In April 2023, a group of thirty-three individuals from the church travelled to Israel, gaining first-hand experiences in places where powerful Biblical events unfolded, as well as walking where Jesus walked. Dr. Randall Smith lead and taught the group throughout the trip, enhancing understanding of the geography and God’s Word. A few people have shared their takeaways from their experience on this impactful trip.

Keith Crain

While sitting in the ruins of an amphitheater in Scythopolis (Beth Shean), Dr. Smith shared how there was a large number of religious Jewish settlements just down the street from this pagan Roman city. Many of the young Jews would travel to the amphitheater to participate in the entertainment of the day. The Romans used the entertainment venues to indoctrinate the youth into the “Roman Way” of life. It was through entertainment that they brought normalcy to lifestyle choices that were unthinkable to the Jewish way of life.
 
A reality for me is satan has no new ideas. His strategies that corrupted generations some 2000+ years ago are the strategies he continues to use today. We are offered countless hours of unholy entertainment on a daily basis. And for many people, they don’t even realize their minds are being slowly shaped away from what the Lord wants for us.
 
I just want to encourage all of us that are investing in the next generation to keep up the good fight. It is worth our efforts.
 
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Natalie Kiefer 

One thing that impressed me about being in Israel is seeing that there is so much archeological evidence of what is written in the Bible, that there shouldn't be any doubt that it's all true! They've only scratched the surface of what is still buried all over the country! I never doubted the truth of the Bible, but now I have seen so many places that I've read about all my life that my faith is just that much stronger now. Go if you ever have the opportunity. You won't be disappointed, especially if Dr. Smith is your guide!

Elyse Boggs

My one takeaway was regarding Dr. Randy Smith’s teaching over Psalm 23 as we were overlooking Shepherd’s Field on the site of a Byzantine Church/Monastery. This is noted to be where the angel announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. It was an incredible site to sit and listen to Randy speak. As I went back and watched his teaching, it was so peaceful with the birds loudly chirping the entire time and significance of the spot we were sitting among.
 
Also to note, I have had a reoccurring theme of sheep in my life the past few years. I have learned about them and even would become emotional when seeing sheep online. The Lord gave me an image once of Him holding a baby lamb and leaving the 99 for the one (me) several times and I can close my eyes and envision this with a peace that comes over me at any time.
 
Dr. Randy went into detail about the background of a sheep and their shepherd, along with behaviors and responsibilities one must pay attention to as a shepherd. He tied that into Psalm 23 and also went into more detail on the Hebrew background of this Scripture. Randy learned more about Psalm 23 by going out for 2 weeks to tend to a flock of sheep with a shepherd.
 
As a shepherd, there are 4 things the shepherd has to do in order to have his sheep “lie down in green pastures.”

1. They must have enough to eat
2. They need to have enough to drink
3. If they itch/hunger/thirst/sick, they won’t lie down, but they stand and shiver
4. They have to feel secure

 Our Heavenly Shepherd knows what we need to eat, drink, how to clean us out, and how to make us feel secure and loved. There are certain things sheep are afraid of, like running water, so the shepherd will go before the sheep and do what’s needed to make the sheep feel secure (He leads me beside quiet waters-v. 2). There are times we walk in a “moral haze” but our Shepherd will restore/refresh our soul (v. 3). Paths where sheep roam are scattered every which way due to their nature of following the sheep in front of them and looking down all day to eat. This is just like our life where the “path of righteousness” (v. 3) is not a straight path but no matter where those crooked, up, down, and all around paths take us, the Lord, Our Shepherd, is guiding us just as that shepherd is guiding his flock.

“You’re not called to follow the objective, you’re called to follow the Shepherd, whichever way He leads.” Dr. Randy

Levi Burkholder 

I'm glad for the opportunity to get to know Jesus better.   

Jesus was a man and a friend. He was an approachable, caring person on the street. He was a patient, encouraging friend that expected you to become better than you are today.

When Jesus spoke, He used examples that the people He was speaking to understood well. Though He was, He didn't come across as better than you. He was not competing for authority or significance. He owned his role. He was relaxed and comfortable. 

He was the kind of person I want to hang out with and learn from.

Vicki Topolski 

Jerusalem was my takeaway. I wanted to stay! While strolling through the quarters of the Old City, I thought to myself, "I could live here." There was so much history, culture, and many walks with Jesus. Also, Dr. Randy's abundant teachings on the Bible including the various cities where Jesus walked and taught.

Jerusalem was where I felt the most emotion. I felt so at peace within the walls of this city. I carry this peace and calm with me today, a peace and calm that wasn't present in me before my venture to Israel. Watching homeland families and kids walk along the cobbled streets presented unique and wonderful movies in my mind. Experiencing the city from different points­– ground level and walking on top of the wall with its most magnificent views of Jerusalem...priceless! It truly is the Holy City.

This trip changed how I worship, how I read my Bible, changed my relationship with Jesus, and grew me spiritually. I can't encourage others enough to make this journey.

Greg Lucero

During the Israel trip and until now, my Bible reading plan has been in Isaiah. The scripture came alive especially during our time in Jerusalem. Yesterday, I read this:

"As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." Isaiah 62:5

Jesus is a Builder.

We learned that Jesus was not a carpenter, but instead a stone mason or builder. Wood suitable for carpentry was a precious and expensive commodity in ancient Israel. We saw a boat from the Sea of Galilee from about 40 BC that was constructed of scraps from 10 different types of wood, suggesting a scarcity of wood. Also, note that Solomon imported cedar from Lebanon to build the first temple in Jerusalem. The Greek word tektōn, describing Joseph's profession in Mark 6:3, means craftsman. It has been traditionally interpreted as "carpenter" by Bible translators, but "builder" would be more appropriate in Joseph's case. Homes were built out of stone, of which there was and still is an abundance. Builders in Jerusalem today are even required to use Jerusalem stone. Since they were poor, Mary and Joseph's family likely lived in a cave dwelling.

Communion celebrates Jesus's covenant of marriage to the Church.

A ketubah is a traditional Jewish marriage contract. According to ancient tradition, the woman would have no say in the negotiation but would have the right to refuse it. If the woman accepted the ketubah, she would bake bread for the bridegroom, and the agreement would be sealed by sharing a cup of wine. At that point, the couple would be considered married although the marriage was not consummated, and the bride would continue living with her parents until the wedding. A second cup of wine would be shared when the groom returns for the wedding and takes his bride home.

"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take it; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 'This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,' he said to them. 'Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.'" Mark 14:22-25

"On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, 'They have no more wine.' 'Woman, why do you involve me?' Jesus replied. 'My hour has not yet come.'" John 2:1-4

"'Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.' (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)" Revelation 19:7-8

This is just a small sprinkling of the water hose of knowledge Dr. Smith blasted us with over the entire trip.

Veronique Mackowiak

The study tour was awesome! We all got along well. I loved that we got to walk where Jesus walked. I learned so many things, got baptized in the Jordan River, and got to ride a camel. The people in Israel and Palestine were helpful and kind.

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