As we waited in the covered area prior to going into the tomb, our group said the Lord's Prayer, sang, and shared the Sacrament of Communion. We listened to our guide explain about the site and then Pr. Chris, and all of us pilgrims held hands and prayed together just as it might have been for Jesus and his disciples. I thought about them spending time together here almost 2000 years ago. We, like the disciples, are anxious to learn, charting new and uncertain waters, but with anticipation and excitement. The details about whether nor not the Garden tomb was the exact place Jesus was laid after crucified is not important. What is important is that He is dwelling in my heart and the heart of our guides, Linda and Jarir, and of all my fellow pilgrims as we visit here in Israel and walk in His footsteps. I am encouraged to learn to pray out loud to Jesus daily - to tell Him about my thoughts, hopes, fears, and dreams, and thank Him for loving me. I can begin by reading scripture out loud.

Rick and I are forever grateful to the Alpha 2 Omega Travel team for going beyond the call of duty to make our Israel trip a happy, memorable, comfortable, and safe experience. - Rick and Kathy Wisser, Grace Lutheran Church, Huntington Beach, CA

A few, inadequate lines will not suffice to express the profound impact of journeying along the same roads and paths Jesus and our spiritual ancestors walked, of seeing so many of those places we have read about in the Bible, and of interacting with layers upon layers of civilizations. While such things can be beautifully reflected through pictures or carefully described through testimonies, this is something every disciple of Christ needs to experience for himself or herself.

Having been blessed to visit the land of Israel for the second time, I am still trying to fully process and digest all that I received during my journey. At present, I still find myself returning to two specific locations. The stillness of the waters of the Sea of Galilee, anchored by the calm and peace of the shore where Jesus called his disciples, has become my refuge when I pray. Each time I do, I can hear Him calling my name.

When I find myself overwhelmed—sometimes even a bit crushed—by the demands of ministry, my thoughts return to the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem. In such moments, I am humbled in remembering the cross I carry is not mine and I do not carry it alone. Jesus walks before me. He leads. I follow. He dies so that I might live.

You often hear how visiting the Holy Land brings the scriptures to life in such way that you can never read or hear them the same way again. I always thought this was a cliché. It isn’t. There is something deeply insightful and moving about being able to visualize not only the locations, but also the cultural and historical context of the stories of our faith. Added to this is the witness of those pilgrims who have gone—who have come to these places before us. Subtle yet noticeable signs of their visits to these sites are visible all around you. Surrounded in a way by the marks left by this great cloud of witnesses remind us these places are sacred—not because of where they are, but rather because we as followers of Jesus continue to inhabit them in faith, hope, and love.

All that I share with you is possible because of the fine preparations and exceptional leadership of Alpha 2 Omega Travel. From Linda, our host who ensured our trip was affordable and yet beyond expectations, to Jarir, our guide who imparted not just his wealth of knowledge to us but invited us to better understand his culture and background, to Emad, our driver who made us feel safe, comfortable, and always welcome, we were blessed by their expertise, generosity, and thoughtfulness. They did not just treat us as guests or even as fellow pilgrims; they embraced us, opened their lives to us as family.

I strongly encourage you to make the journey to the Holy Land. You will not be disappointed. You will not regret it. Be warned though, you will want to go back. I highly advise you to undertake your pilgrimage by way of the excellence and resourcefulness of Alpha 2 Omega Travel. If you do, you will not just experience a life-changing trip; you will make life-long friends. - Pr. Chris Tweitmann, Grace Lutheran Church, Huntington Beach, CA

You and Jarir brought the love, history, and culture to life. I’ve told the stories of Jesus and his life for 35 years to 4 and 5 yr. olds, and to sit, walk, and hear those same stories was overwhelming at times, especially on the teaching steps in Jerusalem. Gethsemane, Ein Gedi, Cana, Sea of Galilee, and the messages from Pr. Chris put everything in perspective. Thank you again for a safe and wonderful trip. Every day I felt the presence of our Lord. - Sally Rivard, Grace Lutheran Church, Huntington Beach, CA