Wow what a journey!!!!

Meticulously planned and a wonderful experience. Life-changing in the truest sense of the word. I have a new passion for the Old Testament and fullness of the Bible. Almost too much information to absorb! I learned so much that I’m not sure where to start to explain it! I grew in my faith tremendously. I have a keen interest in the Old Testament now that did not exist before the trip. I see the Bible as one complete text now and not in division of Old and New. Totally transformed my view of the Bible, time, and the land of Israel. I go from a naive, “Just give me Jesus” Christian to a man that sees Jesus in the totality of the word. I also have a passion for Israel that is strong and I miss that land every day since we departed.

I have been challenged in several areas spiritually and will be using this next year to work through some of the spiritual truths that were shared on the trip. On my first trip to Israel two years ago, I felt like it was more learning about the places and what happened there,

but on this trip I really sensed a greater connection between the places we visited with the spiritual themes being emphasized. The repeated spiritual truths and connections were great. I am so grateful John got to share spiritual insights I could grasp. He greatly increased the spiritual growth experience and was always ready to answer my many questions. Ron was also easy to understand and I appreciated his teaching as well. I thought it was great how well they worked together to help us understand the spiritual truths related to what we were seeing. The boat ride on the Sea of Galilee was a spiritual high this trip. After experiencing the wilderness, the beauty of the sea and the worship music was very moving.

Father’s House, Thank you so much for the time, energy and care you put into our Israel trip. I am so grateful for the loving attention you gave to our group from Pedernales River Fellowship. May the Lord continue to bless you as you serve Him. In Christ, Greg

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.

I have been challenged in several areas spiritually and will be using this next year to work through some of the spiritual truths that were shared on the trip. On my first trip to Israel two years ago, I felt like it was more learning about the places and what happened there, but on this trip I really sensed a greater connection between the places we visited with the spiritual themes being emphasized. The repeated spiritual truths and connections were great. I am so grateful John got to share spiritual insights I could grasp. He greatly increased the spiritual growth experience and was always ready to answer my many questions. Ron was also easy to understand and I appreciated his teaching as well. I thought it was great how well they worked together to help us understand the spiritual truths related to what we were seeing. All the materials and suggested readings before the trip really helped. The trip increases your desire to learn even more. I loved having specific Scriptures to read and information to research. I can’t wait to go back in 2013. I definitely want our youngest to have this experience too. I’m praying our whole family will be able to return Christmas of 2013.

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!

I was so blessed by being able to go to Israel. I have always had my own idea of what Israel was and is today. That view has been enhanced and changed forever. Being able to walk where Jesus walked, seeing Peter’s home, walking in the Garden has given me a new understanding of Israel. It was awesome to be in the land where Jesus was born, grew up, left this earth physically, and will one day soon return. If you ever have the opportunity, you must go to Israel. The experience will change your life.

Thank you Father’s House for your part in tikkun olam through educating pastors in Israel, taking orphans of the streets of Davao City, Philippines, providing a way through Hannah House for babies to live and not die and their mothers to learn the life skills they need to make better choices, for supporting the education of Israeli sabra youth in cutting edge media so that they can compete in the world market. May the blessings continue to flow through you as you continue to give into the repair of the world.

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.