CYE is happy to welcome home our own Dr. Randy Smith, who just returned from leading a course in Israel on the “Life and Ministry of Jesus.” He reported that the group consisted of “fifty fantastic followers of Jesus” and was a successful and enjoyable trip! For those of you curious how current affairs in the Middle East are affecting tours to Israel, things are looking really good. The tour went off without a hitch and Dr. Smith said they were able to easily travel into, throughout, and out of the country. Spirits were high among locals in both Israeli and Palestinian territories. Dr. Smith will be returning to Israel in May for the “Journey through the Bible” course with students from the Great Commission Bible Institute and Dayspring Christian. And…he will head back again July 31st – August 12 for the Christian Youth Experience Israel tour!!! (We’re just a tad excited about this trip!) Hope to have you join us!
Welcome Home
Sneak Peek of Israel
There is nothing that beats the opportunity to experience Israel firsthand. Treading on stone roads upon which Abraham travelled, listening to the rare sound of running water in the lush North or the sound of profound silence in the air around the Dead Sea, tasting the fruit of the land, kneeling to pray amongst the olive trees in Gethsemane, standing atop Mt. Carmel gazing out on the Jezreel Valley, a land rich with past, present and what is yet to come — these are moments for which there is no substitute. Still, for all the days we cannot spend in the land, the Israel Ministry of Tourism has put together a fantastic resource. Check out this virtual tour of Israel for pictures, videos and information on some areas of great interest.
Jezreel Valley seen from Mt. Carmel
Holy & Anointed One
A student from the Great Commission Bible Institute sings at the Church of St. Anne during one of our trips to Israel. St. Anne’s is located in the Old City of Jerusalem, near the Bethesda Pool (see John 5:1-15). Constructed in the 12th century, its acoustics were specifically designed to complement Gregorian chant. Consequently, it has become destination for pilgrims the world over to come and sing.
Manners Police?
photo by Stephanie Zieman
Fed up with observing a general disregard for the well-being of others, a group of Israeli students has decided to launch a campaign against “undignified behavior” on the public bus system. The behaviors they are targeting? Talking loudly on the cellphone, listening to music without headphones and failing to give up seats for the elderly. The students who are spearheading the campaign hope that by modeling good bus behavior and discussing their mission with others they will win more and more supporters to the cause. While some passengers seem irritated with the students’ efforts, others have expressed excitement and gratitude, and this is bolstering the spirits of the “bus police.”
Christian Youth Experience in Nashville
The came from the West Coast of Washington state, the southern tip of Florida and everywhere in between. Somewhere around 4000 youth pastors, ministry directors and tireless volunteers converged in Nashville this weekend for the National Youth Workers Convention. Christian Youth Experience was there to join in on several days of worship, refueling, and fellowship, as well as to hold down the fort in booth #428 in the large exhibit hall.
It was a weekend of connection for CYE. We befriended our exhibit neighbors who were also there providing resources to help build and equip youth ministries around the nation. We saw countless smiling faces and met hundreds of new folks. We had the pleasure of hearing from a great number of people who were excited about Israel. Some were eager to tell us stories of their past trips to the land, others wanted to share their dreams of going one day soon. Thank you to all those who stopped to chat with us. We look forward to hearing from you again and hope we will get to share an Israel experience with you!
A few of the hundreds of booths in the exhibit hall
Thousands of youth workers pack in the convention center for an evening session, while NewWorldSon leads worship
Our Bags Are Packed…
…for Music City, USA!
That’s right folks, CYE is on our way to exhibit at the National Youth Workers Convention in Nashville, TN, November 19- 21. We had a great time at NYWC San Diego in October. We met a variety of interesting people who are dedicatedly serving the Lord by discipling young people around the nation. Some great connections were formed and we are eagerly anticipating all that Nashville holds.
For those of you who stopped by our booth in San Diego, thank you! It was a pleasure. And for those of you planning to attend the Nashville convention, please drop by and see us. We look forward to meeting you.
Answering the Age-Old Question
One hump or two?
Since you can scarcely visit Israel without seeing these unique and extraordinary animals, and since our 2011 Israel itinerary includes rides in the desert on these big guys, this post is dedicated to the one-humped Arabian Camel, a.k.a the Dromedary.
Camels are well known for their ability to convert water and energy from the fat in their hump and thus sustain themselves for long, hot, waterless periods in the desert. However, did you realize that when they finally replenish their water supply they can drink up to 30 gallons of water in under 15 minutes! Does that change anyone’s view of Isaac’s bride-to-be, Rebekah!?! (See Genesis 24:15-27)
Read on for more interesting facts about this incredible animal that God created.
Coming Soon to a City Near You…
That is, of course, if you happen to be near sunny San Diego, California! CYE will be exhibiting October 1-3 at the National Youth Workers Convention. If you happen to be one of the thousands of youth workers planning to attend NYWC in San Diego, stop by booth #410 to see us. We’d love to meet you!
Christian Youth Experience will also be at NYWC Nashville, November 19-22 for those of you who are planning on staying east of the Mississippi.
Check out the video below to learn more about NYWC or go to nywc.com
Israel Study Trip July 31-Aug 12, 2011
We are incredibly excited for our Israel 2011 program! To share our enthusiasm we are kicking things off with a some snapshot highlights from past trips. Check out what you can be part of next summer!
Israel Time
