Submitted by Reverend J. Brown, Concordia Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana

I may have visited Israel in 2014, but my life was certainly changed forever. Even though I had high expectations going into the trip, each and every one of them was still exceeded as I journeyed in the Holy Land with Alpha 2 Omega Travel. Read below, written in no particular order, ten ways that this journey was above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

•TEN – I truly enjoyed the food. I’m sometimes a picky eater and hang on tight to my comfort foods. The fish, chicken, and wide varieties of sandwiches and vegetables were a delight. I had no problem finding what I could not only eat, but enjoyed so much that I found myself going back for seconds at the evening dinners.

•NINE – Alpha 2 Omega Travel didn’t skimp on the accommodations. Although I imagine that the tour company could have made a lot of money by only putting us in rooms that were the bare minimum, the accommodations they provided for us were top quality. Our stay in Jericho was more of a luxury resort than an ordinary hotel.

•EIGHT – Our guide, Jarir, was extremely knowledgeable and personable. He not only knew his facts about the sites, culture, and history of Israel, but he took time to get to know each one of us as we toured that week. There was no doubt that we were in the hands of someone who cared for us and was there to do much more than just what his job required. This is Jarir’s ministry. He takes great pride in what he does and enjoys guiding groups.

•SEVEN – Linda, with Alpha 2 Omega Travel, was very good to us. Many times she surprised us with extras that weren’t included in the trip. She became part of our group and fit right in with all of us. You would have thought that she knew everyone all along and that we all had been friends for years. Linda treated us like family and spoiled us as we were her guests!

•SIX – I really felt comfortable walking the streets of Jerusalem and visiting the holy sites. Many from back home asked if we were scared to go and if we had concerns about safety issues. After going on the trip, I can honestly say that I never once felt uneasy or as if my safety was in jeopardy. We were welcome there and the people were very friendly.

•FIVE – I appreciated the way Alpha 2 Omega Travel made it their mission to economically support the Christians in Israel. When possible, we shopped at Christian stores, stayed at Christian hotels, and ate at restaurants that were owned by Christians. Although it’s important to do outreach and share the Word of God with those who don’t currently walk with Jesus, we also have an obligation to support those who are experiencing difficulties and are persecuted for their Christian faith. Alpha 2 Omega Travel is committed to helping its brothers and sisters in Christ who are taking a stand and trying to live in an environment that is predominantly non-Christian.

•FOUR – I enjoyed being able to customize the trip to our preferences and desires – even as we were already on the tour. Alpha 2 Omega Travel was very flexible and worked with us whenever possible to take advantage of last minute opportunities and special requests from the group.

•THREE – Alpha 2 Omega Travel definitely lived up to their name. They took care of everything from A to Z. From trip preparation to ensuring we were all back home safely with our luggage, and everything in-between, this company was the complete package. A word to the inexperienced traveler, Alpha 2 Omega Travel will make sure you have everything you need.

•TWO – Our guide was very intentional about not just taking us to the sites, but to connect us with the historical biblical account and Scriptural significance of each place we visited. He offered a spiritual emphasis that tied in perfectly with the very reason why we had come on the trip. Having a Christian guide made all the difference as we explored an area that is occupied by people of many faiths.

•ONE – I’ve never before had a week where I’ve experienced so many tears, goosebumps, and shivers running throughout my whole body. That, coupled with the excitement and adrenaline pumping in my veins, made for a rush of intense feelings as I visited the very places that my Lord walked and revealed Himself to the world He came to save. To think that my footsteps most likely walked in the very places Jesus the Christ came to seek, save, heal, and proclaim victory over death and all evil, is a feeling like no other. My God!

It would be a gross understatement to simply say that I recommend this trip to others. Instead, I say that every Christian must go at least once in their lifetime and it should be an absolute requirement for every pastor and Christian school teacher. The experience will change your life and you’ll certainly never read the Bible the same way again. Praise Jesus for the privilege of going to the Holy Land with Him.

When planning a trip abroad you want to find an agent/agency that has experience. Linda Miller and her contacts throughout the Middle East fit the bill. The guides in Israel (Jarir) and Jordan (Marwan) were very informative and knowledgeable. They live in the area and have contacts throughout the region that help to make your trip fun, factual, and flawless. Not only do you walk in the steps of Jesus, but you experience the current culture and people.  Accommodations are arranged to provide you with access to the area if you would like to explore on your own - with just the right amount of free time planned into the schedule. Our group was amazed at the perfect itinerary and sense of timing. We were able to visit both Israel and Jordan. There was not one minute that we felt threatened or unsafe in either country - and we are not really the adventurous types. Israel is one great site after another. Jordan is filled with history and the most friendly, engaging community you will ever encounter. We are so grateful we extended our time and added that once in a lifetime adventure. - Ted and Debby Schafnitz, Hope Lutheran Westminster CA