What an amazing day with impacting and full messages!

My two favorite places I visited today were Caesarea Philippi aka as Gates of Hell and Peter’s Primacy.  Each revealed to me a story and a message

Caesarea Philippi was a place where they sacrificed human beings for the god of Pan among other gods.  Lots in our team were very disturbed by this place and with reason. In the moment, God reminded me that even though this place was a place of evil, it is also part of his beautiful creation. This brought me a lot of comfort .  Unfortunately, It is people that corrupt this world with their evil acts.

Visiting Peter’s Primacy, I discovered that this is the place where Jesus appears to the disciples and prepared breakfast for them about 10 days after his resurrection.  Here in this special place Jesus asks Peter (the disciple that denies Jesus three times). The same question three different times “If he loved him.”

I often wondered why Jesus all knowing, would ask the same question three times, my conclusion was that Jesus obviously knew the answer but wanted to make sure Peter understood the love and grace of his Lord and Savior, and the importance of feeding the word of God and caring for his sheep.
We are Peter, we are to love, feed and care for his sheep.

-Tanya

Crossroads Español:
I still can’t believe I’m at the Holy Land with some of our Spanish Ministry Family. This is a dream come true. God has been so faithful through our journey. I am grateful for this incredible experience. Thank you all for your support and your giving hearts.

Tiberias
From the moment I woke up today, June 20, I knew today would be incredible. I got to experience the presence of God in every place I visited. We started our day with our beautiful view in Tiberias looking out to the Sea of Galilee at a gorgeous hotel.

Caesarea Philippi:
Is a city of Greek-Roman culture known for its worship of foreign gods through living sacrifices. Over this dark place Jesus declared he would build a church on His rock and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. His power overcomes all evil, so no evil will stand against his church.

Banias Falls.
This is one of the three rivers that unite at the Jordan River the same place where Jesus was baptized. This was a beautiful short hike.

Peter’s Home in Capernaum

Heading to one of the most special cities, Capernaum. This is the city Jesus chose as home and where 70% of Jesus’ miracles took place.  It was in Capernaum that Jesus healed the centurion’s son (Matthew 8:5–13), the nobleman’s son (John 4:46–53), Simon Peter’s mother-in-law (Mark 1:30–31), and the paralytic (Matthew 9:1–2). In Capernaum, Jesus cast out an unclean spirit (Mark 1:21–25), raised Jairus’ daughter to life, and healed the woman with the bleeding issue (Mark 5:21–42).
This was also home to Peter, Andrew, and Matthew.

Sermon of the Mount :
The Sermon on the Mount includes many of Jesus’ most beautiful teachings including the Beatitudes, salt of the earth/light of the world, teachings on understanding God’s law, murder, adultery, money, worry, the Lord’s Prayer, and more.

I was able to experience a strong connection with God in each location. Capernaum and the sermon of the mount was a place I always envision  while reading the Bible. 9 years ago when I came to the Lord one of my first bible studies through my life group was on the Beatitudes. I was so grateful to be taking my next step learning about God’s laws, which he expects his followers to uphold.

Jesus’ teachings share God’s kingdom perspective on our earthly realities. Jesus is teaching us what it means to live as God intended, and he’s teaching us how to be, or become Christ-like and have our lives reflect the kingdom of God. We would fail every time if we tried to keep these teachings perfectly on our own. Jesus achieved our salvation on the cross and it is because of that salvation that we can lean on the Holy Spirit to help us live God’s way instead of our own way.

Every generation faces different challenges and societal values often change over time, but in any and every cultural climate, we can discern how best to live and respond by returning to Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount . We remember God’s heart and align ourselves again with his kingdom perspective.
– Lisset

Wow I am beyond words of today! What a beautiful sight to see. Today we were at “Mount Tabor” where Yeshua ascended to the top with Peter, James, and John. We got to hear Pastor Craig speak on the site. After we went to go look at the view from the top of Mount Tabor, it was beautiful! I suddenly started hearing amazing worship in the distance from the African community who were also on a tour. They were chanting ” The Shema” found in Deuteronomy 6:4-6.

Shema: Israel, ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI Echad
4 “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one[a]. 5 Love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. [b] 6 These words, which I am commanding you today, are to be on your heart.

It was a beautiful thing to hear the African community singing the Holy tongue in the land of Israel! It’s amazing to see the unity and partnership with the land of Israel! Blessed be the name of the Lord. Amen.

-Mauricio

Hoy visitamos El Monte tabor donde Pedro Juan Santiago vieron la gloria de Dios me gustó sentí mucho paz   Nazaret es donde creció Jesús y empezó su ministerio aprendimos como vivían los nazarenos cómo trabajaban la tierra como hacían el aceite de olivo   En El Monte carmel elias oro fervientemente para que no lloviera y volvió a orar para que lloviera el conocía quién era dios y dios nos habla en murmullos  debemos ser como elias estar atentos a la voz de Dios El Monte es muy grande y hay una figura de Elias  En cana es donde dios hace su primer milagro de convertir el agua en vino lo más importante es la obediencia de maria al decir a los sirviente hagan todo lo que diga

Translation:
Today we visited Mount Tabor where Peter, John and James saw the glory of God.  I truly enjoyed it and felt a lot of peace.  We then visited Nazareth where Jesus grew up and began his ministry. We learned how the Nazarenes lived, how they worked the land, and how they made olive oil.  Next we visited Mount Carmel where Elijah prayed fervently so that it would not rain. When he prayed again for it to rain he had the confidence that God would answer.   He had this confidence because he knew the Word and knew who God was.  Elijah was in constant communication with God and was very attentive to His voice. Mount Carmel is a very large mountain located just northwest of the sea of Galilee. We finished our day at Cana where Jesus had his first miracle creating water into wine .
What stood out to me was Mary’s obedience and confidence in who Jesus was.

-Viki

Today we left Jerusalem and headed for one of my favorite places in Israel, Tiberius. On our way, we stopped at Megiddo, an archaeological site that contained 30 layers of history. So many cities were built and destroyed in the same spot that they formed a hill on which ruins remain, including Solomon’s stables. The ruins overlook the Jezreel Valley, where Armageddon will happen.

After Megiddo, we made our way to Caesarea along the Mediterranean coast. It was fascinating to hear about how the city and port were built, and I could easily imagine what it looked like when Paul stood before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. We spent the afternoon there before heading to Tiberius. I’m so excited to be at the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus calmed the storm and walked on water.

As I reflect on the day, what will stick with me the most is something that Pastor Craig talked about as we looked over the Jezreel Valley. He said “We all play a crucial part in the end days. As Christians, we are all commissioned to tell others about Jesus. Christ will not return until every ear has heard. What am I doing to to spread the good news about Jesus?”
-Heather

It’s another beautiful day here in the Holy Land. I feel like it’s all a dream. I have never imagined not even in my wildest dreams, I’d be here with Crossroads Church Holy Land Team. God is so good, I can see it all so clear in all the details. I’m definitely counting my blessings, especially because today is Father’s Day.

My Dad just recently went home to be with Jesus. If I can be honest, just months ago, I didn’t know if I would be able to come up with the funds for this trip. I just put all my trust in God, knowing that if it’s His will then He will provide and make a way. God is always faithful. His love never fails. Being fully funded at last, I felt really excited until I lost my dad just weeks later. I didn’t think I could emotionally be around people during my grieving process. God reminded me that He provided and made the way. I’m so glad that I made the choice to be here with my new church family. I feel so much love, surrounded by other believers.This new path God has put me on, is truly a miracle. I really enjoy how we start our days together, praying, eating, fellowshipping and doing a daily devotion together.

Today Pastor Lisa blessed all the fathers on our team with an awesome gift. Just seeing the love that pours out on each other is opening up my eyes in a whole new light that I have never experienced before. It almost seems surreal being in a group like this, in a Holy place like this, walking where Jesus walked, with this team who walks like Jesus. I see grace in everyone. It’s clearly from Jesus. I also really enjoyed the scripture Scott shared this morning. It’s actually the one, I have been reflecting on all this whole entire year. I love it so much, I made it my screensaver several  months ago. I love to pray this scripture back to God when I pray for others and myself.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6

Although I’m grieving the loss of my earthly dad not being here, I can truly say that I’m glad I answered the call and came.

On the drive to Megiddo, I was feeling sad missing my dad, holding back tears on the bus. As I got out, I saw so many beautiful roses, my favorite. Right away I stopped to smell the roses. My heart felt so warm and full with love because Jesus knows me so specifically. He blesses me with exactly all those little things that mean so much to me. He makes me feel so loved, heard, and seen in reality and through others.

I was so amazed being on the plain of Megiddo: Armageddon, where the last battle will soon be waged.Just learning more about Jesus and having a better understanding visually is so exciting to me.

I loved how Pastor Craig mentioned in Matthew 28 that it says we are called to proclaim the name of Jesus and share the gospel. It was a reassurance to me that I am walking in God’s will and fulfilling my purpose.

It was amazing to stop at the Mediterranean Sea. Just the scent of the ocean reminds me of my Dad, it was his favorite place to be. As I watched the waves crash down upon my feet, I felt Jesus healing me again, emotionally, spiritually and physically. I had a really good time enjoying some delicious food sharing deep conversations. Each day, I feel so encouraged and not discouraged. I even got blessed with my favorite espresso gelato ice cream. I was also blessed sitting towards the front of the bus, enjoying some worship music that a sister was playing.

I’m just truly so grateful, thankful and blessed being just exactly where I am and knowing that I am now living my purpose.
-Jill

Since I committed my life to Christ, my prayers have been,Lord, empty me of myself and fill me with your love, wisdom, and knowledge. Lord, bless me with community, and a family to grow with in my faith and walk. Lord, please mend the broken pieces of my heart so it can be open to receiving the love you have for me. All the things I longed for when I was lost and living for this world. In Luke 11:9-10, Jesus says “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. God has truly made this scripture come alive through this trip. Words cannot describe how truly loved and seen I feel from my Heavenly Father. He has blessed me with a team that has now become family.  I thought God’s plan was to bring me here to share the love of Jesus with these children but in reality, they shared Jesus’ love with me. My heart is overflowing from having the opportunity to serve God’s beautiful children at our VBS, hiking to Ein Gedi Springs and being baptized in the Jordan River where Jesus was also baptized. I am overwhelmed to see what God has for me in this last week in Israel.

-Chenelle 

Today was our last day of VBS and boy was it memorable! I had the privilege of being on the games team for VBS and it has been a blast getting to plan fun activities for the kids each day. Their laughter and smiles truly fuel me and show me how valuable our team has been for them.

We ended off VBS with a water day! We did sponge relays, water balloon tosses, and to top it off, a giant water balloon fight! These kids LOVED every minute of today and by the end the kids AND the leaders were soaked! It was the perfect end to a perfect 4 days of VBS.

I met so many kids through this experience and it’s quite bittersweet to have to leave them today.

I have so many stories and moments that have filled my heart, but one little girl in particular made this experience so sweet for me. She was this little 4 year old who was so so cute and the first day she wanted nothing to do with me, but slowly she warmed up to me and by the end she was my little buddy. We ate lunch together for the rest of the week and shared lots of giggles. She actually was from America and just visiting family so I truly think God brought both of us here on purpose.

I could keep going with all the stories and memories. I’ll just end with this, you never know who you might meet and the impact that you could make on them and equally the impact they could make on you.

   ⁃Stephanie

Last day of VBS

What an incredible end to a beautiful fun filled VBS. My heart is so full watching my daughters and husband interact with all the kiddos.

These adorable children danced and sang their little hearts out for Jesus. The sheer joy on their sweet faces is something I hope to carry in my heart when my Father is growing and stretching me.

Our team completed a playground and basketball court renovation outreach project for a school who helped both children and young adults with disabilities.  Honestly, we were overwhelmed and were not sure how it could be done in a few days. God certainly had it all worked out though with His perfect timing. Not only did we complete it all but we also tackled a few other projects as well.

We also hosted a small VBS for the school. When we arrived we were greeted with cheering and clapping on the spruced up basketball court followed by a dance party and crafts. There was a wide range of ages, but everyone was overjoyed including the Muslim teachers and staff.

The highlight to my day was later in the afternoon when a family had come back to personally thank my daughter for helping their child and showing her love and kindness.

-Kim

God makes no mistakes! Every moment in your life is His perfect plan.

Before we left on our trip, we were all assigned teams for VBS. I originally was supposed to be on the crafts team. Lisa ended up asking for volunteers for painting and without questioning it, I said I would do it. When we got here, we found out we were painting/remodeling at a school for kids and adults with disabilities. I can’t even explain the amount of joy I felt in my heart. God placed me exactly where I needed to be. I serve with the kids special needs ministry at church, so this was beyond perfect.

When we first pulled up to the school, it looked abandoned. It made me so sad! As soon as we got out of the car, the kids and adults were going inside but we were able to say hello to them really quick. Seeing who we were about to do this work for made us want to dive right in. For the next 3 days, we patched the concrete walls, painted the walls, the playground set, all the poles around the fence of the court including the basketball poles, replaced the backboard and installed the hoop and net, and repainted the entire floor of the court. Our team was amazing!! I’m so proud of everyone who was a part of this beautiful remodel.

Finally, Thursday came and we were able to do VBS with the school. My goodness! We pulled up and the amount of energy from each and everyone of them was incredible. No matter where you come from, what religion, what race, male or female, when the music starts, you see the LOVE! The excitement on everyone’s faces, including our team and the school staff, is all to the glory of God!! We did crafts and played games with them, and danced and danced and danced!

Then it was time to say goodbye. I bonded with a few of the kids in the last few days. They remembered my name and every time they saw me they said, “Cassie, I love you!” It was hard to say bye but I know they’re always going to remember this and so will I.

Thank you Jesus for an experience of a lifetime! This will forever be a moment I hold so dearly.

-Cassie

Today was day three of working with the church! I’ve been working on the painting team or more accurately the “playground beautification” team. We’ve spent the last three days breathing new life into a playground and basketball/soccer court that the local school for those with disabilities use daily. Today I worked on painting and outlining the basketball court with a few others to put the final touches on the space. We were visited by some of the children while we were working who came to play on the swings we had finished the day before. Seeing their smiles and hearing their shouts of thank yous and I love yous was so encouraging. It has been a great privilege to work to show these kids that they are loved and most importantly loved by God. As an added bonus I’m relearning and exercising my Spanish, while also learning some Arabic and Hebrew. The church prepared another great lunch then we were off to our first official holy sight.
We traveled to Bethlehem to see Shepherds Field and then to the Church of Nativity. It was such a surreal experience to stand and pray in the places surrounding our Messiah’s birth especially after serving His children. The Lord blessed us with a minimal crowd in the Church of Nativity. Average wait times are normally 2-4 hours, our wait time was roughly 30 minutes.
Other perks from Bethlehem were delicious gelato, Star and Bucks Coffee, and a man on horseback in the street.
 -Cami

Today we finished painting the playground and basketball court at the School for the Deaf in Ramallah. That project has been quite challenging and rewarding. Throughout our time there, the kids have been stopping by to talk with us and check on our progress. Tomorrow we’ll have a celebration with them and their families where they’ll be able to start playing basketball and using the playground.  Since they’ve been stopping by, they’ve been expressing such gratitude and eagerness I am sure they’ll put this area to good use. Nothing compares to the innocence of children playing.  I pray the children are able to enjoy this area for a long time to come.  We also visited the Church of the Nativity located in Bethlehem. This is widely accepted as the birthplace of Jesus Christ. I often catch myself contemplating how I am walking in the same area where David conquered Jerusalem, Salomón was probably inspired to write his proverbs and it’s importance in this day in age.
 -Adriana

Still waking up in disbelief that I am here in the Holy Land. Today was the first day I woke up feeling well rested.As soon as we walked through the door at the church, the kids were so excited to see us they were cheering. It’s been fun the last two days to join in with the kids in their play time before they have worship. The older and middle kids LOVE playing soccer and are super competitive, as well as tough.

When the kids get tired and hot, they come sit next to you, (and if you have a fan they enjoy having you fan them off to cool down). It’s been bringing me so much joy to see their faces light up.

I am so incredibly blessed and so happy to be here loving on these kids with the most amazing team of people who love on each other and pray for each other.

After VBS we got to go tour the Israel Museum and see the Dead Sea scrolls and see the rich history of Israel and proof of our faith and hope in Jesus. Looking forward to what each day has to bring.

-Amanda

MarHaba from the Holy Land team. We started our day with a devotion from Psalms 37:23. Which I felt was very fitting for this trip and all God has in store for us. I feel God has been directing my steps on this journey from the moment of fundraising through now as I am sure he has done within all of our team.

Today marks the second day of VBS. First day jitters no longer an issue, both volunteers and children are more comfortable in their environment. Within the skits team, the children are learning more about Jesus and the love he has for them. In crafts today the children got to create their own passport, complete with their picture, to go along with the theme of adventure. The games team had another great day of fun had by all the kids. The highlight for them today was a hot potato style game.

In addition to VBS, we were blessed to visit the Israel Museum. This museum has a beautiful and detailed model of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. It even included a depiction of the City of David. Inside it had an exhibit with the Dead Sea scrolls, the jars they came in, and many artifacts found at that time. The museum itself was very interesting and informative.

So far it has been an amazing journey. The children are absolutely precious and seem to really enjoy our interactions. I cannot wait to see what else God has planned for our team and the children we get to minister to.

-Amy

Today is Monday and it was our first day of VBS. I am apart of the games team and we work with children from all different backgrounds. The kids were all so excited to play the games we set up. My favorite part was meeting two very little girls who didn’t want to play. I sat with them on the side and asked them their names. I was surprised at how good their English was. We played with some bendable straws, then Daniel, our amazing interpreter, came over and put a cone on my head as a joke. The girls thought it was the most hilarious thing they had ever seen. They could not stop giggling! I put the cone on their head and one of them put the cone on the others head. They could not stop laughing and it was so adorable. They asked me to play with them during our break and sit with them while they ate. They kept giving me different snacks and laughed at my reactions. I am so grateful to be here and be a servant for the Lord. To see these kids grow closer to God and have fun while doing it is such a blessing!

-Alissa

Today was the first day of VBS, the kids were beyond excited, running around and screaming with joy. As the kids smile and laugh, you could see God working in his ways. It was truly beautiful to see how Jesus brought together this group of kids and VBS leaders to share and spread his love. My favorite was watching how serious the kids took the game. We ended the day with sharing our small moments that made us smile from the day.

-Ashley

What an incredible couple of days I’ve had.  After a little over 24 hours of travel time and lots of airport coffee we woke up this morning to the most amazing sunrise.  I’m honestly in disbelief and so overwhelmed with joy.  I didn’t get much sleep last night, but who’s complaining, I’m so blessed that I get to experience this with the most amazing TEAM. In such short period of time, we’ve gotten so close, we’ve laughed, we’ve cried and we’ve eaten like crazy.  But overall the highlight of my trip was today’s Sunday service in Ramalah. I really didn’t know what to expect, I figured that with the language barrier a lot would be lost in translation, but oh was I in for a surprise.  The message, the worship and the people impacted my life in ways that I can’t put into words.   Im looking forward to what God is going to do in us and through in the next few weeks.

-Emma

After almost two days of travel today was finally our first full day in the Holy Land.  I woke up looking forward to so much, one of the things that I was looking forward to was going to go to the church in Ramallah to praise our heavenly father.  I was so blessed to have been received with so much love.  The plan was to attend service and stay a little after to arrange and prepare everything for tomorrow’s vacation Bible school.   I’m so expectant and excited to see what God is going to do through us the next couple of days!  Please keep the kids in your prayers and our team so that we are able to share Jesus love and hope.  Lastly, I was able to enjoy a beautiful sunset from our hotel while watching our Crossroads Espanol service with our Team.  It was a beautiful time of fellowship!

-Jacqui

We have arrived!!! I’m so grateful that I was able to sleep most of the flight and bus ride. This helped me mentally and physically for the rest of the day. I didn’t have much jet lag so I was able to get a nice work out in before we went on a 2 hour walk into the city. Walking into the shops made me feel at home. It reminded me of when I would go to Mexico and they had shops in alleys that were the same way. Michael, our missionary partner,, walked us through the shops and let us see the Western Wall. We were all able to walk up to it and pray on the wall. I wasn’t sure what I was going to pray about, because I had so many things I was thinking about. I just went up to the wall and the first words out of my mouth were, “God, speak to me. Your servant is listening.” I got really emotional as the Holy Spirit just filled my heart and I began to pray. I prayed over my family because before I left there was a bit of hardship between my dad and I. I began to cry and my heart started to ache, as I took a deep breath I just felt a wave of calmness. I knew all things were going to be for the goodness of God. Even while I was hurting I just knew I need to trust Him and allow Him to handle this hard situation. My heart was aching and still is. In that moment, all I could do is tell God you know what’s on my heart, so heal me lord, my life is yours. Use me to bring all the glory to you. As I started stepping back from the wall, I felt peace but I knew I needed to just stay strong for my family. Today was amazing, yes the team was so tired, but I’m so blessed to have amazing people who not only love Jesus Christ, but who also love on me. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to see The Holy Land, and just be in the moment and allow God to speak to me. Thank you Lord, for being so amazing and so forgiving!

“I Can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11–13 💕

– Michelle Ramos

It’s Saturday, June 10, 8:17pm in Jerusalem and I finally have some time to pause & process everything that’s happened since we left LAX 36 hrs ago. What stands out to me after 2 flights, changing time zones and schedules, power naps, MANY bathroom breaks, and hauling around a duffel bag I definitely overpacked is this: God is near.

The Holy One, Almighty, Creator, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the same God who draws near to us. When we’re joyful, when we’re anxious/afraid, and especially when we’re sitting in the middle seat on the plane, He is near. 

I’m in awe that the Word became flesh and walked the very places we now get to visit in these next 2 weeks! Today we passed through the Old City, over winding, uneven stone pathways, and stopped by the Western Wall. All I could think about was, “Jesus, I love you.” My prayer tonight for our team (and for you!) is that that every day, we would know God a little bit better and love Him a little bit more 🤍 

– Jaimee