Today we set out for Israel, a day after our annual passover conference, which was powerful and the best preparation we could possibly have had before setting out on this journey. For many on this trip it is a first time to Israel and for some a first time of travelling altogether. We interviewed Sameh on his expectations of his first trip to the Holy Land.
What has made you want to go to Israel?
For many years I have had a burning desire to travel to the land of Israel. Every time the church takes a trip to Israel, when they arrive back to England on a Sunday evening service they are given the opportunity to share their experience. Each and every time I have heard testimonies of Israel changing people’s lives, they over emphasise that it’s not cliché. My mother has had the privilege to travel to Israel over 5 times! About 2 years ago I asked my Mum if I could go Israel. Because my Dad had never been to Israel either, she replied by saying when your dad goes you can go too! However my Dad has been 2 times, I still haven’t been!
Have you told any of your friends that you will be going to Israel? What has their response been?
I have told a few close friends that I am going Israel! Some have reacted, in a good manner “wow that’s a blessing, you’re going to the holy land.” He was a Christian. On the other hand some people have just reacted neutrally and just said “cool.” However some had the shock of their life, reacting in fear, “isn’t there bombs dropping there all the time, it’s not safe Sameh!” They’re being sincere, but I reply saying, the only reason why you react like this is because of the media, I tell them that Israel is one of the safest countries in the world, research it!
With all the media attention that Israel receives are you not afraid of travelling there?
Not at all, I know that if I follow instructions carefully from pastor nothing will happen to me! Because God would not take us to Israel for us to die or to get hurt.
What do you most hope to get out of this experience?
I want a life changing experience so I will not come back to London the same. Especially that this is a key period of my life because I will be sitting my GCSE’s in a month time, this trip will give me the opportunity to put everything aside and to only seek the Lord as well as to be in prayer. Lastly I want to be able to read the bible with a wider picture, I believe if I go to Israel and see the places that we read in the bible. That when I come back to London, when I read the bible it will become so vivid to me as if it became a movie.
Psalms 122:6 commands us to do what?
The command is to pray for peace in Israel, it also says to bless Israel so we can be blessed.
Why is this important?
This is important because Israel are under constant attack all year round, and we need to cover them in prayer for it is Gods chosen land!