As I continue to get messages and replies, I have been released from On High to share my sentiments on Israel, Palestine and beyond.
An open letter to those who say,
“NO! DON’T GO THERE!”
Shalom,
Thank you so much for your comment. I am incredibly pleased to hear from you. The gift of this educational tour is to see the conglomeration of the bitter and beautiful. The goal of Passages Israel and COGIC World Missions is to provide an authentic experience of Israel.
Although much that I’ve experienced has been magnificently overwhelming because of the Biblical historical context while visiting, I’ve also witnessed heart wrenching facts right before my eyes and observed the misery that many endure. I’ve touched these people and walked on their grounds in their community.
COGIC WORLD MISSIONS’ YOUTH EMBARK UPON A TRANSFORMATIVE TRIP TO ISRAEL
June 14, 2017(Memphis, TN) The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) World Missions Department has sent 40 youth leaders to Israel for an eleven-day tour.
The Church Of God In Christ (COGIC), under the leadership of Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., has deployed 40 youth and young adults from the World Missions Department to a tour of Israel. The trip is a partnership between COGIC World Missions, the Hobby Lobby retail chain, and Passages, an organization that offers educational tours of Israel.
With each attendee under the age of forty, the goal of the trip is to invest in the emerging leaders of the Church Of God In Christ. During the trip, participants will explore the roots of their biblical faith and will be introduced to the complex landscape of modern Israel.
Bishop Vincent Mathews, President of COGIC World Missions says, “I have learned so much from Presiding Bishop Blake, and one thing is collaboration. This collaboration with Hobby Lobby and Passages is valued at over $160k! It is worth it to invest in our emerging leaders in the Church Of God In Christ. Exposure is the greatest education that an individual can receive. This will prepare our leaders for future ministry in challenging places.”
The itinerary includes visits to foundational biblical sites, as well as sites relevant to the history of the modern Jewish state. Participants will hear from a diverse set of speakers and local people throughout the region who will help the students understand Israeli culture, government and economy, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and geopolitical and security issues surrounding Israel.
This sponsored trip to Israel begins an unprecedented summer that seeks to leverage the energy and passion of COGIC’s emerging leaders to literally touch the world.
The World Missions Department has three additional mission trips planned in July for youth and young adult members, including Tanzania, East Africa, Columbia, South America and Belize.
In August, youth and young adults will engage in transformative ministry on a mission’s trip to America called, “The Awakening.” Hundreds of young people will serve 12 cities simultaneously across America.
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The Church Of God In Christ is one of the oldest Pentecostal denominations in the world and the 4th largest Protestant group in the United States, with churches in 87 countries worldwide and a membership of nearly 6.5 million adherents.
My time in Saudi Arabia was sweetened by the people. Both the students and staff from the universities and the members of my church home in Riyadh added sweetness to each day.
Below you’ll find one of the treasures of my trek. This song, until this very hour, held lyrics that I never understood, but always enjoyed hearing members of my church sing at various points in the service. Asking invites answers. It’s just that simple. Google invites answers too. But it’s always fresher to get it straight from the source.
This Zulu song and is truly music to my ears. Now the lyrics ring even louder in my soul.
(Jesus is gracious towards me)
Have you ever heard a song in a foreign language that spoke to you although you didn’t know the meaning? How long did it take you to find the meaning? I hope I’ll never wait this long to dig into the meaning of a song.
(The video is NOT from Grace Outreach Global Church in Riyadh. All details are on the link to the Youtube channel.)
