Group Letters

Nehemiah Group
June 2004

June 2004

My dear Nehemiah Group,

It has been a few months since our 18-day June tour to the Bible Lands. Wow – what an awesome experience!

You were a sturdy group indeed; no media or well-intended social pressure was going to keep YOU from walking in that Promised Land! Your faith and spirit of determination were blessed beyond measure! I’m proud of you!

Joy often overtook you and I was the beneficiary of hugs galore! In fact, I think I am still squeezed. With the thrill of each unfolding day, you exclaimed, “This is so wonderful!” “How did we get all of this for our tour price!” “This is far more than I ever dreamed.” “Now I can SEE the Bible and I finally understand!” On and on it went. It was most gratifying to serve you – but what a blessing to watch God touch you so dramatically!

Let’s reflect. You held tight through those lengthy pre-tour classes studying the basics: of the region’s geography, ancient Jewish culture, and regional/Jewish history. As we met I watched with great pleasure the blending of personalities. It was then evident and inspiring on tour to see the youth and adults come together so completely with love and oneness – we were truly ONE family!

It was the very first day in the Land that the veil lifted and “abstract” became “substance.” With glee, you realized that you had the framework on which to build a whole new “frame-of-reference”….and the guide’s scholarship “made sense.” It was apparent that we would experience the Land with our whole being! Our senses were “quickened” as never before!

I’ve said this before but it bears repeating. We listened and learned more than we ever thought possible from our brilliant and witty guide, Dr. Langfur; we saw the splendor of magnificent vistas – every site was a feast for the eyes; we tasted the freshest and finest food imaginable; we smelled the abundant and beautiful fragrances of flora and spices; and we touched, climbed, walked, held on, and got into almost everything. We truly experienced the Land! This was no touristy tour!

Jordan beckoned us this time. We had an extraordinary time discovering that land – filled with so much biblical history. New and old discoveries were everywhere! Traversing the mountain ridge, including the grandeur of Petra, my mind often drifted back to the time of Abraham. Then, came that exquisite time at the Moevenpick Dead Sea Spa which gave us a hint of heaven. I do believe that is the closest to heaven one can get on this temporal side! Ahhhh…

Empowered and excited after the spa rest, we finally reached our beloved Jerusalem. Its sheer beauty, history, and the warmth of ALL the people you met there, captured you (“Where are the bias and media rhetoric,” you wondered). We then had seven wonderful days to explore that magnificent city, took side trips to other sites, deserts, and Bethlehem. We even had free time to better enjoy the city.

As you remember the blessing of having been in the Land, I know your joy has deepened – your faith has been enriched – and your walk with the Lord has dramatically changed! Reading the Word transports you back to the Land – and you’re on site! Life will never be the same… and life simply “looks” different. It’s gone from black and white to vivid color! And by now, your spirit probably yearns to go back “HOME.”

I would like to thank: Steve Langfur (our truly amazing guide – who has unending patience with my never-ending requests); Hani (NET- who is so very gracious and accommodating); Sami (Ambassador Hotel); Pete (IGM-thanks!); Don Bechtel (my supporter); and Jennifer (my pottery gal). But most of all, I want to thank YOU. Each tour is completely different in personality. You embraced each other with genuine love and were simply a delight!

May your spirit soar as you remember the Land – and may you be filled with gladness and laughter when you think of our “journey.”

I pray many will go with me again – to return HOME!

Kay Money (aka Mother Money)

P.S. Love blooms on my tours to the Land! Yes, another couple will be getting married. Joe and Amber are now engaged! Blessings on both of you and congratulations! We were all pulling for you (maybe pushing too)! This now makes three “tour” marriages – whew!