One year ago, on October 7, 2023—a day etched in my heart forever—everything changed. It was the day God positioned me to see His people, to hear His people, to pray for His people, and to remember His people always.
Tel Aviv
If you're over thirty, you likely remember exactly where you were on September 11, 2001. In much the same way, I will always remember October 7, 2023. My husband and I had traveled to Israel for a much-anticipated tour led by Jeremiahs Call Ministries. We were scheduled to meet Carole, Kristine, and their husbands the day before the tour began. After flying through the night, we arrived in Tel Aviv on Saturday around 9 a.m. Though unfamiliar with the airport, everything initially seemed normal. After collecting our bags, we went outside to find our pre-arranged taxi—but it was nowhere to be found. Carole sent a text asking if we had arrived and to call her as soon as possible. When we finally connected, she informed us that Israel had been attacked.
Our Stay
We spent two nights and three days in Tel Aviv, staying at a hotel on the promenade by the Mediterranean Sea—a truly beautiful place. During this time, the six of us experienced a dinner that was twice interrupted by sirens, sending us running to a bomb shelter. We celebrated a Sunday church service filled with deeply heartfelt prayers, and we rode Lime scooters to Old Joppa. We also met a delightful elderly couple, Persian Jews, who were there celebrating the Feast of Sukkot.
Throughout our stay, we encountered people who opened their hearts to us. Nearly everyone we met shared a personal story about how the attack had impacted their lives, yet they all radiated a joyful, sweet spirit. They continued to serve us with kindness and demonstrated what it means to trust God for care and comfort. They lived out Paul’s teachings in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: 'Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.'
Unexpected Blessing
I went to Israel expecting to see the sights, to walk where Jesus once walked. I thought my experience would be mostly physical, but instead, God revealed something far greater—His people. He calls them His treasure and His inheritance. I am forever grateful for this trip and the blessings it brought. Through the love and hearts of those He calls His own, I witnessed God’s love in action.
I look forward to returning to Israel. In the meantime, I follow God’s command: I pray for Israel (Psalm 122:6). I remember Jerusalem (Psalm 132:13-14, 137:5-6), and I ask that you do the same.
In Christ's love,
Tracey
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