Written By Kim St.Onge
Preaching from a boat on the Sea of Galilee and worshipping Jesus in Old Jerusalem are two highlights Pastor Wes Martin recalls from his first experience leading a trip to Israel in 2019. Joel Richardson, a New York Times bestselling author, filmmaker, and occasional guest speaker at Grace, will also be leading the upcoming trip in May 2023. Richardson has led over 20 trips to Israel and other countries in the Middle East. Martin and Richardson’s first trip leading together in 2019 involved over 30 people from Grace and another 40 from outside Grace Church.
Grace Church leaders partner with local historians from Israel for the 12-day tour. The group travels from site-to-site learning about the history of each area. Martin and Richardson also share Bible teachings during the trip.Each morning and evening the group has time to reflect, pray and fellowship. On the 2019 trip, they spent one morning on a rooftop in Old Jerusalem worshipping Jesus and praying for the nation of Israel. “It was incredible,” Martin said, recounting the memory.
The cost per person for the trip, which runs May 1 through May 12, 2023 is just under $5,000. Everyone must pay their own way. The price includes travel, lodging, your visa, and almost all meals.Martin said being on the same land that the stories of the Bible occurred was the most impactful part of his trip in 2019. “It’s surreal,” Martin added. “It brings the stories to life when you can see real land markers that connect you to the stories. Also, the promise of Jesus returning…seeing the many places He’s promised to return to is incredible,” he said.
You can register to join the trip up until the group leaves for Israel if space is available.Whether you attend or not, the group would appreciate your prayers for safety and revelation as they walk in Jesus’ steps. For more information about the May trip, click here.
