My Experience in Israel

Over the years, my family and I grew more and more interested in Israel. Through studying more of the Word, we developed a desire to come to the Holy Land. To our surprise, God opened a way for us and we received an opportunity to come for two weeks at first. Through my experience here, my love for God’s Word and His people has grown and the more I come, the more I enjoy it. Bible prophecy and the Bible in general have become more realistic and it’s a blessing to know that I can be part of fulfilling Bible prophecy by volunteering at Bridges for Peace (BFP).

The first time I came to the Holy Land, I was amazed and confronted by the cultural shock of encountering so many religious people roaming around on the streets, especially in Jerusalem. It was so strange seeing Jews, Arabs, Christians and many more religious people all dwelling in the same city. I felt like an outsider, because I couldn’t converse with anybody and at times I felt very unsafe, especially in the Arab quarter of the Old City. The Old City is the most historical part of Jerusalem and has been divided into four quarters: the Jewish, Arab, Armenian and Christian. The Wailing Wall (Western Wall) is situated in the Jewish area and is considered to be the holiest spot for the Jews. It is truly marvelous there and it really touched me to see how people regularly came up to the wall and prayed, literally fulfilling the prophecy in Zechariah 8: 20-22. I felt secure and at peace there and could soak up the Jewish culture. What I enjoyed most the first time was simply dwelling with the Jews.

On my second visit to Israel, we stayed for three months, so I decided to volunteer with Bridges for Peace for two weeks. But as the two weeks flew by so speedily, I wanted to stay longer and asked to volunteer for two more weeks. This was still too short, but it was a great opportunity to learn many different things. Even though at the time I was only eighteen, I befriended the staff at Bridges’ Head Quarters. The best part of working with BFP was meeting people from all over the world and seeing how they are giving more of themselves to God, so that through His love we can show the Jews that we do love them and we want to bless them. The Bible says God will bless those who bless His people (Genesis 12:3). This time in Israel my family and I toured a lot more and saw a bit of everything in the land. I enjoyed the Dead Sea a lot, because afterwards I felt rejuvenated. However, I stayed a tad too long in the sea and got nauseous from all the minerals that my skin sucked in from the sea. There was a sign that said you should only stay in for a maximum of fifteen minutes at a time, so it’s important to look and to follow this instruction! My family and I also attended services at a synagogue and there I met lovely young adults my age. Many of them made aliyah from America, so I could at least converse with them. We bonded immediately and I felt more and more at home with my new acquaintances. It was sad to bid farewell and return home to South Africa, but university was awaiting me. I managed through my first year of Architecture and thanked my Father for helping me.

Currently, I am visiting Israel for the third time, this time for a month only. I am again volunteering at BFP and assisting in arranging the Zealous82 Young Adult Jan 2010 tour. It’s great fun because I get to connect with the young adults that will be coming and it’s wonderful to see how the youth from all over the world have grown a love and passion for Israel. I want to encourage more to do likewise, for you will receive blessing in coming up to God’s chosen city JerusalemIsrael. and joining hands in support for the nation of

Menan du Plessis

BFP Volunteer