September 16, 2024 – Chad Martin addressed ASTA Legislative Day participants at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, on behalf of the Israel Ministry of Tourism. In the presentation, “From Hope to Help to a Tourism Revival,” after an update on Israel’s tumultuous path since October 7, 2023, travel advisors are called upon to make a plan to visit Israel to bring mainstream tourism back to the Promised Land.
Mr. Martin, the Director of Israel Ministry of Tourism, explains;
“on October the 6th Israel had a record number, thousands of tourists from North America. For many months in 2023 we went over a 100,000 tourists per month to Israel shattering previous records. On October the 8th we had 26 tourists in Israel.”
Cross to Light’s bible tour team turned ministry team consisted of most of the 26 Mr. Martin mentioned who remained in Israel in response to the devastation of October 7th. We are so thankful the Lord placed us there at that time. Our dates were chosen a year beforehand. Our team was departing from US airports when Israel announced a state of war in response to the horrific attack. Every passenger had to choose if they still wanted to go to Israel despite the dramatically heightened state of emergency in Israel.
Upon arrival, God guided and protected our stay. We served, loved on, played worship, and prayed for many people who escaped the southern border attack. Every single one of our team members is so very thankful for what He did through us, and we would all choose to stand up for and support the people of Israel again if given the chance.
A trip to God’s holy land is one of the best ways to show your support for Israel.
God says in Genesis 12:3: “I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Psalm 122:6
