Page 6 - Holyland Magazine - 2025 Edition
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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