Israel at War: Week 70
When friends and family heard we planned to go to Israel, there was both concern and curiosity. The curiosity showed in the question, “Why would you go to Israel now with a war on?” The primary reason is to show our solidarity with Israel at this time. At Passport Control at the airport, the agent asked me, “Why are you coming to Israel?” I answered, “We are on a tour with a group of pastors and Christian leaders to show our solidarity with Israel.” He appreciated that we came during this dangerous time in Israel. At the hotel on our last day we received a gift package from the minister of tourism who also expressed her appreciation for our coming to Israel during this time.
The concern showed in the question, “Is it safe?” Israel cares for both their citizens and the tourists. Thankfully, we had no safety issues, no rockets or bombs while we were there. We felt safe, as we saw the military at various sites where we traveled, including a swearing in ceremony of both Army and Air Force officers at the Western Wall. We heard fighter jets while near an Air Force base.
In the midst of the war, God is at work. We invited Steven Khoury, the senior pastor of Calvary Church in East Jerusalem. He told us about some of the exciting ministries going on in their church. The answer to this conflict requires a spiritual answer—the power of the gospel to change lives (Romans 1:16).
Our tour touched each of our hearts. The concern and curiosity are understandable. But by going we have a sense of contentment, a sense that we accomplished our purpose in going. I believe we had a mutually beneficial time, as we touched Israelis and they in turn touched us.
We thank God He took us there safely and brought us back safely.
