"This trip has done more for my life than any event in the past 4 years!" That was the reaction of one of the 2009 eXperience Israel participants. Another team member said, "I was told that the trip would change my life...and it did! I will definitely be recommending this trip to others. It is part adventure, part seminary, part serving, part seeking God, and part finding yourself."

In addition to the numerous conversations we had with Israelis about our faith and love for the God of Israel, we were able to serve and bring encouragement to dozens of people, including sick children at a hospital near Tel Aviv where we gave away stuffed animals that we had brought with us. One of our team members, who is a professional clown, was able to bring smiles to the faces of the children - and their parents too!

We also had the opportunity to visit an orphanage in the city of Netanya, where "Happy the Clown" did her act and our team played with many of the children. A few of our team members even exchanged contact information with the older children and plan to maintain a relationship with them in the months and years ahead.

At Kehilat Carmel (Carmel Assembly), a Messianic congregation that has taken in several refugees from the Sudan and Eritrea conflicts in Africa, several of our team members spent time playing with and doing some face painting with the refugee children, most of whom have seen unspeakable tragedy in their home countries.

At Calvary Chapel in Tel Aviv, where one of Chosen People Ministries' staff members oversees a soup kitchen and clothing distribution ministry, we were did some work projects and spent time with the homeless people who came there seeking refuge from their world of chaos.

Another highlight was visiting the Ebenezer Home in Haifa, where our team heard the story of Heinz, who escaped Germany before the start of World War II and studied under the renowned Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It was a very precious moment when one of our team members, who speaks fluent German, was able to pray with Heinz in his native tongue.

If you or someone you know would like to join us on a future pilgrimage of faith and service to the homeland of our Messiah, please look for more info on our website. This trip is particularly designed for young adults (age 18-35) who have never been to Israel and are interested in seeing where Jesus walked... and is still walking today.

"I have already started recommending eXperience Israel to others! This trip changes hearts and lives!"
- Jessica Hollingshead