Story: Israel Tour 2024
Did you know that throughout the past twelve years, several groups of Hillsiders have traveled to Israel to tour the very locations where the events in the Bible took place?
Jim Huber and his wife, Diane, traveled there twice—in 2017 and in 2020. “We loved the trip so much we wanted to go a second time,” Jim says, “We prayed and sang on the Mount of Olives, walked the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, floated in the Dead Sea, climbed around the mountain fortress of Masada, hiked the trail to Ein Gedi, stayed at a kibbutz on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, visited the Garden Tomb, walked through Hezekiah’s tunnel, and so much more.”
Carol Madison, who traveled there in 2017, recalls “We traveled all around the country by bus, and each part of Israel was unique in its typography and history. From the Dead Sea and desert areas to the busy city of Jerusalem to the peaceful shores of the Sea of Galilee, every stop reflected the rich history of this small but mighty nation! It is a bit surreal to stand on the hillside where Jesus preached His sermon on the Mount — and then walk down to the Sea of Galilee (which is not as big as you might think!) and stand on the shore to reflect on Jesus’ life and ministry. I loved sitting on a large rock and thinking, ‘What if Jesus actually sat here, too?'”
Lane Lackas went in 2017 as well, and says “The varied terrain in Israel surprised me. We saw the snow-capped Mount Hermon from a distance. We cooled in the springs and waterfalls in the lush forests of Ein Gedi. We sweated in the Judean desert while exploring the ancient fortress of Masada. All of this in a small plot of land.”
Ben and Katie Schmidt went in 2020, and Katie remembers walking through Hezekiah’s tunnel and coming out at the Pool of Siloam—where Jesus told the blind man to go wash his eyes. “We went from the Old Testament to the New Testament in a moment.”
Everyone spoke highly of the deepened friendships that developed between the group(s) they traveled with.
Tim Leafblad, who went there in 2011 and 2014, speaks of the “group camaraderie that lasts to this day,” and Lane speaks of the “new friendships that continue to this day.”
Jim says “We loved getting to know our fellow travelers. They truly became like another small group to us. We still have that connection whenever we see these folks at Hillside.”
Carol agrees, and speaks about the fellowship that happened over meals “I made wonderful new friends on the trip as you spend so much time together on the bus and at meals (often wonderful buffets in hotels). The food was abundant and so unique.”
Carol also experienced some deeply meaningful moments. “I loved being asked to pray on behalf of our group on the Mount of Olives and on Mount Carmel (where Elijah had his showdown with the prophets of Baal). So much spiritual significance emerged at every site we visited. It was almost too much to take in.”
Katie said that that traveling to Israel changed how she viewed the Bible—as if it changed it from black and white to color. “It brought the Bible to life! This is real history, and Jesus walked and talked and taught in these places…and we were able to walk on the very stones that He did.”
Tim says “[It] reaffirmed my faith and belief in the truth and veracity of the Scriptures.”
Carol sums it up by saying “I went to Israel knowing that the Bible is true. But I came back from Israel knowing that I know that I know that I know the Bible is true!”
Pastor Brian is pleased to announce that he and Heather are planning to bring another group to Israel, September 30-October 10, 2024. If you are interested in being a part of this trip, complete this no-commitment interest form to be placed on our Israel 2024 contact list.