I’m sitting at JFK airport in NYC waiting to board a flight to Tel Aviv. To say I’m excited would be an understatement! I’ve never been there before.
Well, I’ve been close.
For those of you who know us, you will probably remember that we were headed that way two years ago. And we got close.
Real close.
Like a hundred miles close.
Then the boat caught on fire. (You can read about that HERE) I felt a little like Moses. We could see the promised land but we couldn’t get in.
This time I think it’s going to be different. Here’s the deal: I’m going with several of my friends who pastor ARC churches, as guests of the Israeli government. I’m not sure if they felt bad about my experience last time or are just interested in promoting good will between our countries. I’ll take it either way!
Seriously, this seems like a wonderful opportunity to grow in my faith and understanding of the Jesus story. After having celebrated Easter I’m looking forward to experiencing it first hand. I want to bring back a fresh understanding and a renewed passion to share the Good News.
You can do two things:
That’s it for now.
Shalom
I’m SO excited and happy for you! I was able to go to Israel in 1992. What a joy to be able to see so many of the places we read about all the time in the Bible. I will pray for your trip and the encounters you will have there. God bless your whole group. Shalom!
Comment by Betsy Clark — April 26, 2011 @ 9:01 pm
I’ll be praying for your trip Greg. Is Debbie with you this time?
Comment by Vicki Bane — April 26, 2011 @ 9:06 pm
OH how wonderful this trip will be. I have always wanted to see some of the Holly land. Prayers to you all. It very well might be your trip of a life time.
Comment by cyndi — April 26, 2011 @ 9:22 pm
SHINING FOR US AGAIN AS ALWAYS, WE ARE TRUELY BLESSED HAVING SURRATTS TO IMPACT OUR LIVES.
Comment by JANIE GIORGI — April 26, 2011 @ 9:25 pm
This is a great opportunity! Praying that you will have a wonderful, meaningful experience.
Comment by SandyM — April 26, 2011 @ 10:25 pm
Safe travels Pastor Greg! Prayers being lifted up!
Comment by Shannon Heiling — April 27, 2011 @ 6:50 am
Praying for safe travel. Romans 15:13! God had great plans for you!
Comment by Alice Brunk — April 27, 2011 @ 8:39 am
God is with you all Greg. It’s a wonderful experience, and one that you will cherish for the rest of your life, as I have. Safe home, Diana
Comment by Diana Warren — April 27, 2011 @ 9:00 am
Safe journey Pastor Greg! I’m sure you will be blessed! My prayers will be with you and the group!
Comment by Brenda Hatton — April 27, 2011 @ 11:02 am
Enjoy yourself, Pastor Greg!
Comment by Taylor Knock — April 27, 2011 @ 11:04 am
Greg, Lolie and I toured Israel in January, up north near the border, south to the Dead Sea, back to Jerusalem. It is life changing to say the least! We went inside the tomb, which was the highlight among many…Have a safe trip. The food is very good!
Comment by Jack and Lolie Ward — April 27, 2011 @ 11:43 am
You have yoursel a great time! Will definitely praying for you and your group.
Comment by Love — April 27, 2011 @ 12:31 pm
Pastor Greg,
I am so excited for you to go to Israel. I fly there June 7th!! I have been blessed to go before, but am really looking forward to my trip. I was invited to an orthodox wedding of dear friends over there. It just puts a new depth of love for The Lord, and His People in you. The Bible really came alive for me after visiting there. I will love following your trip here!! Be Blessed!! Jane Howerth
Comment by Jane Howerth — April 27, 2011 @ 3:38 pm
Karen and I will be cruising the Med between the 9th and the 28th. We will be praying for you and ask you to pray for us…no fires please…
Comment by Bill Gadol — April 27, 2011 @ 4:43 pm
שלום, כן אני יהיה להתפלל. ישראל תהנה!
Comment by Shari Lively Haller — April 27, 2011 @ 5:13 pm
Walking the Holy Land changes your life. Jesus will meet you there in a very special way. Keep a watch out for the moment. Also, here’s a question to ponder: is a holy place a place where Jesus was or where Jesus is? A question put to us by our guide, which becomes quite profound during the whole experience. God bless you and the other pastors!
Comment by Ann Shower — April 27, 2011 @ 9:33 pm
Bless you all. Beliveing for such an encounter with the Holy Spirit for each one of you. So excited for you (only there one memorable time)and know that your heart will bring back so much of Israel to us as a church. Will be praying for you and for the peace of Jerusalem.
Comment by Kathy Horne — April 28, 2011 @ 1:18 pm
Hello Pastor Greg,
We are so glad you have finally made it to Israel. We pray that God will fully open your eyes to whatever the reason is that he brought you there at this time. It is an amazing thing to walk where Jesus walked and just be at the sea of Galilee. Scriptures come alive!
Be safe and we will look forward to hearing your stories when you return.
Blessings,
John and Sue Peckham
Comment by susan peckham — May 1, 2011 @ 11:42 pm
Shalom, Pastor Greg! So excited for you as one who has been there 11 times–I always learn something new. May the Lord richly bless your time in Israel; I know you’ll spend the rest of your life unpacking all you see and experience.
Bryan Beyer
Professor of Old Testament, Columbia International University
Regular, Irmo Campus!
Comment by Bryan Beyer — May 2, 2011 @ 9:09 pm