By Rachel G. - Outreach Israel Leader

This year, Outreach Israel was a team of nine young women. We prayerfully coordinated a schedule that was specific to the giftings and abilities of these young women, and the Lord certainly provided! We focused on ministry to children, single moms and Holocaust survivors.

The Outreach Israel team members were such an encouragement to everyone around them. They treated each other with love, respect, and had a great time in everything they did! The team tackled each ministry "adventure" with such energy, and it was fun to watch each of their creative abilities and talents revealed. Many were blessed though this team!

One ministry experience that stands out is a day trip with a group of Holocaust survivors from Sderot (a town near Gaza which has been bombarded with rocket attacks in recent years). During a beautiful train ride along the coast of the Mediterranean, we sang worship songs, read Scripture, and spoke one-on-one with these dear people. In Haifa, we all watched a DVD of testimonies and stories of Holocaust survivors who became believers. Our guests were surprised and excited to see people who went through similar experiences and yet have hope centered in the Messiah Jesus. They had many questions, and many conversations flowed afterwards.

The Outreach Israel team loved this day especially because they were involved in direct personal ministry. They may not know the long-term results - but as planters, waterers, sowers and reapers, we are all apart of the harvest! Please pray for these dear Jewish people in Sderot; we are planning to start a Bible study there.

From one of the 2009 Outreach Israel participants:

"There are three words that I would use to describe what you are about to experience: faith, surrender, and understanding. This trip will take you on a walk of faith - you never know what will happen in Israel next, so prepare your heart. You cannot go to Israel without trusting that God is good, trusting His protection, and trusting that His way is best.

"But with that faith comes surrender - this trip will require you to surrender your will, your schedule, and your preferences. Be ready to be flexible and have the attitude of a servant at all times. And finally with that faith and surrender comes understanding. God will bring you to a place of greater understanding of His word, His love, who He is, and also of yourself.

"You cannot walk away from this experience unchanged. Enjoy your trip!"