What began as a simple day trip through the hills surrounding Jerusalem became a day that several Jewish men and women will never forget.
Recently, our evangelism and Jerusalem ministry teams organized a special outing for a group of new Jewish immigrants who had only recently arrived in Israel. Many were still adjusting to a new language, a new culture, and the challenges of building a life in their ancestral homeland. The purpose of the trip was to help them connect with resources available to them in Jerusalem, experience some of the beauty and history of the Land of Israel, and build meaningful relationships with people who genuinely cared about their journey.
What none of us fully anticipated was how powerfully God would move.
Led by Sergey, Lena, and members of our Jerusalem outreach team, the day began with fellowship over tea at a peaceful monastery nestled among the hills outside Jerusalem. As conversations unfolded, barriers began to fall. Strangers became friends. Stories were shared. Questions were asked. Little by little, hearts began to open.
From there, the group traveled to an ancient village overlooking the Judean countryside. Among the historical remains stood a monument dedicated to the prophet Joel. It was there, surrounded by the landscape of the Bible itself, that our team began sharing from Joel’s powerful call to return to the Lord.
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and compassionate.”
Joel 2:13
As we spoke about repentance, restoration, and God’s desire to draw His people back to Himself, the conversation naturally turned to the One through whom that restoration is ultimately made possible—Yeshua the Messiah.
We shared how God’s love was fully revealed through His Son, who gave His life so that forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life could be offered to all who believe.
What happened next was the highlight of the entire day.
Standing beside the monument of the prophet Joel, several members of the group made the decision to place their trust in Yeshua. As they prayed together, some with tears in their eyes, the presence of God became tangible. One man repeated the prayer through deep emotion. Others stood quietly, visibly moved by what they were experiencing.
In that moment, what had begun as a sightseeing excursion became something far greater. Lives were being changed. Hearts were being restored. People who had come to discover the land of Israel were encountering the Messiah of Israel.
The impact of that moment remained with us throughout the rest of the day.
Later, the group visited the Western Wall. For one family that had only recently arrived in Israel, the experience was deeply emotional. Standing together in Jerusalem, they reflected on the remarkable journey that had brought them home to Israel. There were tears, prayers, and a profound sense of gratitude to God.
The group also visited a Jerusalem-based ministry that serves newcomers to Israel, where they received practical encouragement and support. That evening, many joined our Jerusalem congregation gathering, participating in worship, hearing the Word of God, receiving prayer, and experiencing genuine fellowship with other believers.
By the end of the day, several participants expressed a desire to remain connected and continue growing in their faith. Some even shared their interest in joining future outreach activities alongside our team.
One family’s testimony especially touched our hearts. Before coming to Israel, they had occasionally wondered whether they might one day leave and return to their country of origin. But after this experience, they told us they knew with certainty that their future was here in Israel.
Their words reminded us of an important truth: God is not only bringing Jewish people home physically. He is also calling many of them home spiritually.
Throughout Scripture, we see God’s promise to restore His people to the Land. Today, we have the privilege of witnessing another dimension of that restoration as Jewish men and women encounter their Messiah, discover the hope found in Him, and begin a new journey of faith.
Thank you for standing with us through your prayers and support. Every outreach event, every follow-up conversation, every discipleship meeting, and every opportunity to share the Gospel is helping people encounter the love of Yeshua. Together, we are seeing lives transformed, hearts awakened, and Jewish people discovering the Messiah of Israel.
