God moments from our Israel Retreat Group
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Today at the Western Wall I’m feeling so many things at once. There’s reverence, being surrounded by all these women of different ages, holding their Bibles and whispering their prayers. There’s also confusion—do they know that the Messiah, my Savior, has already come? And sadness, because the Temple Mount—the place they hold most dear—is something they can no longer enter. It sits just on the other side of this tall, battered wall. They come here to reach out to You, God. Thousands of tiny scraps of paper, folded tight, prayed over and tucked lovingly into the cracks between the stones. As I sit a little ways back from the wall, I watch these women come and go. I marvel at the wall itself—its sheer size, each massive stone shaped and stacked as the foundation of Your city. I notice scraggly plants growing out of some gaps in the stone, vibrant green but few in number. A dove sits perched in a crevice, resting in the shade the wall provides. A much smaller bird disappears into another crack—clearly he has made his home in this strong, ancient place. And I can’t help wondering: what if they knew what was on the other side of this beautiful, enduring stone wall? They could have a relationship with Jesus. Their rituals are meaningful, and their devotion is admirable, but tragically misplaced. It feels like such a sad state of religious competition. I wish they knew what we know—that there is a Savior they can know personally. Luke 19: 41-42 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city he wept over it and said “if you even knew and only known on this day, what would bring you peace but now it is hidden from your eyes.
Sheila Stearns
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Wow… I had so many moments on this trip, each one totally different. But in Saint Ann’s Church during worship—something happened I didn’t expect at all. I truly thought I was going to break down and cry, but it was the complete opposite. I felt free from past trauma in a way I had never felt before. No crying… just a deep, overwhelming freedom. I smiled so much, eyes closed, worshiping, and it felt like I was the only one in the room. When I finally opened my eyes, the love I felt around me was indescribable. Yes, parts of the trip brought back pain and suffering, and I thought about all the hurt Israel has endured. But Jesus reminded me that He suffered my pain so I don’t have to carry it anymore. I will always remember how He allowed me to feel the freedom from bondage inside Saint Ann’s Church. I'll also never ever forget being able to hug and tell people I love them. I will stay focused on my Lord and Savior. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
Carren Cook
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I don't have a specific moment, instead it's a series of moments that have culminated in a lesson over the course of the trip. On this trip I've learned that I can push myself past my self made limits and can do (and have done) things that I never thought I'd be able to do. I've also learned that people actually like me and care about me outside of my family and that I have worth. God has always loved me as the unique creation He made me to be, but I've always had a hard time accepting myself and allowing myself to take joy in my accomplishments. I've always been afraid I'd veer into the pride side of things, but there's a big difference between being prideful taking all the credit and being proud of who God made me to be. This trip has helped build my confidence and positive self image in immeasurable ways, and I love our group and how they have loved me back.
Brian Mohler
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Walking though the ancient streets of Jerusalem with all the chaos, noise of the vendors, rain pouring bigger than the rain drops here in Seattle, the world around me felt quieter as if time itself had slowed. This reminded me God saying "I am with you always". With each step, my heart grow heavier yet lighter, burdened by unspoken thoughts but lifted by a gentle peace I could not explain. As I continued walking, I knew I would carry that moment forever, a divine encounter etched into my journey, a reminder that even among stones and ancient walls, God still walks beside us. My heart overflowed with thankfulness and gratitude to God for the blessing of this journey. What began as a trip with strangers (except for Mary Ann ) slowly unfolded into a shared faith, laughter and understanding, until those I have never known became my family. I realized, that this journey was not only the places I visited, but the people God placed beside me. Thank God the tomb is empty! Let us rejoice!! In His love,
Eva Ibero aka "Auntie"
Israel Retreat Resources
Yes. Israel is Open. Our group can go.
Israel needs you. You need Israel.
Israelis want to meet visitors who will help and listen. As the Bible says, “Comfort, comfort my people.”
Philip’s House offers Solidarity Trips to pick fruit at short-handed farms, meet families displaced by war, serve a BBQ to soldiers, weed, clean, paint, or do anything else to help Israelis get back on their feet.
Many Israelis have never met a follower of Jesus like you.
Some Israelis might imagine the New Testament teaches Christians to harm Jews. Their experience with the church over the centuries has not been positive.
Your visit to Israel can help. The Jews gave you a Messiah. Now, you can be like Jesus to Jews and Arabs.
How? Just help and listen. Start talking, and Israelis will talk back to you. Israelis are open people.
Every Israeli has a story to tell from the war.
To feel the terror attacks of October 7, 2023, think about the attack on the World Trade Centers. On September 11, 2001, terrorists killed over 3,500 people in New York and Washington.
Proportionately, if Israel’s October 7 attacks occurred in the United States, 55,000 people would have died.
How would you respond to that many deaths at home? That’s how Israelis feel.
Scrolling news about Israel can make you feel helpless. Travel to Israel and make a difference.
