Kimombasa, a densely populated slum in Bwaise Parish, Kawempe Division, has over the decades become notorious for prostitution, drug abuse and extreme poverty, with sex work deeply woven into the area.
“The brothels attracted men, and over time the place became known as Kimombasa, in reference to where the trade originated,” Ms Masituula Nabawanuka, local Council Representative for Women’s Affairs said.
Today, Kimombasa faces multiple social challenges, including theft, drug abuse, poor sanitation and widespread prostitution. Charles Kiyingi, a community leader and long-time resident, says some sex workers are as young as 13 years old, driven into the trade by poverty and family breakdown. Read full story here: dailyexpress.co.ug/2025/12/17/inside-kimombasa-whe…
Pray with us as we reach out with a simple 2-part message:
“Go Home!”
You see, many of these women were raised in Church, but for one reason or another came to Kampala and wound up here. We will tell them, “Go Home to our King Jesus – Change your thinking and remember: “There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’” (Luke 24:47, NLT)
In the second part of the message, Doc will share they need to “Go Home – back to your village, to your family!” Many stay away because of the shame and guilt. We will encourage them to “swallow the guilt, admit their failures, and start over with the supernatural help of their loving God and King!”
All the while, John and team members will be reaching out to the children with ballon animals (always a favorite with the children) while he shares the gospel!
When we are done with the worship, which Kate will lead along with the Team from our host church, we will give away kits filled with everyday needs for the ladies. And for the abundance of children, we will give away school kits filled with pencils, notebooks, etc.
Online advertisement for the 1-Day Marriage Seminar in Bukoto, Uganda
As you pray for us this week, please remember the Bukoto 2-Day Singles and Pastors, Leaders, Spouses Conference. Day 1: It is our sincere hope that we can translate the joy, unity, and mutual mission that Doc and Kate possess into the simple choices and decisions that make our marriage work so powerfully and dynamically!
We plan to prepare over 300 singles and marrieds to Find the Desire of their Hearts!This Mindset Shift from Psalm 37.4 will provide the insights and commitments necessary to start a Godly Marriage and help those already married to do the same! Pastor Callistus confirms many are already p re-registered and is asking for your prayers. He is so excited about the impact this will make on the Ugandan Church!
Day 2: We will train 100+ Pastors, Leaders, Spouses on the basics of How to Expand Your Faith Community by Making Disciples,How to Expand the Kingdom of God by Growing Leaders
This condensed one-day intensive training will start the process for our Uganda Team to continue once we are back in the USA.
Of course, we will report it all here through our photos and videos!
GREATER THINGS has been the two words in our hearts since the beginning of this year! That is our sincere prayer for you today – whether you are new to our prayer letter a several are or you have been with us since the beginning of our engagement announcement. We plead God’s “More Than Enough” abundance upon you for your partnership in our lives and ministry.
Just an update the two of us. We celebrated our 4 year anniversary at our church on June 21st. 1stSBC surprised us with gifts and balloons and applause and the most kind words from our Senior Pastor, John Ward. We were overwhelmed with the kindness and love!
Pray for us as we continue to serve the People Who Are: 1stSBC, Gardena, CA USA!
We are thinking constantly of all God can do in August as we bring the great message of our King Jesus to the men and women, marrieds and singles, and yes – to the prostitutes of Uganda!
It’s hard to look into the eyes of babies like this, born out of the sex trade business, and think they might have a better future apart from their mothers being set free from the chains that bind them.
We are asking you to pray for us as we go this August; that our King Jesus would prepare us with His heart of compassion and with the merciful boldness to tell these ladies, “Go Home! First, go home to our King Jesus. Let Him remove your guilt and shame by surrendering to Him as your God and King. Start living His plan for your life. Then, go home to your family. We know you came to the city for a better life, but this is not it. Go home, face the shame, and tell them that you have been changed inside and you want to live that life now for God!”
This message resonates. It isn’t easy, but we have watched as women step forward publicly and let go of the darkness and step into the light of love! Your prayers are needed as we go – Kimombassa (pronounced Chim-om-bassa when you pray) is a dark prison of pain and despair. We are going into the heart of the Devil’s Lair here with the hope of Heaven. We need you to pray! Will you join us in prayer?
We don’t know the size of the crowd of ladies – perhaps 100, 200? But we also know there will be the Enemies of Evil all around, doing all they can to disrupt us as we reach out. This is a spiritual battle. It is won through prayer! Please join us in regular prayer for the Children of Kimombassa!
We have an energetic strategy for this trip as you can see:Depart LAX Monday, August 2, 2026
Mission Focus #1: Kawempe 3-Day Pastors, Leaders, Spouses Conference. Practical training, break out discussions, Q & A sessions daily on How to Expand Your Faith Community by Making Disciples, How to Expand the Kingdom of God by Growing Leaders, and How to Build a Strong Base by Developing Godly Marriages.
Mission Focus #2 Bukoto 2-Day Singles and Pastors, Leaders, Spouses Conference. Day 1: We will prepare over 200 singles to Find the Desire of their Hearts! This MindsetShift from Psalm 37.4 will provide the insights and commitments necessary to start a Godly Marriage and help others do the same! Day 2: We will train 100+ Pastors, Leaders, Spouses on the basics of How to Expand Your Faith Community by Making Disciples, How to Expand the Kingdom of God by Growing Leaders, and How to Build a Strong Base by Developing Godly Marriages. This condensed one-day intensive training will start the process for our Uganda Team to continue once we are back in the USA. Mission Focus #3: Kimombassa Prostitute Outreach (mentioned above). We plan to not only reach out with the Hope of the Gospel but to also give every prostitute a “care package” of daily essentials for short-term needs as well as every child receiving a “school package” of essentials for study and growth.We will also have some down time to do some sight-seeing and exploring in Uganda.We know we will be exhausted from our tight schedule, but grateful and spiritually recharged in our faith to have touched so many people with hope and life. And we will report it all here through our photos and videos!
Will you pray for us? If so would you simply reply, “Pray!” Thank you!
Church leaders, pastors, elders, small group leaders – you know the ache. Empty pews. Fractured teams. Members chasing culture instead of Christ. You pray for revival, unity, God’s manifest presence. But revival doesn’t just happen. Psalm 23:6 doesn’t auto-activate. David sang truth: “Surely Your goodness and love will chase me down all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the Temple of Yahweh, The Master of Mercy forever.” (NIV/Hebrew). Goodness and mercy don’t stroll casually behind God’s people. They chase – hunt – pursue with ferocity. But only if.
Samuel delivered this exact warning to Israel as God’s covenant people in 1 Samuel 12:14-15. Fresh off demanding a king “like all the nations,” God accommodated through Saul, but Samuel drew the line. God’s blessing wasn’t presumptuous. It demanded response. Your church, your team, your family leadership stands at the same crossroads today. Culture screams “relevance over reverence.” Social media metrics trump Spirit metrics. But Samuel’s prophetic moment bridges directly to yours – goodness and mercy chase obedient leaders who fear, serve, obey, and follow without compromise. Settle for less, and God’s hand presses heavy, just like the wilderness wanderings. Don’t settle, leader. Lead them into chase-down blessing.
Fear Him (1 Samuel 12:14)
Samuel starts with the foundation: “If you fear the LORD and serve him and obey his voice and do not rebel against the commandment of the LORD…” Fear isn’t terror. It’s awe. Recognition that Yahweh reigns supreme, not your board, not your budget, not your personal brand. Israel’s kings demanded fear turned horizontal – subjects trembling before Saul’s throne. God demands fear turned vertical – leaders trembling before His holiness. Contemporary trap? Pastors fearing empty offering plates more than God’s empty altar. Elders fearing denominational withdrawal more than divine withdrawal. Small group leaders fearing awkward silence more than holy silence.
Behind the scenes? Demons delight when fear shifts from God to man. Ephesians 6:12 reminds leaders wrestle spiritual forces, not flesh. When you fear God supremely, goodness positions for pursuit. Your people sense it – sermons land heavier, prayers pierce atmospheres, unity flows despite diversity. Practical step? Next board meeting, open with 15 minutes of Revelation 4 worship – no agenda, just awe. Parenting tie-in? Train kids to fear God’s “No” more than their friends’ exclusion. Legacy moment? Samuel feared Yahweh over national pressure – your church fears Yahweh over cultural pressure. Samuel’s moment becomes yours.
Takeaway: When leaders fear God above all, goodness and mercy take notice and begin the chase.
Lead your people here: Audit fears weekly. “What do I fear losing more than God’s presence?” Then repent publicly. Obedient fear unlocks pursuit.
Serve Him (1 Samuel 12:14)
Fear produces action – serve Him. Not lip service, token programs, or Instagram spirituality. Real service flows from heart-captured leaders. Israel served Yahweh through Samuel’s lifetime, then pivoted to king-worship. Today’s parallel?Churches serving growth metrics instead of God’s mission. Worship teams serving applause instead of anointing. Staff serving job security instead of Jesus. You recognize it instantly – the associate pastor chasing speaking gigs while youth flounder. The greeter team serving social status instead of strangers.
Spiritually? Service tests loyalty. Jesus washed feet to expose Judas. Samuel called out empty service before drought hit. Your leadership group serving self-preservation? God’s hand presses like Egyptian taskmasters. Serving widows, orphans, prodigals? God’s goodness loads provisions for pursuit.Application? Fire your laziest elder (Prov 12:24). Reassign team members chasing titles to diaper duty. Discipleship moment? Train leaders: “Serve where unseen – mercy hunts there first.”Legacy bridge? Samuel served decades before kings demanded – serve decades before success demands.
Takeaway: Authentic service signals to heaven you’re ready for goodness and mercy’s pursuit.
Guide your people: Implement “shadow service” – 3 months serving unseen before promotion consideration. Real service breeds chase-down blessing.
Obey Him (1 Samuel 12:14)
Fear and service climax in obedience – the real test. Samuel wastes no words: Obey His voice completely. Partial obedience deceives. Israel obeyed tabernacle protocols but rebelled against Philistine battles. Modern hypocrisy? Churches obey building fund drives but rebel against reconciliation ministry. Pastors obey sermon prep but rebel against personal holiness. You see it instantly – worship leader with porn history leading “pure worship.” Elder preaching tithing while dodging child support.
Behind scenes? Demons exploit half-obedience like beachheads. Deuteronomy 28 blessings chase full obedience; curses pursue partial. Obedient leaders? Mercy mobilizes. Your team dodges hard conversations? God’s hand teaches through conflict. Obeying racial reconciliation despite backlash? Goodness restores relationships. Parenting? Train children instant obedience – delayed obedience is disobedience. Legacy? Samuel obeyed through rejection – obey through rejection. Samuel confronts; you confront.
Takeaway:Full obedience removes every barrier between your leadership and heaven’s chase-down pursuit.
Lead implementation: Quarterly obedience audits – “Where are we half-obeying?” Public repentance restores chase momentum.
Don’t Rebel Against His Commands (1 Samuel 12:14)
Obedience’s opposite? Rebellion. Samuel warns explicitly – do not rebel against Yahweh’s commandments. Rebellion isn’t merely “sin.” It is missing the mark God has set for our lives – It’s organized resistance. Israel rebelled against judges, demanding kings. Your church rebels against God’s family design, platforming divorce culture. Leadership rebels against God’s order, elevating feelings over Scripture. Instant recognition – women’s ministry leader promoting career over children. Men’s group leader dodging headship teaching.
Spiritually? Rebellion invites God’s hand against you, Numbers 14 style – wilderness wandering while the Promised Land waits. Mercy withholds from rebels. Application? Kill sacred cows – cancel “affirming” programs, defund political activism, silence complainers. Discipleship? Train leaders to identify rebellion roots – hurt, pride, fear. Legacy bridge? Samuel confronted rebellion before drought – confront before discipline.
Takeaway: Rebellion repels goodness and mercy – obedience invites the divine chase.
Climactic command – follow Him completely. Not alongside convenience. Not when culture approves. Samuel walked with God through rejection, war, peace. Israel followed sporadically. Modern failure? Leaders follow trends, metrics, influencers instead of Yahweh. Worship pastor follows Bethel music over biblical discernment. Elder follows denominational trends over Scripture.
Spiritual reality? Following produces chase-down testimony. Psalm 23 sheep don’t wander – they follow.Application? Model following – fast social media for prayer seasons. Lead team through wilderness decisions trusting provision. Parenting? Train children “follow first, understand later.” Legacy? Samuel followed through Saul’s failures – follow through failures.
Takeaway: Only followers experience goodness and mercy’s relentless pursuit.
Lead your people: Monthly “follow audits” – redirecting from culture to Christ keeps chase active.
Be Strongly Warned Against The Consequences Of Not Obeying (1 Samuel 12:15)
Samuel pivots to thunder: “But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you and your king.” Not suggestion. Divine promise. Israel experienced wilderness discipline – 40 years of doing donuts in the desert while rebels died.Your church disobeys missions priority? God’s hand presses through disunity. Disobey holiness? Scandals expose. Instant recognition – megachurch implodes from leader compromise. Small church plateaus from prayerlessness.
Behind curtain? God’s severe mercy disciplines wandering children (Hebrews 12:6). Goodness withholds until repentance. Application? Embrace discipline – analyze plateau patterns biblically. Repent publicly. Parenting? Discipline children firmly but restoration-focused. Legacy? Samuel warned before thunder – warn before discipline.
Takeaway: Disobedience trades chase-down blessing for hand-against discipline.
A lot of young men say they want a wife, but what they really want is a warm body, a dating app connection, or a girl who makes them feel wanted without requiring them to grow up. That is not the same thing. A wife is not a temporary reward for loneliness. A wife is a co-laborer for covenant, a woman who can help build a House – in the old Biblical sense = a legacy worth leaving behind.
That is why so many men miss it. They are looking for chemistry, but not character. They are looking for attraction, but not alignment. They want someone beautiful enough to post, easy enough to manage, and convenient enough to fit their schedule. But if you are serious about legacy, you need more than a girlfriend. You need a woman like Abigail.
In 1 Samuel 25, Abigail steps into the story with all the qualities that make a man pause, pay attention, and realize he is not dealing with an ordinary woman. David notices her because she is not merely attractive. She is strong, wise, steady, and spiritually alive. She is the kind of woman who can stand in the gap, speak with clarity, and move with purpose. That is the kind of woman a man should be praying for if he wants a home, not just a honeymoon.
Intelligent (1 Samuel 25:3)
Abigail is introduced as intelligent in 1 Samuel 25:3. That matters more than many men want to admit. A woman with wisdom can build peace in a home, discern what matters, and avoid foolish decisions that drain a family’s future.
Takeaway: If she cannot think clearly, she cannot help you build well. When discerning: Watch how she solves problems. Does she panic or process? Intelligence spots traps before they spring.
Beautiful (1 Samuel 25:3)
The text also tells us that Abigail was beautiful (1 Samuel 25:3). God does not apologize for beauty, and neither should you. A godly man should not be ashamed to desire a woman he finds attractive, but he must never stop at attraction alone.
Takeaway: Beauty matters, but beauty without character becomes a trap, not a treasure. When discerning: Does her beauty serve her character, or does her character serve her beauty?
Decisive (1 Samuel 25:18)
When trouble hits, Abigail does not freeze, delay, or ask ten people what to do. 1 Samuel 25:18 shows her moving fast – she acts because the moment demands wisdom and courage.
Takeaway: A wife is not merely someone who feels deeply – she must also move wisely. When discerning: Put her in a crisis moment. Does she lead, follow trends, or disappear?
Generous (1 Samuel 25:18-19, 27)
Abigail gives generously to David and his men, sending food and provision in a moment of need (1 Samuel 25:18-19, 27). That tells you something about her heart. She is not stingy, self-protective, or ruled by scarcity.
Takeaway: If her hands are always closed, her heart may be too. When discerning: Does she give freely or calculate every gift? Generosity reveals her trust in God’s provision.
Respectful (1 Samuel 25:23)
When Abigail approaches David, she speaks with honor (1 Samuel 25:23). She does not approach him with arrogance, mockery, or manipulation. She knows how to speak in a way that lowers conflict instead of feeding it.
Takeaway: A woman who cannot show respect will eventually make peace impossible. When discerning: Watch how she talks about her father, pastor, boss. Respect flows from character, not convenience.
Submissive (1 Samuel 25:24)
Abigail’s submission is not weakness. It is strength under control (1 Samuel 25:24). She understands order, timing, and how to move with wisdom under authority.
Takeaway: Submission is not about being lesser – it is about being mature enough to trust God’s order. When discerning: Does she submit to legitimate authority gracefully, or does she always need to be right?
Interceding (1 Samuel 25:24-25)
She steps between destruction and David’s anger (1 Samuel 25:24-25). Abigail becomes a peacemaker, a mediator, a woman who stands in the gap before disaster spreads.
Takeaway: A wife should not fan flames – she should know how to stop them. When discerning: When conflict arises, does she escalate or de-escalate? Intercessors preserve legacy.
Intuitive (1 Samuel 25:26)
Abigail understands what others miss (1 Samuel 25:26). She reads the moment, the danger, and the spiritual weight of what is happening. That kind of intuition is priceless in a home, especially when life gets complicated.
Takeaway: If she cannot sense trouble, she may help you walk into it. When discerning: Does she see what you miss? Godly intuition guards your house from unseen threats.
Wise (1 Samuel 25:28-29)
Abigail does not merely act quickly. She acts wisely (1 Samuel 25:28-29). She knows when to speak, what to bring, and how to approach David in a way that protects future peace.
Takeaway: Wisdom is beauty’s backbone and leadership’s best friend. When discerning: Ask her about past decisions. Does she learn from mistakes or repeat them?
A Planner (1 Samuel 25:30-31)
Abigail thinks ahead. She does not live in the moment only (1 Samuel 25:30-31). She considers consequences, relationships, and tomorrow.
Takeaway: A wife without planning will eventually leave you living in reaction instead of purpose. When discerning: Talk about your 5-year vision. Does she see obstacles and opportunities, or just feelings?
Willing Servant (1 Samuel 25:41)
In the end, Abigail shows a willing servant’s heart (1 Samuel 25:41). She is not self-important. She is available, useful, and ready to serve the greater good.
Takeaway: If she cannot serve, she cannot build. When discerning: Watch her serve others without spotlight. Servant hearts build lasting houses.
The Legacy Test
David did not just notice Abigail because she was beautiful. He noticed her because she had substance – intelligence that built, wisdom that preserved, character that served. She was the kind of woman who could help protect a house, guard a legacy, and carry wisdom into generations.
Young man – do not settle for a girlfriend when God calls you to build a House. Test every woman by Abigail’s measure. Not to find a perfect woman – to find a woman moving toward godly character. That is the wife of your whole life. That is the mother of your legacy.
It’s time to silence the headlines and hear heaven’s invitation. The war nears its end. God opens Israel ’26 pilgrimage doors – not in fear, but faith. Just 50 seats total, 35 remain. $500 deposit secures yours. Register by May 15 for $100 Early Bird Discount. Check out our full itinerary/registration here.
What Zippori Is Famous For
Two miles from Nazareth sits Zippori, Herod Antipas’ glittering capital where Joseph landed major stone contracts. This was no sleepy village – it was a Roman-engineered masterpiece with theaters, aqueducts, and mosaic palaces that shouted wealth and sophistication. Most importantly, this was Jesus’ childhood classroom. The teenager called “carpenter’s son” apprenticed here, measuring cuts for aqueducts, observing theater acoustics, studying marketplace economics that later filled His parables.
Zippori reveals the Word-made-flesh learning human craftsmanship before divine signs. Luke 2:52 becomes tangible: “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature.” Vineyard owners, pearl merchants, daily wages – Matthew 13 commerce details all came from Zippori’s bustle. Your hidden years suddenly gain eternal context when you realize Jesus needed 20+ years preparation before 3 years ministry. God invests heavily in formation before fruit.
The spiritual weight hits hard – Jesus navigated pagan culture daily yet emerged sinless. Greek rhetoric echoed through theater while He memorized Torah. Roman engineering surrounded Him while heavenly wisdom grew within. Zippori proves God redeems cultural exposure, not fears it. Your children’s schools, your workplace pressures, your ministry challenges – all become holy ground when seen through Zippori lens.
What You Will See
Touch the “Mona Lisa of Galilee”- world’s finest preserved ancient mosaic floor gleaming in palace ruins. Climb Roman theater seating 5,000 where Greek tragedies once echoed past young Jesus’ ears. Walk elevated streets perfectly matching His “city on hill” sermon imagery. Marvel at sophisticated aqueducts Joseph engineered – water flowing where Jesus likely carried stone.
Every feature screams preparation. Synagogue foundation marks weekly worship ground. Elevated roads explain parable logistics. Sophisticated drainage explains Judean hillside illustrations. These aren’t museum curiosities – they’re Jesus’ formation classroom. Every stone testifies hidden seasons serve eternal purposes.
What You Will Relive
Matthew 13 parables explode with Zippori context – vineyard economics, merchant math, labor wages all normal here. Luke 2:52 “Jesus grew in wisdom” pictures the teenage boy measuring stone amid Roman opulence. Mark 6:3 “carpenter” apprenticeship classroom revealed. Theater acoustics explain the Sermon on Mount sound design. Marketplace bustle births Good Samaritan details.
Your ministry preparation mirrors our King Jesus’ Zippori years – skill-building amid cultural pressure produces appointed-time glory. Pastors see sermon illustration goldmines. Parents understand children’s cultural navigation matters. Ministry leaders recognize preparation precedes power.
What You Will Feel
Jesus’ humanity lands heavy – this teenage boy navigating pagan sophistication while growing sinless. Wisdom’s foundation forms before public ministry thunders. Confidence surges – your children’s education gains eternal weight. Urgency rises – disciple youth through cultural pressure like Jesus mastered. Hope awakens – God redeems exposure, doesn’t fear it.
Faith, Not Fear, Will Guide Our Journey
Early faith-walkers claim first-place blessing. The tourist flood will follow the war’s end realization. THIS trip will cause you to JUMP TO THE HEAD OF THE LINE while others are still preparing to go!
Just 50 seats total, 35 remain. Your faith claims good seats. $500 deposit secures yours. Register by May 15 for $100 Early Bird Discount. That’s more money for souveniers, incredible Israeli coffee and their unparalleled breads! Check out our full itinerary/registration here. This window on the discount is closing soon! Take advantage of it today!
Questions? Just comment below and we will answer them all!
It’s time to stop letting the noise of today’s headlines tell the final story of Israel. The war is nearing its end, and the Lord is opening the door for us to return – not in fear, but in faith, in hope, in worship, and in wonder. I’m writing with a heart full of expectation: Israel ’26 is not just a tour; it’s a pilgrimage. And Nazareth is one of those places where the Bible stops feeling distant and starts feeling personal.
Nazareth is where the Son of God grew up. This is where Jesus lived in obscurity before His public ministry, where He learned the trade of Joseph, walked the same hills, heard the same village voices, and matured in wisdom before stepping into His calling. When you stand in Nazareth, you are not standing in a place of celebrity. You are standing in a place of hidden years, quiet formation, and holy preparation. That matters, because most of what God does in a person happens before the spotlight ever turns on.
What Nazareth Is Famous For
The Valley looking South from Nazareth !
Nazareth is famous because it is the hometown of Jesus. It is where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced that she would bear the Messiah, the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:26-38). It is also the place where Jesus later returned to His own synagogue and declared that Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled in Him, only to be rejected by the people who thought they already knew Him (Luke 4:16-30). That combination makes Nazareth a powerful reminder that God’s greatest gifts often arrive in the most overlooked places.
This is also the city that reminds us how quickly familiarity can dull spiritual perception. The people of Nazareth knew Joseph’s boy. They knew His family. They knew His background. But they missed His glory because they were too familiar with the human side of Him. That is still happening today. People dismiss what God is doing because it comes wrapped in ordinary packaging. Nazareth stands as a warning: do not let familiarity keep you from recognizing God’s voice when He speaks.
Precipice Where The People of Nazareth Tried to Throw our King Jesus to His Death!
Nazareth is also famous for the tension between promise and rejection. Mary received a promise in Nazareth, but Jesus was also rejected in Nazareth. That means the same place can hold both divine favor and human resistance. If you have ever had to trust God in obscurity, if you have ever had to carry a promise before anyone else understood it, Nazareth speaks directly to your life.
What You Will See
Childhood Home In Nazareth Of our King Jesus!
When we walk through Nazareth, you will see a city that is alive with layers of history and meaning. You will see the Church of the Annunciation, one of the most significant Christian sites in the land, marking the place where Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary. You will see ancient stones, sacred art, and worship spaces that point back to one of the most stunning moments in redemptive history – when heaven touched a young woman’s ordinary day and changed the world forever.
You will also see the modern city of Nazareth, which helps you feel the tension between then and now. The streets are busy. The life is real. The city is not frozen in time, and that is part of the lesson. God did not choose a fantasy land. He chose a real place with real people, real pressures, and real expectations. That is where He entered the world. That is where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
And when you stand there, you will also begin to imagine the hidden years of Jesus. You will think about the homes, the workshops, the daily routines, the smells of village life, and the sound of a young carpenter growing up under the eye of a faithful Father. Nazareth invites you to remember that Jesus did not begin in public. He began in private. That is a comfort to anyone who feels unseen right now. God is never wasteful with hidden seasons.
What You Will Relive
Nazareth takes you straight into Luke 1, where Gabriel greets Mary and tells her that she has found favor with God. This is one of the most breathtaking moments in all of Scripture. A young, humble woman is told that she will carry the Messiah. She does not understand everything, but she yields herself to God with remarkable courage: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” That is not weakness. That is holy surrender.
You will also relive Luke 4, where Jesus stands in the synagogue of His hometown and reads from Isaiah. He announces that the Spirit of the Lord is upon Him, and that He has come to proclaim good news to the poor, freedom for the oppressed, and the year of the Lord’s favor. The people are amazed at first, but their amazement turns into anger. They cannot handle the idea that the boy they watched grow up is actually the King sent from heaven. Nazareth will make that moment feel painfully real.
This is where the Bible becomes more than text. It becomes atmosphere. You will feel the weight of Mary’s “yes.” You will feel the sorrow of hometown rejection. You will feel the majesty of God choosing the humble, the overlooked, and the ordinary to carry extraordinary purpose. Nazareth reminds every leader, every parent, every disciple, and every young believer that your hidden years are not wasted years.
What You Will Feel
When you stand in Nazareth, you will feel the humility of God. He did not begin His great rescue plan in a palace. He began it in a small village. That should speak to any person who thinks their life is too ordinary to matter. God loves to start big things in small places. He loves to take hidden people and make them part of His story.
You will also feel the ache of rejection. Jesus came to His own and they did not receive Him. That wound still echoes through the city. But that rejection is not a defeat. It is part of the path that leads to the cross and the resurrection. Nazareth helps you see that rejection by people never cancels the mission of God. It only proves that His purposes are bigger than human approval.
And you will feel hope. Deep hope. Because if God can take Nazareth, an overlooked village with all its limitations, and make it the backdrop for the incarnation of His Son, then He can use your life too. He can use your family. He can use your church. He can use your hidden season, your ordinary work, your unfinished story. Nazareth says God is not afraid of small beginnings.
Faith, Not Fear, Will Guide Our Journey
This is where I want to speak plainly to your heart:Israel ’26 is not a denial of what has happened. It is a declaration of what God is still doing. The reports, the conflict, the uncertainty – none of that gets the final word. Faith does. And because faith does, we are not freezing in place, waiting for perfect conditions. We are moving forward with wisdom, courage, and expectation.
I believe with all my heart that the people who step forward early are going to be the ones who enjoy the blessing of being first in line. There will be a flood of tourists later, once everyone realizes what many of us already sense – that the situation is changing and the door is opening.But those who move now are not moving in panic. They are moving in faith. They are securing their place early, trusting that God is inviting them to something special.
So let me say it this way: faith over fear. If your heart is stirred by Nazareth, by the story of Mary, by the hidden years of Jesus, by the beauty of walking where heaven kissed earth, then do not wait too long. Grab your seat now. Be first. Be wise. Be faithful. Because this journey is not just about seeing a place. It is about stepping into a moment. And I would much rather stand with YOU – the people who moved in faith!
We’re gathering just 50 believers, and the clock is ticking. Only 35 seats remain. A $500 deposit holds your seat, and if you place it by May 15, 2026, you’ll also receive a $100 Early Bird Discount—a small investment now for an unforgettable journey in December. You can read the full itinerary and register online here.
Entering Into Death’s Shadow Valley is Dr. Matthew Lee Smith’s journey through the horrific process of losing his life-partner, Melodee Joy. It is meant to help others who enter this treacherous and often perilous path.
These books will help guide your daily Bible reading with insights into each passage you read.
This series is a practical, passionate, Biblical mentoring journey for individuals, small groups, leadership teams and congregations who desire to win their world for Christ.
These journals will help you keep track of your daily reading and prayer requests.
Hope Enabler is the real-life story of one Christian parent’s struggle with a runaway child and the hope that God enabled her to have during the darkest moments of that struggle.
