By Rachel G. - Outreach Israel Leader

The year 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel, and also the highest number of tourists ever to visit this amazing land. Israelis are very used to tourists - but many have never spent significant time with followers of Messiah. If you would like to build relationships and share your faith with Israelis, consider joining us for Outreach Israel 2009.

Outreach Israel is a ministry trip for individuals ages 18-30. The team members work side by side with our Israeli staff workers, seeing and experiencing daily life and ministry that the average tourist does not experience. Outreach Israel is a great trip for those who have done the "first level" touring in Israel and now want to "get off the tour bus" and spend time with the people.

As Outreach Israel director, I love hearing stories from the team members as they prepare for, experience, and reflect on the trip. They are frequently amazed at the openness and honesty of Israelis' questions and thoughts about spirituality, the Bible, God and what it means to be a Christian.

In an Israeli mind, Christians are often seen as people who go to mass and have a priest - but the Outreach Israel program seems to break the mold when it comes to showing what it means to be a follower of Jesus the Messiah. Outreach Israel offers many opportunities to share the Gospel, to talk one-on-one with people, to serve those in need though work projects, and to spend time with Israeli believers and visit their congregations.

When an Outreach Israel team member is witnessing over a cup of coffee or through helping someone in need, Israelis often ask, "Why did you come all this way to spend time with me? Shouldn't you be on the tour bus now?" One might reply, "I wanted to come all this way to speak with you about something that I believe is very important." Long and deep conversations usually follow, as a level of trust and relationship has been established.

Outreach Israel team members come to Israel ready to serve the Lord and reach out to those around them. They challenge many to think about their sin and reconciliation with God through Jesus. By planting seeds and making new friends, they open the door for the long-term staff members in Israel to follow up. This is crucial to the fruitfulness of our ministry in the Holy Land!

I also appreciate Outreach Israel team members because they have a message to bring back with them. They know the prayer needs of the country in a special way, because they have listened to the people. They know the struggles of the Israeli believers, and they understand the political situation a little better. When they go home, they become spokesmen for Israel as well as our prayer and support partners in this work of outreach and discipleship.

All this is accomplished by "getting off the tour bus"! Come serve with us on Outreach Israel.