The Israel mission that launched a 'divine journey'
But, what could a business man and his wife, a teaching minister, with children and grandchildren, really do to support Israel from Nashville?
By GUEST POSTA worshipper holds an opened Bible during a Palm Sunday procession at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City.(photo credit: REUTERS)
I first visited Israel in 1987 with the Jewish Federation of Nashville & Middle Tennessee on a mission to share Israel with leaders in the Christian community, and so we could see Israel through each other's eyes. Being fortunate to have received prophetic teaching on Israel, I was beginning to understand that my Bible was principally about Am Israel & Eretz Israel, albeit with a Christian church age aspect of key importance to me.Having been privileged to travel in much of the world, I expected a special tourist experience. Wrong! Although El Al landed me in a strange environment (language, culture, climate, architecture, etc.), I felt "at home." Why? My Bible teaches my place in the New Jerusalem and the full redemption/restoration of Israel. So, for a Christian to sense being "at home" in Israel is Biblically ordained!Our Jewish comrades were able to see and experience our love and appreciation for both Am Israel and Eretz Israel. This Israel mission launched a journey that can only be described as divine.My wife and I took our three children to Israel three years later so they could experience the Holy Land. And we have returned twice since then; also ready to return again. As we continue our Biblical learning, our love for Israel only grows. For us Israel has moved 18". That is the distance between our heads and our hearts. But, what could a business man and his wife, a teaching minister, with children and grandchildren, really do to support Israel from Nashville, TN. Then it happened!In 2006, a Christian pastor in San Antonio, Texas cast a vision for a grassroots organization: Christians United for Israel. We were part of the "founding" meeting of 400 Christians. Today CUFI has 3.5 million members and growing. We are (volunteer) Tennessee State Directors. CUFI's mission is to educate our government, our churches, and our college campuses on the biblical commands and/or geopolitical rationales to support Israel. 3.5 million members creates a notable platform from which to speak. One additional mission is to reach out to the Jewish community with the single message that they are not alone; we stand with Israel and Jewish people everywhere; and this is an eternal commitment!Written by J-Pilgrim contributor Mike McNally, Tennessee State Director of Christians United for IsraelWant to share your Holy Land story?1. Click Here to send an email to JPost2. Include your story and any relevant photos3. Check JPost.com to see new and updated posts from our readers