Bud Wenzel's Israel Journeys

This may be one of our last trips that will be able to see Jerusalem mostly under the control of the Jewish people. I have heard reports that President Obama plans to announce his intentions to support the division of Jerusalem as the only means of moving forward in peace. He will be announcing this in the Middle East while we are there in Israel on June 4th. Let's plan to use our trip to pray for the peace of Jerusalem while we are walking in her streets. There will be some time for you to engage Jewish people on the cobblestone streets of Old Jerusalem. Please plan to use this as an opportunity to tell them how much you (we) support them as God's people who will one day regain absolute sovereign control over all the promise land. Jewish people are curiously interested in the overwhelming display of love and support they have recently received from Christians. They are very open to it! You will have the distinct privilege of actually "blessing" them.
As a practical matter, it would be a good idea to begin packing. Remember, you want to take simple and comfortable. It will be downright hot on some days. However, don't forget a light jacket or sweatshirt for a few cooler evenings. Also, don't forget your Bible. You may want to consider a small travel sized Bible that you can carry to some of the key sites. We will be reading from Scripture along the way...especially on the Southern steps of the Temple! Oh, I am getting excited! I can't wait to see how this experience transforms you.

Tomorrow's weather in Tiberias: Sunny/ 82 degrees
Tomorrow's weather in Jerusalem: Sunny/ 76 degrees

It is a good idea to begin financial preparations for the trip. The first thing you want to do is make sure that you have proper funds for your lunches, incidentals, and "chotchskys". If you will be using cash make sure that you have a secure way to carry it. If you will be using a debit/credit card make sure you call the company to let them know you will be out of country for those dates. Finally, you will want to have your love offering and money for the luggage straps (for those who want one) ready for payment at the airport. Remember everything else is already paid for.
Many people are asking about taking pictures as well. Of course, you will want to document this once in a lifetime trip. I would encourage you to photograph thoughtfully. One of the most common complaints that I have heard from my former trips has to do with people taking too many. Is that possible?? Yes, you can get so focused on picture taking that you miss some of the very insightful and informative nuggets from our tour guide. So, bring your camera, take meaningful pictures after the guide fully informs you at each site, and make sure to number and journal your pictures as the end of each day.
Let's close today's blog with this final thought: "The greatest impact of this trip will be from what occurs to you while you are in the land...not the pictures you bring home".

T-minus 7 days and counting...

As we approach our departure to the Holy Land the excitement and anticipation continues to grow. There are many things to be excited about. This trip has the potential to be radically life changing. I believe with all of my heart that God blesses the sacrifice and effort to experience the land of the Bible. This kind of extreme effort shows no small degree of desire to know more about His Word and all His ways. We know that God reserves the deepest treasures of His heart for those who are faithful and diligent to search for them. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear".

Here are a few recommendations to assist you in preparing to gain the most from your personal journey through the land.

1. Extend your personal quiet time in God's Word just a little bit each day. Be careful that your excitement doesn't cause you to short this critical time alone with God. Try to add 5 minutes in personal prayer and Bible reading to your regular devotion every day for the next 7 days.

2. Refresh your memory by studying those passages that deal with Israel as God's chosen people of promise. Renew your understanding in the truth that God has a wonderful and glorious plan for the Jew (Romans 11:11-36).

3. Prayerfully consider all your current relationships with people. Do everything you can to be reconciled with those you are in conflict with, edify those who God has burdened your heart for, and serve those you have been placed next to. Do something obediently sacrificial for someone else this week. This will help prevent you from starting this journey from a self-serving foundation.

4. Let the excitement grow! You are going to be blessed beyond belief. The Bible is going to come to life like never before, and you are going to see the treasure of God's perfect stage for His revelation. You can expect for your soul to be quickened and your mind stimulated.

The weather forecast for tomorrow in Tiberias is 88 degrees/ Jerusalem 81 degrees!

The Crossover in the Holy Land trip is in sight. We will be leaving on Monday morning, May 25, 2009. Please watch for daily updates, pictures, and trip information. Please pray for our safety...please pray for our spiritual growth...and please pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Our next trip to the Holy Land is already confirmed!

ISRAEL: A BIBLICAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE HOLY LAND
This trip is January 7 - January 18, 2010

Please email me if you would like a brochure at bwenzel@wvbaptist.org