New Columbia Israel Tour 2019

​Greetings!
Wow! It hardly seems possible… well over a year ago we began planning for a trip to Israel and now we are just two days away from departure. If and when you think of us, your prayers would certainly be appreciated! For several in our group, this is going to be a huge venture outside of their comfort zone. I’m quite sure they would appreciate prayers daily!
When the Duttrys and the Spanglers first began to discuss the possibility of a trip to Israel, we thought maybe we would have as high as 18-20 people interested – wow, were we ever wrong! We had 30 plus people committed within a few weeks and finally had to set a limit which we bumped up several times for a total of 50 people. Being the fact we still had many more requests and no more availability, we began discussing a fall 2020 trip. I believe we now have well over 30 people listed for that trip, which will more than likely include a visit to Jordan.
One of our major goals was to include a full tour at a reasonable cost.  Adrian and Rebecca worked tirelessly on this and together we would sit at Dunkin Donuts to be sure we were planning to that end. The trip was designed in such a way that everyone going, including the hosts and hostesses, were responsible for paying their own way. These measures, as well as the elimination of a few very minor perks, kept the individual cost down for the whole group. However, after someone in the New Columbia church found out their pastor was going, they anonymously stepped forward and paid my entire way, to which I am very grateful and will use this venue to once again say a huge “Thank-You!”
All in all we have a very packed itinerary for a cost per person (double occupancy) of less than $2400! We are so excited to be going with the New Columbia Church clan as well as a few others from various churches that have helped round out our group. Truly we have an excellent bunch of folks going with us! It is our desire for this trip to be an eye opener and heart opener to see where Jesus walked and sit where He talked. We want His abiding presence to be with us every single day and along the way! My prayer is that every person in our group will be spiritually impacted for life! As is always the goal, may we each one fully prepare our hearts and minds to share the good news of Jesus Christ at every opportunity.
When Cheri and I first went to Israel, our hearts and minds were overwhelmed with awe and gladness at the many sights where Jesus ministered to so many. Then again, at some sites there was much sorrow and sadness when we realized afresh how our Blessed Lord and Saviour was treated. May I remind you once again, He is not on the cross, and not in the tomb… He is very much alive and well! And Praise His Name – He lives within our hearts!
Thanks Adrian and Rebecca! You are fantastic!
Yours for Him,
Pastor Spangler