As we all settle back into routines following our Israel tour, there are certain memories that surely will not fade:

• Our first meeting together in Israel. Everyone bonded very quickly and we knew we were in for a blessed time.
• Loving on Holocaust survivors and other elderly Israelis. Stops at the seniors club in Netanya and the retirement home in Haifa provided opportunities to interact with older people who have endured far more than we can ever imagine. To pour out our love on them was a blessing, and those memories will last a lifetime.
• Spending time at One for Israel, hearing reports of all the incredible kingdom work going on there and enjoying lunch with the staff was fun and informative.
• Meeting with other various OFI staffers who graciously gave of their time to meet us in the evenings to share their stories was also a blessing. The ministry that took place with Alice (a women’s ministry “success story”) was amazing.
• Ministry among our group was also very sweet. Some in our group were there following losses, some were in the midst of difficult things, and others were touched in unexpected ways. The Mount of Beatitudes provided an opportunity to minister in a very unexpected way that was very precious.
• Time in the Galilee was filled with unexpected blessings. Quiet contemplation was a gift, fun and frivolity as we sailed the Sea of Galilee was a highlight, and walking where Jesus spent the majority of His ministry was impactful in many ways.
• Seeing the magnitude of Masada, floating in the Dead Sea, and enjoying the oasis of Ein Gedi (where David cut the hem of Saul’s rob) was memorable.
• Entering Jerusalem for the first time is always a highlight. Something happens in those moments that cause many to feel “at home.” There is certainly a draw upon the hearts of believers when you pop out of a tunnel leading into Jerusalem and Temple Mount is laid out before you.
• Strolling the streets of the Old City. Everything from the markets in the Muslim and Armenian quarters, to the end of the Via Delarosa in the Christian quarter, to the Western Wall in the Jewish quarter. We experienced it all! The sights, the sounds and the smells will live forever.
• Touring Yad Vashem. Such a sobering experience to see the evidence of so much hatred and death is overwhelming. To fathom why so many deny the Holocaust (or at least the depths of depravity of it) is beyond comprehension. Then, to experience the simple, but profound, children’s memorial is a gut punch to all who consider the loss of 1 million Jewish children during the Holocaust.
• Visiting places such as the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Garden Tomb are reminders of the solemn Holy Week in which Jesus wept over Jerusalem, was betrayed by a kiss, was put on trial, crucified and buried. But the greatest reminder of all was seeing the empty tomb and knowing that King Jesus could not be held by death or the tomb. He rose again as the first fruits, making our salvation possible!

Those memories only scratch the surface. Every person comes away with their own set of memorable moments that will last a lifetime. If you had a loved one on this tour, please ask them about their most cherished memories. Each has a story to tell and a testimony to share.

Those who love Israel cannot visit the land without leaving a chunk of their heart there. Add to that the bonding that took place with our group, and we return with hearts that long to return, and friendship that refuse to fade.

Sunday posts are typically focused on worship, prayer and contemplation, but tomorrow I will close out our tour rewind with some final thoughts. Be sure to check in tomorrow!