TOUR OF DUTY
Tours of Duty provide an opportunity for those who wish to come to Israel for the primary purpose of working on bomb shelter renovations and to personally meet the Israelis whose lives and safety are radically improved by this personal effort.
Tikvat's first official "Tour of Duty" took place this past April with members of The Shoreline Church of San Clemente, California. This amazing group spent one full week working on Shelter # 8, which was also funded by The Shoreline Church.
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"My first official Tour of Duty was amazing! I have been to Israel many times, but never on a trip like this. One of the greatest needs in Israel is security from those who seek her destruction. By helping to make their bomb shelters livable, we were able to genuinely show love in a very real way. Our Israeli friends that we helped were very grateful and I believe we will be friends for a very long time." Todd
"Tours of Duty" not only provide a chance to see Israel, but to meet the people and experience the culture. I had such a great experience working on the shelter and meeting the people who one day have to use it. Their amazement that we would spend our time and money to come and work led to meaningful conversations." Renae
"I'm soooo glad I went to Nahariya to help renovate a 'bomb' shelter for the local people! Three words help to describe my trip: Fulfilling, Gratifying, & Humbling. I loved meeting the people who live in the apartment and was so welcomed by them! It was just worth the look on their faces when we first met! A look of thankfulness & love for our work! I would rather go there and work than to be a 'tourist'! Hands on experience that will last a lifetime, here & eternity...." Chris
"I would like to thank Rony & Cindy for the amazing opportunity to travel to Israel and serve with Tikvat Am Yisrael. It was so inspirational to me in so many ways. The outstanding experience for me would be the way the Israelis were truly touched that Christians from America would come all the way to help build bomb shelters just for them." Brett
"The local residents were so moved by our work, they invited us to lunch and dinner in their homes! What a blessing to have fellowship with these local Israeli people who are far away from the "tour bus" crowds. We developed lifelong memories with new friends from Nahariya. For me, I have a new friendship with Shlomo, the railroad crossing guard whom I stopped to talk with each day during my morning jog! I can't wait for my next "Tour of Duty!" Rick
"My time in Nahariya was at the beginning of our divine journey. During this time our group renovated several bomb shelters. I admit that the work was more difficult then I had anticipated. I could feel the blisters forming and the ache of labor in my body, but I wanted to keep going. I wanted to serve in any way without regard for the pain my body felt. Our group spent a week there. The feeling was energizing. The people I met were of genuine character. Their gratitude was written on their faces and felt in their manner. I only wish I could have done more." Monica
The Shoreline Shelter at completion!
"It was hard to accept their thanks. In my heart I wanted to thank them instead for allowing us to show that we truly cared about them. Their eyes widened a bit in wonder when I replied, "It is our honor to do this for you." What would ever compel a 53 year old, physically weak and unskilled woman, to fly halfway around the world to plaster and paint a bomb shelter for a people she'd never met? I hope someday they would see that only the love of God (the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), could do this." June
