Shalom, What a joy to get to know each team member, I know we were all called to be on this trip. Moshe was amazing. His knowledge of God’s word was inspiring. His love zeal for the preservation of Israel is God’s call on his life. I feel so privileged to have experienced the tabernacle in the wilderness, the march into Old Jerusalem, having a military escort to the Jordan River and on and on. He brought God’s word to life. I was reading about Peter today and thought, wow, I’ve been in his home and realized that he didn’t have far to go to hear the Sermon on the Mount. The scribe and all the different speakers thrilled my heart. Thank you, Moshe. John’s knowledge of the Word of God and his sweet Godly spirit won our hearts. One of my most heartfelt times was John sharing how the shofar blew from the temple wall at the beginning of the Sabbath and his belief that Jesus rose from the dead at that exact time – Awesome! The boat ride on the Sea of Galilee on “Faith” was so special it’s difficult to choose a favorite. Re-living this amazing journey has blessed and encouraged me. All the pastors were a blessing to us.

After traveling from Fresno, Ca. to Israel I was ready to smell fresh air, touch solid ground. Many prayers had been answered, we arrived safe and my desires to come back to Israel became a reality. After going through customs, getting our baggage we as a group embarked upon Israel, ready to take the next step in our journey. The most impressive moment was our welcome.

There was a tiny curly headed woman jumping up and down saying in a most angelic voice “WELCOME HOME.” My first sight in Israel on my second journey. This brought tears of joy to a old man’s heart. The following morning my eyes were opened to only things I had read about and saw pictures of. Moshe began to teach and share with us his developed knowledge of his home land. I marveled at how he was able to remember every detail of the moment we shared. There one spot I was so moved: when Moshe took us to Shepherd’s Field and we saw what is believed to be the actual birth place of Our Lord Jesus. Not to say that there were not other places: the City of David, the place Christ was handed over to the crowd and his walk down Via Dolorosa where He carried His cross, Mt. Nebo where Moses looked over the Holy Land, the walk under the City of David through the tunnels. I encourage other churches and their pastors to connect with Father’s House. I think that Father’s House, Moshe, and Dr. John and Roxie Turner have put together a very viable tour to the Holy Land. I applaud them. Dr. Turner is a very good teacher of Israel and its history. Thanks to the both of them.

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel towards you for what you have done in my life. A number of years ago when I was doing some work to help in the aftermath of Katrina I met a new Christian who was telling me about his story. He said that God had totally “messed up” his life! He went on to explain that God had so changed his life that he would never be the same in a good way God had changed his whole perspective of life. Well this Israel trip and what I saw and heard has totally “messed up” my life! In a good and most incredible way! It is as if blinders have been removed from my spiritual eyes! Every passage, every reference to God’s people,  a place so captures my attention that I get hung up in a verse or two and feast upon His Truths. The perspective of what God did where it took place layer upon layer literally blows my mind! I can’t take it all in. And I feel like I am just getting started. Needless to say, it has transformed my life, my preaching and my ministry. How God allowed my life to be connected with you, with Bono, Moshe, the Fathers House… Well, that still amazes me! But I do know this, what you have sown into me has spread to our church! Like a wild fire, the desire to go to Israel is spreading we will, Lord willing, go with the Fathers House next year. This is the plan we believe God is leading us in and I can’t wait for it to come about! Your gift came at such a good time for us. Leslie and I needed a break together. We are so blessed to have such a gracious and loving church family, but our time away was refreshing and invigorating. In fact, Leslie and I have resolved one day to find a spot on the Sea of Galilee to just spend a week or two! Who knows what will happen but we take great delight in even thinking about it. Well, more could be said. Yet “words” seem so inadequate in expressing the overflow of my heart. Thank you. Thank you for your gift for your investment in me for looking beyond the things of this world that you might sow for the next. That is a rare thing in our day yet I believe you have brought the Father and all His House great joy and glory in what you have done. May the fullness of His Spirit rest upon each of you this day, and like Joseph of old may He cause to prosper all that you set your hands to! To God be the Glory!

The recent trip to Israel was a tremendous blessing.  I personally have been able to travel to the Promised Land now on three different occasions.  While each one was special, I think this last trip was the most meaningful because of who went with me.  This is the first opportunity I have had to take members of the Bono congregation as well.  Seeing their joy and amazement at being in the land of the Bible was priceless.  The trip to Israel, over 3,000 dollars.  The gasoline to the airport and home again, 60 dollars.  The smiles and tears on faces of those who saw where Jesus walked, lived, taught, and died…PRICELESS!  They will never view the Word of God in quite the same light again.  Chris Ellison, fellow Bono traveler, perhaps summed it up best.  When ask what he thought about the trip, he said “It’s not just a story anymore!”  The Word has taken on new meaning and a passion for learning more of God has been stirred.  I would encourage, challenge, implore…beg if need be…any Pastor to find his way to a Father’s House tour of Israel.  It is unlike any other tour and is certain to spark renewal in the hearts of all those blessed to go.  Not to mention, the Word promises that God will bless those who bless Israel.  Be blessed by the Father’s House so that they in turn will be blessed in future trips and so that you might bless others with this life-changing experience.  Just let the blessings flow!