If you are reading this post and are one of the folks going on the trip this morning, better get packing!  If not, then you must be one of the many family members, friends or other interested parties who have been or will be following our progress for the next two weeks.

We adopted the calls typical of those heard when approaching the starting line at the beginning of a race as the theme for our preparation phase of the trip.  The three meetings we held in April were designed to prepare the travelers for what they would see and experience as well as to provide information on how to prepare well for the trip.  We called these three meetings, “On Your Mark”, “Get Ready” and “Get Set”.

Much is said in Scripture comparing our efforts as Christians to further the Kingdom of God to running a race.  While the competition of the race itself is exciting (you know, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat!), no runner can be successful without proper preparation.  The runner is ultimately responsible for his or her preparation but also important are the supporting team members.  In our case, the team is made up of the family and friends who have prayed and supported the efforts of our travelers these many months.  To you we say thank you for all that you have done to help your runner prepare to run the race well.

As we close the Pre Tour phase of the trip, our ”runners” will meet today at the starting line (airport) and await the starter to shout “GO”.  Please continue to pray as we “GO” with expectation of the wonderful things God will reveal, the places we will see and the things we will hear during the next two weeks. 

We will be arriving in Israel on the 28th at 1:35am Nashville Time.  Once we get thru immigration, secure our luggage and go thru customs, we will travel by bus to Tiberius on the Sea of Galilee.  As soon as possible, we will post a blog entry to let everyone at home know we made it fine.  As God is sovereign over all, most especially this tour, I am confident we will arrive safely.    

Be sure to check the blog daily as we will have a guest post from one of the travelers as well as pictures and video of the day’s events.  We have some special surprises planned as well that we hope will further enhance the trip experience.

Shalom U’vrachot (Peace and Blessing)