Page 6 - Holyland Magazine - 2025 Edition
P. 6

Pilgrims on the Mount of Beatitudes.  Regional Council complex in the Southern         Seeing the Sea of Galilee where Jesus calmed
Photo: Itamar Grinberg                District of Israe. Buried for centuries, the     the storm, visiting Capernaum where He
Above: Church of All Nations Garden.  mosaic presents 55 medallions decorated          taught, standing at the Jordan River where
On right: City of David.              with hunting scenes, animals, and scenes of      He was baptized—these experiences cannot
Photos: Noam Chen                     everyday life.                                   be replicated anywhere else. They are only
                                                                                       possible in Israel.
    6 l HOLY LAND                     Recent excavations near the Church of the Holy
                                      Sepulchre have revealed signs of an ancient      And in this season, that connection is even
                                      garden—supporting the biblical accounts of       more important. Our faith hasn’t changed. The
                                      the crucifixion site and the presence of olive   promises of God haven’t changed. The land
                                      trees and grapevines.                            remains a testimony to both.

                                      These discoveries are not static relics—they     Those who have visited Israel in recent
                                      are living affirmations. They connect us to the  months will tell you: they felt safe. They felt
                                      past and to the God who continues to reveal      embraced. And they felt something they
                                      Himself through this land.                       didn’t expect—peace.

                                      In uncertain times, it is easy to hesitate. But  Israel is where God’s promises have been
                                      as people of faith, we are called not only       fulfilled and where His presence is still felt.
                                      to remember the past but to engage with          To walk the land now is to declare with your
                                      the present. Visiting Israel now is an act of    actions your faith is greater than anything else
                                      solidarity, of spiritual renewal, and of deep    you may feel, and your love for God’s people
                                      encouragement to the people who live and         and His purposes is alive and active.
                                      serve in the land.
                                                                                       Israel has always been a land of healing. It
                                      Now is not the time to wait. Now is the time to  has absorbed conflict, exile, and pain—and
                                      go—because the land needs our feet walking       still it thrives. The Holy Land teaches us what
                                      it, our prayers spoken in it, and our hearts     it means to overcome, to rebuild, and to keep
                                      tuned to the voice of God through it.            going. And in that way, it speaks to every
                                                                                       pilgrim who comes.
                                      For pastors, church leaders, and believers,
                                      Israel is more than a location on the map. It    Whether you come as a first-time visitor or
                                      is a partner in faith, a witness to Scripture,   a returning traveler of faith, you will find the
                                      and a testament for God’s ongoing story.         same vibrant life pulsing through this land.
                                      Bringing a group to Israel is one of the most    You’ll find fresh hospitality, powerful worship,
                                      transformational experiences you can offer       deep conversations, and sacred silence. You’ll
                                      your congregation. It brings unity, passion,
                                      and perspective. A renewed commitment to         ✦find renewal.
                                      your faith and to the church.

                                      Israel today is a land where the Church’s        Jill Daly serves as the Midwest Director of the Israel
                                      connection to its roots can be reawakened.       Ministry Of Tourism
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