Laura and I just returned from our first trip to the Holy Land. We were privileged to travel there with 21 other Christians, 9 of them were from our church. The best way I can sum up the trip is that it changes you. I am not the same guy I was when I left. I will never read the Bible the same, I will never preach the same, and hopefully, I will never live the same!
We scheduled the trip with Jerusalem Tours out of Columbus, Ohio. David and Sara Chay, the owners, are a wonderful couple who know how to put together tours to their homeland. Our guide, Kobi Kimhy, has been voted the #1 tour guide in Israel a number of times. His knowledge, personality, and genuine love for Israel cannot be matched.
One of the highlights of our trip was our time around the Sea of Galilee. We traveled to several of the places near Capernaum where Jesus lived and ministered. We walked on the mountain where he preached the Sermon on the Mount and we dipped our hands in the Sea of Galilee where he reinstated Peter after his denial (John 21). We took a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee on Sunday. While on the boat, I read the story of Peter walking on the water (Matthew 14) and we sang songs of praise.
While we were in Israel, God confirmed that He has called me to lead people to the Holy Land to experience what we experienced. As a result, I have scheduled my next trip in late October, 2013. Plan now to join us! You do not have to be a member of Shelbyville First Baptist, just contact me at srice@shelbyvillebaptist.com if you want to go or if you have any questions.
