Concerned About Safety? |
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Thoughts from the 2006 team, which was in Israel during a conflict with Lebanon. "If I had know prior to my departure that there was going to be a war with Lebanon, I would have gone without question. I never felt like my life was at risk. If others are concerned about traveling to Israel in the year ahead, I would tell them to simply go. I think Israel is relatively safe and I would return without hesitation." "I still would have gone to Israel despite what was going on with Lebanon. It was a time that we could trust in nothing but Yeshua, and that is a great place to be. It's my prayer that we will all grow completely dependant on Him for everything. There were moments during the trip that I felt like we were at risk, but the leaders were looking out for our safety, and I knew our group was completely anointed and protected, so I never feared the rocket attacks. I would say to anyone considering traveling to Israel and concerned about safety, If you feel called by God, don't hesitate for a second. Obedience to the Lord is more important than staying in a ‘safe' place." "Even if I had known before I left for Israel that there was going to be a war with Lebanon, I still would have still gone, because I had been called to go and I trusted God in that calling. I did not feel any fear at all during the trip, I knew that I was traveling in God's will and that is the safest place to be. I would tell people who are concerned about traveling to go to God in prayer and listen to His voice. He will not send you if He can't use you due to fear, or maybe He'll send you in fear to do a wonderful work in your life." "I never once felt in any danger. I think the war with Lebanon made the trip more meaningful. It was almost a privilege to experience the reality of a nearby war. It made more of an impact to be there than what it would have been to watch it on TV from the other side of the world. I think it helped me to appreciate the peace and security I have in North America, as well as give a better understanding of the reality of what the Israelis and Lebanese are living through. As a result, I can pray more effectively and with more of a burden. My personal faith also grew as I put my trust in God each day. I really experienced God's perfect peace that I was in His will and that He had a purpose for our team being there. I also believe the war was more difficult on my friends and relatives back home than it was for me while I was busy having a good time fellowshipping with God and our team. My advice to others in the future...follow hard after God wherever He leads. There is no safer place than in His will." "There is no doubt in my mind that I would have gone to Israel even with the war going on with Lebanon! I knew God was calling me to go so I knew He would protect and provide for the team and me. I never felt like my life was at risk. I knew that the leadership of our team had strong, informative Israeli contacts who were keeping them updated on the situation. I think everyone needs to go to Israel! Until Jesus comes back there will be never be peace in the Middle East, so there's no point in waiting around for a better time to go." "Had I known that a war was going to break out in Israel, I would not have gone. That being said, I knew I was going to a place that is always in a state of conflict. So on a very basic level I was prepared for some hostility, but not rockets within a few miles from where we were. Even though there were times I felt my life was at risk, the trip opened my eyes to the relevance and importance of Israel in God's redemptive plan and it tapped into my heart for global missions and evangelism. I'm looking forward to hopefully going back next summer." "I'm 99% sure that I still would have gone even had I know about the war in advance. I admit that I had doubts a few months prior to our departure. I was learning about the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts in my politics course, and that scared me. However, a member from my church reminded me that whenever God chooses to call you home, it doesn't matter where in the world you are. Whether at home or in Israel, He's in control of my life. Why miss an opportunity to serve God in His own land just because you fear for your life here on Earth? This really comforted me, and it took my mind off of being concerned for my own life. I never really felt like my life was at risk. I trusted our leaders and I knew that God had a plan for our group. I couldn't let the conflict consume my time in Israel, or else I wouldn't have been able to take so many experiences from the trip." "By no exaggeration, hands-down, this trip was the best experience of my life! Honestly, if I had known this was the type of trip God had in mind to experience Israel, I would have tried to talk more of my friends into coming with me! I can truly say I never felt fear in my entire experience with the Israeli conflict with Hezbollah/Lebanon. I trusted the guidance of our leadership team because I knew the Lord wanted us in Israel and would guide our journey according to His plan. I highly encourage anyone that can get themselves to step foot on Israel's soil that their lives will never be the same. If God prompts you to go and you can...just GO and trust God to be your Protector in your journey." "In hindsight, I would have gone, but I don't know if I would have chosen to go in advance of knowing how awesome it would be. I never felt we were in very much danger and I had a peace about it. I know that some of the others in our group were having a crisis of fear, but I felt peace the whole time." "I DEFINITELY would have gone! Either I did not feel like my life was at risk or I didn't care, but more than likely the latter was a result of feeling rather safe. Going to Israel is completely worth it!" What will YOU be saying after you've eXperienced Israel? |
