Israel IDF Ministry Tour-October 2004

Let me start by saying that one of the most intense moments of my life is summoned up in these two weeks of my volunteer trip in Israel’s Defense Forces. Along with other fellow believing Jews and believers from across the nation, we all gathered together in the Orlando International Airport in anticipation of what would be one the most rewarding times of all of our lives. My highest honor has been serving in the land, both singing and being a part of the IDF. This volunteer trip called “Sar El-Tour of Duty” was led by Michael and MaryDee Michael, dear friends of mine from Tampa FLorida. Their ministry is taking people from all over the world to visit and volunteer in the Holy Land.
What a blessing they are!

Upon arriving the first day in Tel-Aviv, we were greeted by various Lieutenants and soldiers. A few hours later, we were presented with a wonderful Israeli banquet prepared by the soldiers as a token of their gratitude, followed by an orientation meeting in which we were briefed with the regulations of the IDF and given our uniforms. What a great honor! They were just so grateful, as we were the first people to volunteer in that particular base. It was October of 2004, just after Sukkot (the feast of Tabernacles) that we arrived in Tel Aviv Airport at the base in the Negev (desert). Right after the banquet, I went outside to spend time with the Lord when it hit me; I was actually in Eretz Israel, the land of my fathers, the Holy land. It was surreal.
I prayed, "Abba, what do You want to do in this trip?” Do something, L-rd. Move in such a way that only you can.” One thing I would like to point out to you is that there is no military like the IDF. I had the privilege along with other volunteers one day to actually be the only civilians to witness a formal military training rehearsal, which occured right out there in the desert. You could cut the tension with a knife, as you heard bombs go off as they were getting ready to fight and defend themselves against the enemy. You couldn't help but jump whenever those bombs would go off. There were Sergeants, Lieutenants, Kernels, and Generals sitting on the front rows, making sure their job was being done properly. And let me tell you, they were doing their job! I'm talking 18-20 year olds maneuvering those Uzies and throwing bombs and missiles like they've done this all their lives! Young Israelis constantly outnumbered by enemy men.Can you say David against Goliath?

The barracks were noisy at times, you could often hear the music coming out of some of the soldiers’ rooms, and yet some were quiet. There is a lot of hurt and just uncomfortableness, so they cover it up by listening to secular music-Trance/new age, hard core hip-hop and rap. I could see so much pain and distress in their eyes that my heart wanted to reach out to them. While there is a lot of secularism, a grain of belief in Elohim still subsists in the young people there. One evening as I couldn’t sleep because of the time change, I went outside the barracks for some air, and a few minutes later, one of the soldiers came to where I was sitting and started talking to me. I could tell there was something on her mind, as I’d seen her day before and noticed how inhibited she was, and wasn’t used to meeting new people. She opened up to me and began telling me a lot about her life and some issues she had been facing in her family, relationships, etc. Because of the law in Israel that prohibits proselytizing, we had to sign a contract stating that we would refrain from witnessing, so with that in mind; I had to choose my words carefully when responding to this young girl’s request for advice. She asked me for advice and the G-d led me to minister to her right there. Tears were falling down her eyes as Abba was healing her spirit.

Many soldiers asked us at different times both individually and corporately, “Why, with so many volunteer organizations, do you choose the army?” We do not wish to be here, why do you? My response was practically the same as my fellow volunteers, "After being here with you and witnessing what you go through day by day, being away from your family and friends, and the fact of being able give you the relief even if it’s just for two weeks, is the greatest joy I could have. I could still never do what you do and am grateful to you for fighting in the Army of the Most High for our homeland.

One of the things I love about Israel is the multiculturalism in the land. There are Ethiopians, Moroccan, Yemenites, Russian, Spanish, Eastern European, and Eastern Indian Jews, just to name a few. And a great representation of those countries and others are embodied in the IDF. That’s awesome! Talk about coming together from all over the world! Yet for the most part, especially in the army, there is more unity in Israel than there is amongst us as Jews here in the States!
Since I started singing at age nine, the desire of my heart had been to sing to my people in Eretz Israel (the land of Israel) especially the youth. Since then my life hasn’t been the same. I look forward to the day whenI get to come back to the land to give a full praise concert. While we were in Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) I had the great honor and privilege of singing in Jerusalem in our Erev Shabbat (Friday night) services. Then in Lake Kineret (otherwise known as the Sea of Galilee) I sang once more. It was such a beautiful experience singing with the other precious believers along with our tour guide Moshe, who wasn't a believer, but also sang the songs and who actually stayed throughout the entire Shabbat service. It was indeed a blessing for me! Upon remembering my beginnings as an Artist, even though I'd been singing long before my trip to Israel, I truly feel like that's where I got my start-in Israel. And what better place than the land of my fathers, the land of my King! At the MJAA South East Conference, I saw MaryDee and Michael again and they told me that my CD is being played in radio stations and tour buses in Israel today. Praise G-d for He is good!! Praise G-d for them! They've always been such a blessing to me. By the way, I spent my birthday there as well! After that, I started getting ready to launch my first release called, "Tikun L'Israel" (Restore Israel).

The graphics/photos in the CD were a product of the Israel trip as well.

Since October 2004, my life has never been the same.

Israel Ha-Yafa!