This was our first trip to Israel and our first mission trip as a married couple. It became for us a "mission-anniversary" commemorating our 5 years of marriage and introducing us to the Land and People that God has betrothed to Himself.
We enjoyed the time together, seeing the land, and touching the stones and hearts of the people of Israel. This was certainly a perspective shaping experience. I imagine it won't be too long before we're back in the land of Israel.
The Jewish Agency for Israel
JAFI is a national institute that sponsors humanitarian efforts around the world that benefit the state of Israel. Our team met with JAFI leaders discussing God's heart for the nation of Israel and hearing how their programs are shaping Israel's future.
God says, "You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you [Israel] a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." - Isaiah 49:6
Through the Jewish Agency we toured the Knesset, met with representatives from the Prime Minister's office, visited a kibbutz on the Gaza border, had dinner with young IDF soldiers, and visited an absorption center where Jewish immigrants live while they learn Hebrew and settle into their new communities.
In addition to the new and renewed connections we made with people and ministries in the land, we also were able to see many of the great historic (& prophetic) places that Israel alone offers. We spent almost a week in Jerusalem, praying upon the walls of the old city, singing in the upper room, meditating in the garden of Gethsemane, and shopping in the markets.
We also visited Shiloh, the historic site of the tabernacle where ancient Israel worshiped in the presence of the Lord. And we toured the region of Galilee seeing the places where Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount, taught in the synagogues, and healed many people.
