Steve’s Sad Announcement

Good morning…

As quiet ripples of moonlight rest on our bathroom floor, I snap a photo and prepare to write in the middle of this night. First, I open an email my husband and I had discussed yesterday. Reading Steve’s words with my own eyes makes the many layers of loss feel much more real.

“Dear Israel Trip 2024,” began his letter. “I am writing with sadness on so many levels. First and foremost, my heart breaks for the people of Israel and Gaza. There are so many who have lost loved ones and are living out these days in fear. My prayers are with them. On a more personal note, I am sorry to announce that we will be canceling our trip to Israel in March of 2024.” He filled in the details.

“I am hopeful that we will be able to travel to Israel together in the future,” He continued. “I am looking at October 2024 (tentatively Oct 24 – Nov 3) just about a year from now. But, of course, we will wait awhile before making any plan.”

As many of you know, Steve loves taking people to the Holy Land of Israel, the humbling desert, the lush Sea of Galilee, the bustling city of Jerusalem. For many years, Steve has shepherded both student trips and adult trips, two trips per year. The past two years, I have felt privileged to join the awesome groups of adults. More amazing people planned to join us this March to walk the land where Jesus walked, but now is simply not the time.

Now is the time to join together in prayer for those stricken by violence around our globe. Lord, please teach us to translate “number of casualties” into moms and dads, sons and daughters, friends and family members. Let our hearts break open with your love for all.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed (Psalm 34:18, NLT).

…Sue…