I was privileged to have three weeks in Israel this March, includin a glorious and fascinating 12 day tour from Dan to Bersheva. It was hosted by Jim Jackson of CBU in North Carolina, along with ourselves. The Israeli tour guides of course, were superb, and to say they were knowledgeable would be an understatement. We were three busses full of excited Pilgrims, most of whom were experiencing the Holy Land for the very first time.

Although my sixth time there, I had not taken the guided tour of the Land since 1980. Caesarea, Mount Carmel and Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee seemed unchanged, but Tiberius is now a bustling resort city for Israelis, and everywhere, they are planting, growing and building and developing. The economy is booming, including the tourist industry, as Christian tours are arriving from Korea, Philippines, China, Japan and Nigeria. It is no longer just Europe and North America.

The word “NATSARIM” may be foreign to most, yet it is the Hebrew term for the sect that originally followed the Messiah (Acts 24:5). It is the plural for NATSAR, meaning branch or watchman. Likewise, the word “BESORAH” may be unfamiliar to most readers. It is the Hebrew term for message, news, or report. This word became “Gospel” (god-spell), or “good news” through the English translators of centuries past. The need for a perfected English translation of the inspired texts of the Creator’s message to mankind has been resolved through the collaborative efforts of Scripture scholars. This translation effort restores a more Hebraic approach to the inspired texts, and overcomes the Greek “filter” people have been seeing them through.

Dear Friend of Israel:

Ever since Charisma was first published 32 years ago we have made it a priority to connect the Christian community to the land and the people of Israel. Through numerous cover stories, feature articles, travelogues and news coverage, we have helped our readers develop a love for their biblical heritage and their Jewish roots.

Today, at a time in history when Israel is hated by so many of its enemies, we believe it is our responsibility to increase our coverage of Israel and promote goodwill between the Jewish people and their Christian friends in the United States. That’s why we are creating this special Web site for our readers.

We will offer insightful commentary about Israel from respected Christian leaders who regularly take groups of Christian tourists to the Holy Land. These leaders include John Hagee, Mike Evans and Marilyn Hickey. Our site will also include practical articles on how to make travel in Israel more enjoyable. It will be a prime location for you to advertise your travel services, hotels, attractions, restaurants, guidebooks and other Israel-related products.

May God bless you richly,

J. Lee Grady, Editor
Charisma

Israel's Holy Covenant
By John Hagee
God promises to bless the man or nation that blesses the chosen people.

The Lord clearly says in His Word that the Israelites are "the apple of His eye" and that He will raise His hand against those who touch them (see Zech. 2:8-9). This declaration lays the foundation for our support of Israel. Here are seven additional reasons to get behind the Jewish nation.

My Israel Adventure
By Marilyn Hickey
We were honored to experience the faith and culture of the Israeli people.

I just returned from Jerusalem, where I traveled with 100 Christian women for the purpose of bringing together Western Christians, Orthodox Jews and Arab Christians for a time of friendship and sharing that might possibly be the first get-together of its kind.

America’s Key to Survival
By Mike Evans
If America continues to sleep, jihadists will bring their battle to America.

On September 23, 1980, the senior adviser to then-Prime Minister Menachem Begin and I had dinner with Isser Harel, who was the director of Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, from 1952-1963. I asked Harel: "Will terrorism ever come to America?"