YES! Israel Testimonials
Don’t take our word for it, listen to those who have gone. . . .
“Great discipleship”
There were nine of us. We barely knew one another when we gathered for training before flying to Israel. But God brought together a united team – even in difficulties, sufferings, and uneasiness – through our prayers and devotions. The trip was designed not only as a ministry trip, but also as a trip of great discipleship. Praise the Lord! – Chris
“I was terrified”
When I applied for this team, I was terrified at the thought of walking up to a stranger and talking about Messiah and my faith in Him. Yet God still sent me. I applied and became a part of a YES! Israel team. Facing the threats of those who reject Jesus as Messiah also frightened me. Yet God urged me to be bold. During those weeks in Israel, God opened my eyes to the eternal despair of those who reject God’s gift of salvation and how lost we really are without Him. After getting that glimpse into eternity, I received a new boldness to love, care, and speak to whomever God brings my way. - Christa
“I learned about the power of prayer”
While I accepted Jesus as a child, I wandered away until about three years ago. So in many ways, my faith is still pretty young. Yet God is kind in how He chooses to “grow” me. I’ve always been envious of those we call “prayer warriors.” On this trip, I learned about the power of prayer, but also about the incredible intimacy of prayer. God showed me how He used our prayers to bring us together, sharing the common cause of the Good News of Yeshua. – Jay
“Where two or three are gathered”
I pray frequently throughout the day, sometimes just simple short “What should I do?” prayers and sometimes longer intercessory prayers, but I don’t often call a group together for prayer. I had three guys on my team who would frequently ask if we could pray together for something that had come up or for one of the Israeli contacts we were working with. I saw impromptu prayer meetings occur throughout the trip. I know the importance of prayer, especially in evangelism, but often I forget God’s promise that, “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in their midst.” There is something special to God about our praying together. I learned to call others to join me in prayer. – Israel
“God answered”
I’ve been on multiple YES! trips. God showed me how He could strategically use our experiences, our various ethnic backgrounds, our strengths and even our weaknesses
to allow us to make connections with unbelievers. God answered my prayers regarding just such a dedicated, unified team, and divine appointments. I realize how God is fulfilling His purpose for me personally, in every detail and circumstance that He allows into my life. – Cathy
“God gave me strength”
I spent a few hours with a young woman and her children in downtown Tel Aviv. I gave her literature and told her about Messiah Jesus. I pray that the seed planted in her life will be watered and harvested by someone else. God gave me the strength that day to approach that woman and talk, and He continues to give me strength to talk to others. – Elizabeth
“Go back to your own country”
We prayed that God would lead us to the right people and we would have His words. We began to talk with Alex. His English was weak, but he allowed us to talk to him. Then Max joined in. His English was stronger. He had great questions and showed genuine interest. Then Stas joined the conversation. As we were talking, an older man came up and yelled at us. “Go back to your own country,” he ordered. We didn’t defend ourselves, but Stas did. And he promised to read the Bible we gave him. – Chris
“Impressed by love”
We shared God’s love and plan of salvation for Israel and the world to best friends, Moses and Aaron. I’m not kidding about those names! Moses goes to synagogue and is very religious, but he is quite shy. Aaron is outgoing, and a secular Jewish man who asks many questions. He relies on Moses to go to the synagogue for him and to pray that God would forgive his sins. We had a long conversation. We sensed they were impressed by our love for them and for the Jewish people. We thank the Lord that Aaron was moved by this time of fellowship and gladly accepted a “More Than a Carpenter” book. Later that day, we shared the gospel with Raul. This old African-Hispanic-American had no concept of forgiveness. He accepted our literature with great joy. He seemed to know he was receiving extraordinary Good News from God. – Nathan*
“A difference for eternity”
Since coming home, I have continued to share the love of Messiah and to pray with individuals on the streets of my home city as well as with co-workers in the restaurant where I work. I still battle fear. But knowing the destiny of those who do not accept Christ compared to the greatness of knowing Him compels me to step out in faith. God can and does work through our weaknesses to make a difference for eternity. Would I recommend this trip to others? Without question. I am continually thankful to God for what He revealed to me through the hearts and prayers of my teammates and believers in Israel. – Christa
*In order to protect our staff and those with whom we are working, we will often alter names and faces.
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