Inside View Mar/Apr 2026
It was the spring of 1990 when I first set foot in Israel. As a teenager, I spent 16 unforgettable days with The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry in the land of the Bible, discovering how closely Scripture is connected to the geography and culture of the Holy Land. Standing in the very places I had heard about since my early childhood made it impossible for me to read my Bible the same way ever again. The experience deepened my love for God’s Chosen People and set me on a course for full-time ministry.
When I came home, many people asked me to share my favorite moment from the tour. Without hesitation, I responded that the communion service at the Garden Tomb most resonated with me. To be in Jerusalem, taking the bread and the cup and considering the depth of Jesus’ love for me—dying in my place and paying for my sins—was truly powerful.
I never imagined that, years later, I would bring others to Israel on our Up to Jerusalem tours and enjoy seeing first-time pilgrims to the nation make their own discoveries and experience unforgettable moments, as I did when I first visited. These spiritually influential encounters often arise unexpectedly and vary significantly among participants.
On our last trip, the Lord encouraged me greatly with an unexpected moment at the Jordan River, where believers from many tours, including ours, were being baptized. I had witnessed baptisms there before; but this time, I was moved by hearing people praying in many different languages and singing praises to the Lord with melodies both familiar and unfamiliar to me. Seeing the joy on their faces, I felt a kinship with them as they testified to the Messiah’s work in their lives by making a public commitment to Him in baptism.
The experience transcended the boundaries of culture and language. It brought to mind a wonderful, future day following the Great Tribulation for worshipers of the one true God:
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev. 7:9–10).
As I reflected on these verses after the baptism, my colleague, sharing my awe, exclaimed, “This is a taste of heaven!” It was indeed. The sovereign God of the universe alone has the power to redeem sinners and make brothers and sisters out of strangers and enemies.
I invite you to join us on a future Up to Jerusalem tour. You undoubtedly will have your own moments when the Lord will use His Word and the Holy Land to strengthen your faith. The words of the Bible connect in profound ways when you visit the sites where its events unfolded, such as:
→ The Valley of Elah, which we stand above and remember when David showed great faith in the God of Israel and defeated Goliath.
→ The Mount of Beatitudes, where we read the Sermon on the Mount together.
→ The Sea of Galilee, which we sail across and envision Jesus calming the storm.
Moments like these put the literal truth of God’s Word and the historical foundation of our faith on full display.
Our tours are designed to touch both head and heart. You are sure to return home transformed, with a fuller picture of the Bible and how things fit together in God’s plan; a better understanding of His everlasting promises to the Jewish people; and a renewed commitment to live boldly for the King of kings, who will one day return to rule from His throne in Jerusalem. I hope to see you on a future tour up to Jerusalem!
