same again. God will surely bless you, Byron, for installing you love of Israel in others.

The trip was even better than I had thought it would be. It helps me read the Bible with better understanding with the information I received. Education is to help one clearly and effectively pass information and knowledge on to others. I have found renewed excitement in doing this after the trip. I was impressed with coordination and enthusiasm of the staff before, during and after the trip. The entire experience was wonderful. The leadership of the staff of Father’s House, the fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ, and the endless flow of knowledge and information from Moshe made everything outstanding. It was life changing. I am ready to go back.

We took quite a group from our church and never felt unsafe. We never saw not one tank or anything. We never saw convoys or anyone getting ready for anything. I have felt more uncomfortable in some parts of Denver than I did in Israel. I know more than ever that the roots of Christianity are there. I understand that it is important for us to know that our Christian heritage is there. Everything came through Israel. That is the nation God chose to manifest Himself and His plan. It was an honor to be walking on that land and learn. It was a tremendous time, a great education.