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I want to tell you about something that makes me a better dad, husband, man of God and pastor; that is my travels and tours to Israel. I go to Israel often and I believe it is the greatest thing I can do for my own soul and to invest in the soul of others.
In 2012 I would tell you that I “Heard the call from God” to lead people to Israel. I believe that call is as strong as my call to the pastorate. I went on my first trip to Israel having no idea what to expect. I had been through many Bible courses, even having to memorize over 160 sites in Israel and regurgitate them on a blank map as a final exam in Bible School… but I had no idea how significant those sites were until I went there for myself.
Once I went, not only was the way that I read the Bible changed, but I was changed, forever. The Bible went from reading in black and white—not to color—but to Pop-up. I had a lay over in the Germany airport and God was clear with me—lead people back to Israel as a part of your life.
So the calling began. I’ve been able to lead tours for the last few years. I want you to consider coming with me. I have led a 15-year-old all the way to an 87-year-old. No matter how old or young, I think you need to go. I believe there is no greater biblical education and spiritual retreat than going to Israel. I take you on a 10-day tour through old and new testament sites. I pack 14 days worth of touring into 10 days. We cover a lot of ground and you can ask anyone who has gone with me, it is not a vacation—it is a life changing education.
A lot of pastors go to Israel as a cool thing to do—but it is more than that for me. It is a calling. I have to tell you—it is the hardest thing I do in a year. Unlike other pastor-led tours, I teach at every site, nearly 40 sermons in 10 days. I have an Israeli guide who teaches with me to provide historical context, while I give biblical and application context. I want you to know why these sites and stories matter to your life today.
You invest your money lots of places; maybe it is time to invest in your own walk with God in the most unforgettable way possible. Just to be clear—this is not a Grace Chapel funded trip. All your funds go to and through the tour company. I’ve worked the price (worked hard at that) to get it as low as possible. I am telling you—this is nearly $1000 less than most tours and the best value you can find. So come with me! The tour company has been trying to tell me each year I should take two busses, but I limit it to about 40 people because I want to get to know everyone well. We are more than ½ full already so if you are interested in coming with me, sign up quickly!
