The fun is just beginning! After saying goodbye to guests on the Return to Israel tour and the service extension, guests of our Ancient Stones and Living Stones tour have all now safely arrived. Not only will we see the ancient stones that tell the history of this amazing place, but we will engage living stones…believers in the land of Israel! This tour is different than the first, so if you have followed along previously, expect to see some different things during this journey!
Though some came a day or two early, most arrived today after very long flights from the US. We have guests from South Africa, Canada and 8 US states (including one with Albanian heritage), so we are a culturally diverse group! Our first official gathering was for dinner, then orientation. Some were here early enough to take a walk on the beach, while others took only a short stroll along the boardwalk of the cliff above the beach before going to dinner.
then off to bed to get a good night’s sleep!
We’ll begin our tour by participating in a project to prepare food packages for a senior club here in Netanya. These senior adults are primarily Russian immigrants who truly appreciate the food packages we will prepare for them, and we always have a great time interacting with them. From there, it’s on to the campus of ONE FOR ISRAEL to hear ministry updates from our team on the ground here in Israel, and to enjoy lunch with them. In the afternoon, we’ll see Caesarea by the Sea where a very special event took place! (Hint: check out Acts 10 to see if you discover what that special event might be! If not, we’ll reveal it in tomorrow’s post!)
For the vast majority of our group, this is the first time to Israel. Something amazing, yet undescribable, happens when you visit Israel for the first time. I’m looking forward to the wonderful little surprises the Lord has for each individual, and I know one thing for certain: no one will go home the same!
If you are following family or friends, welcome to the journey! You are an integral part, so I hope you will not only pray for us as we experience Israel, but that you feel a part of what we’re doing as you join us on the adventure. Perhaps we’ll see you soon in Israel!
Stay tuned. For now, shalom from Israel!
